Comfort and Affliction

by Michael Frosolono

  “I have a better proposal.”

  “What?”

  “We be co-pastors.” Big Al gave a great sigh. “Although,” he continued, “Ruth would encourage me to be your assistant, not co-pastor.”

  “She would? Why?”

  “Because I’m beyond retirement age. She thinks I should slow down.”

  “If you agree with her, we could always have you designated as Pastor Emeritus.”

  “And get the Conference to assign a new minister to take my place?”

  “Who are you kidding, Big Al? Nobody could take your place.”

  “I’m sure the Army taught you no one is irreplaceable.”

  “People can step up to fill a vacancy easier in the Army than in other segments of society.” Eric held his eyes on Big Al’s eyes. “We’d urge the Conference to assign a go-getter youngish black minister, someone who has the energy to try to fill your shoes.”

  Big Al let loose one his belly laughs. “Eric, there’s holy logic behind your proposal. Let’s cogitate a few days. See how the Spirit moves us.”

  Mary came to the door of Eric’s office. “I hate to disturb you two while you’re obviously engaged in weighty matters. Margaret Peterson has arrived for her appointment with Reverend Jameson.” Mary smiled. “Her former husband is with her.” Big Al left the office.

  Mary ushered Margaret and Dave Peterson into Eric’s office. The secretary closed the door behind her. Eric stepped around his desk and offered his right hand to Dave. “Glad to meet you, Mr. Peterson.”

  “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, Reverend Jameson.”

  Margaret stepped closer to Eric, as if she intended to embrace him. She stopped short and held out her hand for Eric to shake. “Thanks for meeting with us, Reverend Jameson.”

  Eric took his place in the chair Big Al had vacated and motioned for Margaret and Dave to sit. “How may I help you, Margaret and Dave?”

  A big smile blossomed on Margaret’s face. “You can remarry us as soon as possible.”

  “Before or after the wedding, we would like to join Aldersgate,” Dave said. “Margaret and I have been apart too long in too many ways, much of which has been my fault. We should go to the same church, and she wants to be here.”

  “Margaret,” Eric asked, “Dr. Matthews worked his holy magic on you?”

  “He did, he did; on both of us.”

  Dave took a piece of notepaper from his pocket. “Dr. Matthews told us you would understand our present situation from this quote: Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

  “Dr. Matthews quotes Sir Winston Churchill at every opportunity. The quote comes from Sir Winston’s address to Parliament after the Allies kicked the Nazis out of North Africa. Based upon the historical precedent from World War II, you understand that a lot more work lies ahead?”

  “We do,” Margaret said, “and we intend to stay the course.”

  “Excellent,” Eric said. “Let me know how I can help you.”

  Dave asked, “How do you know Dr. Matthews, if you don’t mind telling us?”

  “Not at all. Ben and I were in the same class at West Point, and we served together in the Army.”

  “Comrades in arms?”

  “We often covered each other’s backs for eight years before he left the service to go to medical school.”

  “You stayed on active duty?”

  “For twenty years, then I retired from the U.S. Army to take a commission in God’s Army.”

  Margaret smiled at Eric. “Dr. Matthews showed me how to compartmentalize the past and how to enjoy making love.”

  Dave laughed. “She really does like it now.”

  “I suspect making love wasn’t all that brought you two back together?” Eric asked.

  “We’re learning,” Dave said, “to forgive each other without necessarily forgetting what happened in the past. We’ve chosen to move on.”

  “Sounds like a plan to me. Let’s discuss the wedding. What kind of ceremony do you have in mind, Margaret?”

  “We’ve already had the big show-and-tell wedding when we were young. A small ceremony here at the church with some family members and friends in attendance, nothing fancy, would be more appropriate for our present situation.” Margaret laughed. “The sooner the better.”

  “Amen,” Dave said.

  “How long do you need to prepare for the wedding?”

  “How about a week from today, in the early afternoon?” Dave asked.

  “Works for me,” Eric said. “I think we can forego any ministerial premarital counseling.”

  “Thank you,” Margaret said.

  “When do you want to affiliate with Aldersgate?”

