GIVE ONLINE NOWEnter the Locust UMC Online Giving Portal
Online Giving through ShelbyNext
A fast, CONVENIENT and secure way for you to give one-time gifts or recurring donations by credit card or debit card (Visa/Mastercard/Discover/AMEX) or by electronic check (ACH).
Video Guide to Online Giving - (using your PC or MAC)
Video Guide to Mobile App Giving - (first download the "ShelbyNEXT|Giving" app on your cell phone)
Video Guide to Text Giving - (using standard text message on your cell phone)
(using your computer)
1. Go to the Locust website at www.locustumc.org and then click on "GIVING" (which brings you to this page)
2. Watch the videos (above on this page)
3. Click on "Online Giving Portal" and follow the instructions (above on this page)
(using your cell phone ShelbyNEXT app)
1. Go to your App Store on your phone
2. Download the "ShelbyNEXT|Giving" app. The icon will look like this 
3. Install and run the app
4. Select and Enter "Locust United Methodist Church"
5. Follow the sign in instructions
(using your cell phone camera)
1. Open your phone camera
2. Point your phone camera at the QR code below
3. Click on the link contained in the view
4. Follow the sign in instructions
(using your cell phone text)
1. Text "GIVE" to (410) 995-9970 (this is the dedicated Locust text giving number)
YOU'LL RECEIVE A LINK
2. For your first time click "SIGN IN" then "REGISTER FOR AN ACCOUNT"
3. Complete the registration to receive your secure PIN
4. Select the fund, enter donation amount and payment information. Tap "SAVE PAYMENT" to use it for future gifts.
(using the United States Postal Service)
This option can be used to send personal checks or money orders only*. Make out your check or money order to Locust United Methodist Church, place the check /money order in your numbered envelope, and mail it to the church in a self-addressed, stamped envelope using the United States Postal Service. Please use the following address:
Locust UMC
PO Box 248
Simpsonville, MD 21150-0248
*(Note: We prefer that cash not be mailed.)
(through your bank)
This option can be used if your bank has the On-line Bill Pay function and allows payments to be sent out as a check. If your bank account has this function, please designate Locust United Methodist Church as the payee and note how the donation is to be used. For example, if it is for operating expenses or the building fund, please state it. Enter the mailing address as:
Locust UMC
PO Box 248
Simpsonville, MD 21150-0248
The bank will mail the check directly to the church.
All donations submitted using these options, will be promptly processed by the money counting team. During this time, it is important for you to use the Locust UMC post office box to ensure that your donation is sent to a secure location.
Q: How do I give online?
Click the "Online Giving Portal" link here (or above at the top) and follow the prompts to create a profile and set up your contribution.
Q: Why should I give online?
It's a personal preference, but here are a few of the benefits we hear frequently.
Q: Is online giving secure?
Our system used industry-standard SSL-encryption to protect date transmissions of financial and certain other information. Financial information is stored in encrypted form on computers that are not publicly accessible via the internet.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
We currently accept credit card or debit card (Visa/Mastercard/Discover/AMEX) or ACH/eCheck (Automatic Clearing House).
Q: Why does Locust UMC allow credit cards for online giving?
We are committed to using every tool at our disposal to reach, nurture, and inspire spiritual growth. Used within the parameters, debit and credit cards can be efficient tools for payments and purchases. Many people utilize them in place of checks or cash through the month and then pay off the balance in full. For these people, we offer the option of using a credit card to give.
Q: Will I still receive a contribution statement?
Yes, we will mail your year-end giving statement directly to your registered address.
This statement will include all giving done online and at Locust UMC.
Q: Can I see what I've given in the past?
Yes. All of your online giving is recorded in your account and is accessible from the link when you're logged in to the online giving system. . . If you give by cash or check at Locust UMC (i.e. during the service, at the church office, etc...) it is recorded manually and will be available on your year-end contribution statement.
Q: I clicked the "Submit" button and nothing happens.
When you click "Submit", a new browser window is opened. if you are using a pop-up blocker, the window may not open. Most tools will allow you to permit pop-ups on a specific website.
Q: Can I schedule recurring donations?
Yes- You have many options for recurring contributions. This includes one time, weekly, twice per month, monthly, yearly, etc... Select "Make This Gift Recurring" on the online giving form.
Q: Can I edit my existing recurring donation?
Sure. When you log in using the link above, you can click "Make This Gift Recurring" to edit your online giving payment.
Q: Can I test this by giving one time?
Yes. Unless you specify a recurring donation your contribution will only occur once.
Q: Who do I talk to if I have more questions?
Contact our church office at 410-531-5323.
Proverbs 3:9-10 tells us to "Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be will overflow with new wine."
Giving is one of the central themes in the Bible. Jesus talked more about this subject than heaven, hell or payer. To understand what it means to be a christian, we must also understand what it means to be a giver.
God doesn't need our money; He already owns it all. But when we willingly set aside the first part of our income or the local church, our hearts will be turned toward Him. (Matthew 6:21)
Giving is the antidote for materialism. The Bible says that by giving generously we are able to "take hold of the life that is truly life." You aren't really living unless you are freely giving. (I Timothy 6:19)
Giving is the only area in the Bible where God invites us to test Him. Give your tithe (the first 10% of your income) to God and see if He does not open the floodgates of heaven to bless you in ways that you never dreamed possible. (Malachi 3:10)
Even when the stock market's down, you can make an investment that pays dividends for a lifetime and beyond. Only two things will last forever: People and The Church. By investing in the life-changing message of the church, you can leverage your money for eternity. (I Timothy 6:7)