"Full Contact Shopping"
Watching the crowd in Buffalo lined up to come into the store to shop on Black Friday was an appalling thing to see. One customer fell and was almost trampled. He said afterward, "I thought I was going to die there. I didn't want to die in the store that way."
What is it that makes us become competitive this time of year? What is it that allows kindness and good cheer to yield to hateful actions and the need to defeat others who are trying to get what we may want to buy?
The gift giving at Christmas is spawned by the story of the Magi who came to give the Christ Child gold frankincense and myrrh. We replicate that story with gifts we purchase for each other. If our children want something for Christmas we will fight someone else to get it for them.
It seems to me we need to take a look at what happens to us this time of year. It seems we ought to consider what we are doing and why we are doing it.
In contrast, this is a season of good will. There are acts of kindness that happen. People work hard to try to work things out with people with whom there has been differences of opinion. We try to be helpful. We bake cookies and cakes and take them to people who are having a hard time. We pay for people to have a Christmas by donating money and gifts. It is a time of good will and love.
There is the dark side of Advent and there is the kind and wonderful side.
What do you think it will be this year? How can we make certain we do not become competitive and hostile?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Friday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon
The most important thing about Christmas is finding what we're looking for. If we are looking for the wrong thing we may find it, but it won't be what Christmas really has to give us.
The myth and mystery of the birth of the Christ Child is the foundational truth behind the first Christmas. It is an event that is shrouded in uncertainty. Some scholars doubt any of the biblical history that purports to convey the story. There is no substantiation of the fact that there was a census or that Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem. There is little to suggest that the Roman king wanted to eliminate Jewish infants. There is no proof that there was a star that led the Magi to see the child and nothing about the gifts of the Wise Men that we assume to be part of a Christmas story. In fact, the Magi's journey to the manger would have happened two years after the birth of the child not at the birth of the child.
The fact that there is no substantiation of the story historically and the fact that the first Gospel (Mark) did not even mention the nativity and the fact that there is nothing other than Luke's birth story in the bible may be an important part of the story. Jesus' birth was not recognized because people were not looking for the birth of that kind of messiah. People were hoping for a military leader and looking for someone who could change the flow of history immediately. That would not be seen in the birth of a baby and it would not be evident in someone thought of as "the prince of peace".
What we are looking for and what we are hoping from Christmas is important in terms of what we are able to realize.
What we will want to be able to see and we may be able to see it; what we will want to be able to receive and we may be able to receive it depends on if we understand that Christmas will come in its own time and not on our schedule. We can best receive it to be in an attitude of surprise. Secondly, what we will get to experience is dependent upon our expectation that there is something that is incredibly good about to happen. If we think there is nothing good that will happen there will be nothing good.
So we approach Advent with the idea that something will surprise us and that will be incredibly good.
If we lack that approach we will miss it.
That's the reason children have a better chance at catching Christmas than we adults do.
What do you expect will happen?
Will it be incredibly good?
Has it happened already?
If so, what is it? Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the congregation click on the "comments" box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
The myth and mystery of the birth of the Christ Child is the foundational truth behind the first Christmas. It is an event that is shrouded in uncertainty. Some scholars doubt any of the biblical history that purports to convey the story. There is no substantiation of the fact that there was a census or that Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem. There is little to suggest that the Roman king wanted to eliminate Jewish infants. There is no proof that there was a star that led the Magi to see the child and nothing about the gifts of the Wise Men that we assume to be part of a Christmas story. In fact, the Magi's journey to the manger would have happened two years after the birth of the child not at the birth of the child.
The fact that there is no substantiation of the story historically and the fact that the first Gospel (Mark) did not even mention the nativity and the fact that there is nothing other than Luke's birth story in the bible may be an important part of the story. Jesus' birth was not recognized because people were not looking for the birth of that kind of messiah. People were hoping for a military leader and looking for someone who could change the flow of history immediately. That would not be seen in the birth of a baby and it would not be evident in someone thought of as "the prince of peace".
