Electronic Contributions (EFT)
Download EFT Authorization Form
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 between the Unified Budget and the Building Fund. Then complete the remainder of the authorization form (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.
Benefits of EFT
The Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) program yields very significant benefits for our church and makes life easier for you:
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, hungry world and special projects will be received in the traditional way as the EFT giving will be limited to donations for Unified Budget and the Building Fund.
Download EFT Authorization Form
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 between the Unified Budget and the Building Fund. Then complete the remainder of the authorization form (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.
Benefits of EFT
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
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, hungry world and special projects will be received in the traditional way as the EFT giving will be limited to donations for Unified Budget and the Building Fund.
Download EFT Authorization Form