Effective June 22, 2018, we are pleased to announce that Christ Our Light Church now provides online giving through software called Parish SOFT Giving (formerly Connect Now Giving). This is a convenient and safe way to make a one-time or recurring donation. Parish SOFT Giving is part of our parish database. It is less expensive for the parish and contributions are automatically entered into the database (rather than the secretary printing out a report and manually entering them). This program also offers forms that will be useful in many ways.
Getting started is easy—just click our online giving link.
When you participate, your gift will transfer directly into the parish bank account. And you won’t have to remember to write a check or stop by the ATM on Sundays!
If you manage your bills online, why not give to your church online? It’s safe and secure, and you decide exactly when your gift is made and where it goes. So, if you forgot your envelope last week, or if you missed our second collection, you can go online and make a gift to the special collection fund or our regular offertory. And if you still want to place something in the offertory basket, just pick up one of our “I GAVE ONLINE” cards on your way into church and use that at offertory time.
To create your Parish SOFT account:
1. Go to https://giving.parishsoft.com/dl/?uid=chri510191
(or click on the Parish SOFT Giving button)
2. Click on First Time? New User Registration button.
3. Set up your Donor Profile by entering your info., email & password (NOTE: Password must be at least 8 characters and must contain a combination of letters and numbers but no special characters).
4. Then you may set up your donations, scheduling recurring or one time, enter your banking info., etc. This new system also lets you include more than one fund at a time from this page (all Christ Our Light collections will be included on the drop-down list). NOTE: For each of our Flower Funds you'll need to include the intention names in the "Other Comments" section.
5. Although this contribution method costs you nothing, you may choose to click on the option to add 2.6 percent to help cover costs of processing for the parish.
What are the benefits of Parish SOFT Giving?
It is easy, convenient and safe.
It allows you to donate any amount, anytime from any device
with Internet access.
It puts all giving information at your fingertips to print receipts and track pledges.
How does Parish SOFT Giving help our parish?
It increases the efficiency of processing regular giving for financial planning.
It allows the church to more effectively engage with all our members and donors.
It utilizes technology to allow us to spread God’s Word through more consistent stewardship.
Is Parish SOFT Giving Safe?
Online Giving meets the highest banking-level security standards set forth by the Payment Card Industry (PCI) to ensure safe and confidential transactions. In fact, your banking information is encrypted in the system and is not accessible to any users or administrators of the Parish SOFT Giving system. When you manage your own account information, your church never needs to handle checks or worry about locking up documents containing your account information. And you’ll always be certain that your gifts are direct-deposited into your church’s account.
What are the advantages of Parish SOFT Giving?
Parish SOFT Giving makes it easy to give, even when you are unable to attend church.
You never have to bring cash, checks, or giving envelopes to church.
Parish SOFT Giving is secure. You can trust that your information is safe.
Giving electronically also helps the church save money and plan its budget!
How are my contributions automatically deducted from my account?
Once you complete the online registration form, the contribution amount you specify will automatically be transferred from your bank account to the church’s bank account.
If I do not write checks, how do I keep my checkbook balance straight?
Since your contribution is made at a pre-established time, you simply record it in your check register on the appropriate date. Electronic contributions are recorded for you on your bank statement as well as your online reports.
How can I prove I made my contribution?
Your bank statement and the Parish SOFT Giving system both provide reports that document your electronic transactions.
How much does Parish SOFT Giving cost?
It costs you absolutely nothing!
What if I try Parish SOFT Giving and don’t like it?
You can cancel your authorization by cancelling your gifts and donation dates at any time.
How do I sign up for Parish SOFT Giving?
Visit our church website at www.christourlight.org
Click on the Parish SOFT Giving link
Complete the online registration form
It’s that simple!
If you have any questions about Parish SOFT Giving or need assistance,
please contact Nelda Kurten at the Parish Office (936-825-3920).