Electronic Giving Back on Website

As you may know already, FirstChurch is rolling out Realm, which is our new people and finance management software program. As part of this roll out, Realm will offer an online giving capability that is different from what we have used in the past. This posting is meant to provide a summary of the various options for giving, including online giving.

We would start by emphasizing that the finance team is happy to receive giving through the time-tested use of cash and checks placed in the offering plate. This is how most of the congregation gives.

Some people find it convenient to give online, and this is now possible by clicking on the Give Now button on the FirstChurch website. This approach allows for a one-time or recurring gift from your checking account or credit card. In addition to our website, as the Realm program is rolled out, members of the congregation who have set up an account with user ID and password can give using the Realm website or mobile app. In all cases, the finance part of Realm allows members to give towards their annual pledge, capital campaign, apportionments, or other funds that we have set up.

One feature of online giving is the necessity of using a payments processor that charges us a fee for each payment. It is a common practice for churches and other non-profits to allow givers the option of providing an extra gift to defray the processing fee by checking a box. Accordingly, our online giving offers the option for the giver to cover 1 percent of the gift total for transfers from a checking account and 2 percent for use of a credit card. These percentages reflect that the payment processing fee is higher for the use of a credit card. This extra giving is appreciated, but the finance team would underline that it is optional and not a requirement or expectation.

Finally, the finance team would note that it is possible to have the convenience of a recurring payment and avoid a payment processing fee by using the online bill payment from your checking account if offered by your bank.

If anyone has questions about online giving or Realm more generally, feel free to speak to Pastor Susan, Kris Brown, Bruce Kappeler or Paul Huck.