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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Our Gifts & Offerings
Donations to First Congregational Church are used to sustain and grow our local church ministry and mission giving.
• Gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
• Giving statements are mailed to donors, generally on a quarterly basis.
• Our annual budget is prepared during the November – December timeframe each year with input from staff and lay leaders in all ministry areas. The Financial Advisory Committee reviews the budget draft then gives their recommendation to the Church Council. After the final budget review by the Church Council, the proposed budget is published for the Congregation’s review. The Congregation approves the final budget at its annual meeting each January.
• The FCC Church Council periodically engages a qualified financial expert, independent of the Church Council, Treasurer and accounting function, to review financial statements and related procedures. Such reviews are performed no later than the close of the third fiscal year since the previous financial analysis review. The reviews are presented to the Church Council upon completion for review and approval, and are made available to members of the Congregation upon request
Monetary Donations
You may make a monetary gift to First Congregational Church in a variety of ways. You may drop a check in the offering plate as it is passed. You may place cash in an offering envelope that is provided in the pew pockets. You may mail a check. You may have your funds transferred to the church automatically. For more information, contact the church office.
Please be aware that all charitable donations of cash must be substantiated either with a bank record or written acknowledgement from the church, regardless of the amount of the donation. These requirements from the IRS apply beginning in 2007. Previously, contributions of less than $250 did not require a receipt or other specific documentation, though it was good practice. For contributions by personal check, the donor will have his / her bank record. A $20 bill in the church offering plate, however, will not be deductible unless the church issues a receipt. And we won't be able to do that unless you use an envelope so that we may connect that $20 bill to you!
Making a Commitment
our earth, our church, our prayer
Our theme for the 2010 Stewardship Pledge Drive is "2010: A Grace Odyssey." The Stewardship Committee encourages you to read the 2010 Letter and Frequently Asked Questions, and to prayerfully consider making a financial pledge to First Congregational Church. When you are ready, you may download and print a 2010 Pledge Card. Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
2010 Online Stewardship Pledge Form (Click Here)
2010 Pledge Card (Click Here to print)
Electronic Giving Program
By enrolling in the church’s Electronic Giving Program, you eliminate the cost and time of processing checks and cash donations for you and the church. You will be able to make contributions even when out-of-town which eases seasonal cash flow problems for the church. You will also know that your donation to the church is secure. Click here for an enrollment form and more information. After you complete the form, return it to the church office and we will get you started in the program.
Stock Donations
If you would like to donate stock, please call the church office. We will provide you with the name and DTC number for the church’s brokerage firm as well as the church’s account number so that you may provide the necessary information to your personal broker to make the donation electronically. If you have the stock certificates in hand, we will provide you with the name and location of the church’s brokerage firm.
Wills & Estate Planning
Please click here to view more information.
Noncash Gifts
The church will acknowledge donations of noncash property with a letter showing the following information:
1) The name of the church
2) Date and location of the contribution.
3) A description of the property donated.
It is the responsibility of the donor to keep reliable written records for each item of donated property, to assess the value of the donation and to obtain a qualified appraisal if required by IRS regulations.
Questions? Comments?
Please contact Ruth Roland, church business administrator, in the church office.
Phone 719.635.3549 ext. 5 or ruth@fcucc.org
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