  Dave asked, “What about immediately before the wedding?”

  “We can make a double ceremony happen. Margaret, please let me know if any current members of the Aldersgate fellowship will attend the ceremonies. I think we’ll need a few people from this congregation as witnesses to the transfer of your memberships from First Baptist.”

  “As you might expect, we’ll invite Miz Lizbeth and your wife, among other members of this church. In fact, we have an appointment with Allison when we leave here. We want her to make sure we have all the legal details worked out.”

  “Our divorce wasn’t exactly amicable,” Dave said. “We need to wipe out the divorce agreement.”

  “I’m sure Allison can help you,” Eric said. “Let’s have a moment of prayer in honor of, and in thanksgiving, for this reunion.”

  “Works for me,” Dave said.

  “And for me,” Margaret agreed.

  The three of them stood and joined hands for Eric’s prayer. “Almighty God, thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us, and for this rejoining of Margaret and Dave in holy matrimony. Thank you for the rebirth of love and fellowship growing out of past trauma and difficulties. We thank you for the holy mystery of how the Holy Spirit heals and comforts us. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.”

  A few minutes later, Eric went into the outer office for a cup of coffee. “Those two came in looking happy and left looking radiant. You must have passed another miracle,” Mary said.

  Eric pointed toward the ceiling. “We need to get the paperwork ready because Margaret and Dave want to join this church, and they intend to remarry.”

  “When?”

  “Next Friday, in the afternoon.”

  “Will miracles never cease?”

  CHAPTER 32

  Tuesday, 21 October

  Mary,” Eric said, “please place a call on the church line to Reverend Paul Wright. Big Al and I need to talk with the district superintendent.”

  “Give me a few minutes,” Mary said. “I’ll let you know when I have him on the line.”

  Big Al and Eric waited, two of the church’s portable phones at the ready. “Reverend Jameson, Reverend Stockman,” Mary said at the door to Eric’s office, “Reverend Wright should be on the line very shortly.” Both men pressed the “Talk” keys on their phones.

  “Good morning, gentlemen.” Reverend Wright said. “We hear great things about what the two of you are doing in Vickery. How may I help?”

  Eric answered, “Reverend Stockman and I would like to speak with you in person, as soon as reasonably possible.”

  “Must we contend with a problem?”

  Big Al said, “Not in a negative way. We have a proposal to present to you.”

  “Are you two available this afternoon?”

  “We are,” Eric said.

  “May I presume the topic of discussion concerns the futures of Ebenezer and Aldersgate?”

  “Indeed.”

  “Well, the Lord does work in mysterious ways. I leave in a few minutes for a meeting with Bishop Lyon at his office. If you’re willing, I’ll ask him to join us to discuss your proposal.”

  “We’d be honored,” Eric said. “What time should we be at Simpsonwood?”<
br />
  “Don’t rush. Jacob and I will prepare for our forthcoming cabinet meeting. We’ll undoubtedly want lunch afterwards. Unless you hear otherwise from me, can you be here at two o’clock?”

  “We’ll be there, probably fortified with barbecue from Fox Brothers. Thank you,” Big Al said.

  “Yes, thank you very much,” Eric affirmed.

  Reverend Wright laughed. “Eric, please don’t let Big Al overeat on the wonderful food at Fox Brothers. We’re about to start a new health and wellness campaign for the ministers in the Conference. Big Al probably needs encouragement to keep his weight under control.”

  Big Al said, “Man cannot live by bread alone, he needs a little pig meat on occasion.”

  “Well said. We’ll see you two well-fed ministers of the Gospel this afternoon. Be safe.” The district superintendent disconnected.

  “Brother Eric,” Big Al said, “we’ll want to leave fairly soon in order to deal with the traffic on I-85 and in Hotlanta. Do you know Fox Brothers?”

  “I do. I’ll drive.”

  “Bless you, my brother, bless you.”

  “Is your cell phone charged?”

  “A good question.”

  “Doesn’t matter. We’ll recharge your phone in my Explorer. I’ll call Allison to let her know we’re going to Atlanta.”

