As part of our electronic giving program, we offer GivePlus Church, our mobile giving app (You can find it in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store). You can make weekly offerings, respond to special appeals or set up a recurring donation all through your smartphone. If you’re like many people who use mobile apps for almost everything these days, we hope you’ll make GivePlus Church a regular part of your giving routine.
The Christian life is a response of gratitude to God for the gifts of God’s love and grace in Jesus Christ. We love because he first loved us, and give because of the many gifts he has given us. Our monetary support enables the church to accomplish God’s mission in our world. In return we grow spiritually through givin as we allow God to reorganize our priorities to match those of his kingdom on earth.
Three truths lay the foundation for how we approach this area of discipleship called stewardship:
God entrusted us with financial and physical resources to meet our needs and to help carry out his redemptive work in the world. Once we are able to offer God control of our finances, we can offer God our entire lives, and experience the spiritual freedom and joy that God intends for us.
The Lord loves a cheerful giver, and the Bible has a great deal to say about our financial lives. Read more in Matthew 25:14-30 and 2 Corinthians 8:9.
How Can I Give?
Cash, checks, automatic withdrawal, debit/credit cards on line: You may choose to give weekly with a check or cash that you bring or mail to the church. You may prefer to have an automatic withdrawal made from your checking. Contact the church office at 208-232-1353, and we will help you set that up. You can also give online.
Gifts other than cash and checks: You may give stocks, mutual funds, bonds, insurance, real estate, jewelry, and other personal property. Often the donor can realize a tax benefit. Contact the church office at 208-232-1353.
Gifts through estate planning: Estate planning allows you to leave a legacy for your children, grandchildren, and ongoing ministry of First United Methodist Church. You may give through insurance, wills, trusts, charitable gift annuities, retirement accounts and life estates. Contact the church office at 208-232-1353.
How Much Should I Give?
The Bible teaches that giving is our response to God who has first given us everything, and to set aside our "first fruits" - that our offering to God should be the first portion we give, not what remains. (Exodus 23:19; Deuteronomy 18:4)
What About Tithing?
Giving 10% of our income, "tithing," is a Biblical principle. The New Testament doe not designate a percentage but says a person should set aside an amount "in keeping with income." (1 Corinthians 16:2)
What If I Can't Give 10%?
We are to give as we are able. Every Christian should seek God's wisdom in how much they should give. (James 1:5)
"Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They should not give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Why Pledge?
Pledging provides the opportunity to reflect on your financial support and set a goal for the coming year. In addition, pledging helps the Finance Committee to develop a realistic budget. If you would like more information about how to do this, please contact our church office at 232-1353.
