Church offers prayers to counter recession

[Are_grits_groceries]

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- A Tuscaloosa church used part of its Sunday service to anoint and pray over 40 pieces of business stationery as members asked God to help those companies and their employees.

"During these hard times, so many businesses are closing down, and people are being laid off," said Jennifer Allen, a church member who brought a letterhead from her employer, Sealy Management. "I believe in the power of God, and I believe he listens to people's prayers, and he will help us through these difficult times."

George Birmingham, student pastor at Tuscaloosa Church of God, asked members who brought letters on company stationery, brochures and business cards to Sunday's service to join him at a table in the center of the sanctuary.

He then placed olive oil on their hands and anointed each piece of stationery. The prayer requests came from employees and business owners, most from the Tuscaloosa area but some from farther away.
http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20090207/LIFESTYLE/902070306

The stationery company might do well...............

[marew]

1. You couldn't make this stuff up! n/t

[alsame]

2. And that's why Repukes feel free to vote against the stimulus. n/t

[davidinalameda]

3. every little bit helps

why make fun of people's faith

[RC]

4. Was it extra virgin olive oil?

"He then placed olive oil on their hands and anointed..."

[BR_Parkway]

5. Hope they have more luck than those praying for rain on Obama's

big night in Denver or McCain's hurricane.....

I'm always a little amazed at people who constantly say they believe in an all powerful God who has a master plan for everything while constantly praying for different outcomes than the current "plan".

[silverweb]

6. That's not hurting anyone.

People are suffering and they need relief.

If the devout feel a bit better by performing a little ritual -- including a form of what they would be horrified to hear described as "sympathetic magic," i.e., anointing and praying over business stationery -- I have no problem with it.

I have plenty of issues with religion, but this isn't one of them.