St. Peter greeted the man warmly, and said, "Ah, yes, you aree..."

"Antonio. Just call me Tony," the man said loudly. "I'm a New York cab driver -- 35 years now."

"Indeed," said the saint, and he motioned to one of the angels. "Put a silk robe on this cab driver, and a golden ring, and give him that harp covered in pearls."

"Wow!" thought the minister. "If a cab driver gets all that, what will a preacher get!" So he stepped forward for his reward.

"Oh, yes" said Saint Peter, "you are a minister. You get this cotton robe, a platinum ring, and here's an old banjo for you to pluck on."

"How can this be?" asked the preacher. "Look at what that cab driver got!"

"Sir," said the saint, "up here we go by results. When you preached, people slept. When he drove, people prayed."

That's a week from Saturday.

I don't want you to forget.

The dinner starts at 12:00, followed by the auction at 1:00.

We hope to have a good auction -- many antiques, good decorative items, glassware, including Depression glass. We are asking a free-will gift for the dinner.

Auctions are fun. I am always amazed at the bargains you can get at an auction.

Ours was poorly attended one year, and one antique dealer hauled off enough stuff to fill a shop for a rraction of its value.

All of the merchandise was donated, so we didn't really lose money. But I bet the dealer made more money than we did.

As I say, our auction is still a week away. Do whatever you need to do to remember. We are working very hard to raise our mission and outreach money for the year.

We could use your help.

And by the way, if you have really good items -- antiques, furniture, fine crafts -- to donate to the auction -- call the church -- 817-451-6980.

And be in worship somewhere this Sunday. Life is difficult. Don't make it harder by leaving God out. See you on the 13th -- 12:00 noon.

and God bless.

(See above for directions to church.)