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Giving first fruits to God

First Fruits Giving

“First Fruits Giving” means thinking first of God and giving to others before taking care of ourselves. This biblical foundation for faithful giving has fresh application in our day and time.

The biblical foundations

What is first-fruits giving?

First-fruits giving is an attitude and act of faith. It reflects our habit of responding gratefully to God before meeting all of our other obligations in life.

Quite simply, it means giving to God first, from the top of our blessings, not the bottom. It is the opposite of casual giving that is drawn from what we have left over, after first taking care of ourselves.

In ancient times when people lived off the land, first-fruits giving called on everyone to give the first and best of their harvest to God. You’ll find this stewardship principle in the Bible.(Deuteronomy 26:1-2)

How do I give in this way?

Today, first-fruits giving means setting our offerings as the highest priority in our financial decision-making. Before the goods of this life consume all our resources, we make a deliberate choice to give first to God. This means making a giving plan and writing checks before all of our income is spoken for.

What if I don’t have enough?

“Enough” is a relative term when it comes to the comforts of life. We wonder: Will there be enough to cover the bills, buy the things we want and need, and enjoy all that life has to offer? We get nervous and scared. Our culture adds to the stress, sending countless signals that encourage us to acquire more
and spend more.

Christians strive to appreciate God’s different economy. This is an economy not built on scarcity (“Will I have enough?”) but on abun-dance (“Why am I so blessed by God?”). Trusting God’s abundance is the key to faithful living.

The convenience of electronic giving

What is Electronic Funds Transfer?

Computer technology in the 21st century offers one convenient discipline for first-fruits giving. Through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), you can automatically move your offerings from your bank account directly to St. Paul Lutheran Church.

What are the practical benefits?

EFT can be a tool for commitment, convenience, and consistency in your giving. Your offering is given regularly, even when you’re away from worship for sickness, business, or vacation.

About 40% of all Quad-City households make online payments for mortgage, utilities, and other bills. In the same way, EFT is a contemporary option for making an offering in response to God’s gift of grace in our lives.

How does EFT assist the church?

A steady and consistent flow of giving helps support the church’s mission and ministries all year long.

How would a transfer of funds take place?

Funds will be withdrawn directly from your bank account, only with a form provided by the church office.

No one can deduct money from your account unless you specifically authorize it. Your bank statement would reflect automatic transfers from your account to the church.

How often would I give electronically?

You may specify the frequency of withdrawal for your offering: Once a month or twice a month. You may choose from three options: The first of the month only, the 16th of the month only, or the first and the 16th monthly.

Is electronic contribution risky?

No. It’s safer than writing a check. It can’t be lost, stolen, or destroyed in the mail. Plus, the transfer process has an extremely high rate of accuracy.

Is it confidential?

Your giving to the church, whether by check or EFT, is confidential. Procedures safeguard the privacy of your account information.

Is there a cost for EFT?

There is no cost to you, and a negligible bank charge for the congregation.

How can I keep a record of what I give?

Your offering will be withdrawn on a pre-determined day, so you can deduct it from your check record then. Your bank statement will include an itemized list of automatic deductions from your account. Four times a year, the church will send you a statement of your offerings.

May I designate multiple funds?

Your authorization form allows you to direct your giving to the General Fund (the day-to-day operation needs of St. Paul) and/or the Building Fund.

What if I change banks or accounts?

Contact the church business manager, who will send you a new authorization form to confirm changes you wish to make. Each fall, when you make a new financial pledge for the coming year, you will be responsible for authorizing any changes in your EFT plan.

A change in your economic circumstances may require a change in your offerings to the church. At anytime in the course of the year, just contact the business manager at church.

Offering Card

What about the offering in worship?

Each time we gather for worship, an offering is received. This is a deeply spiritual event, right in the center of our congregational prayer and praise.

The offering highlights the gratitude and responsibility we feel for returning a portion of our blessings to God for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need.

There will be festival days when you place a specially-marked envelope in the offering plate as it is passed. But in a regular way, you’ll find a green laminated card (in pew racks) that we encourage you to place in the offering plate each week. It can be a sign of your full participation in the congregation, and your joy in giving to the Lord.

More information

First-fruits giving brochures are available at Information Center in the Gathering Area. To learn more or to activate an EFT plan: contact Vicky Swartzendruber, .