It is hard to believe that we are within the 6 week countdown for kids to get out of school! Time flies and before you know it, summer activities will take over. I imagine many of you will be traveling, sending your children to activities and camps, or enjoying grandchildren. Summer is a fun season. Your church also has a bit of a summer rhythm too. We often have summer series and studies, in addition to Vacation Bible School and events. Ministry marches on!
One of the challenges many churches face, ours included, is the summer slump in income. We often tighten the purse strings and wait until the fall for everyone to get back in town and hope things will level out. I wonder however, if instead of exploring a solution we have just come to expect it.
I know that when we are out of town, my checkbook remains in my office. In fact, it is the only check I write each month since I do everything else online. And when I get back in town, I play catch up to cover what I committed to give while away. At times that is easier said than done! It got me thinking; if I automate my bill pay, and even have it set up on a recurring basis so I don’t forget, why not do the same with my commitment to the Lord!
I’ve done some research to discover that we can do that very thing at no cost to the individual or the church. It is as simple as setting up the church as a payee under the bill pay section of one’s bank account. It allows for the day of draft, which I love since I can pick the best time of month, the amount and frequency. And the best part is the bank writes the check and mails it to the church!
I know that in our tradition the act of placing our offering in the plate and having it blessed has great value. The wonderful thing is that when we receive a check mailed to the church it is placed in the offering plate in the same way the following Sunday. It goes up with all the other offerings to be blessed that week.
It automates our giving, which provides for the needs of the church and continuance of ministries. If you are a current giver, consider this option as you make summer plans. Not only does it help in summer planning and saving for fall needs, but also provides peace of mind that what you prayed about as you give to the Lord is continued when you are away.
One of the challenges many churches face, ours included, is the summer slump in income. We often tighten the purse strings and wait until the fall for everyone to get back in town and hope things will level out. I wonder however, if instead of exploring a solution we have just come to expect it.
I know that when we are out of town, my checkbook remains in my office. In fact, it is the only check I write each month since I do everything else online. And when I get back in town, I play catch up to cover what I committed to give while away. At times that is easier said than done! It got me thinking; if I automate my bill pay, and even have it set up on a recurring basis so I don’t forget, why not do the same with my commitment to the Lord!
I’ve done some research to discover that we can do that very thing at no cost to the individual or the church. It is as simple as setting up the church as a payee under the bill pay section of one’s bank account. It allows for the day of draft, which I love since I can pick the best time of month, the amount and frequency. And the best part is the bank writes the check and mails it to the church!
I know that in our tradition the act of placing our offering in the plate and having it blessed has great value. The wonderful thing is that when we receive a check mailed to the church it is placed in the offering plate in the same way the following Sunday. It goes up with all the other offerings to be blessed that week.
It automates our giving, which provides for the needs of the church and continuance of ministries. If you are a current giver, consider this option as you make summer plans. Not only does it help in summer planning and saving for fall needs, but also provides peace of mind that what you prayed about as you give to the Lord is continued when you are away.
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