New church gives everything it gets in offerings

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1349303,CST-NWS-church25.article

December 25, 2008

BY SOPHIA TAREEN

The members of Waterfront Community Church in Schaumburg attend weekly services in a high school auditorium. The pastor relies on a laptop and Starbucks for an office.

The nondenominational suburban Chicago church operates on a shoestring budget so it can give 100 percent of offerings gathered from the collection plate to those in need.

"We found how little we know about the people around us. We started asking around, 'What are the needs of the community?' " said Jim Semradek, the church's pastor and founder. "When you present that need to people, they're very responsive. People have very generous hearts."

Churches typically use at least part of the money collected at worship services for administrative costs, including heating the sanctuary and paying the pastor.

Waterfront is funded by eight sponsors; half attend the church and the others are outsiders who support its mission. Their combined contributions, along with some fund-raising, pay for the rent for the school auditorium and salaries. In addition, several of the church's nearly 200 members donate their services as accountants and financial planners.

Not only does Waterfront give away what it collects, it also develops relationships with the people who benefit.

Since the church started in October, it has raised about $11,500 to help a 29-year-old single mother get on her feet, a cause church members chose together.

[hobbit709]

1. The difference between these Christians

and the loudmouthed TV preacher variety tells it all.

[roguevalley]

13. the original church did this. they had committees that distributed

to the widows and orphans and took care of people. The first law was to take care of those in need. Its amazing when you see Christians doing what they are supposed to do isn't it? that is why I love Jesus and his mission.

[FloridaJudy]

2. Now *that's* Christian

With a capital C. Warren, Robertson, Ratzinger and the like: you've just been shown for the poseurs you are.

[Double T]

3. CHRISTIANS actually practicing what that preach.

Grassroots great people someday will overcome the evil filth that is running and ruling our nation and corporations now. Waterfront are believers I believe in. Thank the GREAT SPIRIT for them. Waterfront will make it a Happy New Year.

[xchrom]

4. recommend

[Occulus]

5. Off to the Greatest page with you! n/t

[rhett o rick]

6. This is a church that I don't mind my tax dollars going to, instead of the mega churches.

I hope this is a trend.

[knitter4democracy]

7. Living as the early Church did. Brava!

They must be reading Acts and the Gospels.

[Obamanaut]

8. Thanks for this find! I sent it to everyone on my email list plus all of

our relatives, most of whom are members of very large churches.

[elocs]

9. The lesson here is not to paint all of Christianity or Christians with a broad brush.

Christianity is not one giant same-think monolith. There are Christians who follow the example of Jesus, who was himself a homeless man who only owned the clothes on his back.

[central scrutinizer]

10. Our UU church does the same thing

All money collected in the offering baskets on Sundays is given away to social service agencies. The members pay their pledges by mail to keep the place running.

[MadMaddie]

11. Fantastic! These are the real Christians

They don't need Mega Churches and expensive TV shows, they are practicing what they preach. It's nice to know there are churches out there like this.

[Faux pas]

12. How refreshing, a pastor who walks the walk. No mansions

or Cadillacs in his future. Hallelujah and Amen Pastor Semradek!