Support the Mission: Faith, Hope, and Action
At First United Methodist Church of Elgin, your generosity allows us to be a beacon of hope in the heart of our city. Whether we are rebuilding our historic home after the 2025 storm, feeding our neighbors through the Soup Kettle, or supporting those in sudden crisis, your gifts turn our shared faith into tangible action.
Why We Give
At First United Methodist Church of Elgin, giving is an act of worship and an expression of our gratitude for God’s blessings. When we give, we are not just maintaining a building; we are investing in the "Heart of the City."
Your gifts allow us to:
- Worship: Create a sacred space for all people to experience God's grace.
- Grow: Provide spiritual formation for children, youth, and adults.
- Serve: Be the hands and feet of Christ through the Soup Kettle, local missions, and global relief.
- Restore: Preserve our historic landmark as a sanctuary for future generations.
“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
Thank you for your faithfulness. Together, we will rise and continue to serve the love of God and the heart of the city.
Where Your Giving Goes
Restoration & Growth
- Storm Restoration (Building Development): Help us rebuild! This fund supports the massive effort to repair our roof, steeple, and structure following the March 2025 storm.
- 100th Anniversary Capital Campaign: Modernizing our infrastructure with new wiring, digital ministry tools, and enhanced security for a second century of service.
Church & Community Care
- Members in Need: A confidential fund providing short-term support for our own church family members during unexpected hardships.
- Memorials: A beautiful way to honor a loved one; these gifts fund special projects and lasting tributes within our sanctuary.
- United Women in Faith: Supports missions and advocacy work that empowers women, children, and youth.
- General Operating Fund: Supports the daily heartbeat of our church—from worship and music to staff and essential utilities.
Compassionate Outreach
- Soup Kettle Ministry: Directly funds our community meals, providing hot, nutritious food and fellowship to our hungry neighbors in Elgin.
- Good Samaritan Fund: Provides emergency financial assistance to local individuals and families facing immediate crisis.
- UMCOR: Supports the United Methodist Committee on Relief, providing 100% of your gift to global disaster relief and humanitarian aid.
A Message of Gratitude
“For the love of God and the heart of the city.”
We want to express our deepest thanks for your decision to give today. At FUMC Elgin, we know that every gift represents a sacrifice and a leap of faith.
Your generosity does more than pay bills or repair brick and mortar—it provides a warm meal for a hungry neighbor, a safe space for a child to learn about God's love, and a beacon of hope for our downtown community.
Whether you are helping us rebuild after the storm or supporting our daily ministries, you are an essential part of our story. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ in Elgin.
Ways to Support First UMC Elgin
Online via PayPal
Give quickly and securely using your debit card, credit card, or PayPal account.
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Maximize Your Gift: PayPal charges a fee of 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction. Please consider checking the box to "Cover Processing Fees" so that 100% of your donation supports our ministry.
Bank Bill Pay (Fee-Free)
Most banks offer a free "Bill Pay" service through their online banking portal. You can set up a one-time or recurring gift that your bank will mail directly to the church as a check. This method is secure and carries no processing fees for you or the church.
- Payee: First United Methodist Church of Elgin
- Address: 216 E. Highland Ave, Elgin, IL 60120
In-Person
A Part of Our Worship. Giving is an act of worship and a reflection of our gratitude for God’s many blessings. We invite you to join us in person to experience the joy of collective generosity. Seeing the impact of our combined gifts in the very place we gather to worship is a powerful reminder of our shared mission.
- When: Every Sunday during our 10:00 AM worship service.
- How: You may place cash or checks in the offering plates as they are passed.
- Envelopes: Giving envelopes are available from the Ushers for your convenience, allowing you to keep your gift private or designate it for a specific fund.
Automated Giving (ACH / Direct Debit)
The most consistent way to support FUMC Elgin is through an Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer. This allows you to set up a recurring gift directly from your bank account to the church.
- How to Enroll: To set up a recurring ACH gift, please contact the Church Office at (847) 741-0038 or email Amy at adidricksen@fumcelgin.org. We will provide you with a simple authorization form to get started.
- The Benefit: ACH transfers have the lowest processing costs, ensuring more of your gift stays within the church's ministries.
Give by Mail
A Timeless Way to Contribute. For many in our congregation, mailing a check is a deliberate and prayerful way to support the church. Whether you are away for the season or simply prefer the traditional method, your gifts are received with gratitude and handled with the utmost care by our financial team.
First United Methodist Church
Attn: Financial Secretary
216 E. Highland Ave Elgin, IL 60120
Please note the specific fund (e.g., Storm Restoration or Soup Kettle) in the memo line
Partner with Purpose: Business & Organizational Giving
Invest in your community while growing your reach.
Are you a local business owner looking for a meaningful way to give back while connecting with your neighbors? Our ministry offers several pathways for organizations to get involved and make a lasting impact.
How You Can Partner With Us
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Sponsorships: We are currently seeking monthly sponsors for our Fellowship Hour and various seasonal events. This is a premier opportunity to showcase your organization’s commitment to the community.
- Corporate Grants: Help fund specific outreach programs and long-term ministry initiatives.
- In-Kind Donations: Contribute products or professional services that support our daily operations.
Together, we can strengthen the fabric of our neighborhood. As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we provide the necessary documentation for tax purposes and are eager to explore a partnership that aligns with your values.
Interested in partnering?
We’d love to start a conversation. Please contact Amy Didricksen at adidricksen@fumcelgin.org to discuss how your organization can grow alongside our ministry.
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