Wings

FIRST UNITY CHURCH – Serving the spiritual needs of the St. Louis community for over ninety years.The Newsletter ofFirst Unity Church

Of Saint Louis

August, 2017

v Inspiration

v Information

v Illumination

Inside this issue:

News and events

Truth Thoughts

Quotable Quotes

Truth Articles

Calendar

Humor

Faith in theChildren of God

By Rev. Elise Cowan

Several years ago, tornadoes ravagednot only my hometown in Alabama, butalso many other towns and cities. Myheart was crushed by the news, and I feltGod urging me to go help them.

I ended up at a rescue mission forreceiving and distributingdonations to help the victims.After working several hours, Iwent outside for a breath offresh air. I made my way to theedge of the workers. What 1saw burned into my memorylike a lover's first kiss.

Dozens of people were unloading an18-wheeler, each person with a quietdetermination. I imagined a musicalsymphony, each person working inharmony. Who arc these people? 1wondered.

1 focused on a Caucasian womandressed in slacks and a blouse, her hairand makeup stylish and polished. Asimple cross hung from a chain aroundher neck. She carried an armload oftoiletries into the school collection point.

1 scanned the crowd and spotted a manwith a yarmulke and full beard. He mustbe Jewish. As he unloaded water, sweatsprinkled his rosy cheeks. Next, T noticeda group of African Americans. Theychatted among themselves and worked as

a team, organizing the donations as theywere unloaded. A few Eastern womenwith hijabs wrapped around their heads,in the Islamic style, approached the groupand began working with them. As theJewish man made his way back to thetruck, they asked for his assistance inmoving a large donation.

I stood stock-still, mesmerized by thescene before me. As I took a deep breath,

1 smelled charcoal burning, waftingthrough the air. My stomachrumbled, urging me to find the grill.However, for the moment, I couldn'tmove anything but my eyes.

I saw young people, old people,some looked wealthy in their fancy

clothes, some middle class. 1 saw a manwearing the Star of David on his necklace,a woman with a dot at the center of herforehead. Each person worked in totalharmony with everyone else to get thedonations inside. It took my breath away.I saw the divinity of God in those people.Everyone, regardless of religion orcultural status, came together to help thevictims.

A tear rolled down my cheek. Neverbefore had I witnessed such enormity oflove and compassion among the childrenof God.

When I hear news reports or concernsabout divisiveness, I remember what 1saw that day. 1 am at peace because Iknow God's presence dwells within us all.

MINISTER, Jan Mourning, LUT

Randy Schmelig, MinisterEmeritus

BOARD OF TRUSTEESPaul Henley, PresidentMarilyn Milonas, VicePresidentDenise Halbert-Raggio,SecretaryChuck Seger, TreasurerCarol EllermanSandy EtheridgeMark WhittingtonHope DodsonJohn Young

PRAYER CHAPLAINSHope DodsonLinda HarrAnne HartupeePaul HenleyMary TumminelloGladys Young

PLATFORM ASSISTANTLinda Harr

BOOKSTORE MANAGERJane Vondruska

WEBMASTERCarol Ellerman

OFFICE MANAGERSara DeWitt

MUSICAnne Hartupee, Piano/OrganDean Wiegert, Soloist

YOUTH MINISTRY TEAMDenise Halbert Reggio,DirectorGlenda GebhardtCindy Gibbs

WINGS NEWSLETTERFaye Schmelig, EditorEmail:fayeschmelig@Gmail.com

OFFICE HOURSMon. – Thu. 9am – 3pmChurch phone: 314-845-8540Minister’s home: 314-520-3440Fax: 314-845-0022

www.firstunitychurchstlouis.org/Silent Unity: 1-800-669-7729

Wings August, 2017

Page 2

Flocknotes UpdatesFirst Unity has implemented our newFlocknote program to keep you posted onupcoming events via text or email. If youwould like to receive regular updates, pleasecall the church office or send an email tofirstunity@firstunitychurchstlouis.org.

Third Thursday QuiltersFor information contact JaneVondruska (636 226-4562) orSandy Etheridge (314 309-8136).

Ladies’ Night Out: August 21 at5:30 p.m. at Tucker’s PlaceSouth, 3939 Union Road.

July 11: All the Light We CannotSee by Anthony DoerrAugust 8: The Curious Incident ofthe Dog in the Night-time by Mark

HaddonSeptember 12: Rosemary: The Hidden

Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson

October 10: Conclave by Robert Harris

eScrip News – Remember to use youreScrip card at Schnuck’s. Go towww.escrip.com, or look for the link on theFirst Unity website to earn money for FirstUnity as you shop. Thank you!

