Church Offerings Drop In Recession

When a recession hits, charitable giving is often one of the first casualties. It's no different in this recession. A growing number of Massachusetts churches are trying to cope with a significant drop in donations.

You'd never know the thermostat at Zion Union Church is turned down to 62, or that a lot of the lights aren't on. You'd never know, because standing in the middle of the energized congregation, it feels bright. And it feels warm.

A choir sings, "Our praise, is our God. Sing with me I praise." There's a band on the pulpit. There's a youth choir.

And there’s Reverend Bernard Harris, one hand on a microphone, the other stretched out, leading his congregation in prayer.

REV. BERNARD HARRIS: Bless his name, because he's worthy! He's worthy! Somebody! He's worthy! He's worthy!