IN THEORY:Church giving and global relief

"There is not enough to go around. We have to keep it here for ourselves." It is a problem with human nature. Jesus says in Matthew not to worry about what to eat, drink or wear, for God knows that you need all these things, but strive for the Kingdom of God first (6:31-33).

Giving to help meet the needs of others is one way of striving for that kingdom. I am pleased that Foothill Christian Church does, as a congregation, what we ask of our members. We are a tithing congregation within our denomination. For the vast majority of our history, we have taken 10%, a tithe, off the top of our financial resources and sent them into our general church to support missions.

Homes are built in Central America, health care for women in Turkey, community development in China, student scholarships for higher education here in the United States and local ministries here in Southern California are some of the things these monies support. The impact we are able to make when joining our efforts to those of our wider church is significant.

Is there more that we could do? Yes, and we must. Is there more to do in a world that doesn't know peace and justice? Yes.

GALEN GOBEN

Foothill Christian Church

La Crescenta

At first glance, the report sounds depressing — and there is always the temptation in religion to spend the money on the beautiful building and those who staff the beautiful building, including the minister, priest, rabbi, imam, etc.

However, a couple of things come to mind. First of all, often the beautiful building allows things such as Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to happen there, as well as Al-Anon functions.

Sometimes Boy Scout troops and/or Girl Scout troops meet in the beautiful building, too, and most of those groups pay nothing, or almost nothing, for the use of the space.

Such gatherings are, in my mind, at least, a function of ministry. The religious building is being used to help others in the community. Another truth about modern life is that there are many groups that do good that are not specifically religious.