Youth EducationCalling all kids to join ourincredible Sunday SchoolClasses. Also we welcomeextra adult hands. If youcould help just one Sunday

a month, it would make a huge difference.

Stop by Our LendingLibrary and check out aninspirational title fromamong a wide selection ofbooks written by some of Unity's greatestauthors.

Ukulele Lessons are available onThursday evenings foradults. Lessons are also availablefor kids. Call Joan Mueller at314-849-7205 for details.

Save these Dates:Payer Chaplain Training: If you are feelingcalled to serve others through prayer, come toeither Prayer Chaplain Orientation Meeting: August 6 or 13 at 11:45 a.m. Training willinclude: Unity 101 & Power of Prayer onAugust 26, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fall RetreatOctober 13-14Dean’s 30th Anniversary, Sept. 10: Cake &great Celebration immediately after service.World Day of Prayer, September 14.Trip to Grant’s Farm: Sept. 16:Join us at Grant’s Farm on Sept. 16 for agreat time. Meet in front of the Gift Shop at10:00 a.m. Tram, Admission, and AnimalShows: Free. Parking is $12 per car. FunPass (Includes Carousel Ride, Snow Cone,Goat Feeding) — $5

Feed my peopleThis month Feed my People is

holding a Back to School SupplyDrive. All things students need in

their backpacks are welcomedand greatly appreciated.

www.feed-my-people.org

August AffirmationsInner Peace: Peacedwells in the silence ofmy soul.Guidance: Open to divinedirection, I am gentlyguided to my good.

Healing: The life of God flows through meas renewing energy.Prosperity: I open my mind to divine ideas,and new avenues of supply are revealed.World Peace: I hold a vision of harmonyand goodwill for the world.

OUR VISION: In oneness of Spirit, wecelebrate a world awakened to infinitepossibilities.

OUR MISSION: We are a vibrant,inclusive spiritual community enriching livesthrough positive prayer, education, andservice.

OUR CORE VALUES: •Spirit-led •Love•Oneness •Acceptance •Welcoming •SpiritualGrowth

UNITY 101

Join us on Aug. 26, 9:00 a.m.-12:00p.m. for an interactive class onUnity’s basic teachings. Whether youare new to the ideas of Unity or alongtime Unity student, this classwill provide an opportunity todeepen your understanding of howUnity’s principles and practices cantransform your life.

THE POWER OF PRAYER

Come to explore the fundamentals ofprayer on Aug. 26, 1:00 -4:00 p.m. We will discuss the purpose ofprayer, ways to pray, and prayingwith others. This class is designedfor all who wish to deepen theirprayer lives.

UNITY 101 AND THE POWER OFPRAYER ARE PREQUISITIESFOR PRAYER CHAPLAINCY.

Holiness 2.0For the Hebrews, who had

experienced the anguish of slaveryand exile, holiness had to do withseparation. Adherence to sacred law[ensured] that they would not beabsorbed into a foreign culture, alegitimate fear for them as a people.The Law was quite functional inpreserving their Jewish identity. ButJesus turns this custom upside down.Rather than insist on separation, hepreaches inclusion. Rather thanremove himself from “sinners,” hejoins with them in love. For Jesus,holiness is about connection, notseparation. It is about putting asidethe fear of our own alienation andannihilation while trusting in love toheal every breach.

—Quantum Grace,Judy Cannato

God of tomorrowsThis is the blessed life — not

anxious to see far in front, nor eagerto choose the path, but quietlyfollowing behind the Shepherd, one

step at a time. The Shepherd wasalways out in front of the sheep. Hewas down in front. Any attack uponthem had to take him into account.

Now God is down in front. He isin the tomorrows. It is tomorrow thatfills [people] with dread. God is therealready. All the tomorrows of our lifehave to pass him before they can getto us.

—F.B. Meyer

Love’s lessonA new school year promises new

adventures, challenges and friends —as well as new classes, homeworkand lessons. But the most important(and simplest) lesson we can learn issummed up by 19th-century hymnwriter Jane Eliza Leeson:

Savior, teach me day by daylove’s sweet lesson to obey,sweeter lesson cannot be,loving him who first loved me.

Garden of the SoulThere is a Garden of the Soul,Where God plants

loving seedsThat faith and grace will

nourishInto blooms of loving deeds.

