Comments on: Tithing Settlement 2008

By: zionssuburb

zionssuburb — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:16:33 +0000

As a clerk and an execsec, what I’ve done is taken the list of those who have made any kind of dontation, and then asked the Bishop who else he would like to visit with for Tithing Settlement. I then assign time slots, and a letter is mailed to each person with a personalized invitation. We still have our typical cancellations, but there is always a 20%-25% increase in attendance.

-John

By: GatoraAdeMomma

GatoraAdeMomma — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:52:16 +0000

Our stake policy is not to have sign-up lists as members loose confidentiality (who has signed up, who hasn’t). The members have to see the execuitve secy to make an appointment and likewise he has been assigned to contact all members for fill slots. Lots of leg work, lots of no shows. The bishops are getting smarter and taking out-of-town Christmas vacations as soon as school is out.

By: Rldds

Rldds — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:57:05 +0000

We have simply announced it from the pulpit in sacrament meeting a coulple of times and had sign up sheets in the clerk’s office. I appreciate those who sign up and want to come in to visit/declare their tithing status, but would never “hound” anyone to come in.
It’s been a real pleasure to visit with many who normally have no need to visit with their bishop.

By: The Only True and Living Nathan

The Only True and Living Nathan — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:04:17 +0000

Seriously, though, tithing settlement is an annual frustration, because the bishopric basically has to hound half the ward to sign up (and actually show up). imo, tithing settlement should be handled like temple recommend interviews: If it’s important to you, you’ll make sure you get yourself there. If it’s not important to you, it’s your loss. All the bishopric should have to do is announce which dates are available, and make special arrangements with anyone who asks.

That’s all our bishopric has done.

By: Kathryn Soper

Kathryn Soper — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:36:08 +0000

All I can think about at tithing settlement is my husband’s idea to expedite matters: a drive-thru window in the Bishop’s office.

Would you like to supersize that offering?

(he was clerk for 4 years, now 2nd counselor)

By: Adam Greenwood

Adam Greenwood — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:54:28 +0000

Thanks, Benjamin.

Rob P., I think you’re on to something. I hadn’t considered the 3 Nephi connection.

By: Rob Perkins

Rob Perkins — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:36:05 +0000

I’ve never considered the actual number nearly as important as whether or not the number was a full tithe; our records have been perfectly accurate for 15 years, thanks to the care my wife takes in maintaining them. But I suppose it’s more correct to consider the records important: Jesus Himself reproved the surviving Nephites for not having entered something into the records they were keeping, and he waited until they did it. So, in one sense, the lesson is right there in 3 Nephi.

By: Benjamin

Benjamin — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:10:45 +0000

Wow, Adam. I, similarly, gave the record received from the bishop no more than a quick glance. I walked right out there without even considering how I felt or whether or not it mattered to the Lord that was what on the record (as opposed to what I had actually paid, if there had been a discrepancy) was correct. Thank you for reminding me (and others) to stop and think of tithing settlement as an opportunity for spiritual experiences rather than a necessary formality that comes around each December.