Receipts for Income Tax Reduction
Gifts that can be identified are eligible for an income-tax reducing receipt. Biographical information on cheques, or pre-arranged donation envelopes or pre-authorized remittance enable this to happen.
Emergency Relief Giving
The United Church of Canada works with other churches and local agencies to respond to human needs and world crises. ACTS - Action of Churches Together - serves to minimize overhead, and maximize help for those in need.
Mission and Service Fund
The M and S Fund is the national United Church fund that provides for ministry and service across Canada (about 75% of the fund) and for Emergency Relief and World Development around the world (about 25% of the fund). Every dollar given to FGUC marked "M and S" goes directly to these needs.
Find the online donation page for these concerns at the denominational donation page.
Congregational Operation
The Widow's Mite
Jesus praised the woman who gave two pennies - not because she gave the biggest amount, but because she held back the least. Jesus teaching is not meant to affirm financing the work of compassion on the backs of the vulnerable; rather Jesus recognizes that every gracious gift matters.
Pledging
A pledge is a statement of one's intention of support. FGUC invites pledges in the fall of each year in order to have some sense of congregational support for the following year. Pledges are not required, and may be changed at any time.
Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR)
Many of our people arrange for financial support to come automatically from their financial institution. This reduces the worry of arranging weekly donations; provides a predictable cash flow, and ensures that support for helping ministries reaches its purpose when it is needed.
Bequests
Bequests enable significant progress on particular ministries or projects. The gift of accumulated wealth can bless generations yet to come. It is important to discuss your intentions with the Capital Campaign coordinator, and your family members.
Memorial Gifts
The Memorial Fund is available for those who wish to honour special events, or enshrine the memory of loved ones. This is not limited to the time of death, but also includes birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, and special acknowledgements.
The Memorial Fund tends to finance purchases that enhance the beauty or functionality of the church. Examples of such gifts have been stained glass, communion chalices, projection and sound equipment, the Memorial Lounge (renovation).
In lieu of flowers, consider inviting gifts to the Fort Garry United Church Memorial Fund.
Capital Campaign (Building Renewal)
FGUC is in the middle of a three part building renewal effort to upgrade ouf facility for modern congregational and community uses.
- The first phase included blueprints, foundation, electrical, ventilation, fire-safety work, and the new glass-door entrance. Thanks to tremendous support of the congregation, over a million dollars was raised without debt to achieve these ends.
- Phase Two is scheduled for the summer of 2012. The Lower Hall ceiling and ventilation is to be completed and the Hall divided into five meeting rooms for Adult, Child, and Community uses. Most of the money needed for this project is in hand.
- Phase Three involves the transposition of the Upper Hall, Kitchen, Offices and Sanctuary. The central offices will be replaced by a spacious foyer. While the project has been approved in principle, a congregational vote is needed, pending the final fundraising push, to authorize the final stage.
In lieu of flowers, consider inviting gifts to the Fort Garry United Church Building Fund.
To discuss donations or pledges, please speak to Dr. Ed Tyrchniewicz, Capital Campaign Chairperson.
Foundations
Fort Garry United Church does not maintain a Foundation at this time; encouraging major gifts to the congregation to go to the Building (Capital) Campaign. The United Church of Canada maintains a national foundation which may be explored at the national website.