Within this Garden of the SoulFruits of the Spirit grow;And they produce new seeds of loveWhich you and I can sow.

—Peggy Ferrell,Prayers and Poems

With Thankfulnessand Praise

Oh, let mine eyes be opened wideThat I may clearly see

How often, in another’s guise,God walks the road with me,

And, seeing with how great a goodHe glorifies my days,

Acknowledge His eternal loveWith thankfulness and praise.

—R. H. Grenville

“Quotable Quotes”

As a child of God, I am greater thananything that can happen to me.

—A.P.J. Abdul Kamal

Summer night — even the stars arewhispering to each other.

—Kobayashi Issa

The aim of education is theknowledge not of facts but of values.

—William S. BurroughsPractice makes preachers. Lovemakes pastors.

—Clyde R. Webber Jr.

Never question the truth of what youfail to understand, for the world isfilled with wonders.

— L. Frank Baum, Rinkitink in Oz

Every generation stands on theshoulders of the generation that camebefore. Jealously guard the values

and principles of our heritage;they did not come easy.”

—Ronald Reagan

What I want is, not to possess afaith, but to have a faith that shall

possess me.—Charles Kingsley

Every tomorrow has two handles.We can take hold of it with thehandle of anxiety or the handle offaith.”

—Henry Ward Beecher

Hope is always available to us. Whenwe feel defeated, we need only take adeep breath and say yes, and hopewill reappear.”

—Monroe Forester

Breathe a prayer of gratitude. Andgive those you love an extra measureof affection. Life is fleeting, and loveis precious. Cherish both.”

—Galen Guengerich

How Biblical Is Unity’sWay of Healing?

By Thomas Shepherd

SPIRITUAL HEALING hasalways been an embarrassingtopic for us theologians. In theninth chapter of John's gospel weencounter an argument inprogress and, if we listen, we'llhear the irritation religiousscholars have often felt whenconfronted by such claims.

A man born blind is healed byJesus. Do the theologians(Pharisees) marvel at this dem-onstration of divine power?Hardly. They launch into one ofthe longest cross-examinations inScripture: How were your eyesopened? Don't tell us Jesus did it.We know He's a sinner and Goddon't listen to no sinners. Now,let's hear the truth!

Next, they call upon the man'sparents to confess that he reallywasn't born blind. Terrified, Momand Dad refuse to answer for theirson. The bickering continues untilthe once-blind man infuriates thereligious scholars so much theylose their cool and shout, "Youwere born in utter sin, and wouldyou teach us?" and bodily throwhim out of the assembly. This isthe biblical version of "Don'tconfuse me with the facts; mymind is made up."

Although John's gospel is bestunderstood as first-centuryChristian pamphleteering ratherthan objective history, the authorpoints to a problem that is stillwith us nineteen plus centurieslater. Amazingly, religiousprofessionals often do not believeGod has the power to do anythingin the real world, especially whenincurable diseases or lifelongphysical ailments presentthemselves.

Sifting through the referencesto healing in reputable, scholarlyworks such as the Interpreter'sDictionary of the Bible

(Abingdon, 1962) and theTheological Word Book of theBible (Macmillan, 1962), we canfind theologians who cautiouslyallow that Jesus probably healedpeople. But the vast majority oftheological books say absolutelynothing to suggest such power isavailable today. One of the best-known paperback references forministers, Van A. Harvey'sHandbook of Theological Terms(Macmillan, 1974), does not evenlist the word healing.

Pick up a volume written bysome august figure in moderntheology-Paul Tillich, Karl Barth,or perhaps Rudolf Bultmann-andthumb through the index. Youwill most likely find them silenton the subject. Why? Is healing soperipheral to Christian faith? Notaccording to the New Testament.

Healing: The Central Focus ofJesus' Ministry

We cannot enter the NewTestament world withoutstumbling over sick beds carriedby relatives in hot pursuit ofJesus, or bumping into lepersclanging their bells and shouting"Unclean!" as they haunt thehighways for a glimpse of thecarpenter from Nazareth who hascleansed others of their kind.Roman officers seek Him forstricken servants; friends send forHim when Lazarus is taken ill andthey don't lose heart, even whenJesus arrives too late. A womantouches the hem of His robe andis cured of a lifetime's bleeding; aparalyzed man at the pool ofBeth-zatha (Bethesda) has made acareer of lying by the waters,praying for a cure, until Jesus askshim if he really wants to behealed, then heals him.

