Today in my church, a person took time to tap me on the shoulder and say, “Here’s the plate,” when the offering was being taken. I took the plate and passed it to the next person. I happened to not have money in hand today, but I appreciated the opportunity to participate in the passing of the plate. There are many things I cannot do–I can’t read the words on the screen when a new song is introduced, so I am silent while everyone else sings. In this one moment, I was a participating member of the community. It mattered to me.
On many Sundays, the plate is passed over me because I don’t see it coming and reach for it. Sometimes it is passed over me when I have money in my hand. This kind of inclusion is easy. I hope that what happened for me today can serve as an example for others. Please share this post and help your church members and leaders learn to do the same.
