Each of us is called to worship God with our entire life. In part, this means being good stewards of the gifts of time, talent, and resources we have been given by God. As good stewards, we recognize the need to use all of these gifts effectively. We also recognize that sharing each one of these gifts with others is an important way to worship God, the Giver of all good things. By giving our time in service to others, we celebrate the wonderful gift of life and pass it on to others to help them celebrate the gift of life as well. By giving of our talents, we recognize and celebrate all the physical and mental abilities with which the Lord has blessed us. By giving our resources, we demonstrate the importance of sharing the fruits of our lives with others in need. At Normandy, we support and encourage all forms of giving, and we pledge to be good stewards of your gifts, taking great care in how we manage and track the time, talent, and resources entrusted to us.
Time and Talent
One of the most significant aspects of Biblical faith is the Call to Stewardship, to give of our time and talents. In the Book of Genesis, God places humankind in charge of creation to diligently, energetically, and faithfully take care of the many gifts that God, out of Divine bounty, has given for our use. We ask that you take an honest look at the gifts God has given to you and then an honest look at your calendar to see how you can share those gifts with others. We invite you to consider which ministry or service you would like to be involved in. We have each been gifted with such unique talents that we are sure there is a place for you to use your gifts. Your time and talent work together to keep our parish alive, healthy, and thriving. See how you can get involved by going to Serve.
Resources
In addition to time and talent, we believe it is important to give a portion of our financial resources to the church and its missions. These gifts can be made to support many deserving efforts and programs at Normandy. Here is a list of the types of gifts that can be made and a description of how to give.
Reasons to Give
Annual Stewardship Campaign
One of the most important reasons to give to Normandy is to support the ongoing operations, programs, and activities of the church. These are the gifts that make everything else possible. They cover the costs of building maintenance, utilities, insurance, salaries, program costs, and many other items that are used to support the critical opportunities to WORSHIP, SERVE, LEARN, and CONNECT. Gifts received in the Sunday morning offering, unless designated for another purpose, and gifts received to fulfill annual pledge commitments are all used to meet the goals of the Annual Stewardship Campaign.
Endowment Fund
Protecting and preserving our beautiful and historical building, registered on the National Registry of Historic Buildings, is both an exciting and challenging task. To cover a portion of the cost of this effort, Normandy established an Endowment Fund dedicated to the preservation of the original Normandy building. The Endowment Fund is managed by outside financial advisors to generate growth and income. Annual spending by the Endowment Fund is limited to a portion of the fund’s income. By doing so, the Endowment Fund ensures funds will be available to help meet the future needs of maintaining our building. Donations can be made through any of our methods of giving by designating the Endowment Fund as the purpose of the gift. Many families choose to designate the Endowment Fund as the recipient of memorial gifts.
Choose-A-Gift
Needs often arise that were unanticipated at the time the church’s annual budget was developed and approved. These unanticipated needs are often met through the Choose-A-Gift program. This program allows church committees or members to ask the Finance Committee for permission to raise funds for a designated purpose. Once approved, giving envelopes are placed on the Choose-A-Gift board and allow individuals to take an envelope and make a special gift to the designated purpose. It is a powerful way to have an immediate impact upon a project or program that is special to you.
Gift Designations
Memorial Gifts
Gifts may be given in memory of a family member or someone special in your life. Memorial gifts may be given for a specific purpose designated when your contribution is made. Unrestricted memorial gifts are included in the Normandy Memorial Gift Fund. Funds from unrestricted gifts are administered by the Trustees and the Church Council and are spent on a variety of church projects with appropriate approvals of the Church Council and the Trustees.
Gifts of Celebration
Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, or promotion, the arrival of a new grandchild, a wedding or anniversary, Mothers’ Day, or another special day or event that’s close to your heart, these special occasions are wonderful opportunities to honor those remarkable people in your life with a gift of celebration to Normandy. Simply designate the occasion on your contribution.
Ways to Give
– These methods are applicable to all gifts, which include the Operating Budget, The Normandy Campaign, Endowment, Memorial and other funds of Normandy Church.
Traditional Envelope Giving in the Offering Plate
On the occasions where you do not remember your envelope, please make sure you print your full name and envelope number on the envelopes found in the pews.
Electronic Giving
Option 1; Direct Deposit using the United Methodist Financial Credit Union
Direct Debit is a convenient way of giving to the church that combines today’s banking methods with the biblical principles of tithing. No more checks, no more envelopes. Once you sign up, the amount you designate will automatically be withdrawn from your checking or savings account on a regular basis. Currently we offer the 1st of the month, the 15th of the month, or both. If interested, please click here for the direct deposit form and return it to the church office or put it in the collection plate addressed to Jim Black. You will also need to include a voided check or deposit slip. This instruction will remain in effect until you change it.
Option 2: On-line banking
Using your computer and your on-line bank account, you may have your bank send checks directly to Normandy United Methodist Church. If you select this option, please have your bank include your full name, envelope number and the fund name where you want it credited on the check. This method allows you to have complete control over the amount and timing of your gifts.
Option 3: Charge Cards
At a cost to the church we can accept your gifts via Mastercard, Visa or American Express. You will need to provide to the Financial Secretary your charge number and expiration date. Based on your direction we will put the gift amount on your card at your direction. Most that use this option, set it up on either the 1st or 3rd Sunday or both. We can also store your number on file and use it whenever you choose. Just fill out an envelope, and mark on it “credit card on file”. We also can scan your card whenever you wish, if you bring it to the church office on any Sunday morning between 9:00 AM and 11:00AM.
Option 4: Stock Transfers
If you are interested in making contributions in stock, please contact Jim Black for information. Please provide the name of the stock(s) and to which fund(s) you would like to contribute. We have a brokerage firm set up that will allow us to accept your stocks. The broker has the instruction to sell the stocks the same day that they receive the stocks. An acknowledgement will be sent to you acknowledging the value of your gift.
Option 5: Electronic gifts from Charitable Foundations
Please contact the charitable foundation.. If possible please have them include your envelope number in the e-mail correspondence sent to gendel@normandyumc.org. This e-mail provides us with the pertinent information of the electronic gift so that it can be posted to your account.
Option 6: PayPal
Normandy Church now has a business charitable account. You can contribute directly to Normandy by logging in to your PayPal account, and “paying” gendel@normandyumc.org. There are provisions to identify your envelope number and purpose(s) of your gift. This transfer is instantaneous and at no cost to Normandy.
Option 7: IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions
The income tax law is now permanent that allows a “Qualified Charitable Distribution” to be transferred directly from an IRA account to Normandy Church Generally, a QCD is an otherwise taxable distribution from an IRA owned by an individual who is age 70 ½ or over. This distribution can also satisfy the Required Minimum Distribution, saving income taxes which would otherwise apply. Since this is a direct transfer, the Financial Secretary needs to be notified ahead of time, along with your desired purpose(s) for the gift.
For questions or more information, contact our financial secretary Jim Black at contact@normandyumc.org, You may also call the church office at 937.433.1636 and leave a message. Jim will return your call.