Mark, probably the earliestgospel, portrays the earthly workof Jesus as primarily a healingministry. He cures "a man with anunclean spirit," breaks a fevergripping Simon's mother-in-law,

cleanses a leper, and heals manywho were sick with variousdiseases in the first chapter alone.

Amid all this biblical evidence,the attitude of mainline/liberalscholarship remains skeptical.Writing a monograph on "Healthand Healing" in the Interpreter'sDictionary of the Bible. R. K.Harrison begrudgingly admits thatJesus must have performed someactual healings. Note the carefulwording, by which the authorneither confirms nor denies therumor that Jesus healed peoplewho were really sick: "Thesehealings cannot be explainedsatisfactorily on the simpleassumption that he (Jesus) was ashrewd psychologist whodismissed a wide variety ofpsychoneurotic conditions bymeans of adroit techniques whichwere in advance of contemporarypractice. While psychologicaltheories can throw much light onthe healing work of Jesus, theycannot of themselves explain itfully."

This quote spotlights thecontradiction in modern schol-arship: mainline/liberal Chris-tianity is too materialistic tobelieve spiritual healing reallyworks and too well-grounded inbiblical scholarship to deny thatthe first-century Churchpassionately believed healing tobe the central focus of theministry of Jesus Christ. Ratherthan draw one of the twoconclusions required by thisdilemma (either spiritual healingis real or the biblical record iswrong), liberal scholars tend toavoid the problem by mentioningpsychological theories of healingand then acknowledging these areinadequate to explain what Jesusdid. Hence, we are confronted bya mystery, which lets us off thehook.

Perhaps a more compellingreason why mainline/liberaltheologians have shied away fromhealing grows out of their

aversion to anything resemblingfundamentalism.

Images of Tent Meetings

Fundamentalism loudly pro-claims the power of God to healall manner of diseases, although itis divided on how such healingtakes place and whether the "gift"of healing (i.e., the ability to healanother person by spiritual means,usually involving intercessoryprayer and the laying on of hands)remains valid today. Quite a fewbig-name evangelists made theirministries famous by wrestlingwith the devil in tent revivalmeetings, calling the sick anddisabled to come forward and behealed. More than one modern"televangelist" struggles with animage problem, their names stillconjuring visions of sawdustaisles and canvas cathedrals in theminds of many people. This tent-meeting mentality andfundamentalist connection hasdoubtless driven some liberalscholars away from prudentconsideration of healing as aviable form of ministry to ahurting world. Because it smacksof fundamentalism, liberalProtestant scholarship wantsnothing to do with faith- healing,regardless of how biblical it maybe.

Roman Catholicism, however,has a much healthier attitudetoward the healing ministry, andits clergy more regularly pray forthe bodies as well as the souls oftheir parishioners than do mostProtestant ministers. SomeCatholic parishes offer anoptional "healing mass" duringwhich prayers for the sick and theancient rite of "laying on hands"accompany the Eucharist. Thesespecial masses are usually part ofa charismatic ministry and mayinclude other "gifts of the spirit,"such as tongues.

The so-called "last rites" of theCatholic church, more correctly

called the Sacrament of ExtremeUnction, serves not just to preparea person to die; the priest alsoprays for God to heal the person ifthat is His will.

Jesus: Savior/Healer

This is where mystical/meta-physical Christianity, at last,leaves the grandstand and takesthe field. We know God's will isalways on the side of health,wholeness, and prosperity. Jesuswould not have spent so muchtime healing people if God wereonly concerned with salvation ofthe soul.

In fact, the New TestamentGreek word for savior, soter(pronounced sew-tear; literally,"to make whole") can also betranslated healer. We derive thetechnical theological term,soteriology (the study of doctrinesabout salvation), directly fromthis word. In its verb form, we canrender passages either "Jesussaves us" or "Jesus heals us." Thenext time you read about Jesussaving us, the saving acts of God,or our salvation in Christ, men-tally replay the passage substi-tuting the alternate reading. Theresults are enlightening.

Let's Ask Ourselves the HardQuestion

This should not surprisemystical/metaphysical Christians,though it may jolt those who arenot familiar with the healingemphasis of practical Christianity.However, if we are going to callmainline Protestantism to task forabandoning the biblical emphasison healing, we must in all honestyask ourselves the hard question:How faithful to the NewTestament record is the style ofspiritual healing practiced inmystical/metaphysical churchestoday?

