University Blog

Friends,

As Christians, we recognize everything we have comes from God, and we are simply sharing these gifts for Kingdom work. Through our tithes and offerings, we demonstrate in a tangible way our love for God and our neighbors. Annual giving makes possible many ministry areas at University including worship, programs for children, students, nursery, special needs, outreach, campus, care and community, recreation, discipleship, hospitality, Bible studies, small groups and building and operational needs. Without your support, some of these ministries would not be able to be funded.   

There are several options when it comes to giving tithes and offerings. Here are some of the available options to give at University.

• Recurring gifts can be set up on the church website by clicking here. You can give by debit, credit or bank account draft.  By setting up a bank transfer, you will save the church approximately three percent of your gift compared to using a credit card. 
  
  
• Checks or Cash can be given in the offering plate, dropped off at the office or mailed to the church. 
  
  
• Planned Giving is a legacy gift to University’s Foundation and is one way of furthering your lifetime commitment and stewardship by remembering the Foundation in your will or trust.  The Foundation ensures the long–range financial growth and sustainability of University. 

With the new tax laws that went into effect December 2017, there are several new options you may want to consider for tithes and offerings. 

• Charitable IRA rollovers may be especially beneficial in 2018. If you're age 70.5 or older, you can make direct contributions, up to $100,000 annually, from your IRA to qualified charitable organizations without owing any income tax on the distributions. This break may be especially beneficial now because of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) changes that affect who can benefit from the itemized deduction for charitable donations.
  
  A charitable IRA rollover can be used to satisfy required minimum distributions (RMDs). You must begin to take annual RMDs from your traditional IRAs in the year you reach age 70.5. If you don't comply, you can owe a penalty equal to fifty percent of the amount you should have withdrawn but didn't. (Deferral is allowed for the initial year, but you'll have to take two RMDs the next year.)
  
  So if you don't need the RMD for your living expenses, a charitable IRA rollover can be a great way to comply with the RMD requirement without triggering the tax liability that would occur if the RMD were paid to you.
  
  
• Appreciated Stock is an additional giving option.  Contact the Finance Department by contacting Debbie at or at 210-696-1033.

My hope during this Christmas season is that you pray and ask God for His guidance and discernment on giving back to His work and ministry on this earth through University.

Blessings, 
Debbie Vignes
Director of Finance/HR