(The following is a submission to The Recorder’s column, “Faith Matters.” Each Saturday, a faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com or call 413-772-0261,.
Faith Matters: Is it the gift or the giver?
Pastor Mark Brussel in the North Leverett Baptist Church. December 5, 2018 Recorder Staff/PAUL FRANZ
Pastor Mark Brussel in the North Leverett Baptist Church. Recorder Staff/PAUL FRANZ
North Leverett Baptist Church. Recorder Staff/PAUL FRANZ
Published: 12/17/2018 10:08:03 AM
(Each Saturday, a faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com)
It was always fun to watch. A gift would be presented to one of our children. It could be for a birthday, for Christmas or just “this one time” because the grandparents couldn’t resist the temptation in the toy store. I can still picture the eager eyes, the quick hands, primed and ready to rip the paper off and see what was inside. But usually the action would be preceded by a brief pause and a “thank you” addressed to the giver of the gift, because the giver is more important than the gift.
How to donate to Franklin County food programs
From left, Elyssa Maria Serrill, Stephanie Jeffries, Kirsten Levitt and Lysa Morton prepare vegan meals for a Feastival at Greenfield’s Stone Soup Cafe in August. STAFF FILE PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ
Rick Chandler of the Hilltown Churches Food Pantry fills bags with food for families at Ashfield’s First Congregational Church in November. Staff File Photo/Paul Franz
Drop-In Youth Worker Heather Bernard and Youth and Young Adult Outreach Supervisor Thaddeus Poulter in the DIAL/SELF Food Pantry at the Orange Innovation Center. Staff File Photo/Paul Franz
Community Action Pioneer Valley employee Tatyana Pirozhkov bags fruits and vegetables to be distributed at the Center for Self-Reliance Food Pantry at Federal Street School in Greenfield in August. Staff File Photo/PAUL FRANZ