Hypocracy

[Eddy Daze]

I believe I practice this to some degree, but i will not let it effect the things i say.

Now this is about churches in general , when I used to live in Edinburgh some of the churches opened their doors for the homeless during the winter months , so they could get a decent nights sleep. In the area I am now this does not happen, I was a bit shocked when I found this out as the properties are just laying empty and not being utelised, also some years ago i wrote to the church because I heard they had invested in monsanto (gm),enquiring whether that creation was not good enough , I think they no longer invest. I may email over the homeless thing also , but wonder who to specifically?

 

[Willamena]

City Hall, perhaps, attention "Mayor". You could also write a letter to the local newspapers and they would print it for many to read.

 

[Scuba Pete]

I may email over the homeless thing also , but wonder who to specifically?

Consider addressing the e-mail to yourself first. In order to avoid the hypocrisy you cite, you should be inviting the homeless people into your home. Don't expect others to do charity for you.

 

[Falvlun]

Perhaps you could find out exactly why these churches are not opening their doors. Perhaps you could donate blankets, or money for higher energy costs (as they might turn down their heat at night and would need to keep it higher if they let the homeless in).

Perhaps they used to, and people just started stealing stuff.

 

[Eddy Daze]

Consider addressing the e-mail to yourself first. In order to avoid the hypocrisy you cite, you should be inviting the homeless people into your home. Don't expect others to do charity for you.

I cant I am temporarily housed myself in an hostel, due to having travelled much and the council messing up my application, the council changed hands went part private ,they sent my renewell slip to my old address so did not realise my application was suspended until recently, and I had been emailing them via the old site asking them what was going on. (At times when I have had a flat I have housed and fed homeless before , this as lead to too much expense on my part, and am not fully trained in dealing with issues such as drug and alcohol dependence)

 

[Eddy Daze]

Perhaps you could find out exactly why these churches are not opening their doors. Perhaps you could donate blankets, or money for higher energy costs (as they might turn down their heat at night and would need to keep it higher if they let the homeless in).

Perhaps they used to, and people just started stealing stuff.

Due to having travelled much and been involved with organisations I have met this problem many times, eg toilets closed down due to drug us in homeless centres, its mad that it should effect the innocent, they should deal with the users by informing the law.

 

[MEMNOCK]

All Churches should be open to the homeless. If they were they would actually be serving a true benefit. Don't hold your breath for that to happen though, no money to be made in actually helping the needy.

 

[Scuba Pete]

this as lead to too much expense on my part, and am not fully trained in dealing with issues such as drug and alcohol dependence)

Excuses are a dime a dozen. Do what you can, when you can. Then you can cast stones at others for not doing what you perceive to be "their job".

 

[Eddy Daze]

Excuses are a dime a dozen. Do what you can, when you can. Then you can cast stones at others for not doing what you perceive to be "their job".

I do do what I can I am involved with food relief and light counsiling. This is a problem where I have seen people die due to freezing weather , so I am not going to say nothing for fear of being hypocritical....there are also loads of empty business properties going unused, but thats off topic , they dont give a damn anyway, mind you they pretend to sometimes.

 

[Quagmire]

I believe I practice this to some degree, but i will not let it effect the things i say.

Now this is about churches in general , when I used to live in Edinburgh some of the churches opened their doors for the homeless during the winter months , so they could get a decent nights sleep. In the area I am now this does not happen, I was a bit shocked when I found this out as the properties are just laying empty and not being utelised, also some years ago i wrote to the church because I heard they had invested in monsanto (gm),enquiring whether that creation was not good enough , I think they no longer invest. I may email over the homeless thing also , but wonder who to specifically?

First thought is; every church in your community, just to see what kind of response you get. If you're lucky, somewhere along the way you'll run into someone involved with a church who's willing to talk to you about this.

You'll also get some idea about what's already being done and by whom which will give you the opportunity to get involved in some of the church sponsered projects and programs already going on.

You'll also get some idea about where the gaps are; what needs aren't being addressed? What churches aren't actively involved who might be willing to help if approached?

A lot of the time, in any community, there are needs not being met and resources not being utilized for the simple fact that there's no one in the middle to bring them together.

A lot of the time what appears to be lack of compassion really just boils down to a lack of organization and communication.

