You know how it is.
Mabel has just bought herself an exciting new toaster/set of dining chairs/kettle/vacuum cleaner. And she's wondering what to do with the old one. Which was old enough that she needed a new one. But not so old that she really wants to throw it away. Or, indeed, arrange for the council to collect it.
But then she remembers that what the church really needs is a second hand toaster/set of dining chairs/kettle/vacuum cleaner! And comes to you as pastor/vicar/minister/steward/churchwarden to ask if you would like the second hand item as a gift.
The first thing you should do is remember that, if it's electrical, it will be out of warranty. And the cost and effort of disposal when it breaks in the first week will be yours.
The second thing you should do is remind Mabel of Malachi 1:8. And suggest that, if Mabel thinks the church needs a toaster/set of dining chairs/kettle/vacuum cleaner, she could keep the old one and give the new one.
But that may sound like too much scripture to be quoting - and, let's face it, as liberal Anglican that is a lot, a whole verse. While for some evangelicals it's a bit suss quoting the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament like that. So you may find a use for this helpful flowchart.
Sent this handy flow chart to our new Churchwarden who now feels equipped. See also: 'well, if you don't want it for the church, you can always auction it (hands over carrier bag with faded reproduction print of white Jesus in slightly broken frame) to raise money'
ReplyDeleteWe may now have to make an appeal for something that will allow us to burn quite a lot.
ReplyDeleteAnd if it is larger than a toaster who is going up draft the retrospective application for Faculty?
ReplyDelete