What is the best gift you ever gave? When did a gift at Christmas make a difference beyond what you expected?
When I hear people talking about this kind of thing it rarely ends up having to do with something material. References are made to those times at Christmas when the family really couldn't afford much gift giving and the gift that made a difference was something that was the result of someone's heroic effort.
Maybe it was the doll house your father made or the train set or the sand box that was the most memorable gift.
Maybe it was the Christmas your brother was able to get away from his job or the military unite and surprised the family by showing up on Christmas Eve that was the Christmas everyone can remember.
Maybe it was the year your father or mother stopped drinking and that was the last drink they ever had as they turned their lives around that was the Christmas that holds the most meaning for you as you think about it today.
It might have been the Christmas your grandmother was ill and expected to die and she rallied for Christmas and your greatest Christmas present was she was able to be with the family on Christmas Eve.
Maybe it was the last Christmas you were all together as a family and you recall how you passed the light down the row on Christmas Eve and you will never forget how important that was. You didn't realize it at the time but, looking back, it was the best Christmas ever.
What Christmas memories do you have?
If you have some thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share you thoughts click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing for you.
Charles Schuster
Friday, November 27, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday's thoughts
"Christmas Clues for Clueless Givers"
O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi" and Matthew's "Gifts of the Magi" give us important ideas regarding Christmas shopping and gift giving.
They remind us of the important things we need to know as we look at what we can give this Christmas; especially when some of us are feeling that we are not capable of giving what we would like to give.
O. Henry reminds us through his short story of the importance of giving from the heart. Dela cut her hair to buy Jim the watch he had said he lost. Jim had sold the watch so he could buy the hair brushes Dela wanted. They were fooling givers. They were the wisest givers. They gave from the heart. O. Henry judged they were the wisest of givers.
Matthew gives us the story of the Magi who brought the Christ Child gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These three gifts have, except for the gold, limited value. All three gifts had a lasting meaning when we look at the length and meaning of Jesus' life.
The Magi gave to the future.
Those two values are critical for us as we think about our gift giving and Christmas. It isn't the money that we spent that puts the ultimate value on our gifts. It isn't the immediate utility that determines the worth of our gifts.
We will want to give from the heart and to the future, and if we are able to do that they may want to call us Magi (wise).
What are you thinking to give for Christmas? Is it from the heart and does it contribute to the future?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi" and Matthew's "Gifts of the Magi" give us important ideas regarding Christmas shopping and gift giving.
They remind us of the important things we need to know as we look at what we can give this Christmas; especially when some of us are feeling that we are not capable of giving what we would like to give.
O. Henry reminds us through his short story of the importance of giving from the heart. Dela cut her hair to buy Jim the watch he had said he lost. Jim had sold the watch so he could buy the hair brushes Dela wanted. They were fooling givers. They were the wisest givers. They gave from the heart. O. Henry judged they were the wisest of givers.
Matthew gives us the story of the Magi who brought the Christ Child gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These three gifts have, except for the gold, limited value. All three gifts had a lasting meaning when we look at the length and meaning of Jesus' life.
The Magi gave to the future.
Those two values are critical for us as we think about our gift giving and Christmas. It isn't the money that we spent that puts the ultimate value on our gifts. It isn't the immediate utility that determines the worth of our gifts.
We will want to give from the heart and to the future, and if we are able to do that they may want to call us Magi (wise).
What are you thinking to give for Christmas? Is it from the heart and does it contribute to the future?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Monday's thoughts
"The Giver's Gift"
O. Henry wrote this short story, "The Gift of the Magi". It will set the stage for our sermon on the first Sunday of Advent -- November 29th.
It's an interesting premise. I man sells his watch to buy his wife a set of combs for her hair. He tells her he has lost his watch. She, meanwhile, sells her hair and buys a watch to replace the watch he lost.
Were they fools?
Did they give the best gifts ever?
What is the best gift you have ever given? What is the best gift you have received.
Once I received a hub cap. The car I was driving hit a pot hole in Denver and one of the hub caps fell off. Kathy went to "Hub Cab Annie's and found the same kind of hub cap and I got it for Christmas.
When I was working on my doctorate I read the work of Henri Bergson. When my daughter went to France she was able to find a book, written in French, of one of Bergson's most famous writings.
Those two gifts were two of the best because they represented some serious searching and a knowledge of who I am.
What is the best gift you have ever given?
Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles
O. Henry wrote this short story, "The Gift of the Magi". It will set the stage for our sermon on the first Sunday of Advent -- November 29th.
