There are many reasons why I personally choose to pay tithing into the church’s oblation fund, but the main one is because I want the church to have the capacity to help people at their point of greatest need. When the earthquake happened in Haiti, Community of Christ had the resources available to help people on the ground. Those resources were there because ordinary people like you and me cared enough to give. I say “ordinary people” because the oblation fund is most often supported by people of average or modest means who pay tithing on whatever they have. Sometimes that is as little as two dollars, but even with that amount, they do so thanking God for the opportunity and capacity they have to give.
The importance of the church having both that capacity and priority was already brought front and centre earlier this week with the news that our church members and others in Ivory Coast are needing to flee their homes because of the very real threat of violence. These are ordinary people, like you and me, who find themselves at risk because of serious political discord. If you have not already done so, you can read President Veazey’s heartfelt comments about that situation by clicking on it here.
Oblation is a big part of our giving. From the earliest days of the church, giving to support those in need has had a high priority. As early as 1831, Joseph Smith Jr. brought direction to the church that made it clear just how important such giving is.
And remember in all things, the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple. (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 52:9c)
The priority of giving to the needs of others is also highlighted by the fact that on the first Sunday of every month, all offering funds not designated to go somewhere else go to the oblation fund. The first Sunday of every month; it is that important.
Now-a-days, many of us give by means of “PAT” or Pre-Authorized Transfer. This is an excellent method because it means that the money is given whether we happen to be at church on Sunday or not. Hopefully we have remembered to include the Oblation Fund in that automated process.
If you would like to use PAT to make your donations regular, you can find the Pre-Authorized Transfer form here. If you do so, I encourage you to include the oblation fund in your giving.
Posted by Carman
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I also give to the oblation fund. But when I, as a long term member needed it. It was not there for me. But seems to be available for any nonmember or people with certain last names.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, Thank you for supporting the oblation fund. It is a way we as regular members and friends of the church can help make a difference during time of crisis or natural disasters. Once again just this month, that fund has been drawn on to quickly assist people in India and the Philippines whose homes were destroyed by floods. Your caring helped make that possible.
ReplyDeleteRegarding your comment that oblation assistance was not there for you when you needed it, I would not know about this specific case because all requests for support are dealt with in strict confidentiality. Even were I aware of it, however, it would be inappropriate to respond in a public forum such as this. Should you feel you would like to talk about it further, I would invite you to contact the CEM financial officer to discuss it privately and confidentially. I know the MCFO would be happy to listen.
Thank you for your comment. Since the original post went up more than two years ago, it is good to know people are still reading the archives.
Carman