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During our annual Hymn Fest Sunday, we normally pit the women against the men or one section of voices against another. But this year we pitted those who are 54 and younger against those who are 55 and older.

We all sang the first two verses of music quite well. However, on verse three, when it was time for the 55 and older group to sing, you could only hear the male voices. The men were amazed at how many of our senior women suddenly became "54 and younger."

—David L. Reese
Grand Rapids, Minnesota

In the Easter cantata at the church my uncle pastors, the climatic scene was the Ascension. In this sequence, the actor playing Christ was to be slowly hoisted out of view through an opening in the ceiling.

"Lo, I am with you always," he said, signaling for the "ascension" to begin. "Even unto the end of the world."

The flight upward was progressing smoothly, until the stage crew briefly lost grip of the rope and the actor nearly dropped back to the stage. With enviable stage presence, he remained in character as his feet dangled inches from the floor and his bewildered disciples looked on in horror.

"Oh, and one more thing," he said calmly. "Love one another."

Immediately, the rope yanked him up into the ceiling and out of sight.

—Brandon Moody
Greenville, South Carolina

When the collection basket was passed during a recent service at my dad's church, a roughly dressed young man placed an armful of apples into the basket. When the service was over several church members were visibly upset and confronted the young man.

In an attempt to defuse the situation, the minister urged the church members to allow the young man to explain. The fellow said that since he worked as an apple picker he felt justified in making an offering of his life's work. The minister gently remarked: "Our church is happy to accept the fruit of your labor—and mighty grateful that you are not a watermelon picker."

—John Fuchs
Bellows Falls, Vermont

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