Giving
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
- Matthew 6:21
As we approach the end of the year, we want to thank you for your faithful support and provide important information regarding year-end contributions for 2025. To ensure your gifts are eligible for a 2025 tax deduction, please note the following IRS guidelines:
Contribution Deadlines
Contribution Deadlines
- In-Person Gifts: Must be physically received by the church no later than December 31, 2025.
- Mailed Checks: Must be postmarked by December 31, 2025. The IRS considers the postmark date as the official date of delivery for tax purposes.
- Credit Card Donations: Must be processed by midnight on December 31, 2025 to count for the 2025 tax year.
- Online Donations: Must be completed by 11:59 PM ET on December 31, 2025.
- Stock or IRA Transfers: Must be completed and received by the church by December 31, 2025.
Operational Budget
The Operational Budget directs funds where they are most essential. Whether you attend Birmingham First or Berkley First, worship in the sanctuary or exercise in the Christian Life Center, your tithes and offerings contribute to supporting Christ’s church. This plan enables us to spread the message of Jesus through worship services, arts and music, events, children and student ministries, as well as community outreach. A strong Ministry Plan serves as the backbone for all our activities. Prioritize giving to this fund, and if possible, consider additional donations to other ministries as contributions ‘over and above’.
Ways to Give
In Worship
Make giving a part of your worship experience by placing a check or cash in the offering plate at Birmingham First, or in the Narthex at Berkley First.
By Mail
You can mail a check or money order to Birmingham & Berkley First, 1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham, MI 48009
Recurring Gift
The easiest and most cost-effective way to give is by setting up automatic bank/ACH withdrawals. This means a set amount is taken from your checking account each month. If you’re ready to start, please fill out the online form by clicking on the button below and select ACH under recurring gift. Another option is to use your bank’s online bill-paying service to make payments
Online
Feel confident in supporting Birmingham & Berkley First by donating online—our secure platform ensures your contributions are handled with the utmost safety and reliability.
Text to Give
TEXT TO 248-368-0033
Once you’ve completed the initial setup, contributing via text is a breeze. You will be prompted for your information the first time you text a gift to the church.
Conveniently text only a dollar amount (without the dollar sign) to contribute to the Ministry Plan.
Text any dollar amount along with the fund name to direct giving to a specific fund. For instance: 50 Berkley, 20 Hunger, 30 Missions.
Once you’ve completed the initial setup, contributing via text is a breeze. You will be prompted for your information the first time you text a gift to the church.
Conveniently text only a dollar amount (without the dollar sign) to contribute to the Ministry Plan.
Text any dollar amount along with the fund name to direct giving to a specific fund. For instance: 50 Berkley, 20 Hunger, 30 Missions.
Planned Giving
Planned gifts open doors for our donors, our congregation, and, above all, the many recipients of our generous contributions. Deciding on the most suitable gift is just as crucial as the act of giving itself. There are various options available, each with distinct advantages, especially concerning income tax considerations.
For more information on planned giving opportunities, contact
Karen Murphy, Development Officer
248-646-1200 ext. 3155
kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org
For more information on planned giving opportunities, contact
Karen Murphy, Development Officer
248-646-1200 ext. 3155
kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org
Non-Cash Gifts
Donated appreciated stock to a church can offer several tax benefits beside a charitable deduction. For instance, donating appreciated stock avoids capital gains, potentially avoids AMT, and may also reduce the size of your taxable estate, potentially lowering estate taxes. It is important to consult with your tax advisor or financial planner to fully understand the tax implications for donating appreciated stock and to ensure that it aligns with your overall financial plans.
The information to donate stock through Ameriprise Financial:
Account: 27461932
DTC 0756
70100 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, MN 55474
The information to donate stock through Ameriprise Financial:
Account: 27461932
DTC 0756
70100 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, MN 55474