Online Giving
Q: Why should I give online?
It is a personal preference, but here are a few benefits of giving online.
- You are following the Biblical teaching of giving your "first fruits." Setting up an automatic withdrawal from your credit card or check card provides an opportunity for us to choose to give our "first fruits" by automatically giving at a specified time.
- You are taking a step of faith. When you set up a recurring giving payment you are deciding in advance to faithfully give and to trust God to provide for all your needs instead of giving only if you have some money left over after all the bills are paid. God always blesses that kind of faith.
- You will simplify your life. You will faithfully give at certain times each month and will not have to remember to write your check and/or bring your offering envelope each week. It also helps make it easier to give if you have missed church for some reason.
- You will be helping the church. Your regular and consistent financial support allows for the church to fulfill its purpose of making reproducing disciples of Jesus Christ. It also helps simplify our bookkeeping at the church.
Q: How do I give online?
Click the Online Giving button up top and login. If you have not already created an account, follow the prompts to create an account and set up your contribution.
Q: I clicked the "Online Giving" button and nothing happens.
When you click Online Giving, a new browser window is opened. If you are using a pop-up blocker such as the Google Toolbar, Norton Internet Security or Pop-Up Stopper, the window will not open. Most tools will allow you to permit pop-ups on a specific web site. In order to use the Online Giving area, you will need to allow pop-ups withing otterbeinchurch.org.
Q: When would this automatic contribution be charged to my account?
On the signup screens, you can specifiy whether you want your contribution made one time, weekly, twice per month (1st and 15th), monthly, quarterly or yearly. You can set up as many schedules as you like, so it is possible to give a monthly gift as well as a weekly one.
Q: Can I test this by giving one time?
Yes. You can select "One Time" in the frequency drop down box of the signup process.
Q: How can I keep a record of the amount I have contributed?
At any time you can view your reocrd of "online" giving by viewing the Contribution History box. This will provide each donation you made, when you made it, and a year-to-date total. We also send year-end statements to your home.
Q: Can I give to the Building Fund (Moving Beyond our Walls)?
Yes. In the fund drop down menu, select Moving Beyond/Building Fund. You will need to set up two different schedules to give to both the General Fund and the Moving Beyond Fund online.
Q: Can I give to Global Ministries?
Yes. In the fund drop down menu, select Global Ministries. You will need to set up two different schedules to give to both the General Fund and the Global Ministries Fund online.
Q: How do I participate in the weekly offering during the worship service if my contribution is automatically processed online?
You can still participate by reflecting on the message of the song or media that is being presented.
Q: Can I use my debit card or credit card?
Yes, as long as it is Visa or MasterCard.
Q: Can I use an electronic check?
No.
Q: Who do I talk to if I have more questions?
You can call Rick Duesler, our executive director of administration, at (717)762-7147 or you can email him at rick@otterbeinchurch.org.
