St Oswald's Magazine StOM 1511 | Page 7

Smile Lines/Thoughts Courtesy of St Augustine’s Dumbarton The gift After the Sunday service the minister stood by the door to greet the congregation as they left the church. Soon one of the younger children filed by. "Good morning, Jonathan," the minister said, as the little boy reached out and handed him something. “What’s this?” "Money," said the boy, with a big smile. "It's for you!" When the minister protested in surprise, the little boy continued: "But I want you to have it. My daddy says you're the poorest preacher we ever had, and I want to help you." Halloween costumes My six-year-old son was excited about choosing his Halloween costume. "I’m going to be the Pope," he announced proudly. "But Ian, you can’t be the Pope. You’re not Catholic,” I explained. “You’re Church of England.” My son was silent for a few moments, while he considered his alternatives. “Well, is Dracula Church of England?" Signs of our times? When you know what they meant, but…! Toilet out of order. Please use floor below. In a Laundromat: Automatic Washing Machines. Please remove all your clothes when the light goes out. In a London department store: Bargain Basement upstairs. In an office: Would the person who took the step ladder yesterday please bring it back, or further steps will be taken. In an office: After the tea break, staff should empty the teapot and stand upside down on the draining board. Notice in health food shop window: Closed due to illness. Spotted in a safari park: Elephants, please stay in your car. When children meet liturgy … "Give us this steak and daily bread, and forgive us our mattresses." "Hail, Mary, full of grapes." "He suffered under a bunch of violets." (Pontius Pilate) Growing up Your child has started growing up when he stops asking you where he came from and starts refusing to tell you where he's going. Definitions HYMN: A song of praise usually sung in a key two octaves higher than that of the congregation's range. RECESSIONAL HYMN: The last song at a church service, often sung a little more quietly, since most of the people have already left. JONAH: The original ‘Jaws’ story. AMEN: The only part of a prayer that everyone knows. Fish Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day. StOM Page 7