"Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 'It is written,' he said to them, 'My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” (Matt 21:12-13 NIV)
The story about Jesus throwing the money changers out of the temple has always made me just a little anxious. Small congregations (maybe large ones, too) often have fund-raisers to support their budgets. We sell stuff in order to pay the bills. Sometimes, these fund-raisers come in the form of meals or maybe art and craft fairs or even a rummage sale. I worry that maybe we're not trusting God to provide for us through the generosity of His children's offerings to Him and His work through the congregation. I am of the mind that anything that comes in to support God's work through the church should be a free-will offering to the glory of God and not an exchange for services. After all, when Jesus paid our debt on the cross, he did that freely and willingly. I guess, in today's economy, purchasing a product or service could be considered a way of supporting a congregation and mission. At least the world would see it that way. I'm not so sure God sees it that way. Even the U.S. Government does not consider that a charitable contribution.
We do have traditional fund-raisers at Zion. I call them traditional because they have existed since long before I was born. Events like the Hunter's Supper, Women's Bazaar, or Ice Cream Social can be great times of fellowship and evangelism. I am always praying that everyone involved keeps the focus on welcoming our neighbors; rather than, primarily exchanging goods for money. For the last two summers, I have helped the youth organize a rummage sale at Zion for youth retreats. We do not put a price on anything, which makes the organizing a whole lot easier. We ask for donations of whatever one feels the items are worth to them and that they can afford. The results are very good, indeed. We also have fund-raisers, usually concerts, where proceeds go directly to other charitable organizations, such as St. Vincent De Paul, or Toys for Tots, or to support mission congregations in Russia. Members of the whole community provide the music as well as a light lunch for all of our guests following the concerts, again with no charge. These latter fund-raisers have no entrance fees; free-will offerings are suggested for the concert, but not imposed. The congregation usually over-flows into the narthex and the library with these events. These are wonderful opportunities to welcome and fellowship with our neighbors as we support those in need.
But, I am always on guard to keep the focus of "fund-raisers" on welcoming people to God's house, rather than selling. This is, after-all, a house of prayer. May God help us to continue trusting in Him alone for all our needs. May God help us to continue welcoming people into His house of prayer, in all that we might do for His glory.
God's Peace - Pr. J
P.S. All are welcome at Zion!
The story about Jesus throwing the money changers out of the temple has always made me just a little anxious. Small congregations (maybe large ones, too) often have fund-raisers to support their budgets. We sell stuff in order to pay the bills. Sometimes, these fund-raisers come in the form of meals or maybe art and craft fairs or even a rummage sale. I worry that maybe we're not trusting God to provide for us through the generosity of His children's offerings to Him and His work through the congregation. I am of the mind that anything that comes in to support God's work through the church should be a free-will offering to the glory of God and not an exchange for services. After all, when Jesus paid our debt on the cross, he did that freely and willingly. I guess, in today's economy, purchasing a product or service could be considered a way of supporting a congregation and mission. At least the world would see it that way. I'm not so sure God sees it that way. Even the U.S. Government does not consider that a charitable contribution.
We do have traditional fund-raisers at Zion. I call them traditional because they have existed since long before I was born. Events like the Hunter's Supper, Women's Bazaar, or Ice Cream Social can be great times of fellowship and evangelism. I am always praying that everyone involved keeps the focus on welcoming our neighbors; rather than, primarily exchanging goods for money. For the last two summers, I have helped the youth organize a rummage sale at Zion for youth retreats. We do not put a price on anything, which makes the organizing a whole lot easier. We ask for donations of whatever one feels the items are worth to them and that they can afford. The results are very good, indeed. We also have fund-raisers, usually concerts, where proceeds go directly to other charitable organizations, such as St. Vincent De Paul, or Toys for Tots, or to support mission congregations in Russia. Members of the whole community provide the music as well as a light lunch for all of our guests following the concerts, again with no charge. These latter fund-raisers have no entrance fees; free-will offerings are suggested for the concert, but not imposed. The congregation usually over-flows into the narthex and the library with these events. These are wonderful opportunities to welcome and fellowship with our neighbors as we support those in need.
But, I am always on guard to keep the focus of "fund-raisers" on welcoming people to God's house, rather than selling. This is, after-all, a house of prayer. May God help us to continue trusting in Him alone for all our needs. May God help us to continue welcoming people into His house of prayer, in all that we might do for His glory.
God's Peace - Pr. J
P.S. All are welcome at Zion!
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