Object: A stuffed animal with a "leash" of rubber bands.

Lesson: Generosity; stinginess.

"My stuffed cat, Cecil, and I would like to invite all the young people to come join us on the steps at this time." So do I begin yet another children's sermon, trying to add a little variety by including the stuffed toy in my invitation, the name of the cat coming to me simultaneously with the thought. As the children settle down, I ask one of them to hold "Cecil," to whom I have attached a "leash" of rubber bands. As I hand the cat to Marie, I keep my fist closed around the end of the "leash." Before Marie has an opportunity to notice the rubber bands, I give them a tug. Surprised, she nearly drops the toy.

"What happened?" I ask, as she now clings more tightly to the stuffed cat.

"There's a stri…