"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." I Corinthians 13:1

Did you know the word charity has been essentially removed from the Bible? In the older versions of the Bible the term appeared some 171 to 195 times. While in the newer versions as the RSV or the NRV it appears only once! To provide clarity the revisions change the term to "love." Certainly in most verses of the Bible, love clarifies the relationship God has with us and we have with him. Now, charity is simple a term for giving to the needy, often in an impersonal non-spiritual way. But is that what God means for us to do?

Charity comes from a Greek term "Caritas" meaning selfless love. Charity is comprised of two parts; love of God and love of man. It is difficult to provide charity without love. As Mother Teresa stated "Practical activity will always be insufficient, unless it visibly expresses a love for man, a love nourished by an encounter with a Christian's love." The most significant love is considered "agape" or unconditional, self-sacrificing love, the true expression of God's love for us.

So charity is still a very important act in Christian lives. Giving to those in need, within the home, community and world, is an important role of a Christian. Remember, charity does not always require material things, often your time, labor, prayers and testimony is what is needed. As long at it is given in love.

Speaking of love and charity, what a wonderful example of Christian love Krista Cherry demonstrated. She requested money instead of birthday gifts for her seventh birthday party, which she donated to the hungry children of Kenya. Thank you, Krista for your generosity and love for those in need.

Remember your donation to UMCOR, United Methodist Committee on Relief, will go to help hurricane victims on the Texas coast. Many of our congregation have family and friends in the damaged areas. We prayed for their safety during the hurricane season and for their speedy recovery from the damages. Last Sunday over one- thousand dollars was collected toward this relief effort. The UMCOR is a great way to contribute toward disaster relief throughout our country.

Isn't it great to have our choir back from summer recess? Their anthem last Sunday, "This Little Light of Mine" with solos by Judy Pope, Tom Jones, Pam Nokes, David Kidd, and Tammy Kidd, had everyone tapping and clapping.

John Taylor reported that the "See you at the pole" and "Saw you at the pole" was a tremendous success. The follow up meeting at a local church was standing room only. While prayers are no longer allowed in public schools, it is rewarding to see the action of our students in public declaring that God still plays an important role in their lives.

The first weekend of October, the 4th and 5th, is the beginning of Praying4America month. Please remember to pray for our country and our leadership, as we go into Election Day. This is a nation wide prayer initiative, for all believers to pray for our country's government. "..As the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for." Deuteronomy 4:7

Last week, the United Methodist Women provided the meal for the Wesley Foundation on the Tyler Junior College Campus. This is a yearly event in support of the Wesley Foundation which is sponsored by the Methodist churches. The Foundation is not there to recruit membership, but to witness to those who are seeking and to provide a welcome sanctuary for our young Christians far from home.

Last week's column didn't make it into the paper, so some of the anniversary and birthday wishes were delayed. So super wishes for everyone.

Happy anniversary: Jeffrey and Rhnea Barnes, Dianne and Wesley Johnston, and Tom and Kim Birdwell.

Happy birthday to James Taylor, Carrie Barber Cadynce Duncan, Luke Johnson, Lucy Callaway, Edna Jo Welch, Bob Padgett, Bob Pyle, Glenn Ford, Karen O'Steen, Brittany Galloway, Timothy Williams, Ryan Smith, Morgan Barnes, and Lexton Wilson.

Thought for the Week: "Should we grieve over a little misplaced charity, when an all-knowing, all-wise being showers down every day his benefits on the unthankful and undeserving." -Francis Atterbury