Unity on the River - In The News

AMESBURY - Unity on the River is full of art, from clay figures to colorful paintings. But churchgoers yesterday were treated to more prosaic works of art - portraits of Andrew Jackson.

In a gesture that surprised and delighted the congregation, the church "retithed" each attendant of yesterday's services $20. Organizers said they gave back about $6,000.

"Isn't it the coolest thing?" Paula Estey said. "They're putting their money where their mouth is."

A year ago, the church was operating in the red, according to the Rev. Shipley Allinson. But by yesterday, their 10th anniversary, they were back in the black, and Allinson and the church leaders wanted to give something back to the people who had donated so much over the year. Members of the church tithe, or donate 10 percent of their income.

"The congregation feeds us, so we decided to tithe back," Allinson said.

After collection, church leaders passed out envelopes containing the $20 bills to churchgoers but told them not to peek until everyone had an envelope. When members opened the envelopes together, they started laughing with delight, Allinson said. And some members were more than pleased.

"One woman said that she was going through financial difficulty and that she really needed (the $20)," Allinson said. "That felt good."

Allinson had to warn the people who attended the early service not to spill the beans to those coming for the later one. But a few people at the second service knew what was coming anyway.

"Some people came twice," Allinson laughed.

Denise Dennis, who manages the church's bookstore and has been a member for six years, said the retithing was a way to give back to and expand members'

spiritual journey. It was also a way to thank them for helping the church continue to grow, she said.

"All these people contributed to get us to this point today," Dennis said.

"They've blessed us."

---

http://www.newburyportnews.com