Minister urges people to turn in stolen goods, is swamped with loot

[matcom]

<snip>

The Bible is fuzzy on issues like stem cell research and smoking in bars, but God is pretty clear about stealing.

That's why Pastor Derek Rust put up special bins in the aisles of the Hosanna Lutheran Church in Lakeville last week. He had preached a sermon on stealing, and encouraged sticky-fingered parishioners to return anything they had swiped.

He was amazed at the response. In the vast 2,000-seat sanctuary, ersatz thieves have been coming in to return stolen loot — not during worship, but during the week, when they could slink in unnoticed.

Rust rummaged through material in one bin, every item with a guilty conscience attached.

"Oh, here's something from this church!" said Rust, picking up a CD marked with the name of the church.

Lurking inside were men's shirts, a rubber toy eagle, a soldering iron and more CDs. Another bin held a broom, power drill, Bubble Yum gum, baby clothes and — a very common item — towels pinched from hotels and motels.

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/9286950.htm

[Sabriel]

1. Maybe someone'll turn in the 2000 election

I'd settle just for some missing ballots.

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. Wow. I once tried to steal a pack of Bubble Yum as an 8 year old...

I've never been in that church though. ;)