At Home in Church

At Home in Church

part two

There’s nothing like being in the company of like-minded people. One feels accepted and supported. This can happen in almost any institution. What separates an institution from a home environment is when the members of the community know you and not just your name. They know your interests and concerns and are prepared to stand with you. This sounds like a home except that an institutional home is made up a large number of families who, in times of trouble, can spread relief efforts among many hands. This home one can choose to join, choose to promote that caring environment.

In my novel, Baggage burdens. Jill, the protagonist, is part of community drama club. They share a love of putting on a performance and building each other’s skills to produce a play. Jill enjoys the activity and the people of this supportive community, but through the eyes of her niece, Julie, Jill learns that the church they attend is even more like a happy, caring home.

Jill has recently lost her baby and has been in poor spirits.

Against her better judgment, she has agreed to go to her friend’s church.

Before the morning worship service in Camrose Jill wishes she hadn’t agreed to attend. Worried that some of the ladies at the United Church might not believe she is handling her household tasks, Jill tucks her note pad with the lists of her daily accomplishments in her purse. At the last minute, before everyone piles into the car, Jill attempts to back out of going to church. The disappointed looks on daughters’ faces changes her mind.

As they drive up to the church, Jill finds herself straining to hear the church bells ringing. To Jill’s surprise the pastor greets her and the family by name. He says he’s glad to see her and that the church has been praying for her. In answering his inquiry about her health she admits she is struggling, but is progressing.

After the pastor moves on to other families entering the church, Jill thinks, ‘He knows so much about me. I’m not even a member of the church.’

Joseph and Jill sit with Ann, Pete, Scott and Julie. Ann slides close to Jill and hugs her. Pete extends a welcoming hand to Joseph. To avoid any conversation about how she’s doing Jill starts reading the church liturgy. Two separate taps on her shoulder come from behind. Ellen and her friend, Ada, welcome Jill. 

“We’d met her at Ann’s place a few times,” she whispers to Joseph.

After the service before Jill can head for the vehicle, Gloria Brewster, the Sunday school superintendent, calls out. She too, greets Jill with a hug and questions about how she is doing. Ruth, the pastor’s wife, welcomes Jill. Before Jill knows it, several ladies in the foyer surround her. All express their sympathy and support.

Seeing Jill happily preoccupied, Joseph distracts his children by pointing to the juice and cookies. He takes Matthew in his arms and joins Scott and Julie.

Scott points to Jill. “So many people. You’d think she was a long time member here.”

“Yeh,” says Joseph smiling.

 “I know most of the women, but there are several I don’t recognize. I’m surprised so many people have come to talk to Jill,” says Julie.

I’m not,” says Joseph. “You see, last week before Jill suggested we come here, I called Anne. I told her I was worried about Jill. I thought Jill was merely going through the motions of her work at home. There was no sense of joy or energy. I hoped Ann might be able to perk her up. Ann said, Leave it to me. I think I know how to raise Jill’s spirits.”

“And?” asks Julie.

“See for yourself. I’ll bet as soon as Ann heard that Jill was coming she called some women and told them the good news.”

“Scott and I would like to make an announcement.” Julie looks directly at Ann who stops bouncing Matthew on her knee. “Scott and I have been debating if we should join your church. After watching so many people comforting Jill we decided to make your church ours too. We want John-Ryan to be part of this friendly caring environment.”

“Wonderful!” says Ann reaching around Matthew to applaud.

“And,” continues Julie smiling, “probably in February, we’ll have our son baptized too.”

 haiku capsule:                 

a valued person

an overwhelming welcome

feels like a member

Next blog: You’re Crazy