One of the men finally gave up. "We're not gonna' make it," he said.

"Yes we are," said the other. "I am very rich. I pull In ninety thousand dollars every week."

"What good will that do us here in these woods? We're going to die!"

"No, you don't understand," replied the other one. "I pull in ninety thousand every week, and I go to church every Sunday."

"You're a nut! Your church attendance record won't save us now!"

"You still don't understand," replied the confident one. "I pull in ninety thousand every week -- I go to church every Sunday-and I tithe! My preacher will find me."

Eastern Hills has opened a thrift store, open two weekends a month, and St. Matthew is having a "Humongous Rummage Sale" this coming Saturday -- Oct. 9 -- 9:00 to 1:00. You will find some unusual and useful items, some stored away for several years.

This Saturday. Don't forget it.

Important to me, anyway. You're not going to hear about it on the nightly news. Clarice Tinsley won't be talking about It. But for several years I have Intended to preach this series on the nature of God as revealed in religious experience.

I'll draw on experiences of the Apostle Paul, Dame Julian of Norwich (a remarkable Christian of the 14"' century) -- and me.

Excuse me for putting myself in such high company, but that is one point I will make: God has been available to the great saints of the church -- and just as available to you and me.

In a different way, I'm available, too. If you can't come hear the sermons, I can bring them to you In your church In some form. I'm available for revivals -- seminars -- square-dance intermissions.

You name it -- I'll preach It!

Stay safe In God's grace -- and worship somewhere this Sunday.

(Remember Saturday: Sale at St. Matthew -- then get your flu shots at Eastern Hills on the same morning.)