Called Camp: For Youth With A Calling

June 1-5, 2021 Evangel University hosted students in 9th – 12th grade who sense a call to vocational ministry.

AGCU is excited to partner with Called Camp; One of the greatest gifts we have is when a leader uses his/her influence, authority, position, and resource to steward the next generation of leaders.

Called Camp, organized by Assemblies of God National Youth Ministries, is a five-day event offered to students from 9^th-12^th grade, in which pastors and leaders connect with students to help guide them in their calling. By providing them with panel discussions, Q&A, personality testing, and basic leadership assessments, students begin to find their passions as they learn to defend their beliefs while learning the basics of ministry and faith.

AGCU is proud and of our leaders

Leaders investing in students who desire to learn from experienced ministers as they connect and communicate to better reach the hurting and lost.

Like in 1 Peter 4:10-11, God calls us to be faithful stewards of his grace, but what does that mean? Some feel that means becoming a pastor, missionary, or worship leader, but what if you want to serve, and your talents are not in those categories.

What does it mean to be called by God? Is God limited to calling a person to be a minister or into full-time missions? What if you want to serve God as a business owner, or in the medical field? What if a young person feels like God has a call on their life, but they don’t know exactly what that calling is?

Good questions — and questions that Christian young people, including those in the Assemblies of God, struggle with regularly.

Connecting pastors to students’ callings makes it easier for students and their pastors to engage in meaningful discussions and helps students fully discover and prepare for what they believe God is calling them to.

Banking With A Purpose

Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU. Learn More About Banking with a Purpose

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Oasis Refuge 3rd Annual Banquet

On May 11^th, AGCU sponsored a banquet to raise money for Oasis Refuge. Their goal is to bring healing to underage survivors of sex trafficking by providing refuge. There are currently only two other shelters in Missouri for domestic minor sex trafficking survivors.

Oasis is a residential treatment home for female survivors of sex trafficking (12-17 years-old), who are given a safe place to heal through a trauma-informed restoration program that includes therapy, education, and spiritual development.

Sex trafficking has continued to grow despite our growing awareness, but awareness needs to be followed by action to stop statistics like these.

• There are 2.8 million runaways each year. *NCMEC
  • 33% of them are approached by a trafficker within forty-eight hours of leaving home *NCMEC
  • 66% are approached within seventy-two hours.*NCMEC
• In 2013, they estimated that 1 in 7 endangered runaways reported to them were likely victims of sex trafficking. NCMEC*
• The age when a child is first prostituted is only 11-14 years old in the United States.*FBI

 

It is hard to imagine from our place of comfort safety and refuge that young females are being manipulated and abused at these rates. One can’t help but think of how we would feel if someone close to us had to experience the horrors that these girls are going through.

 

Here are 5 important rules to follow to help avoid being targeted by human traffickers.

• Be aware of your surroundings – don’t look at your cellphone while you’re walking.
• Avoid being approached while you are alone and trust your intuition.
• Carry pepper spray on your key chain, and be prepared to fight.
• Never reveal private information.
• Be aware of exits or safe places nearby.

While these rules are helpful, some victims find themselves in situations without these options. It is heartbreaking to think that we live in a world where vulnerable young women who are targeted and enslaved by traffickers have no place to retreat.

What would happen to our communities? These girls are not just being stolen from their families. They are being robbed of hope in Jesus Christ and all the wonderful things he has planned for their future. Only God knows the positive roles they could serve in schools, businesses, and churches. These opportunities remain empty without someone to respond to their cry for help and return them to a meaningful purpose.

Oasis ministry provides refuge for underage survivors of sex trafficking to find hope, restoration, and dignity. Girls experience restoration and healing for their trauma, through support, care, counseling, and long-term mentoring.

Centrally located in the U.S., Oasis is a safe haven that offers the girls abundant opportunities for recreation, education, and life skills development.

The home provides spacious bedrooms for survivors of sex trafficking, a resident suite for staff, a space for art and music therapy, an education room, a room for socializing, a full kitchen, and acres of property for recreation and gardening.

Ministries like Oasis depend on private donors like AGCU to help provide a space for these girls to experience safety, comfort, and dignity while they heal from the traumas that they have experienced.

AGCU believes in ministries like Oasis, so we donate part of our earnings to support them as they intervene, comfort, and redirect these women to a hopeful and greater purpose.

Banking With A Purpose

Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU. Learn More About Banking with a Purpose

Like us on Facebook!

 

Tracking Your Economic Impact Payment

January 4th was the official payment date of the Economic Impact Payments as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.

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Depending on how you received your first payment, you should receive the second payment through the same method. Direct deposits will appear in your account quicker than receiving paper checks through the United States Postal Service. If you received your first payment via direct deposit, you can see if the payment has arrived in your account using AGCU Mobile or Online Banking. Visit the IRS website to learn when and how you are set up to receive the payment.

