The Community Tithe is distributed to those selected to receive it at a Community Tithe Feast, an event similar to a banquet at a wedding reception. Community Tithe Feasts are meant to be celebrated on a grand scale. Those in attendance include as many members of the Fellowship as possible, guests and those selected to receive this tithe. Basileia’s custom is to hold these feasts in a public location like a restaurant since Community Tithe Feasts are a special kind of civic communion service of the Church done as literally as possible in the midst of the city square. Thus the Liturgy is adapted to frame the entire event. When all are assembled (at the restaurant), the event officially begins with a liturgical procession with music and banners. The head Table is set as normally done in the Liturgy during which time all present are welcomed and introduced, including those who will be receiving the tithes. Scriptures are read and the Celebrant makes some brief comments. All stand to confess the Creed. The Peace is exchanged. At this point the tithes to be presented to the recipients are brought forward along with the bread and wine. The Eucharist unfolds as usual and the bread and wine are served. As Prayers of the People begin the recipients of the Community Tithe are invited forward, presented with the tithes, anointed with oil and prayed over. Additionally, the authority of the Church is then released in prayer upon the particular manifestation of evil that impacted the lives of those receiving the Community Tithe, binding it and banishing it from the city. The meal is then served. The evening concludes (as the Liturgy concludes) with a blessing and commissioning. As a whole, Community Tithe Feasts are the visible and tangible action of the Church in the public square making known the manifold wisdom of God to principalities and powers in the context of a feast where all gathered sit with Christ, eating and drinking with Him at His Table in His Kingdom. In these Feasts the Kingdom is made visible in a magisterial, kingly way. Community Tithe Feasts are special, celebratory occasions where the Church fulfills her role as guardian of the City, radically transforming the perceptions of all about the Church, Christ and the nature of the gospel.
Also see Community Tithe, and Tithe.