“You shall bring the first fruits of your soil into the house of the Lord your God.” Exodus 23:19

In April, the Finance/Stewardship Committee’s general report to the congregation announced a new concept for giving. Starting in July, members can have their offerings electronically drafted from their checking account. This is a program that is completely voluntary for members. Many Methodist churches and other denominations have been using this type of giving for years and now it’s available at Palma Ceia United Methodist Church.

By using First Fruits electronic giving, you know that you are giving to God the first part of your income. Your gift is transferred automatically. Even when you are out of town or otherwise cannot attend Sunday worship, your gift continues to be made, without you having to make up when you return. Of course you can still put in givings in the offering plate during the worship service as the spirit moves you. For specific holidays, you will receive an envelope in your newsletter for that special giving. You can increase or decrease the amount deducted from your account or discontinue electronic giving just by notifying the church. The change will take effect within three weeks of your request being received by the Financial Secretary.

Please read the frequently asked questions below. If you have any questions and for further assistance, please call Julie Brown, Financial Secretary at (813) 837-1541.

Click here to download the EFT Form. (PDF)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Why would I want to give to the church electronically?
Many people who give regularly find that giving by electronic transfer is a convenient option. This is especially the case during times when you cannot attend worship such as vacations. Electronic giving also helps the church reduce costs and makes predicting income easier so that the ministry and missions of the church can be better planned.

Q: When would this automatic contribution be taken from my account?
All automatic offerings to Palma Ceia United Methodist Church will be on the 15th and 30th of each month.

Q: What do I need to do to start First Fruits (automatic giving)?
Just fill out the attached electronic transfer authorization form. Fill out the form, attach a voided check from your checking account and mail or bring it to the church office. Starting in July, your contributions will start deducting from your desired account on the chosen days (15th and/or 30th).

Q: Is there a minimum amount that I have to give in order to do so electronically?
No. There is no minimum gift you have to make to use First Fruits.

Q: Are electronic gifts risky?
No. An electronic contribution is safer than writing a check and it can’t be lost, stolen or destroyed in the mail. All Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) transactions are governed by strict national rules and guidelines. Over four billion EFT transactions are processed annually in the United States. No one can deduct money from your account automatically unless you specifically authorize it.

Q: If I don’t write checks, how do I keep my checkbook balance straight?
Your contribution is made on a pre-established day, so you can deduct it from your check records then. It also will be shown on your monthly statement from your bank.

Q: How do I participate in the weekly offering if my giving is automatically deducted from my bank account?
You will still need to fill out an attendance card. You may always give during worship. Some people who contribute automatically also give during worship to either make up the difference between what they are giving as First Fruits and what they have pledged or give additional as the spirit moves them. If you wish, you can write First Fruits on the giving envelope and place it in the offering plate, but it is not necessary.

Q: How can I keep a record of the amount I have contributed?
Your bank statement will include an itemized list of automatic gifts given from your account. We will continue to send your quarterly personal giving statement.

Q: What if I change banks or accounts or want to change the amount of my giving?
You can make any changes at any time by contacting Julie Brown at the church office.

Q: Is there any charge to me from my bank to give electronically?
No. Electronic funds transfers carry no bank fees to you.

Q: Can I designate my giving?
Currently, you can give to the General Fund. Mission of the Month will still be done by envelopes.

Q: Who do I talk to if I have more questions?
Call Julie Brown, Financial Secretary, at the church office, 837-1541 and she’ll be glad to answer any other questions you may have.

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