We believe God has blessed each of us with varied talents, precious time, and abundant treasures. At Bethlehem, we encourage you to give one or all three of these resources with joy in your heart. We challenge our members, friends, and community to share in God’s grace through giving. Below are ways to give at Bethlehem. We enjoy deep, satisfying relationships with God’s people and community, enabled by the gifts received from our members.
Give Automatically
Online giving via our automated giving platform is easy and secure. You can select your method of giving (credit card or bank account), the fund you’d like to give to, and set the gift as recurring in a variety of increments. Note: The ideal method in terms of fees and planning would be a donation given through bank account transfer on a recurring basis. This our preference as it helps us wisely and accurately forecast budgets.
Give via text
For special events, disaster relief, or just because, we have the capability of giving quickly and securely through text message. Text a dollar amount and, if needed, the keyword for a specific fund, and the system will lead you through the setup process. Once you’ve connected your mobile device, future text giving takes only seconds, and is a great way to give to important appeals.
Give in-person
When we gather for worship, and often for special events, we’ll take an offering. You are welcome to place cash and/or check donations in the offering plate or designated basket. If you would like your cash donation to be recorded for tax purposes, use a provided envelope with your information on the front.
Give via Time & Talent
We all have gifts, talents, and passions, and there is a place at Bethlehem for you to use yours. **During the global pandemic, our options to serve are limited. The needs of the church and the community are ever-changing. If you are planning to attend church this year and would like to volunteer to serve during services, please contact the church office.
Give via financial products or qualified charitable distributions
Bethlehem is honored to be a part of your giving plan. We accept and encourage gifts through will/estate plans and insurance distributions, and have resources to help create these kinds of plans. We also work regularly with annual or regular qualified charitable distributions, and are happy to work with you and your financial institution to make this process as straightforward as possible.
Legacy Gift Agreement (for submission)
Legacy Gift Agreement (for printing)
Tax Deductions & Implications
Gifts made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church are tax deductible. Payments for event or program registrations, deposits for trips, the sale of products like Bible study books, or other non-donations gifts are NOT tax deductible. We’ll send our giving statements at the end of each year, and donation history and giving statements are available for print or download through our system. The taxes implications for Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are managed by your financial institution, and are not deductible at Bethlehem’s level.