Updated: 12/21/2008 8:42:07 PM
As Christmas draws near, churches in East Tennessee are adding greenery to their sanctuaries in preparation for Christmas Eve services. But there's another kind of green on their minds. Service at St. James Episcopal Church this Sunday followed the normal routine: singing, praying, peaching, and the offering. But these days, the small silver plates hold some uncertainty. "We haven't seen any big impact yet but I think we will," said St. James Interim Rector Rev. David Hackett. It's a concern that's entering into future plans for the church. "We're in the throes of setting up the budget and it's very flexible at this point," Rev. Hackett said. They may have to cut some programs in order to maintain priorites like their annual Christmas food pantry, which saw an increase of more than a 30% increase in applicants this year. "We're going to have more and more folks showing up on our doorstep, needing help. We're willing to make some adjustments in our priorities to see that [that need] is met." For congregants, tithing to support those programs is important, but it is getting difficult for some, like residential contractor Gregg Duncan. "Not having a steady paycheck has forced me to cut back. I'm nowhere near where I thought I would be for the end of this year. For 2009, I've cut back about 20%," Duncan said. "The older folks, people on fixed incomes are frightened. I think that fear is causing people to be reluctant to give in 2009," said St. James member Mike Combs. But an intense economy is met at St. James with an even more intense commitment to march on. "Our calling is not for those inside the walls but for those outside the walls," said Rev. Hackett. "We love this church and we have to support this church and the missions that it serves," said member Tobertha Jackson. They said they plan to keep the Christmas spirit alive throughout next year, whatever it may bring.
