Q: What is e-Giving?
A: e-Giving is making a donation to Christ Church through a secure website, using your computer, iPad, or smart phone. It is similar to the way financial transactions and purchases are done online.
Q: Do I have to use e-Giving to give to Christ Church?
A: NO, this convenient way to give is being ADDED to the many ways you now can give your gift, tithe, or other donation to the Church. You do NOT have to change the way you are currently giving to the Church, unless you wish to do so! We will continue to pass offering plates and process checks as we have been doing.
Q: How does it work?
A: When you connect with the Church’s website to give, you will be rerouted to BlueFire, a secure financial website where you provide information about the source of your donation (credit card, debit card, eCheck), the amount, and whether it is a one-time or recurring donation.
Q: Is it safe to give online?
A: Yes. In many ways giving online is safer than writing a check because an electronic gift cannot be lost or stolen. Our system uses the very latest encryption technology. Your password is encrypted using very secure “salted hash” technology.
Q: How secure is this new system?
A: The financial transaction is between you and a very secure system, like many that accept credit card charges, except ours is designed for churches. Christ Church will not collect any identifying or financial information about you in our computers. The BlueFire system communicates directly with our CCB to tell us your name and the amount of your gift but does not give us any information about your card or bank accounts. BlueFire also automatically deposits your gift in the Christ Church bank account for us.
Q: Do I have to “log in” to use the e-giving system?
A: No. You do not have to use the registration and log-in function but we encourage you to do so. When you register and log in, you are increasing the security of our system.
Q: Will I be charged a fee for this service?
A: NO. The BlueFire system will charge the church a small fee for every transaction. The fee is NOT reflected in the amount you give.
Q: How will I know if the recurring donation has been made?
A: An email will be sent to you before a charge is about to be made on your account, giving you time to modify or cancel it. After the transaction, you will be sent an email receipt thanking you for your donation and noting the date and amount. You will also still receive a Donation Report for Tax purposes at the end of the year.
Q: How soon after my e-giving donation will the money come out of my account?
A: Normally within 48 hours of your request. US banking rules govern money moving from one bank to another. It takes a little time for your bank to release the funds, and for it to appear in Christ Church’s bank account. After this has occurred you will receive a receipt and “thank you” by email.
Q: Can I designate my donation to a particular cause?
A: Our financial policy has always been to accept donations for only three funds: 1) the General Fund, 2) the Building Fund/ BFM, and 3) the Short Term Missions Fund. You will be given the option to designate your donation to one of these three funds when you make your transaction.
Q: I have questions or concerns about online giving, who can I talk to?
A: While most members are already familiar with using credit/debit cards to make payments online, some will have questions. We welcome the opportunity to help you become more comfortable with e-giving. Contact the Church office and you will be directed to the appropriate person to answer your specific questions.
Q: OK, how do I get started?
A: Go to our Giving Page and click on “Give Online” to set up or manage your gifts. Or you can scan the QR code that will be conveniently printed weekly in the bulletin. There you can make a one-time donation, create a recurring donation, or change a donation. You will get an email notice of your completed transaction.