Give To Grace
Why give to Grace?
When you give to Grace, you can feel confident that your donation is going to support ministry not only within Grace Lutheran Church itself, but ministry in the community and across the globe. We believe that all of our time, talent, and resources are gifts from God, and we seek to be faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Rejoicing in God's grace, renewed by the Holy Spirit, we respond by sharing Christ's love in the world. For more information about the ministries led and supported by this congregation, click here.
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church's online donations are processed through Vanco Services. We have been using this service providor for quite a while to process our Simply Giving contributions. Your online giving activity is secure and can be a one-time gift, or you may set up regularly scheduled donations. Please click on the "donate now" button above to process your gift(s) to Grace Lutheran Church. You will need to set up your profile and password to be able to make a transaction. You can even choose how you want your gift applied toward our ministries. Below is a description of each giving opportunity.
General Operating Fund- When you donate to the General Operating Fund it allows the most flexibility in how your gift can be used.
Councill House Mortgage- Your donation will go toward the loan on the Councill House which serves as the primary location for Lutheran Students of Appalachian and Youth Ministries.
Councill House Loan Principal only- Your donation will go directly toward the principal on the loan for the Councill House which serves as the primary location for Lutheran Students of Appalachian and Youth Ministries.
Growing Grace-- 10% of every gift given will be invested in our Troutman Foundation which provides annual grants to local outreach partners. The first $90,000 given will be used to pay off the balance of the Councill Property with the next $90,000 given to completely update the Carriage House to create a perfect home for our Vicars.
Troutman Foundation- Your donation goes toward furthering the mission work of Grace Lutheran Church.
Campus Ministry Foundation (Jeffcoat/Proctor Endowment)- Donations will support development and activities of Campus Ministry.
Special Offering- Goes toward a current appeal or special need.
Grace Builders- Supports community outreach ministry projects and the Helping Hands Wood Lot.
Pastor’s Discretion- A donation to this fund allows our pastor to give help to those in need on a local level.
Hospitality House Meals- Goes directly to purchasing meals at the Hospitality House.
WeCAN-Helping everyday households in our community who face eviction, utility cutoffs, heating fuel shortage and prescription medication needs.
Hunger & Health Coalition-Help for individuals and families within our community that are struggling to provide themselves with basic needs.
Community Care Clinic-Medical clinic that provides free primary care, mental health and behavioral health services, select specialty services and health education to low income, uninsured persons.
Watauga Habitat for Humanity- An ecumenical housing ministry that partners with families and individuals in our community in need of affordable shelter.
Oasis-Serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Watauga and Avery Counties, North Carolina.
These online donations will work just like any other form of donation (for example, donations via cash or check) and will be tax deductible as long as proper contact information (Name and Address) are given with your donation. Although you cannot access your giving history through this site, you will receive your contribution statements from the church office periodically.
Scan the QR code for easy giving.
Electronic Giving
Open your heart without opening your checkbook
Electronic Giving is the term used to describe automatic methods for making contributions on a regular basis without the need to write checks, carry cash or prepare envelopes. Although Direct Debit Giving is the original and most popular form of electronic giving, the term is now widely used to describe Credit & Debit Card Giving and Online Giving as well. The following discussion pertains only to Direct Debit Giving. Electronic Giving is a convenient way to provide consistent financial support to our church. Please contact the church office (828-264-2206) or email to learn how you can participate.
Download authorization form here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Direct Debit Giving
Q. What are the major advantages of electronic giving by direct debit?
A. Direct debit is all about convenience for you and consistency for the church. Electronic giving eliminates frequent check writing and helps members stay on track with pledges even when they are unable to attend services. The church in turn benefits from much-needed donation consistency and a reduction in the volume of check and cash contributions that must be handled and manually processed in the church office.
Q. How does Direct Debit Giving work?
A. Contributions are transferred automatically from your checking or savings account to the church’s bank account.
Q. How are my automatic contributions deducted and transferred?
A. First, you sign and return an authorization form to the church indicating the amount you wish to contribute on a regular basis. Contributions are then transferred through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network—the same network already used by families to make mortgage and utility payments or to receive payroll earnings and Social Security income. Direct debit goes by other names including Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), automatic payment, or simply, ACH.
Q. When will my contribution be debited from my account?
A. A debit to your account will occur each month on the date you specify on your authorization form.
Q. How will I keep track of contributions in my check register?
A. Since your contribution is made at a pre-established time, you simply record it in your check register on the appropriate date. Electronic contributions will appear on your bank statement.
Q. What can I use to prove I made a contribution?
A. Your bank statement will show an itemized list of electronic transactions that can be used as proof of your contributions.
Q. Is giving by direct debit risky?
A. It is certainly less risky than writing checks or carrying cash to church. To process electronic donations, the church uses Vanco Services, LLC—an established and highly-regarded company that moves funds directly from church members to the church on the same day without any delay. Vanco processes contributions for more than 10,000 churches and nonprofit organizations.
Q. How much does direct debit giving cost?
A. It costs you nothing and it costs the church very little. It is the lowest cost method of transferring funds.
Q. What if I try electronic giving by direct debit and don’t like it?
A. You can cancel your authorization at any time by notifying the church.
Q. How can I sign up for electronic giving by direct debit?
A. Complete, sign and return an authorization form to the church office. Download form here.
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Which products on AmazonSmile are eligible for charitable donations?
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