What we are looking for and what we are hoping from Christmas is important in terms of what we are able to realize.
What we will want to be able to see and we may be able to see it; what we will want to be able to receive and we may be able to receive it depends on if we understand that Christmas will come in its own time and not on our schedule. We can best receive it to be in an attitude of surprise. Secondly, what we will get to experience is dependent upon our expectation that there is something that is incredibly good about to happen. If we think there is nothing good that will happen there will be nothing good.
So we approach Advent with the idea that something will surprise us and that will be incredibly good.
If we lack that approach we will miss it.
That's the reason children have a better chance at catching Christmas than we adults do.
What do you expect will happen?
Will it be incredibly good?
Has it happened already?
If so, what is it? Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the congregation click on the "comments" box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Wednesday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon
"What do you want from Christmas?"
An important part of Advent is in the preparation for Christmas that involves striving to get clear in our minds what we are expecting. Whatever Christmas becomes it will achieve something important for us if we are clear about what we are hoping it can be.
The Matthew 24 text has us thinking about the coming of the Christ and the time when God's Reign happens. It is coming at a time when we least expect it. It will come as a surprise. We never know when it might happen.
The Isaiah 11 text picks up what is going on in Israel at a very dark time in their history and the prophet encourages them to think about a time when the lion will lie down with the lamb and the child will play over the hole of a snake. It is a time of peace and union. It is a time when all the hopes we have are realized. It is a time of goodness and joy.
The two aspects of our Advent thinking takes us into thinking about the coming of the unexpected and the importance of being vigilant and prepared and the arriving of the best we can hope for and we will need to be open to it when it happens.
What will it mean to be prepared and what will it mean for us to be vigilant?
How are you preparing for Christmas and how are you using this season that begins Sunday to make Christmas hold the meaning it is capable of holding?
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 'comments' box below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
An important part of Advent is in the preparation for Christmas that involves striving to get clear in our minds what we are expecting. Whatever Christmas becomes it will achieve something important for us if we are clear about what we are hoping it can be.
The Matthew 24 text has us thinking about the coming of the Christ and the time when God's Reign happens. It is coming at a time when we least expect it. It will come as a surprise. We never know when it might happen.
The Isaiah 11 text picks up what is going on in Israel at a very dark time in their history and the prophet encourages them to think about a time when the lion will lie down with the lamb and the child will play over the hole of a snake. It is a time of peace and union. It is a time when all the hopes we have are realized. It is a time of goodness and joy.
The two aspects of our Advent thinking takes us into thinking about the coming of the unexpected and the importance of being vigilant and prepared and the arriving of the best we can hope for and we will need to be open to it when it happens.
What will it mean to be prepared and what will it mean for us to be vigilant?
How are you preparing for Christmas and how are you using this season that begins Sunday to make Christmas hold the meaning it is capable of holding?
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 'comments' box below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Monday's thought on Sunday's sermon
"What Do You Want From Christmas?"
Sunday, November 28Th is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is the four week preparation the church promotes as we move toward Christmas. The word advent means "coming to". We are ad venting ourselves toward the birth of the Christ Child and Christmas.
What are you expecting? What are we waiting for?
This is an important question because throughout history the birth of the Christ Child was not a fulfillment for many who were looking for the messiah to come and save them. If we read through Hebrew scripture we notice that the messiah predicted and the Christ Child realized were not one in the same. When people were looking for a strong leader who could take over power with position and force, God sent an infant child who was born in such unassuming circumstances that most people missed it. In fact the details remain in question as to the historicity and accuracy. Our accounts are varied and contradictory in terms of figuring what happen the night Jesus was born.
What are you hoping for? What do you want from Christmas?
Is there a gift or a promise?
Is there a new way of looking at the same old thing?
Is there a hope for things to change in a positive way?
