Unitarian & Free Christian Bible Discussion

Francis writes:  GIVING TO THE CHAPEL IN GIVING WE RECEIVE...? On 19th August we will be considering what the Bible has to say about our responsibilities towards the financial and practical needs of our congregation.  Unitarians are not alone among denominations in being rather reticent when it comes to talking about giving money to the chapel/congregation. Why is this and what does the Bible have to say on the matter? In the New Testament, Jesus and Paul both talked about giving.  In the Hebrew Bible, there are many narratives and commands around the need to contribute. Not just to the building of the Temple but also to its restoration (Ezra, Nehemiah, Amos etc.) There are many admonitions about failure to adequately support the work of religious leaders/servants as well as failure to contribute funds and volunteer time and energy to rebuilding work. There are also statements and examples which suggest that we gain spiritually through giving. Giving money and volunteering time and wor

Rev Peter Godfrey writes:  My subject for our discussion Monday, 7th. August is the story of Martha and Mary in Luke's Gospel chapter 10 verses 38 to 42.  Interestingly Martha and Mary also appear in John's Gospel chapter 11. Following our usual pattern I suggest that in the first of the group sessions we consider such questions as 'Was Jesus too severe on Martha?'  It was her house. Also - What did Jesus mean by 'only one thing' that he deemed necessary?  You may, perhaps, prefer the reading that 'other ancient authorities' are said to have viz 'few things are necessary, or only one'. In part two we could consider what the story might mean for us personally with such questions as 'Is it an either/or issue?'  How do we find a balance between the spiritual and physical or practical in our daily lives?  Are the two inextricably bound in our lives?  Is the division arbitrary, just for the convenience of talking about them? I hope this is ple