Whether or not I am there...

my church has on-going commitments every week that need my offering. My church is important to me, and so is my financial commitment to its work. That is why I use the PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance) system to fulfill my commitment.

If you have automatic debits going from your bank account to pay for insurance, cable TV, taxes, fuel, or mortgage, then you understand the PAR principle. It means regular contributions throughout the year.

Many people use the PAR system for their church offering, finding it a convenient way to take care of their regular commitments to the church month by month. You can particpate in this program.

Your account will be debited on or about the 20th of the month and your congregation's account credited with the amount payable from all members who participate.

There is a small administrative fee, for each entry, and each cheque processed.

How to get involved:

When your congregation has decided to participate in PAR, and if you are going to particpate, then you:

1. Decide the amount of your monthly offering.
2. Fill in the Authorization Card and attach a sample cheque from your account marked "Sample" or "Void".
3. Give both to your church treasurer, designated officer, or place both on the offering plate.

Advantages to the contributor:

1. Regular support of your church in the amount you choose.
2. Continual support of your home church when you are away.
3. Avoidance of "catch-up" periods.

Advantages to the congregation:

1. Regular, dependable flow of contributions.
2. Reduction of paper work and bookkeeping.
3. Reduction in bank overdrafts.

This program for the local church is administered by The United Church of Canada.

There is no minimum number of givers required for a congregation to initiate the program. However, since one of the basic purposes of the program is to ensure regular monthly givings to help pay church expenses, most congregations find that the more people on the program the more valuable and viable it is.

For further information concerning the administration cost to the local congregations, please contact:

The United Church of Canada,
Pre-Authorized Remittance,
3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300
Etobicoke, Ontario
M8X 2Y4
Telephone (416) 231-5931
Fax (416) 231-3103

Small cards will be available to put in the offering plate in place of envelopes.