Free Money for Christmas!!

26 October 2009 by Gail Carter.

How so?  Check out the Gift Card program!  It’s being used by over 300 Glen Mar families for everyday purchases which creates a steady stream of free money to support ministries right here and around the globe!

The primary feature of this program is that it COSTS YOU NOTHING extra.  You pay face value for any card (for retailers that you already use) - - Glen Mar buys the cards at a discount averaging 5%.  There are over 400 merchants in the program - grocers, gas stations, entertainment, travel, clothing, books, home improvement, restaurants, and more.  Actually, almost 50% of cards purchased to date are for groceries - Giant, Safeway, and SuperFresh - - -  everyone buys groceries!!!!

The free money that is generated helps many ministries INCLUDING OUR OWN OPERATING BUDGET (saving us $2700 so far).  Benefits right here at Glen Mar include not only the Operating Budget, but our landscaping materials, the Dunkin’ Donuts treats for Sunday morning, gas for mission trips,  $5000 in scholarships for mission trip youth & adults…………even our communion bread!!  Reaching into the world, we’ve contributed $6,000 recently to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) to support disaster relief in Asia……..just as an example!  Many local ministries are supported also, such as Grass Roots and ministries in Baltimore & Fort Meade.

If you haven’t participated in the program yet, the holiday season is a great time to try it out!  there are even American Express and VISA cards available without the service fee ($5.95) required to buy the same card at many retailers.  Please visit www.ShopWithScrip.com for program information or a list of merchants.  If you want to order cards in advance, register as a Glen Mar supporter using enrollment code AF 17656D14184 (case sensitive).  When you order by Monday of any given week, the cards will be delivered to you at church on the following Sunday.  Just pay for them when you pick them up!

As a final incentive, the profits you generate are a tax-deductible donation to the church (IRS ruling in July 2009).  Now every time you shop, you can be creating a small tax benefit.  There is no additional record-keeping for you - - - Glen Mar tracks every purchase.

Stop by the gift card table on Sunday in the Gathering Area.  You’ll be glad you did!!

Gail Carter, Lay Leader

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