Casino Night for the Spotswood Educational Foundation.
February 12, 2008 – 9:57 pmI am a Trustee of the Spotswood Education Foundation. The Foundation (SEF) provides grant money to educational staff and students for the development of programs and activities that are not covered by the school budget. These programs enhance the curriculum and provide the students with a more comprehensive and varied learning experience. So, of course, a major function of the Trustees is to engage in and participate in fundraising for Foundation to pass on funding to the teachers and students.
Being part of the local community at this level is a wonderful spiritual experience for me. Yet, the group has decided to have a Casino Night as their primary fundraiser this year. It is February 29.
Trinity (one of the churches I serve) is located across the street from a large Roman Catholic parish that has a Casino Night. The reason for mentioning that is to exemplify the diversity of Christian thought and doctrine.
These events use “fun” money that you get when you purchase an admission ticket. You can purchase more “fun” money throughout the night if you run out. So, you are never gambling with real money. At the end of the evening, you cash out for tickets and then place your tickets at the prizes you’d be interested in taking home. Then a drawing ensues for the prizes (kind of like a Chinese Auction.)
So, because of personal convictions, I bowed out of this evening. I am willing to promote it, help set-up, but not attend.
What are your thoughts? Maybe you think I should lighten up and go? Maybe you think I should tighten up and not even promote it or help with the set-up? Should being a clergy person of The United Methodist Church matter? Would it be the same for any Christian?
What do you think?
Tags: Education, Events, Random Thoughts, Theology
One Response to “Casino Night for the Spotswood Educational Foundation.”
Hello. My name is Kim and I am a fellow GNJAC Pastor.
In response to your post about the Casino Night - it reminds me of conversations I have had with a few members of my church who attend Bible Study and were raised Catholic. They do not see anything wrong with “recreational” gambling and have used the Catholic church sponsoring Bingo as part of their rationale.
I, on the other hand, do feel gambling is wrong and should not be promoted by the church or used as a means of fundraising for the church. I agree with you in regards to your not attending the event - as far as not promoting it or helping at it - I have mixed feelings.
It depends on your whole stand I think - if you are opposed to it then not promoting it or helping with it would be a witness to your beliefs on the other hand if you are expected to support and help at these events due to your position on the Board you would need to decide if this is a good compromise without compromising what you believe is right.
I hope that helps.
By Kim Wecht on Feb 14, 2008