Giving

Why We Give

At Trinity Presbyterian Church we believe stewardship is primarily an act of praise and thanksgiving. The breadth of our ministry is dependent on the generosity of our donors. But most of all, we give our tithes and offerings in faithful response to the love and grace of God.

​During each worship service, we offer our response to the gifts that God has given us. Our offerings are used to support our mission and outreach, our worship life, our educational ministries and all programs of the church.

Trinity relies on the financial support of their members to cover operating costs, maintain the church building, pay clergy and staff, and fund various programs and initiatives. Giving helps ensure the sustainability of our church and its ability to carry out our mission.

Ways to Give

Checks or cash

Cash or checks may be given at any time or during services. Should you require a tax deduction for cash gifts, the gift should be placed in an offering envelope with your name and address.

Online Giving

You can also use your PayPal account to send contributions to TPCfinancials@gmail.com. You will receive an instant receipt in your email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you’ll find commonly asked questions about giving to Trinity Presbyterian. For more information, please contact the church at TrinityEBPastor@gmail.com.

Why give online?

The Online Giving Program helps Trinity meet its pledge to be an environmentally responsible congregation. As you may recall, Trinity was the first church to be certified as a “GreenFaith Sanctuary” by GreenFaith. As we limit the amount of paper used for cash, checks and offering envelopes, we will further help protect our environment.

 

Is my donation tax-deductable?

Your full donation, which includes any deductions, is tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Please consult with a professional tax advisor for details regarding the tax deductibility of your donation.

 

How can I submit my giving pledge for 2024?

If you would like to submit a giving pledge for 2024, you may do that here.

Can I use online bill pay to tithe?

If you are already using online bill pay with your local bank, you can set Trinity up as a payee for a one-time or a recurring gift. The church will receive a paper check in the mail. Typically, there is not a fee associated with this. This option will also reduce the need for paper offering envelopes.

Can I fulfill my pledge as a Qualified Minimum Distribution from my IRA?

If you are 70.5 years of age or older and have a traditional IRA, you may find it advantageous to fulfill your pledge as a Qualified Minimum Distribution from your IRA sent in whole or in part up to $100,000. Contact you plan administrator to direct your gift to Trinity.

Can I give through PayPal?

You can use your PayPal account to send contributions to TPCfinancials@gmail.com. You will receive an instant receipt in your email. The Paypal giving link is here.

Giving to the Tree of Life and Endowment Fund

“and in the middle of the garden, He set the Tree of Life…..”
Genesis 2:9

The Centennial Tree of Life and Endowment Fund is an outgrowth of Trinity’s 100th Anniversary celebration in 1994. We were most fortunate to be able to acquire this magnificent sculpture as a commemorative of our centennial. This original artwork not only decorates upper Kern Hall, but serves as a visual and lasting tribute to the joyous and happy events in the lives of Trinity’s members and friends.

All donations fund an endowment from which the income generated is available for special or priority capital projects at Trinity that result in either the enhancement of our worship, the beautification of our church, or expansion of the sculpture. It specifically excludes the use of the fund’s principal or income for any operating or maintenance expense that may arise. Gifts are recognized by placing an engraved inscription plate on the Tree of Life.

The leaves, stones, or apples available on the Tree are purchased by church members (plus the cost of engraving the individual leaf, stone, or apple) to commemorate important events in the lives of Trinity members, while the member is still alive.

The Tree of Life Endowment Fund is administrated by the Interpretation & Stewardship (I&S) Committee, subject to Session review and approval.

Process:

  • Use the “Tree of Life Order Form” (IS-03a) to purchase a leaf, stone, or apple. Forms are available in the church office from the administrative assistant, in the rack under the Tree of Life sculpture, or on the Trinity’s website. Available options are $150 for a leaf, $500 for an apple, or $750 for a stone.

    Tree of Life Order Form
  • Complete the form; please print very clearly, especially in the section. You will be contacted by the Church Secretary or Engraving Coordinator if there are any questions about what is sent.
  • The donor will be notified of the total cost of the leaf/stone/apple, including engraving, by Church Secretary.
  • Payment to Trinity Presbyterian Church for the total amount is expected before the engraving is done; please indicate “Tree of Life” on both the check and envelope and put in the collection plate, give to the Church Secretary, or mail to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 367 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816.

Tree of Life and Endowment Fund Form

Memorial and Other Gifts

Memorial Gifts
A memorial gift is a donation made outside of a donor’s pledged giving to remember or honor a deceased or living person. A memorial may be given by a member or non-member but should always be used to recognize a specific person, family, or group.

The “Memorial Donation Form” (IS-02a) may be used to provide information on the donor, honoree, and gift. This form may be made available during memorial services at Trinity Presbyterian Church and/or the appropriate funeral home if the decedent or their family has indicated that they would like memorial gifts to be given to Trinity.

  • Donations may be placed in the offering plate or mailed to the church office.
  • Donations may be sent via on-line giving.
  • Checks should be made payable to Trinity Presbyterian Church.
  • Checks and envelopes should be clearly marked MEMORIAL FUND and include the name of the person being remembered.
  • The Memorial Donation Form should be used, if available. (See form here)
Other Non-Pledged Gifts

Members and non-members may make additional donations outside of pledged giving. Such gifts may be used for non-designated purposes or to support specific ministries and missions of Trinity, e.g., FISH, the Music program, Little Earth Shepherds, Presbyterian Disaster Relief Fund. If there is a specific purpose/intended use of such gifts, it should be clearly marked on the check and envelope. Donors may remain anonymous upon request. For more information, please contact the church at TrinityEBPastor@gmail.com.

  • Checks should be made payable to Trinity Presbyterian Church.
  • Checks and envelopes should be clearly marked with the purpose of the gift.
Estate and Beneficiary Gifts

For more information, please contact the church at TrinityEBPastor@gmail.com