Is there a warmth that the season has brought in the past that you hope will come again?
Will you be disappointed? Have you hoped too much?
Advent is the awaiting of the birth of a child and the child is the manifestation of an idea that is as radical as any idea can be. It is the suggestion that God Almighty isn't almighty, but precious and powerless and present in the form of a child.
I wish for you that Christmas will be what you need it to be. I would appreciate knowing what that could be for you. Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your ideas click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Sunday, November 28Th is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is the four week preparation the church promotes as we move toward Christmas. The word advent means "coming to". We are ad venting ourselves toward the birth of the Christ Child and Christmas.
What are you expecting? What are we waiting for?
This is an important question because throughout history the birth of the Christ Child was not a fulfillment for many who were looking for the messiah to come and save them. If we read through Hebrew scripture we notice that the messiah predicted and the Christ Child realized were not one in the same. When people were looking for a strong leader who could take over power with position and force, God sent an infant child who was born in such unassuming circumstances that most people missed it. In fact the details remain in question as to the historicity and accuracy. Our accounts are varied and contradictory in terms of figuring what happen the night Jesus was born.
What are you hoping for? What do you want from Christmas?
Is there a gift or a promise?
Is there a new way of looking at the same old thing?
Is there a hope for things to change in a positive way?
Is there a warmth that the season has brought in the past that you hope will come again?
Will you be disappointed? Have you hoped too much?
Advent is the awaiting of the birth of a child and the child is the manifestation of an idea that is as radical as any idea can be. It is the suggestion that God Almighty isn't almighty, but precious and powerless and present in the form of a child.
I wish for you that Christmas will be what you need it to be. I would appreciate knowing what that could be for you. Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your ideas click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Tuesday's thoughts
Eugene Lowry is our preacher Sunday, November 21st and it is Commitment Sunday. It is a time for us to think about our church's future and to make plans to ensure our church has a future worthy of our dreams and expectations.
Dr. Lowry is one of this nations most respected theologians and most gifted preachers. Recently, he gave the Beecher Lectures at Yale School of Theology. He is one of the developers of a method of preaching called "Narrative Preaching". It is an engaging approach to sermons that enables the preacher to be a story teller and to expand on the biblical text in such a way that the listener begins to feel as if we are part of the story.
Eugene is a world class pianist who is in great demand. He is able to mix "the blues" with the Gospel.
He will give a presentation on Saturday evening at 6 on John and Charles Wesley. We will serve desert.
He will preach three services on Sunday morning at 8 in the chapel, at 9:15 and 10:45 in the Sanctuary.
Sunday evening at 7 he will play the piano and speak on the subject "Dancing the Mystery".
We are fortunate to have this opportunity to hear a great, great, preacher and a truly inspiring speaker.
Charles
Dr. Lowry is one of this nations most respected theologians and most gifted preachers. Recently, he gave the Beecher Lectures at Yale School of Theology. He is one of the developers of a method of preaching called "Narrative Preaching". It is an engaging approach to sermons that enables the preacher to be a story teller and to expand on the biblical text in such a way that the listener begins to feel as if we are part of the story.
Eugene is a world class pianist who is in great demand. He is able to mix "the blues" with the Gospel.
He will give a presentation on Saturday evening at 6 on John and Charles Wesley. We will serve desert.
He will preach three services on Sunday morning at 8 in the chapel, at 9:15 and 10:45 in the Sanctuary.
Sunday evening at 7 he will play the piano and speak on the subject "Dancing the Mystery".
We are fortunate to have this opportunity to hear a great, great, preacher and a truly inspiring speaker.
Charles
Friday, November 12, 2010
Friday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon
"The Widow's Conspiracy"
Mark's version of the story of the "Widow's Mite" looks conspiratorial if we look at it in its context. Placed before that story there is the behavior of the scribes who like to waltz around in their long robes feeling like they are special and superior. Contrast that with the widow who quietly walked up to the temple treasury and put two cents into the offering plate. The humility of the widow is contrasted with the arrogant certainty of the scribes.
