The Board of Elders decided that effective immediately, Immanuel will now move to a mask optional policy for all of its gatherings. This includes public worship, Bible studies, fellowship gatherings, youth events, family cottages, confirmation cottages, board meetings, and the like.
This specifically includes Holy Communion up front, where masks and gloves will no longer be required for the distributor or recipient; individually-sealed communion will remain an option for the foreseeable future.
Please note: this change in policy does NOT impact Immanuel Preschool which remains mask required. DCFS regulates the masking policy of the preschool and has made no changes to their procedures.
Thank you to the 230 of you who responded so quickly to share how a masking policy change would impact your worship habits and gathering at Immanuel. Your responses directly impacted this change.
After almost two years of seeking God’s direction to hold this congregation together through unprecedented times, it is my prayer that we can continue to uphold one another in charity putting the best construction on what we hear.
St. Paul’s words for us in Romans 14 are helpful in this way, “For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink [masks or mitigations], but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
It is our aim that as a congregation we can once again around Word and Sacrament focus on the Righteousness of Christ’s Love for us, the peace that comes when brothers and sisters dwell together in unity, and the joy of the Spirit that sends us to family and friends with hope that is within us.
Should you have any questions, concerns, or clarifications, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any of the elders.
Thank you for your patience and your understanding. May the Lord continue to bless Immanuel as we rescue and restore families in our community.
In Christ,

Pastor James on behalf of the Board of Elders

What are the fees?
Fees are $0.30 per transaction, plus 1% for ACH (bank transfers) or up to 2.9% for credit cards.

Does my mobile giving appear on my end-of-year tax statement?
Yes, we receive reports from our text-to-give vendor that we incorporate into your tax statement.

What do I do when the offering plate comes by?
In our pews we provide “I give electronically” cards to place in the offering plate.

Is there a minimum amount?
No, our text-to-give vendor accepts any amount.

How do I know my offering was received?
First, you will receive an email acknowledgement from our text-to-give vendor. You can also
view your giving history through the web portal you view when texting “giving” to our text-to-give
number. Second, we are increasing our financial statements from annually to quarterly, so you’ll
see your offerings reflected in that statement.

What if I make a mistake?
Simply follow the instructions on your email receipt to receive a refund.

Does the charge show up on my phone bill?
No. When you text ILCDG to (206) 859-9405, you will be directed to a secure, mobile-friendly
giving site where you can enter a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer information. Your
mobile phone account is not charged.

Is my credit card information secure?
Our text-to-give vendor is compliant with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards. Your card
information is encrypted for transmission using secure socket layers. A compliance fact sheet is
available upon request.

Is it ok to charge my offering on a credit card I carry a balance on?
We strongly discourage going into debt by giving using a credit card. For those who use their
credit cards for convenience or monthly points and cash rewards, please note the 2.9%
surcharge. Our preference is to receive as many of our gifts as possible from bank transfers, by
either check, Simply Giving, or text-to-give.

How do I link text-to-give to my bank account?
When you follow the link provided via text and follow the instructions to set up a secure account,
you will have the option to give via credit card or bank account. If you choose the bank account
option, you will receive instructions to verify your account. The verification process takes up to
five days.