Some Thoughts About Giving at the River...
(Please note: This section of the website is specifically for those who are River Partners.)
The River is wholly supported by the gifts of those within the church. You've probably noticed that we don't pass a collection plate at the River. This is not because we don't value offerings. Rather, we want those who consider the River their home church to give intentionally and thoughtfully.
The Bible says quite a bit about generous giving. It teaches that those who benefit from a ministry should make a commitment to support it financially. Here are a couple sections from the letters written by the apostle Paul to the Corinthians regarding their financial giving:
Paul's encouragement to the followers of Christ in Corinth...
"...Now about the collection for the Lord's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made..." (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
"...Remember this - a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. 'For God loves a person who gives cheerfully'..." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
These verses illuminate a number of principles that may be helpful to us as we think about giving:
- "on the first day of each week...." suggests that giving is regular and proactive (as opposed to giving on the spur of the moment)
- "each one of you should set aside a sum of money..." indicates that everyone should be involved at some level
- "in keeping with your income..." suggests that our giving should be proportionate. The more we have, the more we give.
- "he who plants generously will get a generous crop...." Paul encourages generosity---for our own benefit! God promises His backing for those who cultivate a generous lifestyle.
- "decide in your heart...don't give reluctantly...give cheerfully" Paul seems to be saying that our heart's attitude is the most important part of giving. God's blessing is over intentional, cheerful giving...both for the church and the giver.
How To Give at the River...
On Sunday: There are offering boxes near the entrance for your gifts. Many people in the church also use their banks "Auto-Bill Pay" system to give regularly. In addition, we now offer Online Giving.
3 Steps to Online Giving:
Step 1: Follow the secure link below and click "Create Account."
Step 2: Provide the information requested.
Step 3: Choose the amount you'd like to give and frequency (one-time or recurring).
Online Giving...now available!
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Giving:
Q: Is it safe to give online?
Yes. In many ways it's safer than writing a check because an electronic gift cannot be lost or stolen.
Q: Who processes my online giving?
At the River, we use an online database called Fellowship One. This secure system is used by churches throughout the country and has been fully tested. Your information is held securely by the Fellowship One and will never be given away to third parties.
Q: What types of accounts can I give from?
You can give from your checking account, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express.
Q: Are there any fees involved with giving online?
Not for the giver. The church pays all fees associated with online giving--a very efficient way for us to process donations. (Using your bank's 'Automatic Bill-Pay system' involves no cost at all to either the church or to you.)
Q: If I want to set-up a recurring gift, what are my options for frequency of my gift?
You have the option of giving weekly, twice a month, or once a month.
Q: Can I make a one-time contribution?
Yes. The system allows you may make a one-time contribution or set up a recurring gift.
Q: Can I change my personal info, the amount or frequency of my gift once I have set it up?
Yes. You can change or cancel your contribution at any time.
Q: Can I review my donation history online?
Yes, you can view the complete history of your contributions, (whether given online or otherwise.)
Q: Will I still receive regular contribution statements from the church?
Yes. The church will continue to mail year-end contribution statements on file for tax purposes.
Q: When will contributions be taken from my account?
Contributions will be taken from your specified bank account within 48 business hours of the date you requested. This time frame allows time for the contribution to process through your bank and the church’s bank. If the date of your contribution falls on a weekend or a holiday, the transaction will be initiated on the next banking day.
Q: Can I designate my gift to a particular cause?
No, all online giving goes into the general fund of the River.
Q: I have additional questions about online giving. Who can I talk to?
Please feel free to contact us at finance@riverNYC.org with any additional questions or concerns.
Online Giving
Your information is held securely by the Fellowship One. system. This information will remain private and will never be given away to third parties, other than to process your scheduled contributions.
You can schedule new contributions at any time and can modify or cancel those contributions at any time prior to the date they are scheduled. Once the contribution has been processed, however, it cannot be cancelled. If you have any problems or questions related to this, please contact us at finance@riverNYC.org
