Churches leaders: Pass the plate; it’s time to give
By COURTNEY SERVAES, Herald Staff Writer
An offering plate is passed around to congregation members at the United Methodist Community Church in Richmond. Because of the economy, some churches are experiencing a decrease in giving, while others remain stable.
You don’t rob from God just because times are tough, the Rev. Dan Oglesby says.
Oglesby, with Community Revival Center, 2749 Montana Road, said members of his congregation know that. And that’s why his church is steady in terms of giving — despite the economy.
“We haven’t lost, and we haven’t gained,” Oglesby said. “Times are tough, but we keep giving to God.”
The Rev. Joel Fredrikson, with First Baptist Church, 410 S. Hickory St., said not only has his church held strong despite the economy — but attendance and giving is up at this time.
“The economy hasn’t directly affected us yet,” he said. “I’m sure we will see some impact, though.”
Fredrikson said combined attendance at the church’s two Sunday services averages about 240 to 260 people — a number that’s significantly larger than last year’s attendance.
Despite an increase in giving and attendance at the First Baptist Church, other area churches have seen a slight decrease.
“Giving is down a bit this year from last year,” Donna Wasserfallen, administrative assistant at the United Methodist Church of Wellsville, 302 Locust St., Wellsville, said.
Wasserfallen said Sunday attendance is down slightly from years past, averaging about 60 to 65, compared to 70 to 75 at this time last year.
“We’re hurting a little bit there, but we’re making it,” Wasserfallen said.
Even with a questionable economy, Oglesby said he tries to encourage his members to stay strong and be faithful.
“Keep giving to God,” he said. “That’s the basic feeling that we preach and teach.”
He added that he encourages his members to rely on God — not the government to meet their needs.
“Trust in God,” he said. “He’ll bring you what you need. Do what you can do, but God will take care of the rest.”
