"Preacher," said a Baptist lady to her pastor, "did you say that on Judgment Day everybody would be there?"

"Oh yes," said the minister.

"Baptists and Methodists both?" she continued.

"Surely they will," he said.

"Presbyterians? - Catholics too?

"Of course they will all be there," the minister replied. "Why do you ask?"

"Well," she said, "I just hope the Lord knows - on that first day he won't get much judging done!"

True story: a couple came forward to join Eastern Hills recently - the wife a transfer from another Methodist church, the husband from a Baptist.

When Rev. Nancy Allen said to the gentleman, "Now you are a Methodist," he said "No, I'm not. I'm joining a Methodist church, but I'm still a Baptist."

It's fun to joke about denominations, but we don't need to take them too seriously.

They serve a useful function. Part of the great strength and energy of the church in America is the denominational diversity.

There is a church for everyone. But the love of Jesus Christ transcends all boundaries. There is, after all, only one Church, and all who name Jesus as Lord are part of it. Beyond the differences, we are one in the Spirit - one in the Lord.

I always feel at home there. I sang some songs and told a few stories. And this is what I will be doing in the St. Matthew / Eastern Hills program at St. Matthew on Sunday evening, October 4 - at 6:00. (Casual dress - refreshments after.)

You may recall the "Salvation Survey" I conducted early in the summer. I will discuss responses at three services in November.

What about this Sunday? Surely you will be in church somewhere.