New Session
Getting Started
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StewardGetting Here
Navigation: Steward → Sessions → New Session
You can also reach this page from the Dashboard by clicking “New Session”.
Overview
The New Session page is the primary data entry interface for recording offering transactions. It follows a two-phase workflow: first, you set up the session (choosing a suggested service or creating a custom session), then you enter transactions in a keyboard-first spreadsheet grid.
Phase 1: Session Setup
Suggested Service
When you open the page, SanctuaryOS automatically suggests the next unrecorded service based on your service schedule. If a suggestion is available, you'll see the service name, date, and time window. Click “Confirm” to create the session.
Custom Session
If no suggestion is available, or you want to record a different service, switch to the custom setup by clicking the link. You can then set the service date and description manually.
| Field | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Suggested Service | Card | Auto-detected next service based on service patterns. Shows service name, date, and time window. |
| Service Date* | Date picker | Date of the service for a custom session. Defaults to today. |
| Description* | Text input | Name/description of the session (e.g., "Sunday Morning"). Auto-populated from suggestion. |
Phase 2: Transaction Entry Grid
After the session is created, the entry grid appears. This is a spreadsheet-style interface optimized for rapid keyboard entry. Each row represents one or more transactions from a single donor.
Grid Columns
| Field | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Envelope # | Text input | Donor envelope number. Typing a number searches for the matching donor. Tab to move to the Donor column. |
| Donor* | Autocomplete | Type to search donors by name. Results appear as you type. Click or press Enter to select. Press F2 to add a new donor. |
| Fund columns | Currency inputs | One column per active fund (e.g., General, Tithes, Missions, Building). Enter dollar amounts. Extra funds can be shown via the "More Funds" toggle. |
| Payment Method* | Dropdown | Payment type: Cash, Cheque, Online, ACH, Card, Text, In-Kind, DAF. Supports keyboard shortcuts (c=Cash, k=Cheque, o=Online, a=ACH, e=Card, t=Text, i=In-Kind, d=DAF). |
| Cheque # | Text input | Cheque number (shown when payment method is Cheque). |
| Note | Text input | Optional note for this transaction. |
Session Summary Bar
| Field | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Session Total | Currency (CAD) | Running total of all saved transactions plus unsaved row amounts. |
| Saved Count | Number | Number of transactions already saved to the server. |
| Expected Total | Currency (CAD) | Optional expected total for balancing. Click to edit. Variance is calculated automatically. |
| Variance | Currency (CAD) | Difference between saved total and expected total. Shows both dollar amount and percentage. |
Actions
Enter a Transaction
- Type the envelope number or start typing the donor name
- Select the donor from the autocomplete dropdown (or press Enter on the highlighted result)
- Tab to the first fund column and enter the amount
- Tab through additional fund columns as needed
- Tab past the last column (or press Enter) to save the row
- A new empty row appears and focus moves to the envelope field
Quick-Add a New Donor
- While in the Donor column, press F2
- A popup appears for entering First Name, Last Name, and optional Envelope #
- Submit to create the donor and auto-populate the row
Delete a Saved Transaction
- Locate the saved transaction in the list above the entry grid
- Click the delete (X) button on that transaction
- The transaction is removed and totals are recalculated
Set Expected Total
- Click the Expected Total value (or the edit pencil icon)
- Enter the expected total amount from the count sheet
- The variance updates automatically as you enter transactions
Submit the Session
- After all transactions are entered, click “Complete Session”
- Review the session summary showing total, transaction count, and comparison to last Sunday
- Click “Submit” to advance the session to Submitted status