On Offerings and Auctions	Article Author:  Gary L. Langness is an ELCA Pastor, stewardship leader and integral member of the Bega Kwa Bega partnership. Theme:  Happenings in Congregations Updated:  5/14/2008 © Gary L. Langness
Gary L. Langness describes the offering tradition in Tanzania: "They all came, from the youngest to the oldest ... they all had something to give ... and the good news is so do we!"
On Offerings and Auctions For as long as I can remember, the offering plate has been passed down the church pew and worshipers placed their monetary gifts in the plate. I do remember being in a church once where the ushers had long poles with red velvet bags attached, which they stretched into the pews to collect the offering, but that was an exception. And then, later in life I had a new experience when I visited a Tanzanian worship service for the first time. When it was time for the offering, the folks got up from their benches and came forward to place their offering in a basket placed in front of the chancel area. They came in an orderly manner and they all came ... from the youngest to the oldest, they all brought a gift. I liked getting up and placing my offering in the basket ... I had planned for the offering and gave a generous gift. When the last person had placed their gift in the basket I thought the offering was over but I was wrong. A second offering was being taken ... it was to help plant trees on the church property ... and here came the people again streaming down the aisle ... so I had a second opportunity to give. And just when I thought we were ready to move on, a third basket was placed in the aisle ... this was to help a struggling widow who had five children ... and the people came and the people gave and so did I after I asked my wife for more money! I also noticed that some came with ears of corn, potatoes, handmade baskets, bananas, maize meal, colorful cloth, fire wood, ground nuts and chickens – that would be live chickens! I had no idea how all of these items would be used but was about to find out. At the end of the worship service the whole congregation recessed outside to the music of a choir. Once outside, and before the dismissal, an elder of the congregation stepped forward and started an auction using the items given during the offering. The proceeds of the auction items were then placed into the offering to help with the mission and ministry of the congregation. Not exactly the way I was used to, but it had promise. Of course, I thought about the advantage of having a second offering. A third offering might be too much for the people back home. I also thought the auction idea was a possibility but began to wonder how to hold the auction in the dead of winter! They all came, from the youngest to the oldest ... they all had something to give ... and the good news is so do we! Click this link for a video overview of this companion synod relationship.