Stewardship

[Dart]

Stewardship seems to be an important practical matter in the Church including subtopics ranging from Festivals, Bingo, time and talent versus treasure, etc. Recently I was told that converts tend to give on average twice as much as craddle Orthodox. In addition, when craddle Orthodox do give they are more likely to earmark it towards the women's club, men's club, or Philoptochos then these clubs tend to funnel it back into various Church projects. I have also heard some talk about having different compensation levels for married and celibate Priests.

Does the forum have any thoughts on these matters?

[Rosehip]

I've been thinking about this topic a lot lately too. I wonder about things such as fancy clothing and jewelry, for instance. Is this a good use of our money,particularly when there are so many needs and so much poverty? What about gambling? To my shock, recently at church I heard a woman talking about how much "fun" she had visiting a casino and all the various games she was playing. In my former church, there would be no question about such an activity (not for Christians) and no one would even think of going to a casino. I was a bit distressed by this and felt terribly uncomfortable.

[Dart]

I've been thinking about this topic a lot lately too. I wonder about things such as fancy clothing and jewelry, for instance. Is this a good use of our money,particularly when there are so many needs and so much poverty? What about gambling? To my shock, recently at church I heard a woman talking about how much "fun" she had visiting a casino and all the various games she was playing. In my former church, there would be no question about such an activity (not for Christians) and no one would even think of going to a casino. I was a bit distressed by this and felt terribly uncomfortable.

Thank you for your post.

The clothes and jewelry is a tough one. It would be dificult for a Bishop to give that sermon in his crown and crossier. Even among the laity I have seen people get looks for not dressing well enough to come to church. Gambling is more clear cut. But what if the proceeds go to the Church or a good cause?

Not easy questions and it seems no one else is willing to comment on such controversial issues.

[Rosehip]

When it comes to gambling (at least in the casino context), I struggle with the idea of a believer allowing himself to be present in such an environment-which seems to me would be full of evil and temptation. It makes me tremble to think that we have become so at home with worldliness that we wouldn't feel as aliens in such a place. In addition, gambling can become an addiction and great losses can be experienced.

As far as proceeds of gambling going to help the church, I have thought of this as well. I have heard many from my parish mentioning that when such money is used to help the church, a less than desired result occurs-it's as if God's blessing is not there.

As far as church attire is concerned, I think it is very easy to dress modestly, humbly, simply, yet with grace and neatness. We can dress attractively without spending a fortune on our clothing, and give the rest of the money to help the poor. A favourite book of mine "A Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster (a Quaker), mentions living and dressing in simple, unassuming fashion. I think he has a real point. Is it right to dress in a way that will intimidate or offend a brother or sister in the Faith, or should our adorning be inward, of the heart?  I think I'd be more drawn to a simply and modestly dressed person in whom Christ is seen than the person who is all dolled up and dressed in a flashy manner.

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