General Fund
Our general fund is the “tithe” fund. The majority of our folks give their weekly offerings to this fund. It is the fund that we use to pay our bills that keeps the ministry running. It is also the fund that we use to support our mission partners both locally and globally.
Pledges
Each falll, First Lutheran begins its process of assessing its finances in order to plan for ministry in the coming year. A vital part of that process is for members to make a formal pledge of their estimated giving for the next year. Please prayerfully consider making a pledge to First Lutheran. Estimate of giving cards are available at the church office.
Memorials
If you have a loved one that you want to give a gift in memory of we have many options. These are some of the favorites: Worship, The Banquet, Bible Camp Scholarships, Radio Broadcast, and many, many more. Connect with us and we will assist you with the memorial gift that is the right for you and giving God praise!
Endowment
The Endowment Fund is a separate incorporated extension of the church. The Endowment donations are invested in perpetuity to generate an annual earnings stream that grows over time. The principle is maintained and proceeds support and expand the many outreach and ministry programs at First Lutheran, in the Fremont community, in our region, and around the world. This creates a gift that continues to give year after year, to support and expand the mission and ministry of First Lutheran Church.
The Endowment Fund is managed by an elected Board. The Board, in response to formal, written grant requests, determines how the proceeds are dispersed from the endowment fund. Requests for funds are granted in four areas:
- Capital improvement within First Lutheran,
- Grants or scholarships to members of First Lutheran for educational purposes,
- Outreach programs within the community, and
- Missions of the ELCA at home and overseas.
Ways to Give
Financial gifts sent to the church, or left in the offering plates, are not only appreciated, but continue to fulfill our mission together.
Check or Cash remain popular options.
Automatic Withdrawals
Withdrawals authorized annually, quarterly, monthly, semi-monthly or weekly for a specified amount can be made from your checking or savings account. This is a convenient way to ensure that your giving is consistent even when you are out of town. COMPLETE THIS FORM and return it to Wendy Grosse in the church office. Indicate the amount of the gift, where it is to go (tithes, building, etc), as well as when you want it to start and when you want it deducted from your checking or savings account. OR you CLICK HERE to set it up yourself using the Recurring Donations section. This is an independent provider (Vanco). Please note: If you use a debit card or a credit card, there are associated fees to the church. But if you do it directly from your savings or checking account, there are no fees to you or the church.
Bill Pay Through Your Bank
Contact your personal bank and set First Lutheran Church up as a bill pay. Most local banks offer this as a free service to their customers. You would indicate the amount of giving (and to what you would like it to go to, tithes, building fund, etc.) and the date you want it taken from your checking or savings account.
Text 2 Give
Text the amount of your gift to 402-999-4983. The first time you give, you will be directed to the Vanco payment information to enter your credit card information. The next time you give, you will just need to enter the amount of your gift in the text message area.
Stocks or Mutual Funds
Publicly-traded securities can be donated to the church and may also provide significant tax benefits to the donor. Speak with your tax adviser for more information.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)
If you are required to receive an RMD, talk with your tax and/or retirement advisor about a charitable rollover to First Lutheran Church. This allows you to give to First Lutheran directionally from your IRA without having to pay taxes on that distribution. This allows you to meet your tithing pledge while saving in taxes – it’s a win/win!
Estate Gifts
Gifts granted by will, trust or beneficiary designation are common ways for people to plan their legacies and allows you to plan a future gift while you keep control of your assets during your lifetime. You can designate a specific amount as a gift, or you can designate a percentage of your estate. Additionally tax benefits may result. Contact your estate planner and/or accountant to see if this may be an option for you.
Life Insurance Beneficiary
Designate First Lutheran as a beneficiary on an insurance plan or retirement account.
Other Giving Options
- If you are a Thrivent member, direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars© to First Lutheran Church.
- If you are a Thrivent member, apply for Thrivent Action Team to support First Lutheran volunteer projects.
- Employer Match Programs to Non-Profit Charity
Give Online
We have an online portal available to accept payments and gifts online.