P.A.R. is an acronym for “Pre-Authorized Remittance” and is a system used by many people for their church offering.   It is a program for the local church that is administered by the United Church of Canada.  One of its basic purposes is to ensure that there are regular monthly givings to help pay church expenses.  It works in much the same way as automatic debits that go from a bank account to pay for insurance, cable TV, taxes, fuel or a mortgage. 

How it works: 

• Your account will be debited on or about the 20^th of the month and the congregation’s account will be credited.
• Small cards will be available to put in the offering plate in place of envelopes.

How do I get involved? 

• Decide the amount of your monthly offering.
• Fill in an Authorization Card (available from the church office) and attach a sample cheque from your account marked “Sample” or “Void.”
• Give both to your church treasurer, the church office, or place both on the offering plate.

Advantages to the contributor: 

• Regular support of your church in the amount that you choose.
• Continual support of your home church when you are away.
• Avoidance of “catch-up” periods.

Advantages to the congregation: 

• Regular, dependable flow of contributions.
• Reduction of paper work and bookkeeping.
• Reduction in bank overdrafts.