Then we look at the destruction of the temple and the beautiful buildings. The buildings were viewed as indestructible and yet Jesus is suggesting that they will be destroyed. What we know at the time Mark's gospel was written is that the temple had been destroyed by the Romans. It was an act of hostility and anger that caused the Romans to come in a take down the temple. Mark's readers knew that. When we look at the hatred and malice caused by the destructive act, Mark is telling us to look at the loving act of the poor widow who, by contrast, was giving what she had. As long as there are people like that who will give even though they have little, the hatred of the world is defeated. The widow's conspiracy is the contrast between her and the scribes, on the one hand, and the hatred of the Romans on the other hand.
The message is a matter of contrast.
Mark is telling us:
1. The scribes think they are special; look at the poor widow. She is special. Everyone is special.
2. The Romans have destroyed the temple with their show of power and authority. Look at the poor widow. The Roman's destructive power is contrasted with the kindness of the poor widow. There is evil in the world but there is more good than evil.
We are all special and it is all good. The message is important to hear today. We are special and it's all good.
Do you agree? Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to allow others to read your thoughts click on the 'comments' box below.
If you would like me to send you a rough draft of the sermon tomorrow or later today indicate that and I am happy to do that.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Mark's version of the story of the "Widow's Mite" looks conspiratorial if we look at it in its context. Placed before that story there is the behavior of the scribes who like to waltz around in their long robes feeling like they are special and superior. Contrast that with the widow who quietly walked up to the temple treasury and put two cents into the offering plate. The humility of the widow is contrasted with the arrogant certainty of the scribes.
Then we look at the destruction of the temple and the beautiful buildings. The buildings were viewed as indestructible and yet Jesus is suggesting that they will be destroyed. What we know at the time Mark's gospel was written is that the temple had been destroyed by the Romans. It was an act of hostility and anger that caused the Romans to come in a take down the temple. Mark's readers knew that. When we look at the hatred and malice caused by the destructive act, Mark is telling us to look at the loving act of the poor widow who, by contrast, was giving what she had. As long as there are people like that who will give even though they have little, the hatred of the world is defeated. The widow's conspiracy is the contrast between her and the scribes, on the one hand, and the hatred of the Romans on the other hand.
The message is a matter of contrast.
Mark is telling us:
1. The scribes think they are special; look at the poor widow. She is special. Everyone is special.
2. The Romans have destroyed the temple with their show of power and authority. Look at the poor widow. The Roman's destructive power is contrasted with the kindness of the poor widow. There is evil in the world but there is more good than evil.
We are all special and it is all good. The message is important to hear today. We are special and it's all good.
Do you agree? Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to allow others to read your thoughts click on the 'comments' box below.
If you would like me to send you a rough draft of the sermon tomorrow or later today indicate that and I am happy to do that.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wednesday's Thoughts on Sunday's sermon
"The Widow's Conspiracy"
The placement of the story of the "widow's mite" in the text has its own message that that is what I am going to try to discover this week.
The story is found in two of the Gospels. Mark 12 and Luke 21 and both present the story in the same context.
Mark was written in 70 AD right after the Roman's destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem. Luke wrote about fifteen years later.
The story of the widow's mite come in the context of the concern of both writers.
Prior to the story both Mark and Luke warn the reader of the gospel about the scribes who like to take the important places of honor. At the end of the story of the widow's mite both Luke and Mark refer to the fact that the great buildings will fall. The placement of the story is saying something we will want to notice.
What do you think it says?
A poor widow puts in two copper coins into the temple treasury. Mark and Luke want us to see that in the context of the scribes who think they are important.
A poor widow puts in two copper coins into the temple Treasury. Mark and Luke want us to see that in the context of concern that the buildings will fall down and not one stone will be left.
What does the story say to us in light of the context into which it is put?
