Jack’s Winning Words 10/16/17
“Be nice to people…maybe it will be unappreciated, unreciprocated, or ignored, but spread love anyway.  We rise by lifting others.”  (Germany Kent)  I worshiped at a church yesterday, Good Samaritan, which seeks to live up to its name and to the spirit of today’s quote.  I know of another church that seeks to do the same: House For All Sinners and Saints.  Jiffy Church promises: in and out in 15 minutes.  Names identify us.  What do our names say to others?    ;-)  Jack

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i have heard the Pastor from House For All Sinners and Saints speak at the seminary and also interviewed by Krista Tippet on NPR Radio.  she is quite a character with all the tattoos and body piercing and colored hair, etc.  but her theology is quite sound and she is a good theologian.  i have not read her book====JACK:  She abbreviates her church's name...HFASS.  She is out of the ordinary, to be sure.  But, we each have our individuality.====PAUL:  i love it.  at least she has a good sense of humor!

FROM SF:  Yup. A 'Mitzvah' is a good deed with no expectations in return. Whether noticed, appreciated, or reciprocated...====JACK:  Are they commanded, or simply done as the occasion arises?====SF:  I would say, both.

FROM TARMART REV:  1 Take the name of Jesus with you, Child of sorrow and of woe; It will joy and comfort give you, Take it then where'er you go. -- 2 Take the name of Jesus ever As a shield from ev'ry snare; When temptations round you gather, Breathe that holy name in prayer. -- Hopefully found walking in His Name.====JACK:  Are you the Good Samaritan when you sit and wait, while eating popcorn?

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  We are how we are perceived, and we are perceived based on our actions and words.  RE: G- she now has pneumonia- going to do a culture to see the severity. One more hurdle. A real test of our ability to turn it over to God and have peace knowing He is in charge.====JACK:  There are things far more important that baseball and football, aren't there?

FROM DANIEL RIFT  Director, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal : Today is World Food Day. A day when millions of people around the world come together in the commitment to end hunger – for good.  n commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we’re partnering with our friends at Australian Lutheran World Service in the ambitious goal of raising a combined $500,000 toward our jointly supported work in Indonesia.  Your gifts will help fund this cooperative work in Indonesia focusing on sustainable agriculture, education, safe water and sanitation. Any support beyond the goal will go toward other programs where we partner with Australian Lutheran World Service – in Burundi, Cambodia, Kenya, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and South Sudan.   Every dollar given up to our target will be paired with one from our friends in Australia, so we can make maximum impact – together.

FROM CS: Those churches sound interesting.  Where are they?====JACK:  Good Samaritan is in Waterford, MI.  HFASS is in Denver..  I think Jiffy Church is someone's idea of an antidote for loooong church services.

FFROM BLAZING OAKS:  This SO fits my experience at church yesterday! After our service, a man, woman, 2 children knocked at our back entrance, which another deacon any myself answered, telling them they were too late for our service but could join a S.S. class if interested. The man said they had come to ask a favor; They were on their way to Delaware (!) and were out of gas and needed money...Our deacon pulled out his wallet and showed he had $7.00 in it. I had to hurry to teach my S.S. class, but hurried to retrieve my purse, and took a 20.00 bill out, and ran back and gave it to him, saying, "This won[t get you to Delaware , but it's a start!" He grabbed it angrily, and shouted, "You could give a lot more than that!" I was stunned, as he turned away and stomped off. (He didn't offer to return the money).  I had to remind myself that the judgment was on him; I had been as kind as I could afford to be....Hopefully the kids will remember someone was nice to them!====JACK:  I hope that you're not feeling guilty.  Some churches have a deal with a nearby gas station.  The "needy" get a fill-up.  I was involved in the arrest of a "serial scammer."  He had been telling the same story to churches and synagogues.  The arrest (and a fight) took place in my office.  It turned out that he had a long rap sheet.  His wife, waiting in the car, was so happy that he was to be locked up.  He had been a terrible abuser of her and their children.  I had to testify in court.  WWJD?

FROM TRIHARDER:  Like saying "Thank you" to the person who  pours your water and picks up your dishes at the restaurant. ====JACK:  There's an article in this week's Crainn's Business about Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin advocating raising the $3+ per hour wage to $15+ and eliminating tipping.  Some responses indicated that would result in a lower take hope pay.  Personally, I'd rather tip.  How about you?====TH:  Restaurant owners take "taxes" out for tips. Usually, the formula WAY underestimates the amount of the tips.  The result is that most servers way underpay taxes due based upon their actual wages (including tips) -- I agree they generally make more than $15 /hr, especially at a well attended restaurant.  I'm not in favor of anyone not paying their full share in taxes. Hostesses and clean up crew are generally not tipped unless the restaurant requires shared tips.

FROM BB:  Wonderful, inspirational quote.  Thank you for sharing!====JACK:  Another...Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.