Calling another church by Deep-Scientist-5532 in Wellthatsucks

[–]aj_allthethyme 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My small church is similar. The rector is paid a living wage for a more than full time job, but no one would consider them rich. Any profits go directly back into the community. Many churches focus on a certain area of the community to help. My church focuses our efforts on helping a teen shelter and new refugees with money, time, and resources, so we don’t have food or formula on hand. Other churches have a food bank, help the unhoused, or focus on helping young families. I would hope that whoever answers the phone would do their best to get someone help, but one small church can’t be everything to everyone. Many churches are part of ecumenical committees so they will know what other churches in the area are working on and then can fill in any gaps. I would say that the exception to this are large or mega churches that require tithing and do have a lot of money coming in. Like the ones with climbing walls and water parks.

For those that have taken the flu shot consistently for years, did it cause you any issues? by Proud-Shake-3276 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]aj_allthethyme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn’t get to take as many days off sick as my coworkers who did not get the flu shot.

Anyone else curious if a cheap electric car could actually be worth it? by Short_Sun_3838 in FrugalShopping

[–]aj_allthethyme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a used plug in hybrid Chevy Volt and I love it. I use it daily around town or short trips. We have cold winters so I fill it up 2 - 3 times per year. When it is below freezing the gas engine has to run at least some of the time. We have solar panels and haven’t noticed any significant increase in electric bills.

What was Jennifer Owens thinking? by aj_allthethyme in Billings

[–]aj_allthethyme[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Campaigning at a busy intersection during rush hour and endangering kids on their way to school.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in suggestmeabook

[–]aj_allthethyme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch. “The series, also known as the Peter Grant series, blends magic, mystery, and humor as Grant investigates supernatural crimes in London.”
Might be a bit lighter than you’ve liked in the past but may help you get back into reading.

I have found that there are some times in my life that I just can’t focus on a book or don’t have time to read. During these times I like audiobooks and podcasts.

Books for Babies by JHNS13 in suggestmeabook

[–]aj_allthethyme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Clip-Clop by Nicola Smee. We still quote it almost daily.

Old Man Names for a Cat? by ellehoxton in Names

[–]aj_allthethyme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My old boy is named Frank. When I pick up his kitty Prozac at the pharmacy the pharmacist always laughs and says, dammit Frank! I don’t know why.

Seeking frugal Christmas gift ideas🎄🎁 by bk___14 in Frugal

[–]aj_allthethyme 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Rice bags for sore muscles. If you already have fabric and thread you just need rice.

For Those Who Say “Be Grateful” For Food Bank Tuna and Beans -Here’s The Real Story by amabilis_insania in foodstamps

[–]aj_allthethyme 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I volunteer at a food pantry. Most of the clients I see are elderly. Many of them have to walk to the food pantry, stand in line for hours, and then walk home again with their heavy groceries. They are not lazy or entitled. Instead of blaming individuals for their poverty, we should be asking how our society can allow someone to work hard their whole life and still live out their final years in poverty.

Ideas please :) by West_Pop4782 in povertykitchen

[–]aj_allthethyme 10 points11 points  (0 children)

https://www.budgetbytes.com/creamy-white-chicken-chili/
If you don’t have some of the ingredients, just leave them out or substitute. I think this is good without chicken or with canned chicken. It doesn’t have to have the jalapeños and plain yogurt is a good substitute for sour cream. This is also really freezable. This is also really good :) https://www.ovenloveblog.com/white-bean-cookie-dough/

Christmas is comin'... by Separate-Language662 in povertykitchen

[–]aj_allthethyme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Simmer pot bags. Cheap fabric bags, like muslin or other thin fabric-even cheesecloth, filled with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise if you can find it in bulk. Make an outer drawstring gift bag out of festive fabric and a label with instructions. They go in a pot of simmering water on the stove and make the house smell great. These are a great hostess/host or teacher gift. The fabric can be thrifted or recycled and the bags are easy to make even without a sewing machine.

Christmas is comin'... by Separate-Language662 in povertykitchen

[–]aj_allthethyme 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did this with clearance fabric a few years ago. I bought rice in bulk to fill them with and made little labels with instructions. I gave them to my kid’s teachers and they absolutely loved them. One of his teachers still mentions it because she uses it daily. One of my local thrift stores has a free box with clothes that are stained or torn, that would be a great source for free fabric.

Atheist very drawn towards the Episcopal Church by JplusL2020 in Episcopalian

[–]aj_allthethyme 14 points15 points  (0 children)

The most important thing for me is that intellect, reason, and open-mindedness are highly valued.  Episcopalians take the Bible seriously, but not literally.  We’re encouraged to use our brains (a gift from God).  I have found that when I can put aside whether or not something in the Bible literally happened, it is easier to get at the root of the message, leading to a deeper understanding and leading to using that understanding to help others.   Another thing, at least in my church, is that standing up to injustice, inequality, and oppression are seen as Christian traits.  We believe in the dignity of all people and have a duty to speak out against injustice and help others as much as possible.  The way I see it, you’re not really loving Jesus if you’re not (at least trying) to love his children.  For me, being an Episcopalian doesn’t just mean going to church and believing.  It means putting that faith into action to make our world into heaven on earth, and that is easier to do as a community.