Last evening I attended a Voters' Assembly Meeting at my congregation. This was the typical meeting with reports and discussion on a number of issues related to the congregation. In general, the meeting was what you would expect at an LCMS Congregation.
At one point in the meeting we were asked to consider ranking our bill payment priorities. The old ranking system was not working well under our current cash-flow situation. The staff payroll was item number 9 on a list of 11. It has now been moved up to number 3, after their payroll taxes (1) and pension and benefit payments (2). This is a good thing!
Much to my surprise there was an item on the list termed - Divine Service Supplies. After a little conversation it became clear that we were talking primarily about the elements for the Blessed Sacrament. This is about item number 6 on the list! While I realize there is a cost for these items, I never really thought it would be something that we listed on a payment priority list!
Someone suggested it be moved up the list further for symbolic reasons. My suggestion that if it were being moved for symbolic reasons it should be first was chuckled at, but no action was taken. Then someone actually suggested that perhaps it was good to leave it down the list - as there may come a time when we can't afford the elements and then won't have the Sacrament. His rationale was that then people may pay attention to our budgetary issues!
Thankfully, the pastor said that wouldn't happen - he would stop and buy the stuff himself, if necessary. Nevertheless, the suggestion was serious and many people agreed with his rationale. While I suppose he has a point - I was livid that anyone would suggest turning Christ's gift into a budgetary club! Point or no point - the Blessed Sacrament is not something to be used to strong arm the people and should in my opinion not appear on a payment priority list at all!
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