Don’t let your offerings take a holiday

Ahhh, summer! A time to relax and grab much-needed R & R. Vacations and weekend getaways may keep you away from church, but our congregation is still bustling with activity. The bills never take a summer holiday.

It’s enormously helpful to the congregation’s balance sheet if your gifts, tithes and offerings continue to come in regularly, even if you are away. Here are some ideas for staying current:

Pay in advance: Plan ahead by offering more in the weeks in advance of your time away from church.
Make it up: When you return, give a little more in the weeks that follow.
Use your envelopes: Here’s a tip that’s good not only for summer, but year-round: If you use giving envelopes and checks, simply prepare them weeks in advance and bring them to church when convenient.
Use banking bill pay: Most online banking services will write and send checks for you. Just plug in the church address, the amount of the gift and how often you want it sent. Viola! You’re done!
Enroll in electronic giving: Use our online giving portal to regularize your gift, tithe or offering.
Give monthly or quarterly: Sometimes it’s hard to anticipate how many Sundays you’ll be away from church. Planning your gift, tithe or offering for monthly or quarterly can keep you current.

Of course, these methods are beneficial not only for the summer months, but also for the whole year through. Those who embrace giving as a spiritual discipline often find that their lives of faith are enriched, and their sense of joy and fulfillment is deepened. Choosing a regular-giving strategy can help you to discover the joys of generosity.

–Rob Blezard