Have you signed up for AGCU Mobile Banking? When you use the AGCU mobile app, you can manage your finances on the go with access to your account 24/7 through your smartphone or tablet. You can deposit checks (conditions apply), transfer funds, pay bills, review alerts, and much more. Learn more about Mobile Banking here.

Are you set up and using AGCU Online Banking? Included with your checking and savings accounts, online banking provides quick and secure access to your account information whenever and wherever you may need it. With Online Banking, you can view account information, review past monthly statements, pay bills from your account, access budgeting tools, and more. Log in to online banking here.

Stay up to date with your account through AGCU Mobile and Online Banking.

Online and Mobile Banking Beyond the Branch

These days, life moves pretty fast; that’s why AGCU offers easy and simple banking solutions through our mobile app and online banking!

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AGCU’s Mobile App Banking Solution

Whether you’re traveling the country or just hanging out on the couch, we are dedicated to serving your banking needs by offering mobile banking services beyond our physical branch locations.

When you utilize AGCU’s mobile banking options, like our AGCU Mobile Banking app, you have the advantage of having access to your account from anywhere.

The app is packed with features, like electronically depositing checks, or transferring money between your accounts. Reaching us through the mobile app is also easy, so you can have peace of mind knowing we are just a call, click, or email away.

AGCU’s Online Banking Services

Members receive free Online Banking access with our checking and savings accounts. With Online Banking, you can view E-statements, pay bills, and access personal finance management tools.

AGCU’s Video Banking Service – AGCU Anywhere

AGCU isn’t like other credit unions when it comes to caring for our members. While we offer many ways to get in touch with us online, we are especially proud to offer face-to-face video banking – what we call AGCU Anywhere!

The AGCU Anywhere app, is a safe, enjoyable, and effective way to communicate with our credit union professionals from wherever you are.

Here’s a few of the things you can do with the AGCU Anywhere app:

• Communicate with an AGCU representative in a face-to-face, personal experience
• Open personal savings and checking accounts
• Apply for a loan
• View informative content from your banking professional
• Upload documents and images using your camera
• Review and eSign loan applications, agreements, and contracts

Additional Mobile Banking Features from AGCU

In addition to AGCU Anywhere video banking and AGCU’s mobile banking app, you can take advantage of getting access to another mobile app called MobiMoney.

MobiMoney is the only app that gives people full control of their debit card usage in a way they’ve never had before. With MobiMoney, customers are alerted to potential fraud and empowered to decide when, where, and how their cards are used in real-time.

Can I do online loan applications with AGCU?

The short answer: Yes! AGCU has gone to great lengths to make obtaining home loans, auto loans, and even personal loans as easy as possible with online loan applications. If you have a question or concern about a loan, our loan officers are just a call away to help address any questions you may have. Please contact us with any questions you may have about our online and mobile banking services.

Join us as we help spotlight CMN’s Miracle Week!

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Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at CoxHealth presents Miracle Week November 30-December 6. Through this fundraiser, CMN provides support for local children (age birth to 18) with travel assistance, CoxHealth hospital bills, and other special needs. Learn more about CMN at CoxHealth here.

 

15 Ways to Celebrate the Senior Ministers and Evangelists in Your Church

November 21 is Aged Ministers Assistance Day!
Today we recognize the work and appreciate the Sacrifices or retired ministers!

AMA was started by a group that saw the need for financial assistance for retired ministers who didn’t have enough money to cover living expenses. It was started in 1933 with donations placed in an interest-bearing fund that grew exponentially over the years. Now, as the demand has increased, funds need to be added continually to meet the needs of the growing number of retired ministers.

 

2. Give the senior minister flowers or a gift and recognize them by name with years served and places served.

 

3. For evangelists note the number of states and/or countries they have traveled to throughout their ministries in your recognition of years served and places served.

 

4. Give them a card from the church, signed by the church leadership.

 

5. Include a “thank you” in the church program, listing their names.

 

6. Invite a senior minister to speak in the service.

 

7. Invite a senior minister to give his/her testimony.

 

8. Ask someone who was influenced by a senior minister from the church to share a testimony about that ministry.

 

9. Make a PowerPoint® presentation of pictures of churches or countries where the senior minister served.

 

10. Sing their favorite hymns in the worship service.

 

11. Invite them to a special luncheon on Aged Ministers Appreciation Sunday.

 

12. Ensure that their spouses are also recognized for their years of support and ministry.

 

13. Invite the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of the senior minister to help you celebrate Aged Ministers Appreciation Day.

 

14. Make a contribution to AMA in honor or memory of your favorite senior minister or evangelist, or all senior ministers and evangelists.

