Could the Church "Do" Christmas Better?

[rongo]

3 hours ago, Jeanne said:

  Working at Walmart, I have been looking a commercial Christmas since Halloween..I was so sick of it!  

Yesterday (Christmas Eve), we gave each of our children $20 to brighten a stranger's day with. My daughter (13) decided to tip a Walmart cashier (we know a lot of people who work at the local Walmart). She bought an item and gave the stunned cashier (a 50+ year old woman) a $20 tip and wished her a Merry Christmas. She said the woman was very touched.

[Jeanne]

25 minutes ago, rongo said:

Yesterday (Christmas Eve), we gave each of our children $20 to brighten a stranger's day with. My daughter (13) decided to tip a Walmart cashier (we know a lot of people who work at the local Walmart). She bought an item and gave the stunned cashier (a 50+ year old woman) a $20 tip and wished her a Merry Christmas. She said the woman was very touched.

I can't imagine how much your daughter made her day..big hugs for that.

[VideoGameJunkie]

45 minutes ago, rongo said:

Yesterday (Christmas Eve), we gave each of our children $20 to brighten a stranger's day with. My daughter (13) decided to tip a Walmart cashier (we know a lot of people who work at the local Walmart). She bought an item and gave the stunned cashier (a 50+ year old woman) a $20 tip and wished her a Merry Christmas. She said the woman was very touched.

Retail employees aren't allowed to accept cash gifts, but the thought is nice.

[Stargazer]

21 hours ago, why me said:

I think that the problem is in your tittle.

 

But what about his jot?  That's OK, right?

[Stargazer]

4 hours ago, Jeanne said:

That sounds beautiful!

My family did a nativity play at our Christmas Eve party using the little children.  My stepmother is German and we also decorated the tree.  It turned out really nice and the kids did their parts so seriously..even the baby Jesus looked so real!  My stepmother concluded with Silent Night in German so it was such a nice experience.  Working at Walmart, I have been looking a commercial Christmas since Halloween..I was so sick of it!  This sounds like a beautiful change or a keeper in any family or church.

Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht!  Ja wohl!

My wife and I once sang A Mighty Fortress is Our God -- in German -- for Sacrament meeting.  Although not at Christmas.

[Stargazer]

33 minutes ago, VideoGameJunkie said:

Retail employees aren't allowed to accept cash gifts, but the thought is nice.

Ummm, that would depend upon the employer, actually.  There's no hard and fast rule, or law.  That being said, I don't know if Walmart permits it or not, and I certainly hope the cashier didn't get in trouble for accepting the tip.

[VideoGameJunkie]

24 minutes ago, Stargazer said:

Ummm, that would depend upon the employer, actually.  There's no hard and fast rule, or law.  That being said, I don't know if Walmart permits it or not, and I certainly hope the cashier didn't get in trouble for accepting the tip.

I got written up when I was in high school and worked at Toys R Us and accepted a holiday season tip. I was told by the manager that it's not allowed in retail.

[Calm]

That doesn't make sense, how can they stop it?  I know people who tip when someone helps them carry groceries to the car.

The chain stores may have a rule against it, I doubt very many small businesses do.

Edited December 26, 2015 by Calm

[Stargazer]

43 minutes ago, VideoGameJunkie said:

I got written up when I was in high school and worked at Toys R Us and accepted a holiday season tip. I was told by the manager that it's not allowed in retail.

But what about wholesale?  Seriously, you need to realize that one experience and the words of a single manager do not create a universality.  Generally, it might be the case, but is it the case everywhere?

I have a feeling that your feeling might be close to the truth, however.  I just beg to doubt that it is absolutely universal.

Actually, the more I write about it, the more I think I'm going to found so generally wrong that I'll be grasping at straws trying to find an exception to the rule -- which will then prove the rule.

[Stargazer]

31 minutes ago, Calm said:

That doesn't make sense, how can they stop it?  I know people who tip when someone helps them carry groceries to the car.

The chain stores may have a rule against it, I doubt very many small businesses do.

Well, Walmart is not a particular small business, and I get the impression that they watch their employees very closely.  Employees are, after all, the largest source of pilferage in retail.

[rongo]

Here are my thoughts on employer policies against accepting tips:

When I was new on my mission and people insisted on paying for a Book of Mormon (this really happened, multiple times), I would argue with them and insist that we couldn't accept it. My second companion, a native German, wisely taught me to graciously accept it after my initial "turning it down" was rebuffed. They were trying to be nice, it would offend them, and they were more likely to read it if they paid for it, anyway. Donate it to fast offerings . . .

When I was first married, I rented motor homes to German-speaking tourists and showed them how to operate everything. Sometimes, people offered outrageous tips (like $50 dollar bills), and I would explain that I wasn't allowed to accept it. When they inevitably replied, "Nonsense!", I gracious accepted it and sincerely thanked them for their kindness and generosity. Continuing to argue with them and not accept it would have been offensive.

Businesses have to have a policy against accepting tips in order not to foster a real or perceived expectation of tipping. I'm confident, though, that reasonable bosses would understand about customers who are insistent about the tip and want to do something nice. Like many things in life, there is a balance between the overt policy and using good judgment and Feingefühl.

