Stewardship
Automatic Withdrawal Offering
| Name | Description | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawal Agreement | Automatic Withdrawal Agreement – Authorization Agreement |
Print, fill out and return the Automatic Withdrawal Authorization Form to begin making automatic payments to Grace Lutheran Church on a schedule of your choosing. When you sign up for Automatic Withdrawal you will no longer receive envelopes. You may continue to make other offerings in the plate on Sundays. Simply use envelopes provided in the pew. Make sure your name appears somewhere on the envelope or check so that we can account for this type of offering in your quarterly and annual statements.
What is automatic withdrawal of funds or automatic giving?
It is an automatic transfer of funds program that allows you to make financial gifts to Grace Lutheran Church without writing checks.
Can I designate my gift?
On the Automatic Withdrawal of Funds Authorization Agreement you may make financial contributions to:
- Current Expenses – the operating budget of Grace Lutheran Church.
How do I sign up for automatic giving?
Complete and sign the authorization form and return it to the church office along with a voided check or savings deposit slip. You may mail it to our office to the attention of Glennis Olson, Church Administrative Assistant, or you may deliver it to the church office.
How is my automatic withdrawal of funds deducted from my account?
When you fill out the authorization form, your contribution is electronically transferred from your checking or savings account to Grace Lutheran Church’s account.
Who provides this service?
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans funds the Simply Giving program and has contracted with Vanco Services LLC to provide administrative services for the program. If you have questions about Vanco, you may contact them at 800-675-7430.
Why does Thrivent Financial for Lutherans offer the Simply Giving program?
Thrivent Financial offers the Simply Giving program to further its mission of serving Lutheran congregations.
When will my contribution be deducted from my account?
On the dates you select on the authorization form.
How do I account for this in my checkbook?
Because your contribution is pre-established, simply record it in your check register on the appropriate date.
Without a cancelled check, how can I prove I made my contribution?
Grace Lutheran Church will report your automatic gifts on your quarterly statement and your year end statement. Your bank statement gives you an itemized list of electronic transfers.
What if I change bank accounts?
Fill out a new authorization form, check the Change Financial Institution Information box and send to the church office. Attach a voided check or savings deposit slip with your new account number on it.
What if I want to change my contribution?
Fill out a new authorization form, check the Change Contribution Information box and send to the church office. Or contact the Church Administrative Assistant.
What if I try automatic giving and don’t like it?
You may cancel at any time. To cancel, simply fill out a second form and check the Discontinue Automatic WIthdrawl of Funds box or contact the Church Administrative Assistant.
How much does automatic giving cost?
It costs you nothing and saves you time. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans funds the administrative costs of the Simply Giving program.
Is automatic giving safe?
Automatic giving is safer than a check or cash contribution as it cannot be lost, stolen or destroyed in the mail. It has an extremely high rate of accuracy.
Is my information confidential?
The Authorization Form is seen by Grace Lutheran Church’s Administrator and Accountant and by Vanco Services employees who process the form. Your name and address may be provided to Thrivent Financial but not your financial information. Your information will not be shared with any other organizations.
What are the benefits of this program?
You benefit because it’s a safe way to plan your giving consistanty so you you won’t need to play catch-up at year-end, worry about forgotten checkbooks or missed Sunday offerings. Grace benefits because it creates predictable revenues throughout the year and confidence in meeting our financial commitments.