Ha! Three men from the church that is two doors down from my semi-rural home just stopped by to invite me to an Xmas eve service (they were circulating in the neighborhood). I told them that I was an atheist and wouldn't be coming. However, we had a highly cordial conversation wherein I was my usually sparkling and lively self.
The pastor handed me some envelopes and said, "We're out sharing love and these are for you." They were two $20 Walmart gift cards. I expressed some guilt over taking them, but he insisted. Who am I to argue with god?
Oh, and he invited me to service tomorrow and said that they were having a lunch with food from Rib Crib. I explained that I am a semi-vegetarian and only eat chicken once a week--no cows or pigs for decades.
I am going to be really pissed if the cards are fake.
If the cards turn out to be fake, print one side of a twenty, actually do a couple, fold them and go to the service and leave them in the collection plate. Only print one side - then it isn't counterfeiting. You can even write a message on the back.
I was contacted by a pastor of an Episcopalian church in the town of Antioch who had my wallet. Some one had found it & turned it into him. To retrieve the wallet I had to promise to attend a Sunday service. He was such a kindly OG pastor that I consented. I haven't been to one of these shows in decades. Nothing an introvert would rather do. Have the congregation welcome me as the pastor made me the focus for what was 15 seconds but seem as hours. I am much more careful now with my wallet.
What the hell? That sounds like theft or extortion on the part of the pastor. Couldn't just show you some of that christian kindness without forcing you to do something you didn't want to do, huh? Typical.
@Gwendolyn2018 He would have given it to me sans promise. He was old & kindly & I indulged a grandfather I never had. It was a good lesson in my tolerance. He had not imposed on my privacy by knocking on my door, proselytizing thru the mail or magazines. I felt no pressure but more as an invitation. For his kindness I chose to go & see his Sunday show. As an atheist since I was 6 years old, entering churches as a tourist not a congregant. I like the stained glass windows. The polished pews. I visit churches when ever I travel. Salsbury Cathedral, Dome of the Rock, Vatican, Native American Spanish influenced churches from the 16th century as the Zocalo in Mexico City, Mormon Temple (exterior only of course). =0} Moody Bible. All nonsense but interesting buildings. Architecture & such. I don't like religion but love the variety of art work. That's how I look at. He has passed away & the church is now a historical museum. And my good karma brought back my found wallet.