well at our church we do not pass a plate, or a hat or anything else. we have a offering box at the back of the church. our pastor says if you want to give you'll give and if you are would begrudge the offering "do not give." that is even for members. can't give cheerfully, we don't want it. -----Original Message----- From: Cleveland, Kyle E. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2002 11:17 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Stress relief Hey Ken, you were talking about $$$ and evangelists a few posts back. Wanted to pass along that where Laura and I attend, they make a big deal of telling visitors to let the hat pass by. They state every service, "If you are just visiting, we don't want your money." We've gotten a lot of positive responses from visitors. The church leadership is limited to about $45K/yr salary, whether they are a lay-person or are employed by the church (this group includes an MD and a dentist!). I think they have their priorities in order. On the other hand, there's a mega-church in town (World Harvest Church), run by a guy named Rod Parsley, that refuses to disclose their financial statements--even to their own membership!. Trouble is, that's the image most Americans have of modern Christianity. Can't blame 'em for being turned off by Goobers like this David Ring. -----Original Message----- From: Barber, Kenneth L. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2002 8:33 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Stress relief good one kyle. -----Original Message----- From: Cleveland, Kyle E. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2002 9:44 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Stress relief Subject: manage your stress STRESS MANAGEMENT Here is a stress management technique recommended in all the latest psychological texts. Picture yourself near a stream. Birds are softly chirping in the crisp, cool, mountain air. No one knows your secret place. You are in total seclusion from that hectic place called "the world." The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of serenity. The water is clear. Really clear.... so clear you can easily make out the face of the person you're holding under the water... There now... feeling better?