This spring 2026, when you click the “Give” button on the St. Andrew’s website you’ll notice an updated online giving experience: we’re moving away from PayPal and introducing an Online Giving option through Breeze, our existing church management system. This new option supports both one-time and recurring gifts by credit card or online ACH (bank transfer).

This change will offer more options for people who prefer to give electronically, while maintaining all the same cash, check and ACH giving options parishioners currently use.

Hopefully, the FAQs below will answer any questions you may have; however, please feel free to contact Margaret Flint with any remaining questions (margyflint@gmail.com).

FAQs

What is going to change?

1. We’re eliminating the PayPal credit card giving option.

2. We’re replacing it with the Online Giving credit card and ACH bank transfer option through our existing Church Management System - Breeze.

3. We’re hiding the text to give option - it has extremely low adoption, but those who currently use it can continue giving that way.

Why are we making this change?

For a number of years, the Treasurer has been interested in moving away from PayPal, because PayPal requires extra administrative accounting steps. Our existing Church Management System, Breeze, has a credit card giving option, so the switch is convenient. This system also has an online ACH (eCheck/bank transfer) option. We’re enabling this option for additional convenient online giving.

What is Breeze?

St. Andrew’s has been using the Breeze Church Management system since about 2020 to track pledging, plate offerings, and online payments, as well as track member and visitor profiles. It’s one of several systems involved in coordinating financial functions at St. Andrew’s.

Do I have to use this new system?

Only if you prefer to give online. Those who give via check, cash or bank transfer can continue as usual.

Can I still give via PayPal? What if I have recurring giving set up via PayPal?

You will no longer be able to reach the PayPal link on our website. If making a credit card payment, we prefer you use our new credit card option. If you have recurring giving set up for your pledge or plate, Margaret Flint will be contacting you personally to help transition those payments. (Recurring PayPal payments)

If I already give via automated ACH, do I need to change to this new system?

No. If you currently have recurring giving set up via ACH, we recommend you continue to do so. Pledge giving set up by the Treasurer via ACH has lower fees than the Online Giving ACH.

If I already give via my bank’s bill pay system, do I need to change to this new system?

No. If you currently have bill pay (to St. Andrew’s) already set up, no changes are needed!

May I use the new system to set up recurring ACH payments?

Yes, you may. If you prefer to arrange your own recurring giving via credit card or ACH, this is the system for you. Please be aware that this option has fees. You may choose to absorb those fees in your giving; otherwise, the church must pay the fees. (ACH bank transfer set up through the treasurer is still more economical. You can always contact Shelley Brown for recurring ACH.)

The online ACH option is a great alternative to credit card gifts. If you would normally give online with a credit card, consider using the online ACH option instead. It’s just as convenient, but the fees are lower than credit card fees. St. Andrew’s could save more than $1000 per year if all credit card payments were switched to the new online bank transfer option.

Do I need to create a user account or log in to use the new giving options?

No. Anyone can access our online giving page and make a secure online gift. This is a great option for virtual plate offerings, fundraising events, purses, Christmas and Easter flowers, etc.

Is the site safe and secure?

Yes. The Breeze online giving page uses an encrypted, secure connection with payment processing handled by Stripe, a PCI-compliant provider. Your bank or card details are entered and transmitted securely through this trusted giving platform.

What are the fees associated with the online giving options?

● Paypal - 2.99%+$0.49 per transaction

● Breeze credit/debit card - 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (3.5% American Express)

● Breeze bank transfers (ACH) - 1% + $0.25/transaction

Note the credit card fees are comparable to PayPal. Online bank transfer fees are slightly higher than setting up through the treasurer, but still lower than credit options. When choosing your giving option, you can select to cover the fees for any transaction.