Gospel Principles
Unit 7: Perfecting Our Lives
Chapter 32: Tithes and Offerings
Concept 4: Tithing and Other Offerings
"As members of the Church, we give tithing and other offerings to the Lord in money, goods, and time.
Tithing
Tithing is used by the Church for many purposes. Some of these are to --
1. Build, maintain, and operate temples, meetinghouses and other buildings.
2. Provide operating funds for stakes, wards, and other units of the Church. (These units use the funds to carry out the ecclesiastical programs of the Church, which include teaching the gospel and recreation and social activities.)
3. Help the missionary program.
4. Educate young people in Church schools, seminaries, and institutes.
5. Print and distribute lesson materials.
6 Help in family history and temple work.
Other Offerings
Fast Offerings. Church members fast each month by going without food and drink for two consecutive meals. They contribute at least the amount of money they would have spent for the meals. They may give as generously as they are able. This offering is called the fast offering. Bishops us these fast offerings to provide food, shelter, clothing, and medical care for the needy.
As part of the fast, members attend a meeting called the Fast and Testimony Meeting, where they share with each other their testimonies of Christ and his gospel.
Missionary Funds. Members contribute missionary funds to the Church to help spread the gospel around the world. These funds are used to support missions and missionaries in almost every country.
Service. Members also offer their time, skills, and goods to help others. This service allows the Church to help needy members and nonmembers around the world at community, national and international levels, especially when disasters occur.
Discussion
Ho do the offerings in addition to tithing show that we are grateful to our Heavenly Father?"