Annual Giving
Giving and Generosity
Giving is an act of worship. By bringing back a portion of our blessings to God and honoring God with generous offerings, we express our gratitude for God’s faithfulness.
Consider Your Contribution
A new year brings the promise of new opportunities. As you look ahead, remember to consider your year-end giving decisions that can make a big difference in the ministry of Acts 2 United Methodist Church.
Addressing your year-end charitable giving plans, no matter how large or small your gift may be, can help assure maximum benefits for you and Acts 2. Carefully considering what to give, and when to give it, can increase the impact of your gifts and help meet personal goals.
Making a year-end gift of cash, securities or real estate can be as simple as a contribution to Acts 2 in support of the ministries your church is already doing.
For more information about giving and other charitable tax planning options, please contact our Business Administrator Jeff Hedrick.
Make a Plan
Begin With Prayer
Thank God for blessing you and ask for guidance and discernment. Recognize that your tithes and offerings express both your desire to serve the Lord and your investment in God’s work.
Assess Your Finances
Take a look at your budget. What does your spending say about your priorities? Are you weighed down by financial gravity pulling you toward the kingdom of self, or are you orientated toward the life-altering kingdom of God.
Take the Next Step
Prayerfully determine the percentage of your income you will give in the coming year. If you are not yet tithing, consider increasing your annual giving each year until you reach 10%.
Worship with Gratitude
We will fill out an Estimate of Giving Card as an act of worship. This is an opportunity as a congregation to express our gratitude and renew our commitment to being God’s stewards in this world.
Ways to Give
Electronic Giving
The Electronic Giving option is a flexible giving system that allows you to set up weekly, twice monthly or monthly gifts to Acts 2 directly from your checking or savings accounts. Sign up online or with forms available in the Gathering Area (outside the sanctuary) or in the Acts 2 office.
Give During Worship at Acts 2
You can participate during the worship service by placing your offering in the offering plate. Envelopes are available for cash gifts.
Give by Mail
You can mail your tithe or offering to the Acts 2 office or utilize your bank’s bill paying service to have checks automatically cut and mailed to Acts 2.
Other Giving Options
Making gifts of stocks, bonds and/or mutual funds can provide positive tax benefits. Remembering Acts 2 in your will establishes a legacy for you and your family.
Giving Options
Gifts of Cash
While all gifts mailed or hand delivered by Dec. 31 qualify for the charitable deduction, gifts of cash are the most common and the easiest way to give. If you itemize your tax deductions, gifts of cash are deductible up to 50% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). Give online
Gifts of Securities
Making gifts of stocks, bonds, and/or mutual funds directly to Acts 2 United Methodist Church can bring extra tax savings. If you have held such assets longer than one year, the gift can be deductible at full fair market value, not just the original cost. Giving this way enables you to bypass capital gains tax. Gifts of securities are deductible up to 30% of AGI.
Outright Gift of an Asset
If you wish to make a gift to support Acts 2 this year but are concerned about preserving your cash resources, consider a gift of an appreciated asset. A gift of securities, business interests or real estate can provide you with significant income and capital gains tax savings, often exceeding the benefits of a cash gift.
IRA Charitable Rollover
Congress made permanent the law that allows people age 70 1⁄2 or older who own an IRA to make cash gifts directly from their IRA to charity. For some people, this is the best tax-wise way to give. An IRA rollover gift will not be included in your taxable income and will qualify for your required minimum distribution.
Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
If you are looking for an end-of-year deduction but want more time to make thoughtful giving decisions, consider a donor-advised fund (DAF). Acts 2 in cooperation with the Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation can use your tax-deductible gift to establish a DAF in your name. You can make grants from your DAF now and in the future to support the work of your church.
Questions?
How much should I give?
The biblical example teaches that every believer gives a minimum of 10% of their income, a tithe, to the local church. Anything more than 10% is called an offering and is a way to honor God through giving sacrificially. If you have not yet experienced the joy of spirit-led stewardship, we encourage you to begin now by giving a percentage of your income. See what God will do through God’s extravagant generosity.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
All identifiable contributions to Acts 2 are tax-deductible. Annual giving statements are provided to help you keep track of your giving.
Get in Touch
For more information about giving and other charitable tax planning options, please contact our Business Administrator Jeff Hedrick.