Sketchbook: Of local interest

I read an article about former U.S. President Harry S Truman, how he had a sign on his desk that said, "The Buck Stops Here."

That somehow reminded me of how fast offerings in the Church are used locally. If a ward or branch has more than they need, it goes to the stake or district. Local needs are addressed first. And I think that's kind of cool.
 

Light the World: Fast Relief

Whenever I fast, I find that it helps if I not only think about what I'm fasting for, but what I'm fasting from. 

Sketchbook: Alms, both loud and long

This came out of my notes from the "Come, Follow Me" studies this past week. I kind of like the idea of staying outside the bishop's office and blasting a trumpet every time someone hands him a tithing envelope!

Small Coke, hold the butter

I was in a meeting recently where it was suggested that we (collectively) double our fast offerings. Movie theater pricing might be more effective!

Faster than a speeding deacon

So, um, speed offerings?

Sketchbook: Collections

For me, collecting fast offerings as a deacon was a strange experience. Maybe it was just my particular route, but it seems like I had all the "less-active" people, the ones who only came to church on rare occasions: Christmas, Easter and the Primary program.

There was one house on Minuet Drive where the guy who answered the door would make the same joke every month: "Each time I get paid, I throw all my money up to the ceiling. Whatever the Lord wants, he catches and keeps; I spend all the rest." The worst thing was that every time I went there on fast Sunday, they were cooking the most delicious breakfasts. He'd also ask me if I wanted a bite of something before I left.

Funny thing, though. He always put something in the envelope as a fast offering. 

Keeping the monsters at bay

And after the fast...

I'm still in awe that my mom liked liver and onions!

Watching over the church

It's true. Some of those deacons can be way scary!

Ed. note: Colorizing was done by one of my able and worthy assistants.