Who is God?

I agree, gracesmum . There is a natural life span beyond which the posts just get silly.

I am confused (nothing unusual there) and have been flicking back through the thread to find WTH deserving is talking about, the reference to 13 and all the verbosity (s)he seems to think will either impress or shut us up. Or is it irony? Bottom line is that I am now sensing that this thread might have run its course and all its plots are lost. Am I alone?

Yes, Nanaej there are churches and "churches" - and some of the genuine ones can give their clergy an insuitably opulent lifestyle!

I was not doubting your discrimination, or saying that it was you who was going in for blanket condemnation.

elegran that is why I put ' ' around the word church because they are not genuine!
I do not attend any place of worship but am aware of the wide variety, among all faiths, and that in the mix there will be a few bad amongst those trying to to good.

As in many things, a few bad apples make the whole barrel suspect. But that is no reason for blanket condemnation of apples as a fruit.

I am not sure what is the target of the thirteen remark either, but as it has the air of an insult I will not enquire too closely. (Yes I do get the reference, but not not the relevance)

www.churchofengland.org/about-us.aspx in case anyone wanted to look!

Not all churches are as commercialised as others but they need to run as a business as books have to balance: payment for church building (rent or otherwise) , maintenance, utilities, cost of clergy, communion wine etc etc have to be paid for before money is available for church works!

I think all the major denominations have a huge business department, e.g C/E Church Commisioners http://www.churchofengland.org/about-us.aspx

Some churches have a tithe commitment which has to be managed... some 'churches' have brought this system into disrepute by the 'church' leader living a very comfortable lifestyle whilst the congregation struggle to pay the tithe and no evidence that the funds have gone anywhere they were supposed to!!

Which church is that, deserving ? There are a lot of different ones, with their finances not all held in one central account, so they are not all one big business. Some of them are exceedingly poor, but still manage to support aid programmes for those worse off than them in their own countries and overseas.

The church I'm connected with can't be called a business deserving. Any money in the coffers goes into funds for helping people in need in the community, or to overseas work.

Approaching 13, the number associated with a coven, i believe?
What change will be made next by the "Church", neglecting the fact that the church are the people not the clergy,to ensure that the coffers will continue to be filled? I reiterate, it is a business.

Nothing wrong in being anonymous.

And some people have no profile at all. Wonder why?

This "Gentleman" has three grandchildren, plus three "adopted"ones! My eldest, a boy at Lancaster Uni. has two Masters Certs in Physics. my second, a boy is working as a plumbers mate, and my third, is a lovely girl, just turned 17 and at College studying Health and Safety!
Is there anything else you wish to know re. my qualifications as a Grandparent???!! .dear JOJO!

Sorry ana, I did not know that.
Perhaps I should have done, after all , why not.
All I can say is that if I were not a grandparent, I would not be on a grand parent forum.

johanna - we don't have to have grandchildren to join GN! But I do accept that this thread has become very....tiring!

Not surprised you are tired now. This thread has 18 pages and it was started by a gentleman who does not mention grand children in his profile.

I think I'll just go to bed; like you jingl I don't have any energy left. Night night.

I think you've really come in on the tail end of this thread deserving. It's all been said and I haven't got the energy to start it up again.

Bags might have.

We know you are, soop - and thank goodness for that!

...and I'm hunky dory...

Deserving appears to have swallowed the dictionary....

Don't understand any of that............. Anyone?

I'm a bit insouciant...

I've been a bit otiose today.