FAQs - Pledges & Giving |
“So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” ~ |
Why Pledge?
Stewardship is about being grateful, responsible stewards of the gifts we receive from God. The tradition of giving back to God and to the church comes from the Biblical practice of “tithing.” Annual Stewardship Pledges provide a solid basis for the church to plan for the coming year.
How does a pledge differ from a donation?
A donation is an outright gift, while a pledge is a promise to donate later. Pledges let us know how much money we can count on.
What is the Offering?
We sometimes call this prayerful giving. Pray, listen, and give. This is below or beyond a tithe and placed in the collection plate at our numerous services.
How will I determine the size of my pledge?
This is between you and God. Scripture calls a for a tithe of 10% of our time, talent and treasures (Numbers 18:26). Sometimes many have made a commitment to work toward tithing by starting with a percentage of income (Proportional Giving) and increasing it over time.
How do I make my pledge?
There are many options for communicating your pledge. Pick what is easiest for you:
Can I make a one-time contribution?
Yes. Just advise us that this is “One Time” contribution on the ‘Memo line of your check’ or on the donation envelope.
What is E-Giving?
E-Giving is short for electronic giving. It is an automatic transfer program that allows you to make contributions without the hassle of writing checks. There are several benefits to online giving for both you and the church: a) Simplicity; b) Security; and c) No distractions.
How much does E-Giving cost?
There won’t be any cost to you to use E-Giving. The parish will pay a nominal fee if you pay with electronic checking (ACH transfer).
What types of accounts can I give from?
You can use your checking or savings accounts from your bank; or Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit card accounts.
What are ‘e-Checks’?
E-Checks are generated through your own bank account using the "Bill Payment" feature in your bank's online banking platform. To donate to St. John’s using this option, simply go to your bank's website and create a payment using their Auto Bill Pay feature. These can be set-up as a one-time payment or recurring payments. Click Here to view the "Electronic Banking" page.
Can I give using a credit card?
Yes! The Online Giving Portal accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit cards.
Do you have a smartphone App. for online giving?
Yes! We use the GivePlus Church App from VANCO Payment Solutions, a company that specializes in providing online solutions for Church giving.
Will I still receive regular contribution statements from the church?
Yes, all online contributions will be credited to your account and will appear on your quarterly statement along with any other donations.
Stewardship is about being grateful, responsible stewards of the gifts we receive from God. The tradition of giving back to God and to the church comes from the Biblical practice of “tithing.” Annual Stewardship Pledges provide a solid basis for the church to plan for the coming year.
How does a pledge differ from a donation?
A donation is an outright gift, while a pledge is a promise to donate later. Pledges let us know how much money we can count on.
What is the Offering?
We sometimes call this prayerful giving. Pray, listen, and give. This is below or beyond a tithe and placed in the collection plate at our numerous services.
How will I determine the size of my pledge?
This is between you and God. Scripture calls a for a tithe of 10% of our time, talent and treasures (Numbers 18:26). Sometimes many have made a commitment to work toward tithing by starting with a percentage of income (Proportional Giving) and increasing it over time.
How do I make my pledge?
There are many options for communicating your pledge. Pick what is easiest for you:
- Pledge Card: Pledge cards are available at the church entrance, in the Parish Hall, or in the book racks on the backs of pews.
- Download and print a Pledge Card. Place it in the offering plate or mail it to the church office:
St. John's Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 81493, Austin, TX 78708-1493.
Download the Pledge Card for 2020 in English - Download the Pledge Card for 2020 in Spanish - Pledge Online: This will be sent directly and confidentially to the Church Office. As of September 2019 this function is currently offline but we expect to have it available again soon.
- Email: You may download and fill our the Pledge card (links above) and email it to the church administrator. The office email address is stjohns@austinstjohns.org.
Can I make a one-time contribution?
Yes. Just advise us that this is “One Time” contribution on the ‘Memo line of your check’ or on the donation envelope.
What is E-Giving?
E-Giving is short for electronic giving. It is an automatic transfer program that allows you to make contributions without the hassle of writing checks. There are several benefits to online giving for both you and the church: a) Simplicity; b) Security; and c) No distractions.
How much does E-Giving cost?
There won’t be any cost to you to use E-Giving. The parish will pay a nominal fee if you pay with electronic checking (ACH transfer).
What types of accounts can I give from?
You can use your checking or savings accounts from your bank; or Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit card accounts.
What are ‘e-Checks’?
E-Checks are generated through your own bank account using the "Bill Payment" feature in your bank's online banking platform. To donate to St. John’s using this option, simply go to your bank's website and create a payment using their Auto Bill Pay feature. These can be set-up as a one-time payment or recurring payments. Click Here to view the "Electronic Banking" page.
Can I give using a credit card?
Yes! The Online Giving Portal accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit cards.
Do you have a smartphone App. for online giving?
Yes! We use the GivePlus Church App from VANCO Payment Solutions, a company that specializes in providing online solutions for Church giving.
- CLICK HERE for information about installing the GivePlus Church app.
- CLICK HERE for information about using the GivePlus Church app.
Will I still receive regular contribution statements from the church?
Yes, all online contributions will be credited to your account and will appear on your quarterly statement along with any other donations.