Online Giving FAQs
Q: Who should give online?
A: Anyone who is looking for a simpler way to assure their giving. Anyone who would like to give to the ministry of Highland Park Presbyterian Church either one time or on a recurring basis.
Q: Is online giving secure?
A: Yes it is! See our page about security, where we describe the features of 128 bit encryption. click here
Q: When are gifts processed?
A: All gifts are processed either on the 15th or the 30th. [needs to coincide with when our vendor / accounting department will process the payments]
Q: What if I'm not a Highland Park Presbyterian Church member, but I want to make a donation? How would I be able to get a statement for tax purposes?
A: We are happy to receive your gift, above and beyond your normal giving to your own church home. Online giving is a perfect way for you to give. All givers receive a contribution statement regardless of membership status, assuming we have all of their correct address information.
assumes we will accept donations from non members – input form will need to gather address information. Input form will also need to have a space to check if donor is a member or not]
Q: What if I want to cancel or change my online giving?
A: No problem, just resubmit the giving form online again. There is a question on the form which asks you if this request is a CHANGE or an ADDITION to your existing recurring giving already on file. If you have any questions, you may contact us at 214-526-1766, x1290.
Q: Will my online gifts be included on my Statement of Contributions?
A: Yes, they will be included and designated as such.
Q: Can I view my past giving history online?
A: At this time, your past giving history is not available online. You will continue to receive your Statements of Contribution as in the past, and these gifts will be included on those statements. [does the system allow for this functionality]
Q: How can I get a receipt of my online gift?
A: You may print out your confirmation screen as your receipt, or you may also print out the confirmation email which is sent to you. Either is considered a valid receipt. But remember, your gift WILL appear on your regular statement of contributions as well! [does the system allow for this functionality]
Q: What about my offering envelopes?
A: Envelopes are provided and mailed to all Highland Park Presbyterian Church members to assist in establishing faithful patterns of giving and providing records of gifts. If you choose online giving, you may still use your envelope to return during a service of worship as a testimony and reminder of your faith and faithfulness to God. Simply write "online gift" on the outside of the envelope. This will signal our accounting office and yet provide a way for you, if you so desire, to participate during services of worship. The key is not how we give--giving can be done in a variety of ways today-but rather, Who (How many of us?), What (Am I faithful?), and Why (Am I obedient and thankful for all God has done for me?).
Q: What are the benefits of online giving?
A: You can prioritize giving in your budget. The Bible indicates giving is to be a "first" and not a last or leftover matter in my life.
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10.
It is easy to let our standards and intentions be compromised by the press of expenses and billing cycles.
You can increase your faithfulness. Have you ever forgotten your gift, left it at home or pledged to double it in the future? Have you had times where you have fallen behind because of travel and other schedule interruptions? Online giving provides a way to strengthen your faithfulness.
You can help your church. Through online giving, you expedite your gift, simplify our accounting, and strengthen our base of regular support.
You can encourage faith and faithfulness in the lives of fellow believers. As you plan and prioritize your giving, you will lead the way for others to grow and mature in their spiritual stewardship. Being a forerunner in this new area of planned giving, you can provide personal testimony and example for others to follow.
