It is November and Stewardship month at Mindekirken. This year the Stewardship program has been simplified compared to the 3 to 4 weeks long program of years past. We are looking at Sunday, November 14^th to spread the message. Sure, we will still ask the congregation to complete the time and talent sheets and the estimate of giving cards. These are part of the three components of Stewardship – Time, Talent and Treasure.

As a part of my Stewardship message, I want to discuss the "Simply Giving" program and how it benefits both you and Mindekirken. The "Simply Giving" program is provided as a charitable service by Thrivent Financial. The idea is to make it easier for members of Lutheran churches to make their regular church contribution by using modern electronic funds transfer technology. You have total control over the Simply Giving program. You fill out a form with your bank information. Then, specify how much you’d like to give to Mindekirken, how frequently and where the money goes (general or a special fund). The automatic withdrawals will show on your regular checking or savings account statement.

Why should you sign up for this program? Ask members of Mindekirken who already participate and they will tell you it’s easy, safe and they don’t have to remember envelopes on Sunday morning! If they are unable to attend church for any reason, they don’t have to worry about falling behind on what they planned on giving to Mindekirken. And if they choose, they can make changes or stop the program any time they want.

How will it benefit Mindekirken? Well, if we all joined Simply Giving, counting Sunday offering would be a snap for Trustees! But seriously, in the church office, Kaia Knutson and John White have taken care of "Simply Giving" members for several years now. It reduces the amount of accounting work needed and is a smooth and easy process.

Additionally, according to Thrivent, most churches that use this program have seen their contributions even out and sometimes-even increase. The reason is that like Mindekirken, most churches see a decrease in attendance in the summer, which also means a decrease in offering envelopes. With the "Simply Giving" program your contribution will make it to Mindekirken even if you don’t.

What’s in it for Thrivent? "Simply Giving" is a free service to Mindekirken and all Lutheran churches. They do not accumulate any information for sales or marketing purposes.

So there’s a little bit about "Simply Giving". During the Stewardship drive we’ll hand out an informational packet with a brochure and more details. Any of you reading this who aren’t members but might be interested in getting involved can call Kaia at the church office to get a packet mailed out to you. Since it’s completely voluntary, I see it more as an option that we can offer to our members and friends of Mindekirken.