Clergy Shirts

No matter how many times I have heard the economists say, “The economy is turning back up!” or “In a few months things will be back to normal,” it is hard for me to see any hard evidence of change in my life. The same 10 houses that have been for sale on my street for the past 8 months still have their signs out. Many of my friends headed to Asia after college, hoping to find a job teaching English or some sort of experience that would allow them to be competitive when they do return to America. And I continue to see business offices and prime commercial real estate that has been vacant for over a year, with those numbers continually rising. So where is this upward growth I’m hearing all about?! I’m not seeing it.

In order to continue living a “normal” life (perhaps not to the extent we once were), we must cut costs and determine how to better balance our budgets. I, for one, was an avid fan of Starbucks. There is just something about that Pumpkin Spice latte! Even if it is still 105 degrees here in Phoenix when they release it (which it was this year), it feels like autumn has arrived once that first drop hits my mouth. However, this year I have cut my Pumpkin Spice consumption down drastically! I think I have only had 2 in the past two months. Instead I have been purchasing a Pumpkin Spice flavored coffee creamer for under $3 and brewing my own coffee instead. What are some ways that you have been cutting back your spending habits to counter the reduced amount of disposable income?

Autom knows that times are tough and instead of increasing our prices with rising costs like much of the competition, we continue to offer the lowest prices on the largest selection of affordable church supplies. Have you ever compared our clergy shirts and other clergy apparel to the competition? Why pay over $40 for a clergy shirt, when you can purchase a comparable shirt from us for under $20? Or purchase a stole for nearly 3x the price, when you can get it at Autom.com for $19.99? It just does not make sense to me! The list of items goes on and on…. Everything from Advent & Christmas supplies, to Baptismal & First Communion gifts, you can find it for less at Autom.com.

We would like to thank you all for your continued support and if you are new to Autom, please compare our prices to the competition. I know you will be pleasantly surprised at the savings you will gain from shopping with us. In this economy, we don’t need to stop shopping altogether, but rather become smarter shoppers! As mentioned earlier, please let us know how you are changing your spending/purchasing habits to adapt to the times in the comments below.

Each year we celebrate Clergy Appreciation Day on the second Sunday of October, but did you know the whole month is dedicated to clergy appreciation?

Seeing as yesterday was the second Sunday of the month, there may be a chance you are like me and probably forgot to pick up a gift for the clergy of your church. Don't worry; Autom is here to help you out. As our way of saying thank you to all the clergy serving our communities worldwide, please enjoy 10% off all orders placed this week when you click through this post.

We have the largest selection of affordable church supplies and apparel, including clergy shirts, stoles, chasubles and so much more. Whatever you church needs, Autom is sure to have it and at prices far below the competition. Visit our Clergy Appreciation section for more gift ideas!

Testimony Tuesday from Autom is back with another heartwarming story of how God is working daily in people's lives. Visit Autom.com for a great selection of affordable church supplies and the best value on clergy shirts. Keep submitting your Testimony Tuesday stories of how God is working in your life to us at blog@autom.com. When we post your story, receive $5 off your next order and get entered into a drawing for the $100 quarterly gift certificate.

"My oldest brother Will, an Evangelical Christian, had always been interested in attending seminary, but never thought it was his true calling. For some reason he felt he needed to follow in the footsteps of our father and grandfather and make a career in business. He attended a four year university and received his Bachelor's degree in Marketing, then earned his Master's Degree immediately after. Six years of schooling, two degrees, a family, and several thousand dollars in financial aid debt later, he felt more lost than ever before. Unsure of where to turn, he looked to God for answers.

"He got more involved each week at church and after some time he was ordained a deacon. With the fire of God raging inside, Will began toying with the idea of attending the seminary, but was still burdened with the financial debt he accumulated from his schooling. After spending many hours in prayer and consulting with the pastor of his church, Will decided that he was going to start attending evening and weekend seminary classes. He decided to enroll in one course the next semester and began preaching about once a month at his Protestant church.

"Meanwhile, our grandfather, the business man, received a message from God while in prayer. He was having some issues with his current church, and felt God telling him to accumulate his tithe for a special purpose. Two weeks later our family got together on a Saturday for my mother's birthday. The following day, Sunday, my brother was to preach at his church, so the entire family decided to attend and give him our support. That morning while watching and hearing Will preach, our grandfather heard God again. This was what he had been saving up for. Not knowing about Will's interest in the seminary, that morning our grandfather felt God pushing him to help Will get through his seminary classes. After talking with the church's pastor, he donated $5,000 to help pay for Will's seminary classes.

"My brother just finished his first seminary course, and is enrolled in two more classes that will be starting in the next few weeks. I am so happy that God is using my brother to share His Word."

- Matt

I hope everyone's summer has been fun-filled and exciting! Things here at Autom sure are heating up. We have been busy preparing for our Christmas/Fall season. One thing we are always pleased to offer is our "Christmas in July" savings event.

Each year we offer you, the customer, FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $500! Take this as an opportunity to stock up on all of your fall, winter, Christmas, and Advent supplies. Most churches and schools like to purchase their copies of the New American Bible for the remainder of the year. Others stock up on clergy shirts! Our clergy apparel section is hands down the largest, highest quality, and least expensive in the industry.

Although most people tend to purchase their usual favorites, I would recommend trying something new! We have added over 600 new items to our Fall Catalog! Yes, 600! The new Christmas items are some of the best products we have had in years. Check Autom.com for more information and links to enjoy the savings!

Have a great rest of your summer and God Bless You All!

Autom, your choice for affordable church supplies formally invites you to "Find Us on Facebook!"   

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Autom page on Facebook. Fans will be able to post pictures and comments, review products, receive the latest news, discuss religious topics, and most importantly, receive amazing deals on Catholic Church supplies! How do you receive amazing deals? Easy!

At Autom we are a family, and we want you to know that you are the heart of this family. Our customers are our glue that keeps this business together. And to show our appreciation, we will occasionally offer one-day only deals such as but not limited to, free shipping, a buy one get one free rosary sale, $25 off any order of $100 or more, or 10-25% off any order! You will be able to use these discounts towards the purchase of clergy shirts, a cord rosary, or a few copies of the New American Bible for your church. Anything you or your church may want or need in our ever growing selection of affordable church supplies will be available to you.

And the savings don't stop there! The more "likes" we receive the more often we will pass the savings to you. As more and more Facebook users "Like" the Autom page on Facebook, we are going to offer more and more savings opportunities. We will randomly advertise a special deal, such as a free glass rosary with any order, via our status update for only 24 hours.

In this 24 hour window, customers will receive the avertised savings on any order through our website. Depending on the season or time of year, you may want to purchase gifts for those special occasions. We have a great selection of First Holy Communion Gifts, Catholic Confirmation Gifts, and Catholic Baptism Gifts.

These exclusive specials on Facebook would also be the perfect opportunity for your church to stock up on clergy apparel, such as clergy shirts or clergy stoles, a Catholic chalice, or Catholic Prayer Books. Any way you look at it, following us on facebook is a great opportunity for you and your church to be included in the biggest and best Autom sales and discounts we have to offer.

We will be announcing the first promotion via our page on Facebook very soon. Visit Autom's page on Facebook and join today for amazing savings!