From my bookshelf

I am still continuing the process of unpacking from my move in July. Since my arrival, organizing my pastoral library has been an ongoing task. While putting books on the self this morning, I came across a gem, "Outlines and Illustrations for Preachers and Teachers" by J. Ellis.
I don't know where I got the book. I conducted some brief research online and it appears that this book was written in 1898. It is old, but the following advice is timeless.
Sunday School
Teacher, Qualifications of a Good (Acrostic)
Truthful
Earnest
Affectionate
Cheerful
Homely
Early
Regular

Sermons

Sermons should be short and pointed, as a rule. Nothing can justify a long sermon, says Lamont. If it a good one it need not be long, if a bad one it ought not to be long.

Dr. Thorold's Hints
To be listened to is the first thing, therefore be interesting.
To be understood is the second thing, so be clear.
To be useful is the third thing, so be practical.
To be obeyed is the fourth thing, therefore speak as the oracles of God.

Arabian Proverb
He that knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool--shun him.
He that knows not, and knows that he knows not, is simple--teach him.
He that knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep--wake him.
he that knows, and knows that he knows, is wise--follow him.

"An Illinois genius has been enriching himself lately by advertising an infallible cure for drunkenness for one dollar, and sending a reply, "Drink nothing but water."

I think I will keep this gem of a book handy. It might be old, but I think it has a timeless appeal.

The Gift of a Red Balloon

This past week I attended my first session of the Madison County Fair. Fair emcee BW Coile calls it "Three Flags Over Comer." The fair was a great expression of small town and rural pride for America. First of all, the fair was organized and sponsored by the Comer Lion's club. Second, the fair involved the community. Churches, volunteer fire departments, the local woman's club, politicians, veterans, and schools all had booths. Some of the groups sold fair fare (good play on words there).
Comer United Methodist Church participated in the fair this year as well. We had a booth. But we didn't sell anything at this booth. We did something that is actually a bit uncommon at a fair. We gave something away. Over the course of the fair we gave away nearly 1000 red helium balloons. Each balloon had an invitation printed on the side of it that welcomed everyone to join us at our Sunday Morning worship service.
It was so fun giving out these balloons to tots, children, youth, and a few adults. Some folks came every night to get a free balloon.
There were a few people who came up to ask how much we were charging for a balloon. There were a bit surprised when we said "The balloons are free. They are gifts from our Church to you."
The word "free" has a strange power to it, particularly when you hear it at a county fair. "Free" has the power to bring a smile to a face and cause a hand to reach out in gratitude.
Nearly 1000 red helium balloons decorated the fair last week. Each red balloon was an expression of a gift. I might even say it was an expression of grace.
Grace is free, but it isn't cheap or without cost. God's gift of grace was quite costly. The price was paid on the Cross of Calvary. But each Sunday, and every day in between, we have an opportunity to receive that grace and share it with others. Go share a balloon.