Your giving makes First United Methodist Church’s ministry of making disciples of Jesus Christ possible and allows us to be a place of “Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open doors.” In addition to tithes and offerings given through the offering plate during worship or brought into the church office during the week, there are additional ways to give:

Tithe.ly.com — This is our online/app based giving system. Please note that by clicking the link you will be taken to our secure page on the Tithe.ly.com website. Please contact John Collins at john@revcollins.com if you have any questions.

Electronic Funds Transfer — EFT allows consistent amounts to be regularly drawn directly from your checking or savings account. Please email Julie Mayden, the church’s administrative assistant, at julie@abilenefirstumc.org; call 785-263-2623 or stop by the church office for a form.

Mail — Checks or money orders may be mailed to First United Methodist Church, 601 N Cedar, Abilene, Kansas 67410.

Grain — We have an account at a local elevator (again, please feel free to contact the church office for further information).

“The Fund” — for gifts of appreciated stock and funds from IRAs and 401Ks (see below and feel free to contact the church office for more information and documentation).

“The Fund” has been established at the Dickinson County Community Foundation.

• This fund will be helpful for those who wish to give stock to the church.  If they give the stock directly to “The Fund” it can be used twice as a tax deduction for the giver.  (The giver will not need to pay capital gain taxes on the stock given and will reap the tax benefits of the charitable gift).
• Someone might want to give part of or all of their yearly withdrawal from their IRA or 401K.  If they give it to “The Fund” directly from either of them, they have the same advantages as above for tax purposes.
• One could designate that their IRA or 401K be given to the “The Fund” when they die.  This would supersede what is in your will.
• If a person designates in a will that they want a percentage of the estate or a set amount be given to “his or her” church, this is a great way to again avoid some taxes.
• You can make a charitable bequest of money, a specific property or even what’s left over after the rest of your estate is settled.  This type of charitable gift may qualify the estate for special tax benefits.  However, it will be part of the probate process so it might take some time and will be public.

“The Fund” has been established so that any funds put in it can be used at any time for expenses at the First United Methodist Church and the Church Treasurer can ask for whatever amount is needed from it to cover any expense of the church.  The money in “The Fund” will grow, tax-free to make the most of each person’s gift.