God has designed us to be generous. But we live in a time where fear, the voice of self-gratification, and a misplaced idea about the true source of our security, obscure the fact that life is a gift, that everything belongs to God, and that our satisfaction can only be found in seeking after God alone.
One of God’s special gifts to human beings is the invitation to share in His own life and mission by being a steward or giving to the church. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist church, believed that God placed the resources God created into our care to use as God sees fit. Part of our responsibility is giving a portion of what God has blessed us with to the church to aid in His ministry. This is one of the disciplines God expects His people to do in this world for Him. In the Bible, the portion we are asked to return to God is referred to as the tithe.
Tithing. What is it? Why do it?
Tithing is giving a tenth of your income to God. It’s in the Bible. Deuteronomy 14:22 tells us to, “Set apart a tithe of all the yield of your seed that is brought in yearly from the field.” What we have to understand is that there is more to it than that! We tithe because it is a good way of reminding ourselves that God needs to come first. It may not be easy at first, but it will definitely pay off! Putting our dependency on God rather than the money we make from our jobs refocuses our lives and opens our eyes to the blessings God gives us, which should make us want to bless God through our tithes.
Offering. Is there a difference?
There is a difference between a tithe and an offering. An offering is something that you give beyond your tithe. Remember that a tithe is 10% of your income, so anything beyond that is an offering. Typically, offerings are for special projects that the church is doing or special missions the church is supporting. But you don’t have to wait for that. You can bless God simply by giving joyfully and generously.
How can I give?
There are multiple ways you can contribute to God’s ministry at Varnell Church.
In Person
Every Sunday we have places where you can drop off your offering and tithe as you enter and leave the sanctuary (or overflow room). All you have to do is put your money in one of the offering plates as you either enter or leave and it will be taken care of.
By Mail
You can mail your checks or cash to the church at:
Varnell Church
3485 Highway 2
Cohutta, GA 30710
Drop Off
You can bring checks and/or envelopes by the church and drop them in the locked drop-box next to the office door. (It is checked daily.)
Online
We subscribe to an online giving service called Vanco GivePlus. You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring giving. You can give either by draft from your checking or savings account, or your gift can be charged to a credit card. Visit the donation page by clicking HERE.
Smartphone App
If you have a smartphone, you can download and give through Vanco’s GivePlus Mobile app. There are apps available for both iOS and Android platforms.
Texting
You can simply text-to-give by sending a text to 833-906-1892 with the amount you would like to contribute.