It's an interesting premise. I man sells his watch to buy his wife a set of combs for her hair. He tells her he has lost his watch. She, meanwhile, sells her hair and buys a watch to replace the watch he lost.
Were they fools?
Did they give the best gifts ever?
What is the best gift you have ever given? What is the best gift you have received.
Once I received a hub cap. The car I was driving hit a pot hole in Denver and one of the hub caps fell off. Kathy went to "Hub Cab Annie's and found the same kind of hub cap and I got it for Christmas.
When I was working on my doctorate I read the work of Henri Bergson. When my daughter went to France she was able to find a book, written in French, of one of Bergson's most famous writings.
Those two gifts were two of the best because they represented some serious searching and a knowledge of who I am.
What is the best gift you have ever given?
Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday's Thoughts
"How Do We Think Thank?"
Usually, the "build a sermon" space is devoted to the sermon. I give out ideas of what the sermon is doing and I get suggestions. The sermon is about what happens to us when we approach life with a sense of gratitude.
The sermon raises an important question;
What are the two most significant days in our lives?
I have three answers to that;
1. The two most important days of our lives are the day we were born and the day we found out why.
2. The two most important days of our lives are the day we were born and the day we no longer were afraid to die.
3. The two most important days of our lives are the day we were born and the day we realized and appreciated the people around us.
In addition to the sermon Sunday we are going to be in for a treat in the 9:15 and 10:45 worship hours. We are going to hear special music from Charlene Loomis and Karen Stoody, the church bell choir, and the adult choir with brass and percussion.
In addition to that we will hear an anthem written by Zion Park who is one of the members of our choir. He is a world famous composer, and this anthem will be one you won't want to miss.
What do you think the two most important days of your life are? If you have a thought about this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you wish others to read your thoughts click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Usually, the "build a sermon" space is devoted to the sermon. I give out ideas of what the sermon is doing and I get suggestions. The sermon is about what happens to us when we approach life with a sense of gratitude.
The sermon raises an important question;
What are the two most significant days in our lives?
I have three answers to that;
1. The two most important days of our lives are the day we were born and the day we found out why.
2. The two most important days of our lives are the day we were born and the day we no longer were afraid to die.
3. The two most important days of our lives are the day we were born and the day we realized and appreciated the people around us.
In addition to the sermon Sunday we are going to be in for a treat in the 9:15 and 10:45 worship hours. We are going to hear special music from Charlene Loomis and Karen Stoody, the church bell choir, and the adult choir with brass and percussion.
In addition to that we will hear an anthem written by Zion Park who is one of the members of our choir. He is a world famous composer, and this anthem will be one you won't want to miss.
What do you think the two most important days of your life are? If you have a thought about this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you wish others to read your thoughts click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday's thoughts
When It's Time To Think Thanks"
Various committees in the church have wanted to have a Sunday morning in the Sanctuary when we turn our music program loose. It will happen this coming Sunday. The adult choir will be singing two large anthems. One of the anthems has been written by Zion Park, a member of the choir, and the other anthem "A Jubilant Song".
Charlene Loomis and Karen Stoody are playing a variation on the hymn "He's got the whole world in his hands". They have put together this wonderful piece of music. The children will remain in the service for the first part of worship to hear it.
The bell choir will open our service with Prelude and Introit; "Tocatta on Holy, Holy, Holy" and "Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken".
This service will feature our talented musicians. I have 10 minutes to put together a narrative sermon on the importance of thinking thankfully.
If you have thoughts on this please write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Various committees in the church have wanted to have a Sunday morning in the Sanctuary when we turn our music program loose. It will happen this coming Sunday. The adult choir will be singing two large anthems. One of the anthems has been written by Zion Park, a member of the choir, and the other anthem "A Jubilant Song".
Charlene Loomis and Karen Stoody are playing a variation on the hymn "He's got the whole world in his hands". They have put together this wonderful piece of music. The children will remain in the service for the first part of worship to hear it.
The bell choir will open our service with Prelude and Introit; "Tocatta on Holy, Holy, Holy" and "Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken".
This service will feature our talented musicians. I have 10 minutes to put together a narrative sermon on the importance of thinking thankfully.
If you have thoughts on this please write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Monday's thoughts
"It's Time to Think Thank"
There is much in life we find disappointing. Dreams do not always come true. Friends will let us know. Family members can be a problem and there are dysfunctional aspects of our relationships on many levels. Holiday seasons play an important part in both the joy of life as well as the heartache.
What do we do with life when it lets us down?
How do we face life's disappointments?
