My church is going through a hard time

[Siphonophorae]

So, my church is experiencing financial trouble. Usually, our church building is occupied by the Little Lighthouse people who let us use the building on Sundays, because they technically own the place. But during this time, they have let it go and now my church needs someone to keep up the building. They were having a tiny bit of trouble paying bills anyway, but now people are making even less money in the congregation so they have less to give. Which means more trouble paying bills. Luckily they have savings, but those savings are dwindling fast. No one is buying the building. The disease is still here. So far, things are so bad that two people who are usually paid to preach and play organ, have offered to stop being paid and instead “work as volunteers”. So, things aren’t looking great. We’re trying to have faith God with give us what we need, and I do believe that, but I promised to my church when I joined as a full member that I would help the church in any way possible. But I really don’t know how! I have no money, I don’t have a job, my parents are doing everything they can, we aren’t even going to church (we’re watching at home), and I feel very bad that I don’t seem to be keeping my promise! I take promises and vows and stuff very seriously, because I like people trusting me. I love my church, and the people in the church, but I can’t do a single blessed thing.

 

[Cuchculan]

Not sure if you are Catholic or not? As a Catholic I will be the first to say that the Vatican is the richest state in the world. More money than anybody else. But they are never quick to hand money out. Which is why they have so much. Like all other countries, the Church, here in Ireland, asks people in the parish for money. Fair enough to give small amounts. But they expect too much for people. I know for a fact that money handed to the Church near us, by people from the parish, actually went to build an extension on the house of one of the priests. He said for when family visited. Was already a four bedroom house. That sort of stuff just annoys me. They have bills to pay. I get that. But when we know the money is been used for other things. Like home extensions. Much of the time they refuse to say where money goes that comes from the local parish. The Vatican could give each parish enough money not to go broke. It would be like spare change to the Vatican.

 

[Siphonophorae]

I’m not Catholic. But I have seen things like that happening before, it annoyed me too even though I wasn’t the one giving the money. I generally have a lot of empathy.

 

[Cuchculan]

Is like the poor giving to the already rich. Not having a go at any Religion. Been Catholic I am the first to admit they are all rich and if the Vatican handed out money they do a lot more good work in the world. Handing out money seems to be the problem with the Vatican.

Even so called faith healers in the US and beyond. They all live in big houses. Drive big cars. Just all wrong in my opinion. If they were real about what they were doing it would be free to all.

 

[Siphonophorae]

As I’m Presbyterian my church has always had some financial difficulties but never this severe. The two people who offered to be volunteers had been working for 40+ years. At least they’re not leaving, but things will be different. And an update on the building: they don’t even particularly want someone to let us stay in it, they would be willing to sell it completely and find maybe a smaller location. Easier to cover.