I'm confident that we didn't get the Walmart cashier in trouble, and she was very touched and grateful. The lines were a zoo!

[consiglieri]

20 hours ago, cinepro said:

But the greatest gift of all is that my Ward's meetings were truncated two weeks ago so we could clear the building for the Sunday afternoon performance.  Nothing like a one-hour block to put you in the Christmas spirit!

Do your local leaders not consult the Handbook?

Geez!!!

[cinepro]

12 hours ago, Calm said:

That doesn't make sense, how can they stop it?  I know people who tip when someone helps them carry groceries to the car.

The chain stores may have a rule against it, I doubt very many small businesses do.

The problem is this:

https://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Reporting-Tip-Income-Restaurant-Tax-Tips

Employer Requirements

Employers must collect income tax, employee social security tax and employee Medicare tax on tips reported by employees. You can collect these taxes from an employee's wages or from other funds he or she makes available.

Companies can get into big trouble if employees start collecting tips and the company isn't reporting it!

[rongo]

I don't think there's much that the IRS can or will do about a very occasional, random tip given to a Walmart cashier, McDonald's drive through kid, etc. If it even learns about it.

[The Nehor]

14 hours ago, VideoGameJunkie said:

I got written up when I was in high school and worked at Toys R Us and accepted a holiday season tip. I was told by the manager that it's not allowed in retail.

The secret is not to get caught. When I was a retail employee I did not have much of a sense of loyalty to the company though. We had a mutual "ripping each other off" relationship.

[Scott Lloyd]

On December 26, 2015 at 8:47 PM, Stargazer said:

Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht!  Ja wohl!

My wife and I once sang A Mighty Fortress is Our God -- in German -- for Sacrament meeting.  Although not at Christmas.

My favorite Swedish Christmas carol that I learned long ago while on my mission is "När Juldags Morgon Glimmar." It is well-known in Sweden and is included in the Swedish LDS hymnbook.

I found an English translation last night on the Internet. As ward choir director, and with our eldest son now serving a mission in Sweden, I'm thinking of writing an arrangement of the carol for us to perform next year at Christmas time. What I might do is have a soloist sing the first verse in Swedish and then have the full choir sing the whole song in English. 

I'm wondering if there is a provision in the handbook forbidding or discouraging the performance of music in a foreign language, even when done only in part. Can anyone here provide any information?

Edited December 27, 2015 by Scott Lloyd

[Calm]

The Primary book has several songs intended to have sections done in different languages, so there doesn't seem to be anything against it policywise in general.  

https://www.lds.org/handbook/handbook-2-administering-the-church/music?lang=eng

Nothing there in my view:

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14.4 Music in the Ward Appropriate music is a vital part of Church meetings, particularly sacrament meetings. Music that is carefully selected and properly presented can greatly enhance the spirit of worship. Music should be worshipful and fit the spirit of the meeting. Priesthood leaders determine what is suitable.
14.4.1	Planning Music for Church Worship Services Members who serve in ward music callings work together to select appropriate music for worship services. When feasible, the bishop and his counselors choose meeting topics well in advance. This allows the music chairman, music director, and choir director to plan hymns, special selections, and choir performances that complement and reinforce the meeting topics. This also allows time for the bishopric to approve the musical selections in advance.
14.4.2	Guidelines for Choosing Appropriate Music for Church Worship Services All Church music should be consistent with the following guidelines. The hymns are the basic music for worship services and are standard for all congregational singing. In addition, other appropriate selections may be used for prelude and postlude music, choir music, and special musical presentations. If musical selections other than the hymns are used, they should be in keeping with the spirit of the hymns. Texts should be doctrinally correct. (See “Hymns for Congregations,” Hymns, 380–81.) Secular music should not replace sacred music in Sunday meetings. Some religiously oriented music presented in a popular style is not appropriate for sacrament meetings. Also, much sacred music that is suitable for concerts and recitals is not appropriate for a Latter-day Saint worship service. Music in Church meetings should not draw attention to itself or be for demonstration. This music is for worship, not performance. Organs and pianos, or their electronic equivalents, are the standard instruments used in Church meetings. If other instruments are used, their use should be in keeping with the spirit of the meeting. Instruments with a prominent or less worshipful sound, such as most brass and percussion, are not appropriate for sacrament meeting. Live accompaniment is normally used in sacrament and other ward meetings. If a piano, organ, or accompanist is not available, appropriate recordings may be used (see14.3). Music in Church meetings should usually be sung in the language of the congregation.
14.4.3	Standard Musical Elements in Church Worship Services Prelude and Postlude Music Quiet prelude and postlude music creates an atmosphere of worship that invites the Spirit into Church meetings. The organist or pianist usually plays hymns or other appropriate music for five to ten minutes before and after a meeting. Playing hymns can help members review gospel teachings in their minds. Congregational Singing Most Church meetings are enhanced by the singing of hymns. Music provides a primary means by which members participate in Church worship services. Congregational singing has a unique and often underused power for unifying members as they worship together. As appropriate, a priesthood leader may ask a congregation to stand for an intermediate hymn or a national anthem (see “Hymns for Congregations,” Hymns,380–81). Special Musical Selections Musical selections may be presented by choirs, vocal and instrumental soloists, and small groups. Hymns and other appropriate selections may be used (see 14.4.2).
14.4.4	Sacrament Meetings The bishopric approves music for sacrament meetings. Music and musical texts are to be sacred, dignified, and otherwise suitable for sacrament meeting. Music in sacrament meeting is for worship, not for a performance that draws attention to itself. Opening and closing hymns are usually sung by the congregation (see “Selecting the Right Hymn,” Hymns,380). In addition to using hymns that are already known and loved, members are encouraged to become acquainted with new or less familiar hymns. Music leaders should try to achieve a good balance between familiar favorites and hymns that are not as well known (see “Hymns for Congregations,” Hymns, 380–81). The sacrament hymn is always sung by the congregation. It should refer to the sacrament itself or to the sacrifice of the Savior. Vocal solos or instrumental music may not replace this hymn. No music should be played during the sacrament prayer, while the sacrament is being passed, or as a postlude after the sacrament is passed. Special musical selections or a congregational hymn may be scheduled after the sacrament or between speakers (see “Special Musical Selections” in 14.4.3). If a musical program is presented, it should be simple, reverent, and short enough to allow a spoken message. Sacrament meetings should not be turned over to outside musical groups. Recitals, concerts, and pageantry are not appropriate in sacrament meeting.
14.4.5	Choirs Every ward should make an effort to have an active ward choir that sings in sacrament meeting at least once a month. Ward members may participate voluntarily in the choir, or the bishopric may invite or call them to participate. In a very small branch, a choir might consist of the entire congregation. In a large ward with many resources, the bishopric may call choir officers, such as a president, a secretary, a librarian, and section leaders. Church choirs are encouraged to use the hymnbook as their basic resource because the hymns teach the truths of the restored gospel. Hymn arrangements and other appropriate choral works may also be used (see 14.4.2). Information about using the hymns for choirs is provided in Hymns, pages 381–83. Additional information about conducting choirs is in the Conducting Course manual, pages 73–83. Auditions are not held when organizing ward and stake choirs. Rehearsals usually do not exceed one hour. In addition to the ward choir, Relief Society, priesthood, youth, children, and family choirs may be invited to sing hymns and other appropriate musical selections in Church meetings.
14.4.6	Using Music in the Classroom Hymn singing can be an effective way to introduce or reinforce gospel principles taught in the classroom. Leaders should encourage teachers to use the hymns to enhance classroom instruction.

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Edited December 27, 2015 by Calm

[Calm]

This site has resources for leaders:  https://www.lds.org/music?lang=eng

Also this:  https://www.lds.org/callings/music?lang=eng

Edited December 27, 2015 by Calm

[Hamba Tuhan]

We have so many languages spoken in our ward that hearing music sung in a language not one's own is a pretty common occurrence.

[cinepro]

23 hours ago, rongo said:

I don't think there's much that the IRS can or will do about a very occasional, random tip given to a Walmart cashier, McDonald's drive through kid, etc. If it even learns about it.

Even so, the company must have a strict no-tip policy, or they become liable in such cases.  They have to be able to show that the tip was against policy and they didn't know about it.

[The Nehor]

32 minutes ago, cinepro said:

Even so, the company must have a strict no-tip policy, or they become liable in such cases.  They have to be able to show that the tip was against policy and they didn't know about it.

This, most managers "look the other way" when it happens.

[Jeanne]

On 12/26/2015 at 9:15 PM, VideoGameJunkie said:

I got written up when I was in high school and worked at Toys R Us and accepted a holiday season tip. I was told by the manager that it's not allowed in retail.

I say "tough beans"!  Employees don't get any "atta boys" from Management.  I work in a place where if you go the extra mile, you get in trouble.  So I think it is wonderful that someone who has been on her feet all day.,..gets any kind of "thank you".

[Calm]

On December 26, 27 Heisei at 10:28 AM, cinepro said:

The problem is this:

https://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Reporting-Tip-Income-Restaurant-Tax-Tips

 

 

Companies can get into big trouble if employees start collecting tips and the company isn't reporting it!

There should be a difference between tips and gifts.  Seems to me the daughter was giving a gift with no regard to the sctual service.

I wonder if you gave money along with a note stating it was not a tip for service, but a gift if that would get them out of trouble and allowed to keep it.

 

Thanks for posting the info. Good to know.

Edited December 27, 2015 by Calm

[changed]

My Catholic grandmother said she wrote her church this year to complain about their Christmas services-she thought the protestants and Mormons had much nicer programs than the Catholics - this based on TV programs.  At least the Moab knows how to celebrate Christmas!

[Scott Lloyd]

4 minutes ago, changed said:

My Catholic grandmother said she wrote her church this year to complain about their Christmas services-she thought the protestants and Mormons had much nicer programs than the Catholics - this based on TV programs.  At least the Moab knows how to celebrate Christmas!

I think you mean MoTab -- unless you're talking about the county seat of Grand County in Utah.

Maybe they do Christmas up right in Moab. I've never been down there this time of year.