We see Jesus healing with atouch.

We see Him driving outdemons.

We see a woman healed bygrasping the hem of His robe.

None of these fit neatly intothe categories and methods ofChristian healing practiced todayin mystical/metaphysicalchurches. Our emphasis is oncentering prayer, affirmation anddenial, entering the silence,"knowing the Truth," andclaiming our oneness with Godthrough the Christ-indwelling. Nosuch techniques are found in thepages of scripture. We even go sofar as to deny that evil exists as aforce, so how could Jesus driveout demons? And could merelytouching the clothing worn by ahealer give relief from physicalsymptoms? Is our method ofhealing faithful to the biblicalwitness?

Absolutely. As long as theperson believes in the power ofGod, healing will follow. The keyto understand the healing ministryof Jesus is not found bymimicking the techniques He wasforced to use among a primitiveand superstitious people whobelieved in the demon theory ofdisease (i.e., that evil spiritscaused all sickness). We must digdeeper, to the bedrock of allspiritual healing, the faith Hegenerated in those who werehealed.

Three Conditions for Healing

To understand Jesus' methodwe must note three conditionsexisting in all instances of biblicalhealing: 1) There was a desire tobe healed; no one was healed byaccident. In some cases, theillness drove the person tomadness or deep into a coma, butthe willingness to be healed wasalways present. No one ever com-plained after Jesus healed him. 2)Someone did something to bringthe problem before Jesus.Sometimes this meant just

explaining what the problem was;sometimes people acted boldly,like the men who lowered the sickperson on a cot through theceiling to get him to Jesus. 3)Faith, usually manifested in"letting go and letting God,"preceded the healing.

How does this differ from thehealing achieved by modernmystical/metaphysical Christianslike Unity co-founder MyrtleFillmore? Only in this way: JesusChrist was not physically presentwhen the healing took place.Myrtle Fillmore called upon astrong faith in the unseen spiritualpresence of healing power. Butfor those in Jesus' time, theawesome presence of the Mastermust surely have energized theirfaith in the power of God to heal.Listening to His voice gave calmassurance that God was able towork wonders, reminding them ofHis presence and power surgingthrough the universe.

Would the presence of JesusChrist make healing easier?

Of course!Listening to Jesus teach, it

would be so easy for me tobelieve that God wants me wholeand well-why, I could just reachout and claim my health bytouching the hem of His robe!

If Jesus walked by and I werelying paralyzed on a mat, I knowbeyond the shadow of a doubt thatHe could raise me up and set mewalking again.

If my sight were lost and Jesuspassed me on the highway, tellingme to see again, there is no doubtin my mind that my eyes wouldbe cleared and the colors and lightof God's world would flood mysenses.

Why? Because it is the beliefin the absolute power of God towork such wonders which makesthe healing possible. When Jesusand the Apostles walked the earth,humankind had a direct link to thepower of God because He showedus how to believe so powerfully.

Jesus told blind Bartimaeus thesecret of spiritual healing:"And Jesus said to him, 'What doyou want me to do for you?' Andthe blind man said to him,'Master, let me receive my sight.'And Jesus said to him, 'Go yourway; your faith has made youwell'" (Mk. 10:51-52).

Consciousness, Not Technique, IsRequired

The technique of healing isalmost irrelevant. SometimesJesus touched people, sometimesHe just spoke a word. Once Hemade a paste and spread it on theeyes of a blind man, but no oneseriously believes there is anyspecial curative power in spit andclay. It was willingness to receivehealing by faith that gave sight tothe man who had been born blind.And it took a spiritual presence aspowerful as Jesus Christ to instillthat kind of faith, which is mostlikely the reason such apparentlymiraculous healings seldom occurtoday. If Jesus Christ told me itwould happen, if He promisedme, I could be healed of anything.Because of His miracle workingpower as the unique Son of God?No. His presence would provokeme to believe wholeheartedly, toenable me to receive what God isalways trying to give me: health,wholeness, and prosperity inmind, body, and affairs.

If we make this power to healthe special privilege of Jesus, thenHe becomes a miracle workerafter the model of Greekmythology, a demigod whoseunique abilities underscore thedifference between His exaltedstatus and our position as lowlymortals. Jesus becomes the divinehuman magician, not the WayShower. The power to heal mustbe available to everyone if God istruly the God of all sentientbeings.

Is This Biblical?