Basically what I'm saying is; you have to bug people.

 

[Charity]

I believe that a lot of churches are kept going by the support of the local congregation or members. Some small local churches barely make enough to pay the utility bills in extremely cold months. If the congregation doesn't make it to the church and pay tithes or give offerings then the church finds itself in a financial crisis. Some barely able to stay open much less any money left over for any charity work. So you need to investigate the reason that some churches are not able to help.
Most cities, towns, etc, have some sort of organizations that are set up just for helping in this situation. I know a lot of churches that do everything possible to help the unfortunate and homeless people in their community. Even though they would like to help it isn't always possible, because after all we, the people are the ones that are ultimately responsible for setting a plan in motion.
When people open a building for the homeless it needs to be monitored and there has to be rules established. This requires volunteers who give time to fill such a position. You can't just turn everyone loose in a building without some type of rules and regulations to follow. There is insurance to be paid on those buildings and they have to be brought up to a certain code in which it is safe to house the public. All this costs money. Most of the time paid by taxpayers, so it all comes back to we, the people and how much charity do we give?

 

[Scuba Pete]

we, the people are the ones that are ultimately responsible for setting a plan in motion.

Some people see the "church" as merely a building. In reality, it is the called out, the ecclesia or assembly of believers in an area.

In the first century, these plans were the responsibility of the Deacons.

Acts 6:1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."
5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. NIV

Yet, the calling is CLEAR that each disciple should be meeting the needs of others as they are able. We are called to be living sacrifices, but apparently we keep trying to wiggle off the altar.

Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' NIV

 

[Eddy Daze]

For the town of Edinburgh the only had to keep one church open at a time, I think the staff were a co-operative from seperate churches

 

[S-word]

Consider addressing the e-mail to yourself first. In order to avoid the hypocrisy you cite, you should be inviting the homeless people into your home. Don't expect others to do charity for you.

Mate, even the good Samaritan, didn't take the unfortunate home to his wife and family, but as it would seem that he was financially secure, he paid someone else to care for him.

 

[Watchmen]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]2007 Statistics [/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Days of labor donated to Church welfare facilities [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]647,319 [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Employment and training placements [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]U.S. and Canada [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]88,390[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Internationally [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]137,311 [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Total number of: [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Storehouses [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]138[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Home storage centers [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]100[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Production projects [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]55[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Processing facilities [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]24[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Storage and distribution facilities [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]37[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Employment resource centers [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]282[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Deseret Industries thrift stores [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]43[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]LDS Family Services offices [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]73 [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Number of missionaries serving in Welfare Services [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]3,974 [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Examples of missionary assignments: [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Managing Employment Centers [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Teaching English as a second language [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Teaching marriage and parenting skills [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Improving agricultural and medical practices [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Distributing clothing [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Supervising welfare projects and missionaries [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Number of major disaster assistance efforts [/FONT]

​

[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman](1985-2007) [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]185[/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Recent examples: [/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]California wildfires [/FONT][/FONT]​

2[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]007[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Peru earthquake relief [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]2007[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Yogyakarta, Indonesia earthquake relief [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]2006[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Hurricanes Katrina and Rita relief [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]2005[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Africa measles vaccination campaigns [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]2004 - 2007[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Southeast Asia tsunami relief [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]2004 - 2007 [/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Humanitarian assistance rendered (1985–2007) [/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Cash donations [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]$259.8 million[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Value of material assistance [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]$750.9 million[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Countries served [/FONT][/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]165[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Food distributed [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]58,809 tons[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Medical supplies distributed [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]11,001 tons[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Clothing [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]78,108 tons[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Educational supplies [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]5,879 tons [/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Hygiene, newborn, and school kits [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]7.1 million[/FONT][/FONT]

 

[Eddy Daze]

Perhaps it was above my harshness rating when I started this thread in haste, I had just bumped into an old friend who was homeless,and sleeping in the park, it was a freezing morning and he was bluish from cold and pasing back and forwards to heat up , "are the churches not open round here during the cold spell,?" I asked and after talking to some support staff they confirmed this, so the bee in me bonnet came out as this thread, thanks for the advice of getting involved with the churches more, it just never dawned on me that this did not happen nationwide, or why it should until I asked the homeless friend