 

Griffin Family Memorial Fund

On October 29, 2020, jazz musician and educator Dr. Joel Griffin succumbed to injuries sustained in a tragic vehicle accident in Ozark, MO. He is survived by his wife, Kara, and their three young children; Sadie, Elam, and Harper.

Dr. Griffin’s family and friends are joining together to support Kara and the children during this difficult time through a memorial fund. If you are one of the many who have benefitted from Dr. Griffin’s generosity in sharing the gift of a musical life, please consider donating to the Griffin Family Memorial Fund.

All funds received will go directly to the Griffin family.

International Credit Union Day – October 20th, 2022

Jump To Section:

• History Behind ICU Day
• 4 Reasons to Celebrate Credit Union Day

Of all of the fun holidays in October to celebrate (like World Vegetarian Day, International Music Day, and National Homemade Cookies Day which all take place on October 1st) another weird October holiday you might not think of automatically is International Credit Union Day! But what does it mean to celebrate credit unions, where did this holiday come from, and when is national credit union day?

History Behind the Fun Credit Union Holiday

International Credit Union Day, also known as ICU Day, is celebrated on the third Thursday of every October. This holiday has been in effect since 1948 and this year we celebrate ICU day on October 20th, 2022.

The day has been designated as an occasion for credit unions all over the world to recognize the history behind the credit union movement, its spirit, and its philosophy. It’s a day to share your experiences as a credit union member and to reflect upon all the benefits you enjoy by being a part of your credit union. It is very common for credit unions to host special celebratory offerings at their physical branch locations, and also to promote fun parades, picnics, contests, and more.

If you are not a member of a credit union currently and don’t know much about credit unions, let’s take a quick look at four factors that make a credit union outstanding (and in our opinion, what makes credit unions better than regular banks)!

4 Reasons to Celebrate International Credit Union Day!

1. Credit Unions Put their Members First

As a member of a credit union, you own a piece of the organization. Credit unions are not stuck answering to Wall Street — we only want what’s best for you. This keeps our focus in the right place. Instead of working on earning the biggest profits, we can focus on offering superior member service and policies that are as member-friendly as possible. You’ll have a say in the way your credit union runs, and if you find yourself in a difficult situation, you’ll find representatives who are willing and happy to help you.

2. Credit Unions offer Lower Fees

Banks earn a significant portion of their profits through their fees. While a credit union will also have fees attached to certain products and services, these tend to be lower than similar fees you’ll find in a bank. What all this means for you is lots of money saved just by choosing to trust a credit union with your money.

3. Credit Unions Can Help During Tough Times

Everyone has ups and downs. If you’re going through a rough patch, a credit union is willing to work with you through that challenging time. While a bank is more likely to turn down a borrower with a poor credit history, a credit union member representative wants to help you out.

Loan officers will be happy to meet with you and work to find a loan that best suits your needs. If necessary, representatives are also here to help you learn the basics of budgeting and money management, often offering programs to help you gain control over your budget and cover unexpected expenses.

4. Credit Unions can Have Better Interest Rates

When you open a savings account or a certificate of deposit (CD), one of your biggest concerns is the interest rate. You want your money to grow as much as possible.

Lucky for you, credit unions offer higher interest rates on savings accounts and lower interest rates on loans. You read that right — remember, credit unions want what’s best for you! Since credit unions are not focused on making a profit, we only need to cover operating costs.

All the money saved by focusing on what matters to you is passed to the members via these favorable interest rates. This means you can save on any loans you may need and that the money in your savings accounts will be earning at a higher rate. As you can see, being a member of a credit union gives you lots to celebrate!

Consider Joining Our Credit Union at AGCU!

What better way to celebrate International Credit Union day this year than to join our credit union at AGCU? If you’re looking for exceptional financial services, like free checking accounts that offer annual percentage yields (APYs) as high as 2.50%, then joining AGCU could be the right fit for you! 

To join AGCU, visit any AGCU Branch or contact one of our representatives today by calling (417) 831-4398 or filling out our contact form. Happy International Credit Union Day!

Hurricane Laura Relief

As recovery continues in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services Team is on the ground delivering help to those affected by the storm. To assist with their relief efforts, AGCU is matching the first $10,000 in donations we collect for Hurricane Laura relief. An additional donor is also matching these funds, so that will mean every dollar donated becomes $3 to help those affected by this massive storm!

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Here’s how your donation can be matched:

• Donate online – https://coh.generush.org
• Visit one of our branches and donate in person.
• AGCU members may call our Member Care Team at 866-508-2428 to transfer funds from their account. (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm Central)

Thank you for your donations, and please keep those impacted by the storm in your thoughts and prayers!