“The purpose of giving generously to the work of Christ in the world, is to contribute to restoring the world and humanity to our God-created potential and wholeness. With gratitude for this opportunity to partner with God in sharing Christ’s love and care, we unite our gifts together to fulfill God’s vision and enhance each blessing. Thank you for your contributions.” Pastor Beckie Sweet

Collections to help repair the parsonage include the front; eaves; porches; and back steps

Ways to Give:

Online Giving

Click the button above to give with a credit/debit card or PayPal account.

Click HERE to give using Vanco E-Giving. This option charges our church a small fee, but donors may choose to cover this fee.

Automatic Monthly Withdrawals (ACH)

Click here to print out the easy enrollment form to give from a checking or savings account.

Mail the completed form to the St. Paul’s church office, 402 N Aurora St, Ithaca, NY 14850.

UMCgo App

You can now give directly on your phone each week or set up monthly giving through PayPal with the UMCgo app!

Find instructions for download and making a profile HERE.

Checks

Mail to the St. Paul’s church office, 402 N Aurora St, Ithaca, NY 14850.

You may choose to designate your donation in the memo line. Checks may also be placed in the offering plate.

Thank you very much for your generosity!

Resources: Click for information on year-end giving and IRAs

FAQs

WHAT IS THE BUDGET?

The 2021 Expense Budget is $450,000. Budget for 2022 to be posted shortly.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?

The church budget pays for staff, building upkeep and maintenance, program expenses, utilities, and Shared Ministries–also known as Apportionments. Shared Ministries are the funds we are asked to pay to the denominational structures for ministry and administration. They also help global and regional relief efforts as well as reconciling action.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM?

About 96% comes from regular envelope, check, cash, and automated giving. The other 4% comes from space use fees.

SHOULD I PLEDGE?

For some, pledging is a significant spiritual practice that helps them in developing generosity. We provide Faith Commitment cards for anyone who wishes to make a pledge.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?

This is a sensitive issue for each household to make prayerfully.

Here are some things to consider:

Begin by designating a percentage of your income that may be a bit of stretch this year, and commit yourself to growing that percentage each year. A rule of thumb for some people has been “strive for five and then grow to ten.”
Recognize that there will be some things you may not be able to afford by your giving to the church. Are you spending more on cable television than church?
Think comparatively with other persons you know; if the average annual household giving for the St. Paul’s congregation is about $2,300, how does your financial well-being compare with the average?

WHO KNOWS HOW MUCH I GIVE?

Only the Financial Secretary and Bookkeeper will know the amount of your pledge. The pastor is not normally informed of pledges or contributions.

SHOULD I USE ENVELOPES?

Envelopes are particularly helpful to the counters if you pay by cash.

SHOULD I PAY BY CHECK?

Checks provide a good record of giving and can be easier to handle than cash.

IS IT BETTER TO GIVE WEEKLY? IF I MISS A WEEK, SHOULD I DIVIDE UP MY NEXT GIFT INTO DIFFERENT ENVELOPES?

Many people prefer to give monthly and this is not a problem. Weekly envelopes are a convenience and reminder to givers; it is easier for the counters if you combine several weeks’ gifts into one check or put several checks in one envelope. It helps us to pay our bills in a timely fashion if you give regularly through the year instead of in a lump sum at the end.

CAN I SET UP AN AUTOMATED PAYMENT PLAN?

Yes! You can give monthly with a credit card or PayPal account or click HERE to print out the easy-to-complete enrollment form to draft from a checking or savings account. Bring or mail the completed form to the St. Paul’s church office. Giving by an automated payment plan is a convenience for you and helps the church maintain an even cash flow throughout the year.

IF I CONTRIBUTE THROUGH AN AUTOMATED PAYMENT PLAN, WHAT DO I DO WHEN THE OFFERING PLATE IS PASSED?

You are invited to use the small cards in each pew to indicate a variety of things you are offering to God this week. One of the items on the list indicates that you contribute by an automated payment plan through Automated Clearing House (ACH) Transfer. If you wish, you may place one of these cards in the offering plate as it passes.

CAN I GIVE APPRECIATED SECURITIES?

Yes! To find out how, contact Michelle Eells at business@stpaulsithaca.org or 607-273-5971.

CAN I INCLUDE THE CHURCH IN MY WILL?

Yes! Your attorney can help you with your will to leave a bequest to the church.