Nothing could be truer to thedeeds and teachings of theMaster. He constantly challengedHis disciples to perform the same"miraculous" deeds as He did. Itis faith in the power of God whichmakes us whole, which is whyJesus is our Soter, thesavior/healer who makes faithavailable to us by demonstratingits power. Not by technique, butby faith are we healed.

As we progress spiritually, weshall someday understand thecryptic reply of the man bornblind as he looked eye-to-eye atthe disbelieving theologians ofancient Israel: "One thing I know,that though I was blind, now Isee" (Jn. 9:25).

PROOFBy Frances Marley Bell

In every fragrant flower,In every patterned leaf,Is shown a love and powerVast beyond belief.

In every living creature,The sunset’s brilliant hue,The myriad snowflake patterns,Each drop of silver dew;

In each revolving planet,The galaxies, the tides,Exists a truth triumphant—God’s love and wisdom guides.

In all His vast creation,In objects great and small,God clearly demonstrates to usHe knows and loves us all.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2A.A. Men’s Group,10AM

CA 7PM

3Ukulele Practice,7PM

4 5

6Sunday Services,10:30AMYouth Ed,10:30AM

Prayer ChaplainOrientation,11:45AM

7 8Book Club, TheCurious Incidentof the Dog in theNight-time byMark Haddon atBread Co. at 2PM

9A.A. Men’s Group,10AM

CA 7PM

10 11 12

13Sunday Services,10:30AMYouth Ed,10:30AM

Prayer ChaplainOrientation,11:45AM

14Prayer ChaplainMeeting

15 16A.A. Men’s Group,10AM

CA 7PM

Planning Mtg,6PMBoard Mtg, 7PM

17Third ThursdayQuilters, 10AM

Ukulele Practice,7PM

18 19

20Sunday Services,10:30AMYouth Ed,10:30AM

21Ladies’ Night Out,Tucker’s PlaceSouth, 3939 UnionRd, 63125

22 23A.A. Men’s Group,10AM

CA 7PM

24 25 26Unity 101 &Power of PrayerClasses,9AM-4PM

27Sunday Services,10:30AMYouth Ed,10:30AM

28 29 30A.A. Men’s Group,10AM

CA 7PM

31Ukulele Practice,7PM

August 2017

WingsTHE AUGUST, 2017 NEWSLETTER OFFIRST UNITY CHURCH OF ST. LOUIS

First Unity Church4753 Butler Hill RoadSt. Louis, MO 63128

Phone: (314) 845-8540Fax: (314) 845-0022Email: firstunity@firstunitychurchstlouis.orgwww.firstunitychurchstlouis.org

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

q If you no longer wish to receive thisnewsletter, check this box and mark

return to sender, or call the church office.

The light side –- A little holy humorA minister parked his car in a no-

parking zone in a large city becausehe was short of time and couldn'tfind a space with a meter. Then heput a note under the windshieldwiper that read: "I have circled theblock 10 times. If I don't park here,I'll miss my appointment. Forgive usour trespasses."

When he returned, he found acitation from a police officer alongwith this note: "I've circled this blockfor 10 years. If I don't give you aticket I'll lose my job. Lead us notinto temptation."

*****There is the story of a pastor who gotup one Sunday and announced to hiscongregation: “I have good news andbad news. The good news is, wehave enough money to pay for ournew gym – fellowship hall buildingprogram. The bad news is, it’s stillout there in your pockets.”

*****

A minister waited in line to havehis car filled with gas just before along holiday weekend. The attendantworked quickly, but there were manycars ahead of him. Finally, theattendant motioned him toward avacant pump.

"Reverend," said the young man,"I'm so sorry about the delay. Itseems as if everyone waits until thelast minute to get ready for a longtrip."

The minister chuckled, “I knowwhat you mean. It's the same in mybusiness."

*****People want the front of the bus, theback of the church, and the centre ofattention.Somebody has said there are onlytwo kinds of people in the world.There are those who wake up in themorning and say, "Good morning,Lord," and there are those who wake

up in the morning and say, "GoodLord, it's morning."

*****Sunday after church, a Mom

asked her very young daughter whatthe lesson was about.

The daughter answered, "Don't bescared, you'll get your quilt."

Needless to say, the Mom wasperplexed. Later in the day, thepastor stopped by for tea and theMom asked him what that morning'sSunday school lesson was about.

He said "Be not afraid, thycomforter is coming. --

Thanks, Sandy Etheridge.

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PAIDSt. Louis MOPermit 909