The narrative budgeting tools developed by the Anglican Diocese of
Niagara provide an excellent starting point for developing a narrative
budget for your congregation.

Follow the links to How to Create a Narrative Budget and Narrative Budget Toolkit Example for details.

Additional resources can be found by Googling: Implementing Narrative Budgeting in Your Parish

Congregations are advised to review and revise their financial practices on a regular basis. Here
are a few commonly asked questions and some responses for you to consider as you assess
your congregation’s situation:

For more information, click on the following link:

A congregation is permitted to rent its facilities (e.g. specific room(s), the entire building,
parking lot, etc.) to individuals and/or groups at its discretion, provided that it adheres to the
following rental fee considerations. Note that since congregations are registered charities,
facility rentals are HST-exempt:

For more information, click on the following link:

Canada Revenue Agency Charities and Giving Website

ELCIC Group Services Inc – Employer Information

ELCIC National Church Treasurer’s Booklet

ELCIC National Church Treasurer Resources

Revenue Quebec

Your congregation is invited to participate in PAR, a pre-authorized remittance program
administered in cooperation with the Department of Stewardship Services of the United
Church of Canada. This service provides a reliable and convenient method for you to
remit benevolence offerings to the Eastern Synod by electronic transfer from your
congregational bank account.

The cost of the program is covered by the synod. Withdrawals are made on donors’
accounts on the 20th of each month, or the following business day if the 20th falls on the
weekend. The Eastern Synod’s accounts are credited on the same day.

For more information, click on the following link:

Pre-Authorized Remittance Program (PAR)

If you have automatic debits from your bank account to pay for insurance, cable TV, taxes, fuel, or a mortgage, then you understand the PAR principle. It means regular offerings throughout the year, even when donors are unable to attend worship. PAR is a convenient way to make financial contributions in support of the ministries of both congregations and the wider church.

The PAR program is administered by the Department of Stewardship Services of the United Church of Canada according the donor’s wishes. Once a month, all PAR gifts are debited from donors’ accounts and then the total, less a service fee, is electronically transferred to local church accounts.

The PAR program package includes an overview, monthly report sample, and information for congregational members.

PAR Package (Word File)

PAR Package (PDF)

Updated Forms

• PAR Authorization Form – This new pre-authorization form is to be completed by all new donors and for new banking changes, effective immediately. EXISTING DONORS DO NOT NEED TO COMPLETE THIS FORM unless changing banking information.

PAR Authorization Form (Word)

PAR Authorization Form (PDF)

• PAR Confirmation Letter (Word) – Administrators should place this letter on church letterhead  and send a copy to donors to confirm new PAR registrations or new banking changes. This form is for local churches to keep, ensuring written agreement between the local church and donors. Please DO NOT send it to the PAR national office of The United Church of Canada.

• PAR Change Form (Word) – can be photocopied as needed by congregation
• PAR Change Form (PDF)
• PAR Cancellation Notice (PDF) – This is for treasurers to fill in when a donor requests to cancel PAR. This form is for local churches to keep, ensuring written agreement between the local church and donors. Please DO NOT send it to the PAR national office of The United Church of Canada.