When I was a pastor in Central New Jersey and active in the interfaith ministerial association, I became familiar with the new facilities of a neighboring evangelical Christian church.  After some years and some divisive strife in that congregation, the facilities were put on the market.  A Buddhist group bought the buildings and some months later invited the clergy group to visit the sanctuary and learn more about Buddhist worship.

Upon entering the slate floored vestibule, we all removed our shoes.  When I entered the sanctuary that once had pews for seating about 300 people, I saw that the pews had been removed and on each side of where the center aisle had been were two large boxes, about six feet square and three feet high.  It was explained to us that Buddhist worshippers never enter without a gift of some sort: flowers, or food, or clothing, or money.  The group of monks and priests used these gifts for their living needs or gave them away to needy people.

I thought to myself of all the Psalms that tell us to "bring an offering" and of Jesus with his disciples standing to the side and watching people give their offerings.  I determined from that day forward that I would never worship without bringing an offering.

As a pastor I would more than tithe, as had been my joy for years, on the Sundays after the first or fifteenth of the month, my pay days.  On the other Sundays, I would give at least a dollar.  As a guest preacher, I always put something in the offering, even if it is clumsy to do so.  For some reason, ushers often do not pass the plates to the persons on the platform.  As an attendee at regional meetings or conferences, when worship is a part of the program, I find a way to give an offering. (Note to planners of these gatherings:  always pass the plates.)

It is not worship without an offering, at least not for me.

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,

            Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Acsribe to the Lord the glory due his name;

            Bring an offering and come into his courts.

Worship the Lord in holy splendor;

            Tremble before him all the earth.

                                                            Psalm 96:7-9

Have you considered what spiritual disciplines you might engage in during the season of Lent that is upon us?  Ron Vallet challenges us to think of Lent, "...as the beginning of a process of building a life - an ongoing process. 

Jesus gave important instructions that, in my mind, apply both to individuals and to Christian congregations:  "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"  (See Matthew 6:19-21).

When we participate in God's mission as American Baptist Christians, I believe that we lay up treasures in heaven..." continue reading...