Is Plate Passing Past?

Dear Plate Passers:

At our February Session meeting, the elders had an interesting conversation as we were rethinking the offering plate. In favor of discontinuing the custom of plate passing, it was observed that almost no giving is received in these dependable brass revenue receptacles. Most contributions occur during the business week through automatic transfers, online giving and mailed checks. What is left for the Sunday receipts are largely green, “I gave online” cards and a handful of envelopes containing some cash or checks avoiding the cost of a stamp. ‘Loose offerings’ (un-enveloped cash) have nearly vanished. The Monday ritual of counting the offering used to take more than an hour; now it’s completed in a few minutes.

Another observation regarding offering plates was the undue anxiety experienced when one realizes they have no cash or are unable to contribute at that moment. I think it is akin to that feeling in the coffee shop where, when you’re entering your PIN to complete a debit transaction, you’re confronted with expectations regarding your tip. It seems to disrupt the flow of the experience. Thinking you were about to enjoy some coffee, you are now facing the cashier’s gaze, and like an usher at the end of the aisle, someone is witness to the fact that you may be a cheapskate.

 

Historically, European church finances were secured by national taxation distributed to the congregations that were in communion with the State Church. Given that institutional expenses were covered by tax revenue, offerings received in these churches were designated to assist the poor and destitute. Churches unaligned with the state received no tax revenue. They became known as Free Churches because they were also unfettered from state oversight and regulation. Because nothing is truly free, these congregations shifted their weekly offerings for the poor to underwriting church operations. In the United States, with the elimination of state sponsored religion, congregations like their Free Church cousins in Europe relied exclusively on offerings to remain solvent.

The offering plate is relatively new and was originally introduced to increase privacy. Historically, offerings were presented during the offertory, when the whole congregation processed to the front and placed their offerings in a box. The innovation of having the ushers deliver plates pew-side was created in the nineteenth century to reduce the exhibition of generosity; likewise, envelopes were introduced to keep giving discrete and to permit more accurate records for tax purposes. The velvet cushion on the plate’s bottom was added to avoid drawing attention to those who only contributed coins (the sudden clinking sound affirmed that the giver hadn’t stepped up to amounts requiring folding green).

When the Session was seriously discussing the elimination of offering plates, I was surprised by my reaction. Turns out I have an affinity for those familiar shiny discs with their velvet cushions. As the discussion continued, however, I realized my protection of these collection dishes had nothing to do with plate-passing; I wished to protect plate-presenting, the oldest part of the post-sermon liturgy.

In the ancient rite, among the offerings processed were the bread and wine which were shortly thereafter consecrated into the eucharistic elements to be received by the people. It is as if everything brought forward was transformed by God’s grace into a means of nourishment for God’s people. The bread, cup, garden produce, clothing, blankets, crafted works and money filled the altar till overflowing. The offering was presented to God in thanksgiving and freely distributed to all who faced hunger and thirst.

As I’ve mentioned many times, the hearing of the Word should inspire a response of generosity. I hope I’ve been clear that our generous response to God’s grace should take many forms. Financial contributions are only the tip of the giving iceberg when God’s love melts our cold hearts. I must confess the ambivalence I feel, however, when having told the congregation how God receives our gifts in whatever form our bounty shares, the symbol of the plate only highlights tokens of financial generosity. It seems to undercut my broader appeal.

The Session’s discussion will continue; I am confident we will arrive at a good place regarding the offertory and doxology, especially if you wish to add your input through email or conversation with our elders. What I believe we will preserve is the time for reflection during the offertory, which allows us to receive the wonderful gifts shared by our musicians. We may even enjoy them more without scrounging around in pockets and purses because the plate has arrived. Intact too will be the presentation portion of the liturgy, when we affirm in voice and movement God’s call to share in thanksgiving and distribute in joy.

We may vote for change, or we may vote to keep things the same; whatever we vote, we’ll keep at it until we get it right; and if not, we’ll try again. Thinking those plates would make interesting chargers on a formal dinner table, I remain,

With Love,
Jonathan Krogh
Your Pastor