Mark's Remarks 3/8/09

I heard this story at the beginning of my ministry thirty years ago, and I think it was old even then. But it is a terrific illustration of the topic of the teaching for today.

A man died and went to Heaven. When he showed up at the pearly gates, St. Peter was waiting. "I want to enter Heaven," said the man. "You may enter," replied Peter, "if you have accumulated 100 points on earth.""Well," said the man, "I was baptized in the church and scarcely missed a Sunday in my entire life.""That's good," said Peter. "That's one point!""What!? Only one more point!? Well, I tried to live a good life. I tried to be a good father and husband.
"One point? -- only one point?”
“Well, I did serve on the Administrative Board for 20 years, and I taught Sunday School for 25 years…Jr. Hi…boys!""That's good. Another point."“One point?! I guess the only way I will get into Heaven is by the Grace of God!""That's right!," said St. Peter with a smile on his face. "And that's worth 97 points. Come on in."
This idea of grace, unmerited favor of God toward us, is totally over and above any of our
expectations. It is so Christian! Rub your nose in it, roll in it, be enamored by it, share it, never forget it.

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At Ash Wednesday service we announced that the offering would be used to purchase new wireless
microphones.
Since the FCC or whomever in the government has removed several frequencies from public usage, several of our microphones were rendered useless. The cost for these instruments plus receivers was $3,500. The Ash Wed offering was $943. While it didn’t amount to $3500, it was a great help!