United lUtheran Church - Stewardship Page

LET'S HAVE A PARTY"

"The idea of tithing in the Old Testament does not exactly fit our contemporary bang-'em-on-the-head-to-get-more-bucks model.

Back then, tithing was not linked to a building program, utilities or payroll. It was a system that subsidized a party - a great festival honoring Yahweh's goodness, grace and forgiveness. It was a celebration that he remembered the people's sins no more and dealt with them mercifully.

The Israelites would make their sojourn to the temple and spend days camping out with family and friends, feasting, drinking, dancing,singing and laughing. Smoke rose to the heavens as the first fruits were sacrificed in thanksgiving to the Lord. The pyre of death was the altar of life, and all of it went to the Lord. (Caring for the physical needs of others came from the coffers beyond the 10 percent.)

Sadly, the church has lost the party spirit. We have lost the celebration of life. We think the church could learn a few things from the Israelites of old about celebrating before the Lord."

-Anthony Campolo and Gordon Aeschliman

UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH 506 Superior Ave. - Crystal Falls, Michigan 49920 - Phone 906-875-6591 unitedluth@up.net