Tipping the Church Choir

[robwar]

I think I caused enough trouble here and got some good opinions on the issue, so there’s no need to start a new thread.

This is suppose to be about giving to others or honoring their service to the church not what YOU like and the fact that Target is beneath your wife. Get real.

 

[robwar]

It’s amazing to me that an extremely thoughtful idea on giving to our Church musicians has to get hijacked by those that only focus on what THEY like. Sorry but maybe if more people would focus on others and not their selfish petty immature likes as if the world revolves around that we might have more people willing to serve at the Church.

 

[ServusHumilis]

It’s amazing to me that an extremely thoughtful idea on giving to our Church musicians has to get hijacked by those that only focus on what THEY like. Sorry but maybe if more people would focus on others and not their selfish petty immature likes as if the world revolves around that we might have more people willing to serve at the Church.

Oportunities to tell those who give gift cards that cash is often more appropriate (this in my opinion is one of those times) or appreciated are few and far between, so talking to people on an online forum who will most likely never anyone reading this a gift is about the perfect place to mention it. Get over it.

 

[ServusHumilis]

It’s amazing to me that an extremely thoughtful idea on giving to our Church musicians has to get hijacked by those that only focus on what THEY like. Sorry but maybe if more people would focus on others and not their selfish petty immature likes as if the world revolves around that we might have more people willing to serve at the Church.

Where else other than an online forum can one who would rather not receive a gift card actually say so? It’s not as if any of us are going to exhange gifts with eachother. Just because giving and receiving gift cards is gratifying for YOU doesn’t mean you have to overreact over others’ opinions on them. Get over it. Not only that, I think there are times when cash is more appropriate than gift cards (this being one of them), and vice versa.

 

[Marcus_T]

Wow!!! I was the one who started the original thread on tipping the Church choir. I appreciate all the responses. I’m also truly amazed on the discussion that erupted surrounding the gift cards. I know the idea of giving gift cards falls into two camps, some people love them while some people hate them. Although I personally like them, provided I get one to a store that I like and frequent but because I live in a very small town, our shopping options are fairly limited so with that in mind, I have decided to give cash, an equal amount to each of the three choir members with a nice Christmas card telling them how much I appreciate their service and time they give to the Church each and every week. By the way, one of the choir members not only does the 5 p.m. Saturday Mass, he also does one Mass on Sunday morning.

Mark

 

[Cat]

I know I’m fussy & ungrateful…but why couldn’t you give cash? She would have had a choice of where to take her mom.

When you give cash, some people (especially older people) feel obligated to use the cash for something practical, like paying a bill or buying their medicines. It doesn’t seem like much of a gift. Kind of like giving someone a vacuum cleaner instead of a necklace! Some people would prefer the practical gifts, but many people just love getting some fun little thing that they can enjoy without feeling obligated to be “practical.”

Also, many people who receive cash for a church-related reason feel obligated to give the cash back to the church in the offering. Again, that’s their choice, but still–many of us want the recipient of our gift to use it for themselves, not just give it away.

A gift card to a specific restaurant makes it more likely that the recipient will actually go there and enjoy the experience and while they are there, they will think of the giver with gratefulness and friendship.

Panera’s is a great choice! Lots of options that please all ages and diets!

 

[TheLeastofThese]

Well, IMHO, Gift cards are a personal gift that is not TOO personal if you get my meaning.
People want to feel like they shopped to some degree, if it’s only at the checkout line.
Simply giving cash often times says " I have no clue what to get you, I didn’t bother to notice what you like". I got a giggle out of the Target post. My first thought was " you don’t like slippers? You don’t like to buy fairly high priced face cream, best selling books, or decorative candles for your home? A current DVD? Music? A new coffee maker?
I guess, in some cases, cash is more appreciated, but you miss a VERY important element here:

People who receive gifts are giving US a gift. God gave the ultimate gift. Out of love. When people move us to give them something: the homeless, the needy, the elders, the choir, our kids…we should be thanking THEM for this opportunity to live out our call. To emulate Christ and be givers. IT’s not so much that they need what we give (although often that happens) but we obtain grace from being a good giver. We should be thanking them for being that person in our life that reminds us of what it means to love. Even if it’s a couple of faithful choir members. Next time any of us purchase a gift, we need to remember what moves us. And not worry if it’s right. The sentiment always is.
God bless you.

Amen~:clapping:

 

[truetofaith]

It’s amazing to me that an extremely thoughtful idea on giving to our Church musicians has to get hijacked by those that only focus on what THEY like. Sorry but maybe if more people would focus on others and not their selfish petty immature likes as if the world revolves around that we might have more people willing to serve at the Church.

I thought I made it plain enough that I appreciate whatever someone gives me personally as a gift,… And,… I do play at Church services & thank people for their compliments.

I just wanted to explain why cash is more versatile than a gift card …without starting a new topic.

I said everything I can on this subject.

 

[truetofaith]

Where else other than an online forum can one who would rather not receive a gift card actually say so? It’s not as if any of us are going to exhange gifts with eachother. Just because giving and receiving gift cards is gratifying for YOU doesn’t mean you have to overreact over others’ opinions on them. Get over it. Not only that, I think there are times when cash is more appropriate than gift cards (this being one of them), and vice versa.

Thank you for understanding what I was trying to express! :tiphat: