Oh for **** sakes, Vesta, that is NOT how churches survive. When people give in a church they know they're giving to help others out through charitable contributions and to keep operations up and running. They also understand a 10% tithe that's required. People that are going to be rushing into Panera are going to generally be a bunch of free-loaders with entitlement mentalities ecstatic about "getting over on someone". No church person gives 5% instead of 10% and thinks, "hey, I just got over on God."
This place will last about as long as that place in SLC.
My family had been givin' the church 10% for 4 generations! It's just somethin' we feel is our obligation!
One year after "Toots'" dad had a heart attack, they were really down on their luck at Christmas. He had been disabled by his doc and the red tape to get anything from good 'ol Uncle Sam was drawing out into it's 8th month!
They still had 2 kids at home and a another Daughter goin thru a divorce with three kids of her own in the house!
The Church made sure all the kids were taken care of and the Christmas dinner was one fit for a king, all furnished by those of us that readily donate our 10%!
One of the finest most fulfilling Christmases I can remember since my childhood! Nothin' beats giving to those that deserve our help! DUmmies on the other hand, that think we owe them, can go stand in line at the Mission for watered down turkey soup!
