Funds

• General Fund:  The General Fund covers the operating expenses of the yearly budget including utilities, payroll, and supports the educational funds.

 

• Growth Fund:  Funds are used for programs and ministries that will grow our worship, our members, and our involvement within the community.

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• LYO Fund:  Funds collected are used to re-establish an active program at Oak Valley Lutheran Church.  This includes devotion materials, supplies/materials, food, trips, retreats, chaperone expenses, National Youth Gathering (held every 3 years) and to offset the cost of the yearly fall LYO Synod Gathering.

 

• Men’s Fund:  Funds are used to cover the cost of their Fall Dinner and Fish Fry (in the Spring).  The Men’s Group also is a supporter of the many youth programs and miscellaneous charities. 

 

• Sunday School Fund:  Funds collected are used to cover yearly curriculum, Bibles, supplies, and gifts.  Funds will also be used to offset the cost of retreats and lock-ins.

 

• Building Fund:  Funds are used for upkeep of our facility and major repairs that pop up unexpectedly.

 

• Cemetery Fund:  Funds collected are used for the upkeep and maintenance of the 4 cemeteries under our care.

 

• Memorial Fund:  This fund affords our members who may be traveling or not able to attend a service to still give a Memorial.  The funds are used for special upgrades of our church outside the realm of building maintenance.

 

• Archives & History Fund:  Funds are used for the preservation of documents and Oak Valley church history.

 

• Campership Fund:  Funds are used to supplement the cost of summer Bible Camp participation of those with financial need to attend any of the 4 ELCA camps within our Synod.

 

• Music Ministry Fund:  Funds are used to purchase special music, maintenance of sound system, camera system, purchase of microphones and replacement of said equipment.

 

• Vacation Bible School Fund:  Funds are used to keep the cost of Vacation Bible School to a minimum for our campers.  Funds are also used to buy snacks for the youth and provide meals for the counselors each day.

 

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Electronic Giving

 

Open your heart without opening your checkbook       

​Electronic Giving is the term used to describe automatic methods for making contributions on a regular basis without the need to write checks, carry cash or prepare envelopes. Although Direct Debit Giving is the original and most popular form of electronic giving, the term is now widely used to describe Credit & Debit Card Giving and Online Giving as well. The following discussion pertains only to Direct Debit Giving.  Electronic Giving is a convenient way to provide consistent financial support to our church. Please contact the church office (701-338-2143) or email cvbakken@srt.com  to learn how you can participate. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Direct Debit Giving

 

Q.    What are the major advantages of electronic giving by direct debit?

A.    Direct debit is all about convenience for you and consistency for the church. Electronic giving eliminates frequent check writing and helps members stay on track with pledges even when they are unable to attend services. The church in turn benefits from much-needed donation consistency and a reduction in the volume of check and cash contributions that must be handled and manually processed in the church office.

 

Q.   How does Direct Debit Giving work?

A.    Contributions are transferred automatically from your checking or savings account to the church’s bank account.

 

Q.   How are my automatic contributions deducted and transferred?

A.    First, you sign and return an authorization form to the church indicating the amount you wish to contribute on a regular basis.  Contributions are then transferred through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network—the same network already used by families to make mortgage and utility payments or to receive payroll earnings and Social Security income. Direct debit goes by other names including Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), automatic payment, or simply, ACH.

 

Q.   When will my contribution be debited from my account?

A.    A debit to your account will occur each month on the date you specify on your authorization form.

 

Q.   How will I keep track of contributions in my check register?

A.    Since your contribution is made at a pre-established time, you simply record it in your check register on the appropriate date. Electronic contributions will appear on your bank statement.

 

Q.   What can I use to prove I made a contribution?

A.    Your bank statement will show an itemized list of electronic transactions that can be used as proof of your contributions.

 

Q.   Is giving by direct debit risky?

A.    It is certainly less risky than writing checks or carrying cash to church. To process electronic donations, the church uses Vanco Services, LLC—an established and highly-regarded company that moves funds directly from church members to the church on the same day without any delay. Vanco processes contributions for more than 10,000 churches and nonprofit organizations.

 

Q.   How much does direct debit giving cost?

A.    It costs you nothing and it costs the church very little. It is the lowest cost method of transferring funds.

 

Q.   What if I try electronic giving by direct debit and don’t like it?

A.    You can cancel your authorization at any time by notifying the church.

 

Q.   How can I sign up for electronic giving by direct debit?

A.    Complete, sign and return an authorization form to the church office.