Do you have an idea about that? I'm beginning to formulate some thoughts. Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your ideas click on the "comments" box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
The placement of the story of the "widow's mite" in the text has its own message that that is what I am going to try to discover this week.
The story is found in two of the Gospels. Mark 12 and Luke 21 and both present the story in the same context.
Mark was written in 70 AD right after the Roman's destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem. Luke wrote about fifteen years later.
The story of the widow's mite come in the context of the concern of both writers.
Prior to the story both Mark and Luke warn the reader of the gospel about the scribes who like to take the important places of honor. At the end of the story of the widow's mite both Luke and Mark refer to the fact that the great buildings will fall. The placement of the story is saying something we will want to notice.
What do you think it says?
A poor widow puts in two copper coins into the temple treasury. Mark and Luke want us to see that in the context of the scribes who think they are important.
A poor widow puts in two copper coins into the temple Treasury. Mark and Luke want us to see that in the context of concern that the buildings will fall down and not one stone will be left.
What does the story say to us in light of the context into which it is put?
Do you have an idea about that? I'm beginning to formulate some thoughts. Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your ideas click on the "comments" box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Monday's thoughts about Sunday's sermon
"The Widow's Conspiracy"
We've been too nice when we have thought about the poor widow who put the two cents on the temple treasury. We have assumed her motives were pure. We have praised her for her altruistic motives.
Maybe Ayn Rand is correct to suggest there is no true altruism. What if she is right on when she says all motives are mixed and even pure motives have elements of selfishness in them?
I want to put the poor widow in trial. I want to suggest that she staged this whole event to be a witness to the hypocrisy of the wealthy. I want to examine what she was up to when she slipped the 2 cents in and forever became a paragon of virtue.
It could have been a huge conspiracy. It could have been designed to make us feel bad about how much we give to the poor or to the church.
By the way, we are coming up to our Finance Campaign when we are asked to give a promise or pledge to the church for the coming year. As a preacher I will use every technique I know to get the word out about what we are doing in the church and why it is important to support it. But I will not use guilt. I will not bring out the usual methods that are designed to make us feel that we aren't giving enough.
I will, however, talk about reaching out, reaching in, and reaching up. I will talk about the inner life and how we all have to make up our own minds about what is important and support what we believe in and trust. I will not try to make people feel they should be giving more than they should. The economy is tight and some of our people have lost their jobs. Lots of our members are on fixed incomes.
We should give what we are able to give, and support the church in the way we are able to support it.
But the poor widow should never be an example that can be used to embarrass us or make us feel ashamed.
What do you think is the best motivation to give? If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
We've been too nice when we have thought about the poor widow who put the two cents on the temple treasury. We have assumed her motives were pure. We have praised her for her altruistic motives.
Maybe Ayn Rand is correct to suggest there is no true altruism. What if she is right on when she says all motives are mixed and even pure motives have elements of selfishness in them?
I want to put the poor widow in trial. I want to suggest that she staged this whole event to be a witness to the hypocrisy of the wealthy. I want to examine what she was up to when she slipped the 2 cents in and forever became a paragon of virtue.
It could have been a huge conspiracy. It could have been designed to make us feel bad about how much we give to the poor or to the church.
By the way, we are coming up to our Finance Campaign when we are asked to give a promise or pledge to the church for the coming year. As a preacher I will use every technique I know to get the word out about what we are doing in the church and why it is important to support it. But I will not use guilt. I will not bring out the usual methods that are designed to make us feel that we aren't giving enough.
I will, however, talk about reaching out, reaching in, and reaching up. I will talk about the inner life and how we all have to make up our own minds about what is important and support what we believe in and trust. I will not try to make people feel they should be giving more than they should. The economy is tight and some of our people have lost their jobs. Lots of our members are on fixed incomes.
We should give what we are able to give, and support the church in the way we are able to support it.
But the poor widow should never be an example that can be used to embarrass us or make us feel ashamed.
