Why is giving important?

The Bible has much to say about wisdom and finances, with 2,300 verses that tell us to be generous and good stewards of our resources. Jesus taught generosity and sacrifice. He demanded that his followers serve not wealth but God, and in the parable of the talents he taught that God will hold us each accountable for what we do with all our earthly possessions.

 

Electronic Funds Transfer

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is the easiest, most cost-effective giving

option for both you and the church. With EFT, you can reinforce your

commitment to give your tithes and offerings to God first, before anything else.

One easy step each year guarantees that the church will receive your gifts on a

regular basis, even if you are out of town or you forget one week. And on a

practical note, EFT reduces the need for additional staff to process offerings.


Contributing by Bank Debit Form

Credit Card Authorization Form

 

For more information about EFT please contact: 

Jeannie Corley, Church Accountant
243-5646, ext 20
email Jeannie

What is expected of me?

 The Bible teaches us to give a tithe, or the first 10 percent of what we earn, to God and the church’s work. For some, giving one tenth is a very difficult goal. For others, it is the starting point, and their giving far exceeds 10 percent.  The important thing is that you start somewhere, that your giving be in proportion to your income, that your giving reflects an appropriate offering to God given your means, and that your offerings express both your desire to serve the Lord and your investment in God’s work. Begin by determining what percentage of your income you are giving to God. If you are not yet tithing, consider taking a step toward tithing this year. For example, if you now give 3 percent of your income, consider increasing your gift to 4 percent, and add 1 percent each year until you reach the tithing goal. Our prayer is that everyone will grow in his or her faith through giving financially to the ministries of the church and experience the joy and blessings that come from financial generosity.

 

Everything we have belongs to God.

“A tithe [tenth] of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”    —Leviticus 27:30

 

Why do I need to return an estimate of giving card?

 There are two reasons why it is important that every member of our church family return an estimate of giving card. First, the process of prayerfully asking God to guide your decision and then making a commitment to serve the Lord with your financial gifts is an act of worship, an expression of gratitude and praise to God. Second, on a more practical note, your commitment allows our church to budget and better plan for our ministries, key objectives, and mission outreach programs. 

Download and print a 2011 giving card.

 

What if financial hardship prohibits me from making a commitment this year?

 Don’t let your inability to give at this time keep you from worship. Remember that

God  honors your faithfulness and that your acceptance at First United Methodist

Church is not based upon your capacity to give. We ask that everyone return an

estimate of giving card even if it is a limited financial commitment at this time. You

can always increase or decrease your commitment if your situation changes by

calling the church.  Also, be sure to let our pastor know of your situation so that

they can pray for and support you during any difficulty.

 

Because we reap what we sow.

“The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”  —2 Corinthians 9:6

 

Do I need to turn in a new commitment card each year?

Yes. Financial situations change from year to year, and if we are growing in our faith, our annual commitment should likewise reflect that giving growth. Each year, our church budget is based upon the growing commitments of our congregation.