Missed Opportunity

Peter and David had been employed by the same company for many years and they worked together in the same office. They were great friends and spent a lot of time together, mostly talking about family and current events; but one thing they never discussed was religion. This was because Peter was a Catholic and David was Jewish and they didn't ever want to upset their relationship with any kind of religious disagreement.

It was coming up to Christmas and Peter thought it was about time they were more open minded about their beliefs and decided to ask David if he would come along to an Advent service at the church he attended. He was delighted when David accepted his invitation and was there to meet him at the church gate on the agreed day.

Peter stopped at the church door and put some money into the box held by a young woman who was collecting in aid of the church's overseas missionary work and David did the same. They passed the font as they entered, and on it was a container bearing a notice that stated. 'Please give generously for the repairs to the bell tower'. Peter did so and David likewise. 

The service began, and soon after the congregation sung a hymn, which turned out to involve a special collection for refurbishing the aisle.  Peter put a ten pound note on the plate, and David made a similar donation. Then, towards the end of the service, another hymn was sung and included a collection towards the operational costs of the church. Peter made a contribution once again and so did David.

As they reached the church gate Peter asked David what he thought of the service. "It was very nice." he said. The church looked very pretty and the music was beautiful." Then, after a brief pause, he said "Tell me. This Jesus, wasn't he a Jew?" "Yes he was." said Peter . "Oh dear" David replied sadly. "Dear me. However did we come to lose the business?"