What do you think is the best motivation to give? If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Friday, November 5, 2010
Friday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon
The poor widow is mentioned as an example of giving. She who had little gave all she had. Others who had much gave out of their wealth very little.
The sermon is a lesson in God's economy and that economy runs counter to what we usually assume. God's economy as taught to Jesus by the poor widow is as follows:
1. Before we give a dollar we have to give a darn. The size of the gift isn't as important as the motivation behind our giving it.
2. If we want to hold onto something of value the worst thing we can do is try to save it. If we bury it we blow it. The only things we get to keep are those things we are willing to give away.
3. We have to be a cause because the cause is the only thing that will outlive us. If we wish to have any sense of sustainability we will have to find a cause in something bigger than ourselves.
In God's economy we see our purpose in this life is to find what we have and use it in service to those who need it. we are not put here to hoard, but to help.
What is the cause to which you are willing to dedicate your life?
What will you leave on earth after you're gone?
If you know what that is write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
The sermon is a lesson in God's economy and that economy runs counter to what we usually assume. God's economy as taught to Jesus by the poor widow is as follows:
1. Before we give a dollar we have to give a darn. The size of the gift isn't as important as the motivation behind our giving it.
2. If we want to hold onto something of value the worst thing we can do is try to save it. If we bury it we blow it. The only things we get to keep are those things we are willing to give away.
3. We have to be a cause because the cause is the only thing that will outlive us. If we wish to have any sense of sustainability we will have to find a cause in something bigger than ourselves.
In God's economy we see our purpose in this life is to find what we have and use it in service to those who need it. we are not put here to hoard, but to help.
What is the cause to which you are willing to dedicate your life?
What will you leave on earth after you're gone?
If you know what that is write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Wednesday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon
The sermon will explore the implications of giving. The mite given by the poor widow has become a symbol for what it means to give from the heart to the point that a gift given out of love never stops giving.
More important than the size of the gift is the spirit in which it is given. More important than effect of the gift is the impact of the gift when it is received.
The Christian faith affirms that there is no such thing as an unimportant gift. it claims that our lives can make a difference; no matter how small nor how, seemingly, insignificant.
It take a little thing to turn a hard thing into something tolerable. It takes nothing at all to turn into something for sure.
Of all the gifts we have been given what do we most remember. Do you remember the picture drawn by your daughter after you have come home from a hard day at work? Do you recall the thoughtful gift of a milkshake provided by someone who thought you might like it because you might need it.
What are the most memorable gifts you've given? I imagine we all remember the picture we drew for your mother or father that was put up on the refrigerator door. I imagine we will never forget the kind letter we were sent by the friend who thought we needed some cheering up.
The most important gifts are the ones that have come when they are given by a heartfelt sense of appreciation.
What is the most important gift you have given? What gift you have given has been most appreciated?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you would like others to read your thoughts click on the 'comments' box below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
More important than the size of the gift is the spirit in which it is given. More important than effect of the gift is the impact of the gift when it is received.
The Christian faith affirms that there is no such thing as an unimportant gift. it claims that our lives can make a difference; no matter how small nor how, seemingly, insignificant.
It take a little thing to turn a hard thing into something tolerable. It takes nothing at all to turn into something for sure.
Of all the gifts we have been given what do we most remember. Do you remember the picture drawn by your daughter after you have come home from a hard day at work? Do you recall the thoughtful gift of a milkshake provided by someone who thought you might like it because you might need it.
What are the most memorable gifts you've given? I imagine we all remember the picture we drew for your mother or father that was put up on the refrigerator door. I imagine we will never forget the kind letter we were sent by the friend who thought we needed some cheering up.
The most important gifts are the ones that have come when they are given by a heartfelt sense of appreciation.
What is the most important gift you have given? What gift you have given has been most appreciated?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you would like others to read your thoughts click on the 'comments' box below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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