Sharing Our Time, Talents and Treasure
 

Come and experience the warmth and acceptance of our St. John's United Church family. Whether you are new to town or have never been in our church before, you are welcome to join us to think, feel and experience God in Jesus Christ. If you find enlightenment, peace and joy, you may want to consider becoming a permanent member of our family and share your time, talents and treasure.
 

Sharing Time & Talents?
We invite you to participate and help in the life and work of St. John's United Church.  But, don't worry, there is no rush.  When you feel ready and able to share, we will welcome your gift of time and talent.  You may wish to join a small group, attend an activity, contribute to worship through music, drama or technology, volunteer to help with coffee, connect with others serving in the community, participate in a committee or start up something new
 

In today's world, time is a very valuable commodity.  Sharing one's time and talents with others at St. John's is a true gift.  We hope that you will feel comfortable enough to give this gift and make a difference in other people's lives.  When you are ready to do so, please contact our Minister or a member of Church Council.
 

Sharing Treasure?

Each Sunday we dedicate a financial Offering to God through the singing of these words,

"We give thee but thine own,

What e’er the gift may be
all that we have is thine alone,
a trust, O God, from thee"

These phrases speak to our belief that we are called upon to share the treasure (financial resources) that we have been blessed with.  We invite you to consider doing the same.  But again, there is no rush.  You will know when the time is right.  However, many new to church are unsure as to how one contributes and have asked for a clear explanation of what and how to give.

Together the members of St. John's contribute financially to support the ministries and programs of this church. The money needed is raised solely from among the members of St. John's. It is used to fund the key personnel that lead us on our faith journey. It is used to support our worship and programs. It is used to operate and maintain our facilities, so that they can be ready for worship and outreach in our community. It is used to assist with the pastoral care of others and the support of God's work locally, nationally and globally. This combined work is valued at over $320,000 and must be raised annually

Christian tradition speaks to believers giving a "tithe" or a 10% contribution of annual income, goods, natural produce, etc. In today's world, a "tithe" is more often defined as the giving of 10% of annual income and investments, with 5% donated to support God's work through others charities in the community (eg: donations to United Way, Red Cross, etc.) and 5% donated to support the work of God's church through a local congregation. For many of us trying to make ends meet, such percentages seem daunting. At St. John's, we encourage proportional giving as a way to give thanks to God. We ask our members to begin by sharing 2% of their annual pre-tax income and investments to further God's work through this community of faith. However, what you choose to give is a personal and confidential decision based on your own situation. We understand and welcome all contributions, as collectively they contribute to furthering God's work in our community and beyond. Remember, that as a church, we are in the practice of growing generous givers!

View our Special Gifts Fund policy here.

Below is an explanation of the six different ways current members select to give financially to the work of our church.  Please review and determine which form of sharing best works for you.  When you are ready, please let us know.

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sign up for  PAR

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just like your utilities. This is our preferred method for receiving your gift.

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most of our budget is based on predictable amounts from PAR givers.

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PAR fits in well with a personal budget organized on a monthly basis.

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PAR can still give over and above their budgeted amount for special collections.

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PAR remittances can be dedicated in specific amounts to specific areas of our Church Budget such as LOCAL (Operating & Outreach Expenses), BUILDING (Maintenance & Repair Expenses), MISSION & SERVICE (UCC National & Global Mission Contributions), VISION 2020 (Contributions towards the future of St. John's).  LOCAL is our greatest need.

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once you complete the PAR application form, you will be assigned an internal account #.

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PAR can be modified at any time by contacting the Church Office/Envelope Secretary.

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use CHURCH

ENVELOPES

If PAR is not for you, church envelopes can provide flexibility for your budget on a weekly, biweekly, monthly basis.

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the allocation to specific areas of our Church Budget (described above in PAR section) can vary each time, if desired, by simply filling in the amounts on the front of the envelope.

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envelopes are less predictable for church budgeting, unless individuals themselves are consistent in their use and are able to plan how they fit into a personal budget.

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envelopes are available from the Church Office/Envelope Secretary, who will assign you an internal account # for tax purposes.

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donate ONLINE

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·        this is great for those comfortable with internet charitable donations or if you want to give a donation as a gift card (spread the word to family and friends).

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you can choose a one-time donation or setup an account for annual or monthly gifts.

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select specific areas of our Church Budget (described above in the PAR section) that you wish to support from the drop down menu.

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a separate Charitable Tax Receipt is issued electronically by CanadaHelps for each donation.

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there is a small fee to the church for the service, but it provides another opportunity for people anywhere in Canada to support St. John's.

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use MEMORIAL

CARDS

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these are available at Jones' Funeral Home or from the Church Office.

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memorial donations may be directed by the donor and are accepted as part of our SPECIAL GIFTS Fund

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plan a

BEQUEST

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·        consider making St. John's the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or annuity.

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·        consider leaving a legacy to St. John's in your Will.

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·        contact the Finance Committee at St. John's or the United Church of Canada by email at "giving@united-church.ca" and ask for their assistance in directing your legacy to St. John's United Church.

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legacy bequests may be directed by the donor and are accepted as part of our SPECIAL GIFTS Fund

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use PEW

ENVELOPES

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if you don't have a PAR # or Church Envelope #, just write your name and address on the envelope, so we can issue a charitable receipt.

IMPORTANT PERSONAL INCOME TAX INFO   At the end of each calendar year, you will receive a cumulative Charitable Donations Receipt from St. John's United Church (excluding Online Donations receipted separately through CanadaHelps) that can be used when filing your Personal Income Tax.