[Muncle]

A researcher wished to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to California and began working east from there.

Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read 'Calls: $10,000 a minute.'

Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to GOD.

The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in the states of Washington, Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York and around the United States, he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.

Finally, he arrived in The Villages, Florida; upon entering a church behold - he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read 'Calls: 35 cents.'

Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor, 'Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I had to pay $10,000 a minute Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why?'

The pastor, smiling benignly, replied, 'Son, you're in the The Villages now. You're in God's Country. It's a local call.'

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Muncle

A researcher wished to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to California and began working east from there.

Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read 'Calls: $10,000 a minute.'

Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to GOD.

The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in the states of Washington, Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York and around the United States, he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.

Finally, he arrived in The Villages, Florida; upon entering a church behold - he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read 'Calls: 35 cents.'

Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor, 'Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I had to pay $10,000 a minute Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why?'

The pastor, smiling benignly, replied, 'Son, you're in the The Villages now. You're in God's Country. It's a local call.'

Great, clever, witty, disarming, wonderful. I sent it to everyone I know and claimed I made it up.