Q: How does online giving work?
You decide how much to give and you decide when it is withdrawn from your account. As you go through the online giving process, you will be directed through a short and simple process. These secure forms are used to collect your personal information and giving designations. At the end, you will be given an opportunity to review your entries before you make them final. At any point in the process, you are given an opportunity to cancel if necessary.
Be assured that your account information is not shared with anyone else.
Q: What are the benefits of giving online?
The online giving process will benefit both you as the giver and the church as the receiver. You benefit from the ability to create one or multiple giving schedules that fit your lifestyle. Online giving is fast, convenient and consistent. When you are out of town or unable to attend a service, you won't have to worry about the commitments you've made. In addition, the church will benefit from the decreased time and cost required to process these transactions as compared to paper checks.
Q: Do I need an envelope number?
Yes, you will be asked to provide your giving envelope number. This is to accurately provide you with a giving summary at the end of the year. If you need an envelope number, call the church office at 407-365-3484 and one will be set up for you.
Q: Am I required to set up a profile even for a one-time gift?
Yes, you will need to set up a profile . Your email address and a password will be used to access your online profile. First Baptist Oviedo does not have access to this profile, so be sure to use something that you can remember.
Q: Can I give directly to the building fund or missions?
Yes, you will be given the opportunity to enter an amount designated for the building fund and missions.
Q: How can funds be withdrawn directly from my account?
Only with your authorization. No one can deduct money from your account automatically unless you specifically authorize it.
Q: Are electronic contributions risky?
No. An electronic contribution is safer than writing a check, and it can't be lost, stolen or destroyed in the mail. All Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) transactions are governed by strict national rules and guidelines.
Q: When would this automatic contribution be taken from my account?
On the signup form, you can specify whether you want your contribution made monthly, twice a month, weekly, every two weeks, or even daily. You may also choose how many payments to make before the payments stop automatically. When the date you have selected falls on a weekend or holiday, the transaction will occur on the next banking day.
Q: If I don't write checks, how do I keep my checkbook balance straight?
Your contribution is made on a pre-established day, so you can deduct it from your check record then.
Q: Why can't I give by credit card?
We chose to take the time to set up online giving through electronic funds transfer rather than credit card for the primary reason that although many pay off their credit cards each month, many also do not. We didn't want to potentially put someone in the place of going in debt and paying credit interest on gifts given to the church.
Q: How can I keep a record of the amount I have contributed?
Your bank statement will include a list of automatic gifts given from your account. All Online Giving transactions will appear on your year-end contribution statement, along with any other contributions you have made.
Q: What if I change banks or accounts or want to change the amount of my contribution?
You can change your giving choices at any time by calling ServiceU's support line at 1-888-638-7439 or by logging onto your account. For security reasons the Church Office can not make changes
Q: How do I participate in the weekly offering if my contribution is automatically deducted from my bank account?
If you wish, you can write "I'm giving online" on the giving envelope and place it in the offering plate, but it is not necessary.
Q: Is there any charge to me from my bank to give online?
No. There are no bank fees to you for electronic funds transfers.
Q: Who do I talk to if I have more questions?
If you have questions about giving online, contact Financial Services by calling the Church Office at 407-365-3484.