Churches have a wide range of expenses, and some of these are taken care of through community events. There is often a need for churches to gather funds from their parish. Tithing has been a widely used method for centuries, but economic downturns greatly affect this method of fund raising. Because a church is part of the community, church yard sales have become a practice in recent decades. Members of the church donate items that are then sold at the church yard sale. All proceeds from these events are donated to the church.
Not every event held by the church is for religious purposes or fund raising. One of the lovelier gatherings at churches is an afternoon tea to welcome new members. This is not a ceremony as such, but more of a social event for those interested in attending. These types of unofficial events help the church fulfill its role as a center of the community.
