I don't play such games myself - so far at least - but I find "Half the Sky" to be interesting - two corporate donors have each pleged $250K  - when players reach certain levels, these donations are 'unlocked' - and go to benefit girls & women - through a literacy programme and a fistula foundation.  I understand donations are requested at various points, but are easily bypassed to continue play. 

Interesting concept - to raise awareness through game play.  Seems like something a church youth group might find interesting. 

yes, it IS an interesting concept :3

and with the internet & programming being more and more prevalent...

which reminds me

do you remember a guy named Wil Wheaton?  he's an actor who used to play wesley crusher on ST: the next generation.  i adore his sense of humour & he seems to have a good head on his shoulders.  he's a GAMER.  he has a blog & a youtube channel with actress Felicia Day called 'Tabletop'.

now here's the cool thing.

their show has been around for two seasons.  they needed money for the third season.  so they asked for help from their fan base.

and this is what happened.

maybe the UCC could look into this kind of thang?  i think that there is a perception in the UCC that money is an inherent evil that should be avoided, that making money is evil, that money somehow takes away from Christ etc etc etc

this could be a blindspot?

(maybe, instead of looking at evangelical Christian megachurches with automatic disdain -- i'm guessing here -- they could look at their model, see what works, and adapt it?)

Ah - Will Wheaton - I know that name from The Big Bang Theory - Sheldon's nemisis (I think) at the bowling alley and elsewhere!

I don't think the UCC (mine at least) really considers money an inherent evil - we're not very good at asking for it though. 

i hear yas -- my default setting is still a church mouse

feeling guilty with money