There is an old story about two brothers who live in a particular town where they were involved in corruption, deceit, and every manner of vice. It was rumored that they were affiliated with some very famous organized crime families as well. Whatever the case, both brothers had accumulated much wealth through their dishonest means. But his younger brother, wanting to honor his elder sibling, went all out in planning the funeral. The problem was finding a minister willing to do the service, given that neither of them had ever graced the steps of a church. Knowing that one of the local churches was in the midst of a capital campaign for some much needed repairs, the younger brother called upon the minister. He told the minister that even though they never attended any church, and that he probably had heard a lot of things about them, that he still would like him to do his brother?s funeral. And if the minister would say that his brother was a saint, that he would write a check for 50,000 dollars to go towards fixing up the church. After some thought, the pastor agreed to have the service, with the condition that the money be paid in advance. And so it was. On the day of the funeral, the church was crowded. Curiosity brought dozens of people in, who were there to see what the minister would actually say about this man. The remainder of the crowd was made up of mobsters and women the brothers associated with. The service began with the usual scriptures, hymns and prayers, and then the homily began. The minister began slowly, but then step by step launched into a litany of the horrible things the rich man had done, how he had been selfish, greedy, corrupt, caring about no one but himself, carousing with women, drinking excessively, and on and on. The younger brother, sitting up in the front pew, was getting hot under the collar about how the minister was not fulfilling his promise, but during the service there was not much he could do about it. He could only wait and hope that the minister would keep his end of the bargain. Finally, after about ten minutes of outlining the rich man?s flaws, the minister concluded his sermon in a booming crescendo proclaiming: ?Yes my friends, this man was a no-good, dirty, rotten scoundrel! But, compared to his brother, he was a saint!?

Saints are those who dedication to God and to showing God?s love has warmed our hearts. Amen.

• November 11?Rededication of the River Property?Installation of New Sign?Fellowship Time?3 p.m.
• November 18?Choir Festival?First Baptist Church?6 p.m.?Our choir will be singing along with other church choirs from Monroe County. This event is sponsored annually by the Monroe County Ministerial Association.
• November 22?Thanksgiving Day?Give thanks unto God for all of the blessings of life, for now and for eternity, Give thanks unto God. Live in gratitude unto God, and walk with humility, justice and peace. Amen.