Several people in our congregation have asked if they could have their offerings electronically drafted from their checking account. Now you can! In fact for the past several months, a handful of your fellow congregation members have been doing so and have been very pleased with the convenience and the assurance that their continued support of the church is taken care of.
We have set up an arrangement we call First Fruits with a company called Hubbard Press, which is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), to perform the electronic funds transfer service. An authorization agreement form is available in the church office or can be downloaded as a PDF file. You just fill out the form, attach a voided check from your checking account and drop off or mail the form to the church office. After approximately three weeks, the amount you specified will be deducted from your checking account on the 20th of each month and transferred to the bank account of Central Presbyterian.
By using First Fruits electronic giving, you know that you are giving to God the first part of your income. Your gift is transferred automatically. Even when you are out of town or otherwise cannot attend Sunday worship, your gift continues to be made, without you having to make up when you return. Of course you can still put offerings in the offering plate during worship service as the spirit moves you. You can increase or decrease the amount deducted from your account or discontinue electronic giving by just notifying the church. The change will take effect within three weeks of your request being received at the church office.
Please read the frequently asked questions below. If you have any questions and for further assistance, please call the church office at (512) 472-2445.
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Q: Why would I want to give to the church electronically?
Many people who give regularly find that giving by electronic
transfer is a convenient option. This is especially the case during times
when you can not attend worship such as vacations. Electronic giving
also helps the church predict its income so that the mission and ministry
of the church can be better planned.
Q: When would this automatic contribution be taken from my account?
All automatic contributions to Central Presbyterian Church are made
on the 20th of each month.
Q: What do I need to do to start automatic giving?
Just pick up an electronic transfer authorization form from the
church office or downloaded as a
PDF file. Fill out the form, attach a voided check from your checking
account and mail or bring it to the church office. After approximately
three weeks, your contributions will start deducting from your checking
account on the 20th of each month.
Q: Is there a minimum amount that I have to give in order to do so electronically?
No. There is no minimum monthly gift you have to make using
First Fruits.
Q: Are electronic contributions risky?
No. An electronic contribution is safer than writing a check, and
it can't be lost, stolen or destroyed in the mail. All Electronic Fund
Transfer (EFT) transactions are governed by strict national rules and
guidelines. Over four billion EFT transactions are processed annually in
the United States. No one can deduct money from your account automatically
unless you specifically authorize it.
Q: If I don't write checks, how do I keep my checkbook balance straight?
Your contribution is made on a pre-established day, so you can
deduct it from your check record then.
Q: How do I participate in the weekly offering if my contribution is automatically deducted from my bank account?
You may always give during worship. Some people who contribute
automatically also give during worship either to make up the difference
between what they are automatically giving and what they pledged or
give additional as the spirit moves them. If you wish, you can write
"I'm giving online" on the giving envelope and place it in the offering
plate, but it is not necessary.
Q: Why can't I give by credit card?
We chose to take the time to set up automatic giving through
electronic funds transfer rather than credit card for two primary
reasons:
Q: How can I keep a record of the amount I have contributed?
Your bank statement will include an itemized list of automatic
gifts given from your account. We will continue to provide you with a
personal giving statement for your tax records.
Q: What if I change banks or accounts or want to change the amount of my contribution?
You can change your giving choices at any time by notifying the
church office.
Q: Is there any charge to me from my bank to give online?
No. Electronic funds transfers carry no bank fees to you.
Q:
Who do I talk to if I have more questions?
Send
mail to Rick Carlson
or call him at the church office (512) 472-2445 and he'll be glad to
answer any other questions you may have.
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