Close to Home by John McPherson for August 20, 2022

Followed by a decrease in attendance.

it is better to give than to receive, just not receiving grief!

What about the pastor that asked his flock to buy him an expensive watch and when they could not come up with the money he ripped into them saying that he was sorry that he wasn’t worth their KFC Red lobster and Walmart money…

And people wonder why I shun religion .

Sadly there are a lot of “churches” out there that are only about the money. There are also a lot of people who only think about money when they go to church.

I will leave my comments at this point for now,

Probably should be called a “smart aleck” collection plate.

At least he gave with what he had.

Growing up, I remember the church I attended every week sent a letter to all members with a list of members who did not donate to the church! That was the beginning of the end for me….

HOLY SHNIKIES!! You’re supposed to put money INTO those things?? I always took money out!

I always thought… hey!… what a fun place… they’re passin’ a free bowl of money around!

(Green Plaid Alert)

My church stopped using a collection plate (actually a collection basket on a poll the ushers would go with from pew to pew) due to the pandemic. They now have a collection box in the vestibule and the weekly bulletin also has directions on how people can donate online.

Be sure you read God’s word and do what He says in “working out your own salvation…….to fulfill His good purpose” (Philippians 2:23-13). He gives us free will, but, he also tells us what to do and how to live. Don’t let a bad church taint you against all churches. End of “sermon.” Everybody have a great day and weekend! :)

I seem to remember Jesus telling the disciples about the woman who gave her last little bit to the temple and how it was more than what the rich gave because it was all she had. Perhaps the .45 is all he had.

A Missouri pastor was caught on camera berating his “broke” congregation for failing to buy him an expensive Movado watch — sparking criticism that he wants to make a profit, not be a prophet.

Pastor Carlton Funderburke of the Church at the Well in Kansas City was giving a fiery sermon about “honoring God’s shepherds” when he scolded his followers for being too poor to give him the pricey timepiece he’d requested

who remembers FAMILY TIES…alex p keaton..he was able to tell how much money was dropped on a floor..i at first thought that the cartoonist was using “alex p keaton” as part of the joke/cartoon…

Hmmm the IRS probably has that kind of tech already

Hi, Bleeb. Aren’t you out of position?

Our family journey to non-religion began in the 1930’s when Grandad could not afford to contribute to the church and there were some nasty remarks made.

The church I attend doesn’t pass a collection plate. There are donation boxes if you care to give and there is a notice in the church bulletin explaining how to donate, but it says nothing about the amount, frequency or anything else. Our pastors haven’t mentioned donations in years. The only exception is asking for donations of food or clothing for the homeless shelters.

The last time I attended church they passed the collection plate THREE times. Once in pre-service bible study and twice during the service. One half of the entire service was dedicated to begging for money, talking about money, describing who had donated and so on and so on. They had “maybe” 15 minutes of sermon and even then they had numerous references to giving to the church. I left and I’ve never been back.

“God created man in his own image and man, being a gentleman, returned the favor.” ~ Mark Twain

The church I went to had padded fabric bottoms to keep change donations quiet…

PTL (pass the loot). :)

Unfortunately, churches also need $ to pay the clergy, heat and maintain the building. Tithing does seem to be out of favor these days, unless its to the casino or horse track. Was it Voltaire who remarked that if God hadn’t created man, man woiuld have created God?

My father had to look like a bigshot, giving lots of money to the church and lending to the pastors as well as his friends. Meanwhile, he skimped on anything for his kids — the cheapest of everything and nothing extra. Everyone thought he was some kind of hero, but we all knew better.

Salvation is free, but when they wrap it up and deliver it, there is a P&h charge.

‘Forced’ milking the sheep.

Isn’t there a parable about the poor old woman who gave a penny and was exalted because it was all she had vs a rich man who gave a larger donation that was a meaningless amount to him?

I remember over 50 years ago seeing a lady put a quarter in the collection plate and taking 15 cents out in change.

I had a preacher one time tell me every time he preached on giving, the contribution went down. When he preached on attendance, the attendance went down. He said he didn’t know what to do. I suggested he preach on sin. He was not amused. ;)

I have preached on giving before. Every time I do it is on giving yourself, not money. Yes as Christians we do need to contribute money to help others (and pay the light bill of the church building etc), but how much is the business of each person, there is no set amount/percentage listed in the New Testament. It is much more important in my (not so) humble opinion, to give of ourselves. In the long run, that does more good for others and ourselves.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (KJV)

There are those that believe they can somehow buy their way to heaven.

Much better than hearing: “Put that back!”

Sounds like those mega churches where they gotta provide the preacher with private jet, mansion, rolls royce, diamonds, rubies, Armanis, rolex, etc.

It’s cute when a 5 year old child believes in mythological beings like Santa Claus or the Easter bunny – it’s pathetic when adults delude themselves that some completely fictional deity exists and needs their fawning yet alone their money. Grow up people. Religion is the oldest control scam on the planet.

What if that was his tithe on $45? One should not shame people with limited incomes.

When i was informed by the church I went to what I my offering was expected to be I quit going. I believe God is everywhere, not just inside a building. I donate to numerous charities and pray to him in my own way.

My church stopped passing plates during Covid, putting boxes in the lobby instead, and according to the report in our annual business meeting, giving is way up.

Oh jesus!

….When they passed a plate at the end of it all, I didn’t have a penny to pay, so I got me a pen and paper, and made up my own little sign. I said,"Thank you Lord, for thinking about me,I’m alive and doing fine…..Sign sign, everywhere a sign….