On Offerings and Auctions

On Offerings and Auctions

Article Author:  Gary L. Langness is an ELCA Pastor, Stewardship Leader and very involved with the Bega Kwa Bega partnership in Tanzania. Theme:  Happenings in Congregations Updated:  5/8/2008 © gcljumbo@comcast.net [Gary L. Langness]

For as long as I can remember the offering plate has been passed down the church pew and worshipers placed their monetary gifts in the plate. I do remember being in a church once where the ushers had long poles with red velvet bags attached which they stretched into the pews to collect the offering, but that was an exception. And then, later in life I had a new experience when I visited a Tanzanian worship service for the first time.

When it was time for the offering, the folks got up from their benches and came forward to place their offering in a basket placed in front of the chancel area. They came in an orderly manner and they all came . . . from the youngest to the oldest, they all brought a gift.

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