Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
(2 Corinthians 9:7)
Mystic Congregational Church offers us numerous gifts. For many, our church provides ways to explore our spirituality and to provide connections with God. For others, our church is a strong church family and about a community that we can look to for support and love. Lastly, our church provides ways we can serve others and work towards a more just world.
Mystic Congregational Church has an annual stewardship drive that seeks pledges from our members and friends to keep our church and ministry thriving. The practicalities of running our church include maintaining the building, employing a staff, and implementing programs and ministries to reach the larger community. If you are enjoying our services, music and outreach programs, we hope you will join us in serving God by making a financial pledge to the church so we may continue our mission and grow our ministries. If making a pledge commitment is new to you, start small and grow with us!
Why give to MCC?
Read what some of our members have to say:
"Stewardship involves giving back. We all are warmed by fires we did not build. And so providing some 'fuel', whether a stick or a log, helps increase the light this church shines on the world. Being part of the contributing community warms our hearts." --Robin and Paul Geise
“We give, and increase our pledge each year, to fund our staff. Our Pastors, Music Director and Administrative Assistant are excellent. Our historic building is important, but our staff and our congregation make this our spiritual home. If we don't support the Church financially, none of this can happen. “ -- Laurel Butler and Chris Daniels
How Much Should I Give?
Giving comes from the heart and prayer is essential for determining what to give.
This is no small question, and there is no one answer. Biblical tithing is to give 10% of what we have; however, not everyone can give at that level at all times of their lives.
A suggestion is to think of what you have, then what you want to give, save, and spend in that order. As a guide, we suggest between 4% - 10% of your income. If you currently give 4%, can you raise it to 5%, or 6% next year?
Stewardship should be intentional but will be variable as your life and circumstances change. Give what you can joyfully and thankfully. Every gift, however big or small, is a valuable contribution. Whatever you give, we are thankful.
How Can I Give?
There are many ways to give back to God what God has so freely given you.
Check – Send a check, payable to Mystic Congregational Church, to the church at 43 East Main Street, Mystic, CT 06355. If you have one, please include your envelope number in the Memo line of your check, as well as any specific designations (e.g., Pledge, Building Fund, Pastor’s Discretionary Fund).
Bill Pay - Most banks and credit unions offer online bill payment services. You may set this up as a one-time payment or as periodic payments (weekly, monthly, etc.). No stamps are needed! When you set up your bill payment, enter “Mystic Congregational Church” as the Payee, and 43 East Main Street, Mystic, CT 06355 as the mailing address. Please enter your envelope number in the account section. The check will be sent directly from your bank to MCC.
Online via PayPal or Credit Card– For those who prefer to give electronically, you can donate securely online through the “Donate” button at the bottom of the page.
- For this option, the church pays a fee to PayPal of 2.2% of the donation plus $0.30 per transaction. Please consider donating a little extra to cover these fees.
Donate stock, mutual fund, or ETF (exchange traded fund)
Donate from a Donor-Advised Fund, which is a charitable giving account, such as PayPal Giving Charity, Fidelity Charitable or Vanguard Charitable.
Donate a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
- Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are the minimum amounts you must withdraw from your retirement accounts each year. You generally must start taking withdrawals from your traditional IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, and retirement plan accounts when you reach age 72 (73 if you reach age 72 after Dec. 31, 2022).
If you would like more information about these donation options, please contact Jack Leary or Keith Covin email: treasurer@mysticucc.org
Mystic Congregational Church is recognized by the IRS as a Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your gifts may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. Consult with your tax advisor or the IRS to determine if your contributions are deductible.
Planned Giving
Continue the work of the church through your legacy.
At the end of your life, your final pledge may be one of the most significant gifts you make, as a way to advance the work of the church through your legacy. Talk with your financial advisor as you consider how much you should give.
This can be done through:
- Naming MCC in your will – just as you would for your family members or other non-profits
- Naming MCC on a life insurance policy – either as a contingency for a current policy or as a beneficiary of a new policy
- Designating MCC as a beneficiary of your retirement accounts, such as an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), 403(b), 401(k).
- Providing for MCC through a Charitable Gift Annuity or Charitable Remainder Trust.
Give Your Time and Talent
God has equipped each of us with unique talents and passions to spread God’s light and love. Where can you give of yourself for God’s world and our church community? What makes you feel the Holy Spirit flowing through and around you? Where are others in need and you feel called to serve? There are many ways to give of your time and talents. Click here for more information
Questions?
Email our Treasurer, at treasurer@mysticucc.org, or Stewardship Chair by contacting the church office: office@mysticucc.org
