Giving FAQ: 

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Why is the church offering this service?

Use of credit/debit cards and online purchasing are becoming more popular, as cash and check usage declines.  Online giving is much more convenient than preparing and bringing/mailing checks to church.  The contributions are instantaneous and you get email confirmation.

 

How do I make donations?

You may make a one-time contribution or recurring donations. Set up a secure account with a user name and password to simplify future donations and to view your transaction history.  Recurring donations may be set up for any amount and any frequency. Your donation can be modified by you at any time online.  Ease of payment also helps members budget their contributions throughout the year.

 

What donations may I make?

Gifts can be given to Stewardship, Capital Campaign, as a Memorial Contribution (please specify for whom the contribution is in memory of) or as a general fund donation.

 

How do I pay?

You may elect to have funds transferred from a checking/savings account or by a debit/credit card payment. We ask that if you use a credit card that you consider giving an additional 2.75% to help us cover the card transaction fees. There is an option to automatically calculate and include the transaction fees when setting up your donation.

 

Is it secure?

Yes. The payment process meets the strictest standards set by the payment card industry. The security of the system is continually managed by Vanco Services. Vanco utilizes the highest Internet security practices and provides secure and confidential transactions for over 30,000 organizations including various business, nonprofit organizations, and other parishes.

 

Is there a cost?

There is no cost to the donor.  The church incurs a 0.9% charge for checking/savings contributions and a 2.75% fee for debit/credit card payments.  You have the option of increasing your contribution to cover the debit/credit card fee.

 

How does the church benefit?

We no longer have to process your paper checks.  This saves time and is more secure…and better for the environment!!  Members making recurring contributions help smooth out our cash flow.  In addition, online gifts are a more cost-efficient way for the church to process donations.

 

How can I still participate in the offering during services?

The Church has placed “I give online” cards in the narthex of the church. Just drop one in the offering basket each week to let others know you support the church financially.

 

Can I change/cancel my contribution amount or frequency of my gift?

Yes. You can change or cancel your contribution online at any time before the date of your next contribution. Simply log in to the system using your user name and password and make the necessary changes in the system.

 

Who do I contact for more information?

Contact our Office Administrator Katina Luvadis (315-446-5222 or katina@stsophias.org)