It's about time we realize that the only way to overcome the curse we get in life is to count our blessings. The best way to handle disappointment with what has happened is to look at the best part of it and be glad in it.
The past several weeks we have been thinking of the people at the church who have worked hard to make the church the great church it is. Our congregation is full of people who generously give of their time and talent, not to mention their prayers and their service. Just thinking about the people who have given so much to the church at this time when we are in the middle of our stewardship campaign has made us realize how invested our members are in the ministry at First Church.
On an individual level when we get down on life and ourselves that is the time to "think thank" to look up at the good that has come to us and be grateful for it.
For what are you most thankful? When you "think thank" what comes to your mind? Is it your friends and loved ones who help make life worthwhile? Is it work to do that his meaningful or challenges beyond your grasp but they force you to stretch? Is it the potential of tomorrow and what it could bring to enliven today?
What are the blessings you count when you get around to adding them up?
If you have some thoughts on this important subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net.
If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
There is much in life we find disappointing. Dreams do not always come true. Friends will let us know. Family members can be a problem and there are dysfunctional aspects of our relationships on many levels. Holiday seasons play an important part in both the joy of life as well as the heartache.
What do we do with life when it lets us down?
How do we face life's disappointments?
It's about time we realize that the only way to overcome the curse we get in life is to count our blessings. The best way to handle disappointment with what has happened is to look at the best part of it and be glad in it.
The past several weeks we have been thinking of the people at the church who have worked hard to make the church the great church it is. Our congregation is full of people who generously give of their time and talent, not to mention their prayers and their service. Just thinking about the people who have given so much to the church at this time when we are in the middle of our stewardship campaign has made us realize how invested our members are in the ministry at First Church.
On an individual level when we get down on life and ourselves that is the time to "think thank" to look up at the good that has come to us and be grateful for it.
For what are you most thankful? When you "think thank" what comes to your mind? Is it your friends and loved ones who help make life worthwhile? Is it work to do that his meaningful or challenges beyond your grasp but they force you to stretch? Is it the potential of tomorrow and what it could bring to enliven today?
What are the blessings you count when you get around to adding them up?
If you have some thoughts on this important subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net.
If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Friday, November 13, 2009
Friday's Thoughts
"Working for the Laud"
This sermon is an answer to the statement posed in Ecclesiastes 3 that says, "What gain is the worker from their toil?"
There has to be an answer to that despairing thought. What is it?
I'm not sure I have this said the way it ought to be said but I think there is a contrast between "working for the laud" and "working for the Lord".
It is concerning that that sounds like a platitude but there is something behind it that ought to be exposed.
If we are working for praise or recognition we may be disappointed. We need an agent to help us. We need a voice to speak for us that will be an advocate for us to help others see what we can do and who we are.
If we have grown to accept our situation as no better than what it is we will need a counselor to be the voice that reminds us of the latent potential we are capable of fulfilling. We need not accept a lesser place in life than what it could become. Abraham Heschel is right to say, "Something is being asked of us".
Ultimately, there can be a voice within us that knows what it is to do the right thing no matter the consequences. Working for praise will not bring satisfaction; praise is faint and fleeting. Working for something higher will linger because it is eternal.
There is a better way to say it. Jesus said to Martha, "You are worried about many things. Only one thing is necessary."
What is the one thing that is necessary?
In this sermon I will try to find it. Any ideas? If so write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others look in on your thoughts click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
This sermon is an answer to the statement posed in Ecclesiastes 3 that says, "What gain is the worker from their toil?"
There has to be an answer to that despairing thought. What is it?
I'm not sure I have this said the way it ought to be said but I think there is a contrast between "working for the laud" and "working for the Lord".
It is concerning that that sounds like a platitude but there is something behind it that ought to be exposed.
If we are working for praise or recognition we may be disappointed. We need an agent to help us. We need a voice to speak for us that will be an advocate for us to help others see what we can do and who we are.
If we have grown to accept our situation as no better than what it is we will need a counselor to be the voice that reminds us of the latent potential we are capable of fulfilling. We need not accept a lesser place in life than what it could become. Abraham Heschel is right to say, "Something is being asked of us".
Ultimately, there can be a voice within us that knows what it is to do the right thing no matter the consequences. Working for praise will not bring satisfaction; praise is faint and fleeting. Working for something higher will linger because it is eternal.
There is a better way to say it. Jesus said to Martha, "You are worried about many things. Only one thing is necessary."
What is the one thing that is necessary?
In this sermon I will try to find it. Any ideas? If so write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others look in on your thoughts click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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