HALLOWEEN CANDY AND OTHER GIFTS

My children's sermon was interrupted at the early service last week by the fire alarm, but the 11:15 group heard it in its entirety. The dilemma that I presented to the children concerned Halloween candy and how certain pieces were placed in the big basket that I took to the door to "treat" trick-or-treaters.

I had my favorites, Snickers and Baby Ruth, and considered hiding them in the bottom of the basket, beneath the Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, and various suckers. The logic was that any leftover candy, and there always is some, would be my favorites. Some of the kids agreed that such a distribution might be a good idea, but on further consideration, we decided against it. The good stuff was to go on top.

There is the issue of hospitality, of course, of presenting to guests (even those in Halloween garb) the best that we have. One day these children will read To Kill A Mockingbird and read Calpurnia's chastisement of Scout when she made a derogatory comment about the eating habits of Walter Cunningham, a guest in the house ("That boy's yo' company and if he wants to eat up the table cloth, you let him, you hear?"). Few virtues are lauded more in scripture than hospitality.

But another issue was the gift itself of the candy. We decided, after mulling the issue over, that our spirits are well served when we give, especially when we give something dear to us. All of which, of course, leads me to our financial campaign and our need to give to the church.

Sometimes I hear people say, "We give and we never even miss it." I encourage you to look at that statement and reconsider your gifts if, indeed, you "never even miss it." I think we're supposed to miss it.

Another question I get is "how much?" That varies, obviously, from person to person and household to household. In the example from scripture, some wealthy people put into the treasury great gifts, gifts they could certainly afford. The widow was praised for dropping in a penny, the only money she had. I think the "how much" answer is that we give in such a way that the gift changes our lives. Perhaps it means that we forego a pleasure, or we spend a little less on the next vacation. I think the gift is supposed to change our lives.

Commitment Sunday is November 16. You can make a commitment online at www.mariettafumc.org, by returning the card you received in the mail, or by bringing your card to worship. It's the right thing to do, and it should change our lives.

I'll see you this Sunday.

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News

The United Methodist Women would like to thank everyone who came to eat lunch at the UMW Café on Sunday, October 12. We served a delicious lunch to approximately 250 people. We would also like to thank our members who helped to make this UMW lunch very successful! All proceeds will go to UMW mission projects.

Young Adult Sunday School Class. Join other young professionals and young adults in a new Sunday school class starting November 16 in Room 255 in the Discipleship Building. The class is for couples and singles. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

Our Thanksgiving Feast is next Sunday, November 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. Adults, $9, and children 3-10, $6.

The Dementia Caregivers Support Group will meet Wednesday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

A Youth Night Out is scheduled for Sunday, November 23 at 5:30 p.m. Meet in the Lower Room. (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)

The MFUMC Dramatic Arts Team is hosting an open house on Sunday, November 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the Choir Room (Room 261). Join us to get involved with our upcoming Christmas program and learn about this ministry. We invite anyone who sings, dances, acts or simply loves the arts.

Be a Christmas Angel! Help bring joy to an underprivileged family at Christmas. Information is on the bridge, in the nursery and outside the Family Life Hall. For more details, contact Phyllis Clark 678-777-5066 or at phyllisclark5@gmail.com.

Restore to Glory!

Want more information about Restore To Glory! and its progress? Visit its Web site, which includes the latest news about projects with photos to show our progress. There, you will also find information about how to donate or make your pledge.

This Week

This Sunday is Membership Sunday. If you would like to make First United Methodist Church of Marietta your church home, consider joining with others on this special day. For more information, e-mail Rev. Brian Smith at briansmith@mariettafumc.org. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

Power 45!, an afternoon for fourth and fifth graders, is this Sunday at 4 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

Our annual Charge Conference will be held Monday, November 10 at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. Dinner ($10) begins at 6:30 p.m. Make your dinner reservation with Becky Sawyer, ext. 7824.

Created by God Is November 6-8. Open to children in the 5th and 6th grades, Created by God is a study of human sexuality with a Christian foundation. It will offer both you and your child an opportunity to learn, grow, and celebrate the fact that we have each been wonderfully created by God, and are called to responsible living as sexual beings. Here is the schedule: Parents meet on Thursday, November 6 from 6-7 p.m.; students meet on Friday, November 7 from 5-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 8 from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Students and parents meet together on Saturday, November 8 from 12:15 - 2:30 pm. Lunch will be provided on Saturday for both the parents and the participants. Childcare will be provided for siblings if needed. The fee is $100, which covers the cost of the speaker, the cost of the materials, meals, snacks, and supplies. E-mail Georgia Rambo for more information. (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7812)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Church Family Supper is served in the Family Life Hall at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11). $20 family cap.

Save the Date

Senior Adult Ministry
Catered Luncheon

Wednesday, November 5

UMW Unit Meeting
November 6

Created By God

November 6-8

New Member Sunday

Sunday, November 9

Power 45!

Sunday, November 9