Giving Simply

Dear Church Family and Friends

Easter and Spring, while not as dramatic as in our northern states, is a wonderful time to reassess and refresh our family, church and community activities. To this end, I’d like to give you a preview of some exciting new stewardship programs we’ll be introducing over the next few months. But first, let’s review some ministry accomplishments of the first quarter of 2006 that your gifts made possible.

Over $20,000 was committed to local and international mission work, which was highlighted by visits of Jan Dearman and our Brevard/Indian River County missionaries.
Our worship services were strengthened by Pastor Jim Riach during this quarter, and God has blessed us with the addition of Interim Pastor Jack Hawes in April.
More than 100 members and friends were supported during sickness and need by phone calls, visits and cards.
Communicants and New Members classes were completed, and the pre-school program accredited by APPLE.
Upgrade of the sanctuary audio/visual system is underway, and the updated CMC air conditioning system is exhibited significant energy savings.
While our contributions dipped in March, our year-to-date income remains positive over expenses to date.

Stewardship is about being faithful disciples, caring for and managing all that God has given us - Time, Talent and Treasures. To build awareness for the total giving opportunities we have year round, we’ll be introducing Stewardship 365 this June as an umbrella concept to guide the use of our resources as we Reach Up, Reach Out and Reach In.

I’d like to highlight the first and a very important part of Stewardship 365, an easy way to make your contributions by automatic checking/savings account debits we will call Giving Simply. On this same page is an information sheet covering the program, together with an authorization form for your participation. This is a secure, easy way to give that is supported by an excellent financial services company, and has significant advantages to Eastminster. Please prayerfully consider signing up for Giving Simply, as a challenge gift has been made to pay the cost of the first 200 accounts established by June 30, 2006.

Later enhancements to Giving Simply will include on-line giving through the Eastminster web site, as well as on-line access to the volunteer needs of the church. {View the Presentation}

Your contributions have never been more important to Eastminster, as we focus on ministry-centered programs that touch lives all around us.

Thank you for your gifts, and may God bless you and your family.

Stewardship Ministry Team Chair

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Giving Simply

Open your heart without opening your checkbook

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Reasons to sign up for Giving Simply

· No need to write checks or bring cash to church

· Peace-of-mind knowing that the church is receiving

your contribution even if you are unable to attend

· More secure than checks

· All contributions are recorded for you on your bank

statement with date of settlement

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Frequently Asked Questions about Eastminster’s Giving Simply

Q. What is Giving Simply?

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

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

A. Your electronic contribution will be debited on the date you specify on the authorization form.

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. What are the advantages of Giving Simply?

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

A. Since your contribution is made at a pre-established time, you simply record it in your check register on the appropriate date. Electronic contributions are recorded for you on your bank statement.

Q. How much does electronic giving cost?

A. A challenge gift to the church will pay for the first 200 authorizations, and there is a modest 25 cent charge to the church for each transaction. We recommend monthly contributions to minimize this cost.

Q. How are my contributions automatically deducted from my account?

A. Once you complete and sign an authorization form and return it to the church Business Administrator, the confidential contribution amount you specify will automatically be transferred from your bank account to the church’s bank account.

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 contributions.

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

A. You can cancel your authorization by notifying the church at any time.

Q. What if I change bank accounts?

A. Notify the church and we will give you a new authorization to complete.

Q. How do I sign up for Giving Simply?

A. Complete the authorization form and return it to the church Business Administrator.

Sign Up Today

Authorization forms are available in the church office,

Information Station and on the Web Site

Need assistance or have questions? Call Sue Neville at 723-8371