Greed and the church

• Posted by Rev. Allan Dunn, (OCSM) June 1, 2012 - #Greed  #Church Membership  - 702 views

  I was interested in becoming a member of a Unitarian church near me last year and I was put off by how to become a member I had to make a financial pledge for the upcoming year, below is what the requirements are to be a member of the church.

  Becoming a Member
  

  Once you have a chance to get to know us and feel this spiritual community is right for you, membership consists of a few simple things:

  • Discuss your interest in membership with a member of the Board and fill out the membership form, (Board members are available each Sunday at the guest table during coffee hour.)
    
    
  • Meet with the  senior minister to discuss UU philosophy and understand the obligations and responsibilities of membership,
    
    
  • Make a pledge of financial support and service for the coming year, (or get a waiver from the minister; we will not turn away a sincere person for lack of funds), and
    
    
  • Sign our Membership Book.

   

  What bothered me the most is the part about making a pledge of financial support and service for the coming year. I know that is how they get the finances to run the building but lately I have been seeing churches that are not giving the option of a waiver and yet the area the church is in is not that good and most of the people attending can't afford to donate money or time due to the economy and lack of time.

   

  That was always one of the things I used to hate about going to my fathers church. Can't the church find other ways of funding the church such as bake sales and other stuff but still have the option of donating money for those who can afford it.