CyberPlate is the 21st Century method of making regularly scheduled contributions to the Church of the Good Shepherd. You authorize us to initiate a specified weekly or monthly draft on your bank account, and we do the rest. You can use it for either or both your annual pledge or your Capital Campaign contributions.

We urge you to consider using CyberPlate for your routine contributions to Good Shepherd as it is a win-win for both you and the Church. This service has been available for four years now and the 87 families who are now using it have been very satisfied with it. To start using the service, submit a completed sign-up form along with a voided check on your bank account. Forms are available on-line, in the Narthex and in the church office. The following Frequently Asked Questions provide additional information. 

Q. Who benefits from CyberPlate?

A. Both you and the Church. You are relieved of writing checks, remembering to take them to church or putting them in the mail. Also, if you use the service to pay all of your annual pledge, you are relieved of concern about where you stand with your pledge. The church benefits by having a more predictable cash flow.

Q. How does it work? 

A. You sign an authorization to have a specified amount deducted weekly or monthly from your bank account. Every Monday (or on the first Tuesday of the month for monthly users) the church initiates a bank draft on your account through the nation's Automated Clearing House (ACH) system and receives the funds.

Q. When will these transaction start?

A. Forms received by the 5th of the month will be processed to begin withdrawals the following month.

Q. How can I change the amount or terminate the arrangement?

A. You would submit a CyberPlate Change Form to the church to change the amount. You can terminate the arrangement at any time with a phone call to the church.

Q. How can I tell what moneys have been transferred?

A. Your bank statement will show each withdrawal. You will still receive quarterly and annual contribution statements from the church.

Q. Am I giving you electronic access to my bank account?

A. No. We have no more access to your bank account than we do if you give us a check. We are not accessing your account for any information.

Q. What bank?

A. We have obtained this service through PNC Bank.

Q. Isn't this service costing the church money?

A. Unlike the use of credit cards, there are no transaction fees charged to us for this service, and the small monthly account charge will likely be offset by our cash balances at the bank.

Q. What happens if my bank account has insufficient funds at the time the transaction is processed?

A. The bank will notify the church that the transaction did not go through, and we will contact you to see how you want to go forward. Just as with check overdrafts, your bank may assess an overdraft charge. Such charges are your responsibility unless the overdraft resulted from a mistake on our part.

Q. Will I still receive weekly envelopes?

A. Yes. The envelopes include a check box on the front that you can check to indicate that you have used CyberPlate, and you may continue placing your envelope in the plate on Sunday, if you wish to represent the contribution you have made through CyberPlate.  In addition, your envelopes will be used for special Offerings such as Christmas or Easter, and for making contributions for specified purposes such as flowers.

Q. How do I sign up?

A. Complete a short authorization form (click HERE to download the CyberPlate form now) and provide us with a voided check from your bank account. Place this in an envelope and send it to the church, Attn: Treasurer.