“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart what to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
How to Decide How Much to Give?
That’s a big question, an important question. We know from Scripture that “God loves it when we delight in giving,” so instead of giving until it hurts, give until it feels great! You may want to plan your gift as a percentage of your income (some figure it before taxes and others after taxes). Lots of people give 5% of their income; if that’s too big a stretch to start, why not begin with 2% this year and move up to 3% next year? Remember that everything comes from God and then prayerfully consider how you can give back to God with a spirit of delight and thanksgiving.
Your tithes and gifts to the church and the church’s missions are honored with faithful, ethical and accountable stewardship. First Church is a nonprofit 501 (C) (3) tax exempt organization and your gifts are tax deductible.
Making a pledge
Your pledge to ministries within the church will support pastoral care, worship, music, Christian formation/education for children, youth and adults, salaries, heat, insurance, etc. As well as, Outreach helping build homes, funding global health and education missions, adult literacy, feeding the hungry, emergency shelters and more.
You may designate your annual pledge to the current year’s budget.
How to Give?
ONLINE
Give a one-time or recurring gift online with a credit or debit card
IN PERSON
Place cash or checks, made out to First Church Congregational
- In the offering plate during Sunday morning services
- At the Church office Monday through Thursday 9-3
- By mail to First Church Congregational, 148 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT 06824 Attention: Jacque Paige
NON-CASH GIFTS
Donate items such as: stocks, bonds, property or other in-kind gifts.
Please see below for further details regarding an in-kind gift.
If you are thinking of making a gift to the Church of property, art or other valuables contact Vanessa Rose, (Pastor) or Jacque Paige
In-kind Gifts
Stock Transfer
Securities are another way to help First Church and our mission. Appreciated securities, whether they are stocks, bonds or annuities, provide the same benefit as a cash gift. The donor can avoid the Capital Gains taxes and many times the fair-market value of the appreciated securities can be deducted, if the donor held them for longer than six months. However, on average, donors will sell depreciated securities and give the cash proceeds to First Church Congregational, Fairfield. The donors are able to take a capital loss on the depreciation and still receive a charitable income tax deduction for the amount of cash donated.
Stocks can be transferred to First Church’s investment account. Regardless of what broker you use, there is no need to set up another account in First Church Congregational, Fairfield’s name with your broker. Simply call us and we will provide the account number to make the transfer.
If you hold the securities in certificates, do not endorse the certificates. Simply send the unendorsed certificates to First Church Congregational with a letter via first class mail, insured for the value of the stock. We will send you a stock power to be completed and signed, with your signature being guaranteed (usually by a bank official showing that this is indeed your signature.) The stock power should then be mailed to us via first class mail.
Life Insurance Wills
You can make a legacy gift by leaving money in your will to the church. Please contact Jacque Paige, for more information.
Life Insurance: If you have a life insurance policy, you can add First Church Congregational, Fairfield as a beneficiary. Whether this is a new policy or existing policy that has been paid in full, ask your insurance company for a beneficiary designation form.
Memorial Gifts / Special Offerings
You can make a gift in memory of a loved one or designate your gift for a specific program or mission.
Contact Jacque Paige