News & Notes
A New Way to Give—Electronic Contributions (EFT)
Many of you have asked if it could be possible. Now it is! First United Methodist is embracing technology and offering a giving option that may be more convenient for many of you, the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Program.
Here is how it works: you authorize a specified amount of money to be transferred directly from your checking or savings account to the church account. You choose a donation frequency: semi-monthly or monthly. Indicate the amount of the contribution and how it should be divided. Then complete an authorization form that will be made available (with name, address, and bank information), mail it to the church or drop it in the offering, and we will arrange for your savings or checking account to be debited as you select.
The EFT program is fast, safe, and easy. In fact, it is less risky than checks, as it cannot be lost, stolen, or destroyed in the mail, and the rate of accuracy is high. All EFT donations will be reflected on your quarterly giving statements, and your bank statement will provide you with a record of transfer as additional proof of your donations. Of course, you can cancel your authorization of transfer or change your donation amount at any time by notifying the Financial Secretary.
This program is sponsored by the United Methodist Church and was tested by the UM General Council on Finance and Administration.
The Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) program yields very significant benefits for our church and makes life easier for you:
- The satisfaction of giving to God first
- Less work for church volunteers in processing the collection
- A more predictable income flow for better planning
- Improved cash management with less labor
- Easier personal budgeting
Of course, the traditional choices remain, we understand that the EFT giving option is not for everyone. Some may feel that the act of writing out a check or putting money in an envelope is an important element of sacrificial giving. We will continue to provide offering envelopes for everyone. All donations for missions and special projects will be received in the traditional way.
posted May 26
Silver Spire Editor Needed
Due to her schedule and family needs, Hilda Ebbinghaus is stepping down as our long-time editor of the Silver Spire. We need someone to step in and take over the job of Silver Spire editor. The June issue is her last issue. The person taking it over will need to be able to devote several hours a month setting up the format, doing a little prodding sometimes to get articles submitted in time, and copying and folding the newsletter to get it ready for mailing. Hilda has been using Microsoft Publisher but the editor could use whatever program s/he prefers. And it is not necessary to keep the same format; the new editor should feel free to use his/her own imagination and talents. Both Jeremy and Hilda are willing to work with the new editor as part of the transition, and are available to assist as needed help. If you are interested please contact Pastor Jeremy via the Contact form on this website or call him at 629-9425. Thanks to all for your understanding and prayers.
posted May 26
Holy Land Trip, Feb '11
Tamara and Jeremy Williams are going on the Holy Land Classic 2011 trip with Bishop Jonathan Keaton next February. Some of you have expressed interest in going as well. The base level price is $2198, including flights. Follow the link to learn more.
posted Mar 30
Offering Envelopes
The money counters are asking people that use envelopes to please put their name on the envelope. One person goes by names and the other by number on envelope.
posted January 29