Fairhaven Shorts 10-29-2023

The Lemon Squeeze Challenge

To begin, there was once a strong man at a circus slideshow, a sideshow, who demonstrated his power before large audiences every night. Toward the end of one of his performances, he squeezed the juice from a lemon between his hands. He said to the onlookers, I will offer anyone $500 who can squeeze just another drop out of this lemon. Well, a small, thin, older, white-haired lady with a cane hobbled up to the stage.

 She picked up the lemon and clamped it between her two frail, bony hands and squeezed it. And lo and behold, out came two teaspoons of lemon juice. The strong man was amazed. He paid the woman $500, but pulled her aside and privately asked her, What is the secret to your strength? Practice, the older woman said.

 I have been treasurer of my church for the past 42 years.

Laity Stewardship and Making Disciples

We were all given gifts and we are all gifts to Fairhaven. Mission was not made for Fairhaven. Fairhaven was made for mission. Yes, we were made for mission.

Years from now, I hope Fairhaven is not remembered for what we have, but rather what we gave.