GOD’S GIFT TO THE CHURCH LOCAL…

(Two ideas for economic survival during the energy crisis)

Approximately seventeen people representing approximately that many churches met to consider ways of improving income and controlling expenses at a workshop during the Annual Meeting in Farmington. One idea surfaced during that session that may be helpful, and another was related to me just this morning. It evoked memories of a not so distant past that might contain the germ of another strategy.

There is a tale that pictures Jesus and St. Peter in conversation just past the pearly gates. Jesus said: “Pete, the Church Local I understand, and the Church Universal I understand. But could you explain one more time – just what is a denomination?” It may be that the current explosion in oil and other energy prices is God’s way of stimulating the ecumenical movement at the local level. Back in the 1970’s, during the previous energy crisis, local congregations in a number of communities engaged in a variety of joint saving efforts including:

1. Sharing worship. In most communities the building of any one congregation is sufficient to meet the worship and education needs of all. Joint worship services may enable more than one congregation to close their sanctuaries or entire buildings for the winter (or longer).

2. Congregations with differing styles of worship may wish to stagger times of service in one church building. This will also result in savings from use of fewer church buildings.

3. Form a oil cooperative. More than one congregation can join to solicit lower oil prices for each participating church. The amount of savings will depend on usual usage. Copier supplies, paper, etc. may also be purchased with delivery to a central location.

One way to begin would involve the Pastor and trustees of one Church inviting their counterparts for a joint brain-storming evening. It may take a while for trust to develop and ideas to flow, but when need meets creativity, God’s people may be enabled to do great things!

Some of us may be old enough to remember a phenomena oft observed in New England Mill Towns: Mill owners often were the key laity in the Congregation. Traditionally, they chose to maintain the financial viability of the congregation by personally paying the year end deficit. Their children and grandchildren, while heirs of the tradition, were often less enthusiastic in their involvement in and support of the Church. They did, however, continue to regard themselves as patrons of the family church and gave on a level somewhat above their level of involvement would suggest.

Just this morning, a member of a church in the Maine Conference brought that tradition to mind when she told me of an anonymous gift of ten thousand dollars to her congregation to offset the increased oil costs of the coming winter. Other churches have added envelopes to the pews with an “Oil Fund” request printed on them . One thing is certain: Those who do not ask are not likely to receive!