"The Bible talks about bringing your offerings to the church, and they like the feeling of dropping their offering in the plate," Patty Baker said. "And we also believe that your offering is part of worship, so that's how they participate."
Asselin and his wife normally donate to the church by writing a check. But he said they had been experimenting with the kiosk -- and modifying their traditions accordingly. In the past, they would pray over their check together, asking God to ensure it is used for good works. Now those prayers are offered in the glow of the kiosk monitor.
At the Wednesday service, 27-year-old Sally Rice chose the traditional method of giving. As a Gap Kids store manager, she's more familiar than most with the way debit and credit cards work. But she hasn't made the switch at church.
"I still balance my checkbook the old-school way -- I write it all down," she said.
Rice, however, said she had no qualms about the machine itself. She said she might make the switch when she runs out of checks. "I think it's cool."
The Bakers figure most people will give up on checks before they give up on their faith. The question is whether churches will adapt.
If they do, the Bakers say they will be ready with their next idea: donation machines that attach to the backs of pews.
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richard.fausset@latimes.com
