Starting a four-part series on the spiritual disciplines of prayer and giving. Together and Apart looks at how we give - in worship and individually.

Giving is a spiritual discipline like prayer. Both are lifelong practices, and there’s always something new to discover.

Once you can write an offering prayer, you can write a thank-you letter. Both are grateful acknowledgements of everything we have received from God, and the blessing of being able to share with God’s people.

A quick primer on ways churches can collect the offering when they can’t pass the plate

If you can’t pass the plate, you can still celebrate the offering during a livestream or virtual worship service. Start with gratitude to God, the giver of every good thing.

Giving is such an important part of worship that it deserves words. Not just ‘the ushers will now come forward to collect the offering…’ and a cursory prayer, but a moment of genuine gratitude and celebration. Celebrate all the gifts, not just gifts from people sitting in the pews at the moment.

If someone has $40 in their wallet, they may give $20 - saving that second $20 for lunch the next day. Online gifts were $160. Lots of great examples and statistics here from Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)