Today in church I had the congregation laughing for my sermon title was "Who should I choose Jesus or Scooby Dooby Doo?" I used in my sermon illustration; my visit to the store on friday to look for Christmas cards, I figured it wouldn't take long. But when I got to the store I could not find religious christmas cards. There was Santa, Snoopy, grumpy ole woman and even Scooby Dooby Doo with angel wings! I finally had to go across town to the Christian bookstore to find religious card. I found some that say "Jesus is Lord" and has two scripture passages inside. Today scripture passages focused on peace and the coming of Christ, I told the congregation Scooby Dooby Do can't help you when you are sick, lonely or need a miracle. They laughed when I said at least call on Lassie, for he will go and get Jesus!! We all had a good time, but I want my young church to know that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ the greatest gift that God has ever given humanity. This time of Advent is a time of preparation and forgiveness. As I put my purple stole on today it reminded me Christ came for the forgiveness or sins. He was born in a manger in poverty. What a great king. Anyone else out there notice how the Christmas cards are very religious anymore. One last thing one member of my church laughed so loud during the service. I had to ask her why? "She said she had bought me a snoopy christmas card! I told her do not send me snoopy send me jesus.

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2001

Answers

Oops the second to last line should read "Christmas cards are NOT very religious anymore.

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2001

I'll be preaching your sermon next weeks. Thanks.

Blessings,

Pastor paris

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2001

Pastor Paris o.k. if you are preaching my sermon, then send me one of yours;-) or a Christmas Card that mentions our Lord and Savior. Give the love of Christ to Macedonia A.M.E Church and let them know that they are always in our prayers. Today we are one year old. God is good!

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2001

This is what I preached twice last Sunday. The scriptures are: Romans 13:11-14 and Matthew 24:36-44: The message: "Prepare as if you are going to live on earth forever; but be ready to move on a moments notice. We should look and plan for the future; plan our retirement; build churches and ministries for the generations to come; Plan to see our children to the third and fourth generation. But be ready to go home in the twinkling of an eye; when ever the Lord calls, either by death or His return. This is all that i carried into the pulpit; I like to get the main theme and study the scriptures; mediate on them and then let the Holy Spirit preach the message. You can fill in the rest.

Blessings

Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2001

Rev. Denise, I pop in and out of this site occaisionally but always see your contributions. First, I must commend you for the work you are doing in Alaska - don't think I could. Second, in response to "Scooby Doo": THANKS! I am going to use it for the basis of a children's sermon/object lesson by swithching stuffed animals in a bassinett and having the children choose the appropriate representative for Christmas. Of course, the adults will also hear the lesson. Third, Presiding Elder Leander Coates is an old friend of mine. We, in the Northwest Missouri Conference, have been praying and will continue to pray. We too believe in miracles. Fourth,in exchange for a GREAT idea---I am not a great orator but last Sunday I preached "The Secret of Ministry:Part 1" John 14:12. The thesis was that ALL believers are "ministers" and we must think of our "church work" as ministry not just activities we fit into our busy schedules and great things will happen. (I'll tell you more if you're interested.) God bless you and your work. Rev. Janet

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2001

Rev. Janet thanks for your kind your words. I am in montana and I love living her. Rev. Beverly is the pastor of our only A.M.E church in alaska. First A.M.E in fairbanks and he has done a wonderful job. There is incredible growth in his church and five women were licensed to preach from his church at annual conference. Now back to Montana. I love living here and they could not pay enough to go back to a big city. (unless the bishop moved me;-)I live in a valley completely surrounded by the rocky mountains, there are four national forests within ten minutes of my home and a waterfall. Three rivers with in ten minutes and Yellowstone National Park is an hour away. I of course have to go where the Bishop sends me but I did say to him I want to stay in Montana. When I answered my call to serve Christ I said send me where you need me, and that is how I got to Montana 10 years ago. If you get a chance please come and visit it is one of the most beautiful states in the country. The celebraties move here. In my town is Ted Turner, Tom Brokaw has a house, Michael keaton, Brooks Shields, etc. And by all means use my scooby dooby do story. Though Presiding Elder Leander Coates has only been in our conference a short time. He is greatly loved!!

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2001

Rev. Denise, Thanks for the correction. My kudos still go out to you. Montana isn't exactly a part of our traditional thinking about our "neighborhood". However, it does sound like a beautiful place to live and work. I pastored in Salt Lake City, Utah for five years. Another beautiful place "outside the neighborhood" so I can relate. I have some friends in Montana that I went to the Iliff School of Theology with. I can look them up and "hook you up" if you're interested. As far as a visit is concerned - don't look for me in the winter :) Peace, Rev. Jan

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

Dear Rev. Swift by all means come and visit in the summer. Winters are not that bad for we have low humidity. But I have to admit from the end of December to February is our coldest weather. It is not unusual for the temp to drop to -20 below zero. I am interested to hear about your ministry in Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City is the home for the Mormon Church, where there special challenges for an A.M.E church in terms of evangelism? Thanks and I will see you next summer;-)

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001