Give Online
Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7
Common questions about giving
Why We Give
As a church, we believe that we are called to respond to the generosity of the gospel by giving extravagantly to the progress of the gospel in our community and world. Biblical generosity is not about meeting budget needs. It is about a rich and trusting relationship with a living God. We express our faith and love to Him by honoring Him as the source of everything we have. Scriptural giving is performed with regularity, from the first portion of all we are given, as a proportion of our income, cheerfully, and without pressure or manipulation.
What is Tithing?
Tithing is our starting place in giving. The Bible teaches us about a baseline standard for giving: the tithe (a word that literally means a “tenth”). When we give the first 10% of our income through the local church, we put God first in our lives. Tithing is an act of worship that expresses our gratitude, faith, and love for others. God also encourages us to give offerings beyond our tithe to specific projects at our local church and to other organizations and causes that we personally believe in.
Why is pledging important?
Each spring our members pledge an amount they plan to give throughout the fiscal year. Our goal is that each family and individual will prayerfully consider their gift as a commitment to God and a key part of their spiritual growth. On the practical side, we also use the total pledge amount to establish our annual operating budget.
How else can I help the church financially?
There are many ways you can help the church meet the financial needs as we carry out our mission. You can volunteer for events which raise funds. You can participate in our gift card program by purchasing cards in the church office and/or setting up an account for more options.
Is giving online secure?
Whether you’d like to give a single gift, schedule recurring donations, or view your giving history, you can do it all online. It’s quick, easy, and secure. The technology we use is commercially provided and maintained to industry security standards. That means you can give with confidence!
Is the church a 501(c)(3) charitable organization?
Yes. The United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay is organized under a 501(c)(3) IRS tax status.
Can I donate stock or other securities?
Yes, you can donate stock and some other securities. You may be able to avoid paying tax on the appreciated value of securities if the distribution comes directly from your brokerage account to the church. The church members and staff are not trained or authorized to offer individual financial advice, so please consult your financial advisor or tax accountant for recommendations on whether or not such a transaction is right for you. Please contact Pam Vaughan, church finance manager, for details on how we accept such transactions.
How can I include the church in my estate plan?
Many of our members have been called to leave a legacy to their church. We have an independent Foundation team that manages our endowment fund and its disbursements. They can answer questions you may have. You may also contact the senior pastor or the finance manager, if you prefer.
Can I arrange for a withdrawal or RMD from my tax-deferred account to be donated to the church?
Yes, you can donate to the church from a tax-deferred account. You may be able to avoid paying tax on your Required Minimum Distributions from your tax-deferred account if the distribution comes directly from your brokerage account to the church. The church members and staff are not trained or authorized to offer individual financial advice, so please consult your financial advisor or tax accountant for recommendations on whether or not such a transaction is right for you. Please contact Pam Vaughan, church finance manager, for details on how we accept such transactions.