Automated Giving Option

“But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge,

in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

2 Corinthians 8:7

Christ Church’s ministries and programs depend on faithful and consistent giving. To help facilitate this, the church is now offering an automated giving option as a way to put your stewardship plan into action.  Many churches are now receiving 30-40% of contributions electronically as more and more people are banking and paying bills online.

Automated giving is a safe and reliable way to conveniently give.  By setting up a recurring contribution that comes out of your account, you are taking a step of faith to give your “first fruits” to God. And, Christ Church benefits from more consistent revenues, more efficient and cost-effective bookkeeping, and the ability to better plan for its necessary financial commitments.

It is simple to sign-up.  Just download and complete the auto-debit form, attach a voided check from your account, and drop it in the offering plate or mail it back to our outside accountant, Terri Benno, at the church office. Complete instructions are included on the form.  Once it is processed, your giving will automatically be deducted from your designated checking or savings account. 

Click here to download the auto-debit form.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is automated giving?  Automated giving is a pre-established, automatic electronic transfer of funds from your bank account that allows you to make regular contributions to the church without writing checks.

2. What do I need to do to participate?  Just complete the Automated Giving Authorization form, attach a voided check or deposit slip from your account, and mail or bring the form, in a secure envelope, to the church office for our outside accountant to process.

3. What is the advantage of automated giving?  Automated giving allows you to prioritize and automate your giving in a safe, reliable way.

4. Is automated giving safe?  Yes.  Automated giving is safer than writing a check.  We utilize the Automated Clearing House network (ACH), the same network that is used for direct deposit and automated bill payment.  ACH is governed by strict operating rules outlined by the National ACH Association and the Federal Reserve.

5. From what types of bank accounts may I give?  You may have funds transferred from a savings or checking account. Once you authorize the transfer, your specified contribution is electronically transferred directly from the designated account to the church’s bank account.

6. When will my contribution be deducted?   We are offering two monthly options:  the first or the fifteenth day of the month.

7. May I give with my credit card?  No.  Christ Church cannot accept credit card giving. And, credit card companies charge a transaction fee, thus reducing the amount of the gift that would be available for church ministry.

8. If I do not write checks, how do I keep my checkbook balance straight? Since your contribution is made on a pre-established date each month, you simply record it in your check register on the appropriate date. All contributions will be clearly listed on the monthly checking or savings account statement you receive from your financial institution.

9. May I change my information, account or the amount of my gift once I have set it up?  Yes. You can change or cancel your contribution at any time before the date of your next contribution by contacting the church office and processing the necessary paperwork.

10. I like to place my offering in the collection plate as an act of worship.  Doesn’t automated giving prevent me from doing this?  You may always give during a worship service even if you are participating in the automated giving option.  Also, the donation envelopes in the pew racks will have an “I participate in automated giving” box that you can check and then drop into the offering plate as it is passed, as a symbol of your gratitude to God and of your support of the church’s ministries.

11. If I don’t have a cancelled check, how can I prove I made my contribution?  Christ Church will include your automatic gifts on your contribution statement and your bank statement gives you a list of electronic transfers.

12. What if I try automated giving and then decide to cancel?  You can cancel your authorization at any time by notifying the church office and filling out a form that discontinues the automatic withdrawal of funds.

13. Who do I talk to if I have more questions?  Feel free to contact the church’s office manager, Maria Fricano at 847-234-1001 x 140 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .