CONCERNING FOOD SALES

VENDA DE ALIMENTOS
Statement prepared by
Arthur L. White
Secretary, Ellen G. White Publications

No tempo da Sra. White, houve ocasiões em que a venda de alimento foi permitida sob
a responsabilidade da Igreja. A própria Sra. White coordenou a provisão de alimentos
saudáveis, em algumas ocasiões, a fim de suprir as necessidades de irmãos reunidos para
algum evento especial. Provendo boa alimentação, evitaria que consumissem alimentos
impróprios e se expusessem à tentações de bares e locais públicos.

Nesses casos, o objetivo da venda de alimentos seria promover os princípios da

reforma de saúde advogados pela IASD, e educar o povo a se alimentar adequadamente (Ver
Conselhos Sobre Regime Alimentar, p. 442).

Por outro lado, a Sra. White condenou a instituição de feiras, bazares, rifas e jogos
como outras igrejas fazem, a fim de prover fundos para o avanço da Obra. Também festas com
excesso de comida para satisfazer o apetite não são aprovadas: "Não temos que imitar as
igrejas instituindo bazares e vários expedientes proibidos por Deus para prover meios. Não
vemos orientação para feiras extravagantes, concertos e outras práticas objetáveis para
arrecadar fundos para o avanço a Sua Obra. Isso polui e degrada a causa de Deus,
profanando Seu santo templo" (Living by Principle, p. 16).

Entre os perigos de tais métodos para levantar dinheiro, estão o amor ao prazer e a
indulgência do apetite (ver Conselhos Sobre Mordomia, pp. 203 e 204).

O Comitê da Associação Geral, em seu Concílio Outonal de 1948, apresentou

orientações seguras sobre a questão da venda de alimentos ou trabalhos manuais:

"Vendas da Sociedade de Dorcas: Reconhecemos que a Sociedade Beneficente de

Dorcas é uma importante organização missionária da Igreja, desempenhando o trabalho do
bom Samaritano... A venda de alimentos, trabalhos manuais, etc., constitui um modo legítimo
do qual fundos possam ser levantados."

Em suma, as recomendações do Concílio são as seguintes: os preços dos artigos não

devem ser exorbitantes; os alimentos devem ser preparados em harmonia com os princípios de
saúde; as atividades de vendas não devem ser conduzidas na igreja, mas recomenda-se outro
local separado da igreja; a ocasião pode ser aproveitada para a apresentação de palestras
sobre saúde, aulas de arte culinária e distribuição de literatura evangelística.

O documento finaliza com as palavras: "A questão concernente à venda de alimentos,

assim como muitas questões, não pode ser respondida com um simples 'sim' ou 'não'.
Devemos levar em consideração as circunstâncias de tais esforços e as influências que
emanam deles. Há uma clara linha divisória entre o esforço digno altruísta e as ações frívolas e
irreligiosas de alguns bazares medíocres conduzidos por certos grupos religiosos."

Esperamos que essas informações possam lhe ser úteis.

Com estimas cristãs,

Alberto R. Timm
Centro de Pesquisas Ellen G. White / UNASP – Brasil
Síntese do material em Inglês
 CONCERNING FOOD SALES
VENDA DE ALIMENTOS
Statement prepared by
Arthur L. White
Secretary, Ellen G. White Publications

The question sometimes arises if it is right to raise money for church work by selling
foods such as is done at “bake sales”. Inquiry is also made about the “church suppers” referred
to in the “church suppers” referred to in the Spirit of Prophecy Writings.

Bake sales, as such, are not mentioned in the E. G. White Writings. However, reference
is made to work which has been done and which can be done in utilizing the opportunities
afforded by the sale of healthful food in furthering the interests of health reform education. In the
book, Counsels on Diet and Foods, a statement appears relative to the experience of the Battle
Creek Church in 1864. This is as follows:

“When the State fair was held in Battle Creek (1864), our people took whit them onto the
grounds three or four cooking stoves, and demonstrated how good meals might be prepared
without the use of flesh meat. We were told that we set the best table on the ground. Whenever
large gatherings are held, it is your privilege to devise plans whereby you can provide those
who attend with wholesome food, and you are to make your efforts educational.” Counsels on
Diet and Foods, page 442.

Please observe the significance of the last sentence. In 1877 a similar effort was put
forth. Sister white speaks of this experience as follows:

“It was on the occasion of the visit of Barnum’s great menagerie to this city on the 28 th
of June, that the ladies of the woman’s Christian Temperance Union struck a telling blow for
temperance and reform by organizing an immense temperance and reform by organizing an
immense temperance restaurant to accommodate the crowds of people who gathered in from
the country to visit the menagerie, thus preventing them from visiting the saloons and
groggeries, where they would be exposed to temptation. The mammoth tent, capable of holding
five thousand people, was tendered for the occasion. Beneath this immense canvas temple
were erected fifteen or twenty tables for the accommodation of guests.”

“By invitation, the Sanitarium set a large in the center of the great pavilion, bountifully
supplied with delicious fruits, grains, and vegetables. This table formed the chief attraction, and
was more largely patronized than any other. Although it was more than thirty feet long, it
became so crowded that it was necessary to set another about two-thirds as long, which was
also thronged.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, page 275.

Of course, it may not be possible today to carry on such a work on precisely the detail
of plan followed sixty years ago. On such a work on precisely the detail of plan followed sixty
years ago. On the other hand, it would seem from what is set forth in these two statements, that
it is not out of place for Seventh-day Adventists to engage in the sale of properly prepared
foods, under the right circumstances, in a endeavor to raise means for worthy objectives and to
make such an effort count in health education.

There are a number of statements in the E. G. White writings which refer to the
common custom of the worldly churches in resorting to bazaars, suppers, fairs, etc., to raise
means for religious objectives. In these statements the emphasis is upon the resorting to
indulgence of appetite and the love of pleasure to gain money for God’s work. I shall quote
three such statements:

“We are not to imitate the churches by instituting bazaars and various God-forbidden
expedients to bring in a little means. We see no direction in the word for fancy fairs, concerts,
and other objectionable practices for raising funds to advance His work. It is polluting the work
of God, defiling His holy temple.” Living by Principle, page 16.

“As God’s work extends, calls may be answered, Christians should heed the command,
‘Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house.’ If professing
Christians would faithfully bring to God their tithes and offerings, His treasury would be full.
There would then be no occasion to resort to fairs, lotteries, or parties of pleasure to secure
funds for the support of the gospel.
Men are tempted to use their means in self-indulgence, in the gratification of appetite, in
personal adornment, or in the embellishment of their homes. For these objects many church-
members do not hesitate to spend freely, and even extravagantly. But when asked to give to the
lord’s treasury, to carry forward His work in the earth, they demur. Perhaps, feeling that they
cannot well do otherwise, the dole out a sum far smaller than they often spend for needless
indulgence. They manifest no real love for Christ’s service, no earnest interest in the salvation of
souls. What marvel that the Christian life of such ones is but a dwarfed, sickly existence.” Acts
of the Apostles, page 338.

“In professedly Christian gatherings, Satan throws a religious garment over delusive
pleasures and unholy revelings to give them the appearance of sanctity, and the consciences of
many are quieted because means are raised to defray church expenses. Men refuse to give for
the love of God; but for the love of pleasure, and the indulgence of appetite for selfish
considerations, they will part with their money.

Is it because there is not power in the lessons of Christ upon benevolence, and in His
example, and the grace of God upon the heart to lead men to glorify God with their substance,
that such a course must be resorted to in order to sustain the church? The injury sustained to
the physical, mental, and moral health in these scenes of amusement and gluttony is not small.
And the day of final reckoning will show souls lost through the influence of these scenes of
gaiety and folly.

It is a deplorable fact that sacred and eternal considerations do not have that power to
open the hearts of the professed followers of Christ to make free will offerings to sustain the
gospel, as the tempting bribes of feasting and general merriment. It is a sad reality that these
inducements will prevail when sacred and eternal things will have no force to influence the heart
to engage in works of benevolence…

Satan’s temptations succeed with the professed followers of Christ on the point of
indulgence of pleasure and appetite. Clothed as an angel of light, he will quote Scripture to
justify the temptations he places before men to indulge the appetite, and in worldly pleasures
which suit the carnal heart. The professed followers of Christ are weak in moral power, and are
fascinated with the bribe which Satan has presented before them, and he gains the victory.

How does God look upon churches that are sustained by such means? Christ cannot
accept these offerings, because they were not given through their love and devotion to Him, but
through their idolatry of self. But what many not do for the love of Christ, they will do for the love
of worldly amusements to please the carnal heart.” Counsels on Stewardship, pp. 203, 204.

Among the dangers of such methods of raising money pointed in these statements, are
the love of pleasures and the indulgence of appetite. One statement speaks of “delusive
pleasures” and “unholy revelings” being given a garb of sanctity because the money thus raised
is for church work. It there fore becomes very clear that we are warned against the resorting to
selfish considerations in the raising of means for worthy enterprises. I believe that dignified,
educational efforts, utilizing the sale of healthful food, can be conducted without resorting to the
methods which are condemned in these statements.

In the counsel given by the Conference Home Missionary Department, we find that,
although our sisters are encouraged to sell food and needlework to raise money for benevolent
work, they are cautioned against allowing such effort to take on a trend which would make
them detrimental rather than beneficial.
 The General Conference Committee at its 1948 Autumn Council sets forth safe
guidance in the matter of food sales or needlework. I will quote a portion of this action:

“We recommend, that the following statement setting forth guiding principles in
connection with our Dorcas work be incorporated into the new Dorcas leaflet”

“In connection with Dorcas fund-raising activities, three questions frequently arise:

“1. How and where should Dorcas sales be held?

“2.Under what circumstances and at what places should meals be served meals be
served by the Dorcas Welfare Society?

“3. For what purposes should Dorcas funds be used?

“Dorcas Sales: We recognize that the Dorcas Welfare Society, as an important

missionary organization in the church, has its financial needs in carrying forward its good
Samaritan work. To function properly in its service to humanity, these needs must be met. The
sale of food, needlework, etc., constitutes a proper and legitimate way in which funds can be
raised by the Dorcas Welfare Society for its service without in any way lowering the high
standard that it should at all times maintain.

As the denomination stands against the conduct of any activities within the church which would
tend to make the lord’s temple a house of merchandise, such sales should not be held in the
house of God or on the church grounds. To do so is contrary to the spirit of reverence and
worship which should characterize God’s sanctuary. Christ earnestly remonstrated with the
moneychangers and merchants in the Jerusalem Temple, and drove them out for their
desecration of God’s house. While no objection night be raised to holding a sale in the church
school building, if it be separate from the church, yet it is preferable that Dorcas sales be held in
some other location.

The customary method of arranging for a Dorcas sale is for a committee, appointed by
the Dorcas Welfare Society, to secure the use of an empty store or building, or a well-located
counter in a large store which would be suitable for the sale.

The prices charged for articles sold should not be exorbitant. Full value should be given
for the prices charged. Expecting higher than prevailing prices is out of harmony with Christian
principles and will create prejudice and dissatisfaction.

The Dorcas Welfare Society sales should be made soul-winning agencies. When
feasible, a display of our attractive small books and magazines should be arranged in
connection with every sale to which the public is invited. Tracts and periodicals should be
distributed to those who come to buy.

If the sale is of food, it should be selected and prepared in harmony whit health reform
health reform principles. Our high standard of health reform as presented in the Bible and Spirit
of Prophecy is to be followed, thereby acquainting people whit the principles of our message.

Health lectures, demonstrations, and cooking schools may be conducted by competent

persons. In these various ways, many contacts may be made with those who perhaps would
never be reached by a series of evangelistic meetings. Thus this work can, if carried on in a
dignified way, be made a direct missionary effort.

If the Spirit of Christ activates those who engage in this work, if soul-winning literature is
provided, if health reform principles are maintained, and if the sale is carried on away from the
premises of the church building, no objections should be raised to this way of increasing the
income of the Dorcas Society, and good sums may be realized.
 Serving Meals: Meals may be prepared and served by the Dorcas Welfare Society for
the purpose of raising funds. In such efforts we should studiously avoid the common practice
often employed by church groups of resorting to the “appeal to the lust of the appetite” and
“carnal amusements”to “influence the heart to engage in works of bene, volence”. (Evangelism,
pp. 253, 254). The following declaration of the messenger of the lord concerning such common
practices employed by many religious affiliations may well serve as warning and counsel to us.

“When money is raised for religious purpose, to what means do many churches resort?
To bazaars, suppers, fancy fairs, even to lotteries and like devices. Often the place set apart for
God’s worship is desecrated by feasting and drinking, buying, selling, and merrymaking.
Respect for the house of God and reverence for His worship are lessened in the minds of the
youth. The barriers of self-restraint are weakened. Selfishness, appetite, the love of display, are
appealed to, and they strengthen as they are indulged.” Testimonies, Vol. 9, page 91.

“The meals or dinners prepared by the Dorcas Welfare Society may be served in homes
or halls. Such meals should not be served in the church building. These meals should be
prepared according to health principles, and full value should be given for the charge made. In
connection with a vegetarian meal, especially prepared and served to the public, a trained nurse
or dietitian might not otherwise be interested.

The Spirit of Prophecy counsel quoted and advice of the foregoing paragraphs should
not be construed to prevent the members of a church from partaking of a lunch on the premises
of the church or within the building, nor should it be construed to prevent the serving in the
church building of a meal to workers and others who may be attending a special gathering.

Often the Dorcas Welfare Society is called upon to serve meals at workers meetings or
church conventions. With the accommodation of workers and delegates uppermost in the
thinking of the Dorcas Welfare Society, meals may be served in the classrooms of the church,
usually in the basement. The primary purpose of this arrangement is not the raising of Dorcas
funds but rather the accommodation of workers or delegates to facilitate the work of the
convention and to advance the cause of God.” Autumn Council action printed in Review and
Herald, December 2, 1948.

The study of the E. G. White counsels on this question will not be complete without the
careful reading of two chapters in Welfare Ministry, entitled “Food Sales”, on pages 284-288,
and “Forbidden Money Raising Methods”, on pages 289-292.

The question concerning food sales, like many questions, can not be answered with a
simple “yes” or “no”. we must take into consideration circumstances surrounding such efforts
and the influences which emanate from then. There is a clear line of demarcation between
unselfish, dignified effort and the frivolities and irreligious actions of the ordinary church bazaars
as conducted by certain religious groups.

Ellen G. white Publications

Washington, D. C.

March 27, 1957

December 1965