Q. What is electronic giving?

A. Electronic giving is a direct payment program whereby your contribution is debited automatically from your checking or savings account.

Q. Will the Church accept debit or credit cards?

A. At this time, the church will only accept payments by direct debit. This is the same network already used by many to make mortgage and utility payments or to receive payroll direct deposits. Direct debit goes by other names including Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, or simply, ACH.

Q. What are the advantages of electronic giving

A.  It makes it easy to fulfill stewardship commitments, even when you can’t attend church. You never have to bring cash or checks to church. Giving electronically also helps the church save money and improve its budget!

Q.  How are my contributions automatically deducted from my account

A. Once you register your bank account on the secure donation website, the contribution amount you specify will automatically be transferred from your bank account to the church’s bank account.

Q. When will my contribution be deducted from my account?


Q. If I do not write checks, how do I keep my checkbook balance straight


Q. Without a canceled check, how can I prove I made my contribution?

A. Your bank statement gives you an itemized list of electronic transactions. It is your proof of contributing.

Q. What if I change bank accounts?

A.  You may update account information on the donation website.

Q.Who processes the donations?

A. A company called Vanco Services which is endorsed by General Council on Finance and Administration of the United Methodist Church as a partner in offering electronic donation services.

Q. Is electronic giving risky?

A.  It’s less risky than writing checks or bringing cash to church. Electronic contributions cannot be lost, stolen or destroyed and have an extremely high rate of accuracy.

Q. How much does electronic giving cost?

A. It costs you nothing!

Q. What if I try electronic giving and don’t like it?

A. You can cancel your authorization at any time.

Q. How do I sign up for electronic giving?

A. Go to the electronic donate website,  complete a profile, and schedule a donation.