  “I’ll call Ruth. We don’t want our ladies to think we’ve absconded.”

  “Your request intrigues us,” Bishop Lyon said after the preliminary greetings. “Which of you will take the lead in presenting your proposal?”

  “Brother Eric,” Big Al said. “The proposal originated with him, and I believe the Holy Spirit inspired him.” Big Al took a deep breath. “I wholeheartedly agree with, and fully support, what he’s about to propose.”

  “You have the floor,” Reverend Wright said to Eric.

  “First of all, the insurance company refuses to pay the stated coverage needed for rebuilding the Ebenezer Church and parsonage.”

  “I’m not surprised,” Bishop Lyon said. “The company claims domestic terrorism rather than simple criminal acts?”

  “You stated the crux of the company’s argument.”

  “I assume you have a lawyer to pursue your claim, Big Al?”

  “Brother Eric’s wife, Allison.”

  “What’s her assessment of the situation?”

  “She says we have an arguable case,” Big Al said, “better if Ralph Whitfield is convicted of the crimes in the indictment.”

  “Even if an Alexander County jury convicts Whitfield on the basis of the present indictment, which they most likely will, the Feds may want to bring charges against Whitfield and the Southern Restoration Movement for domestic terrorism, a tactic The Southern Poverty Law Center advocates,” Eric said.

  “That worthy organization does great work, even if what it advocates may complicate your insurance settlement,” Bishop Lyon said. “The bottom line appears to be a prolonged period of time before the insurance company pays, if ever.”

  “Allison’s worst-case scenario,” Eric said.

  “I agree in principle with the background you’ve specified, Eric,” Bishop Lyon said. “Please continue.”

  “I’ll give you the proposal, then provide the support.”

  “Jacob, Eric approaches weighty matters like you, directly and to the point,” Reverend Wright said.

  “We propose merging Ebenezer and Aldersgate into one fellowship, Ebenezer at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.” Eric paused to assess the reaction from the bishop and district superintendent. “I can serve the combined congregation as senior pastor while Big Al becomes Pastor Emeritus, as least for the near future. With both of us on board, continuity would be preserved.”

  Bishop Lyon nodded in agreement. “You want Paul and me to appoint an associate pastor?”

  “Yes, sir. We advocate the appointment of a vibrant young black minister, someone with the potential to fill Reverend Stockman’s shoes, someone who can grow into the senior pastor position at our new church or another one.” Eric waited for a few seconds. “We’re hopeful you might have someone in mind.”

  The bishop and district superintendent looked at each other for several seconds before the former spoke to Big Al. “You would be comfortable with this change?”

  “Yes, I would,” Big Al said. “Even if we could secure the funds to rebuild Ebenezer on the old grounds, I don’t feel capable of continuing as a senior pastor. Staying involved as Pastor Emeritus seems like a good option.”

  “You are somewhat beyond standard retirement age,” the bishop said.

  “Only my family knows what I’m about to reveal.” Big Al shook his head. “My doctor says my heart is failing. He believes he can keep me alive a few more years with the proper medicines, if I slow down. Ruth urges me to retire, something I don’t want to do yet. The proposal Brother Eric set before you appears to be a good approach for all of us.”

  Eric felt like a body blow had hit him. “Big Al, I had no idea about the seriousness of your medical condition. I’ll pray for you and your family.”

  “As will all of us,” Bishop Lyon said. He then seemed lost in thought; no one broke the silence. Finally, after several minutes, Bishop Lyon clapped his hands. “Paul, Eric, Big Al. I like the proposal. We hear great things about what’s happening with your combined congregations. I know some difficulties have arisen, and some more probably lie ahead.” He smiled at Eric. “You don’t need to provide any more support, so I’ll get to my bottom line.”

  “Please do, Jacob,” Reverend Wright said.

  “A formal joining under the name Ebenezer at Aldersgate United Methodist Church could very well sound the death knell of separate black and white congregations in this Conference, as well as churches with predominantly Hispanic, Korean, or other ethnic congregations. The Gospel profoundly instructs us to be unified in the name of Jesus Christ, not separate. Do you agree, Paul?”

  “Wholeheartedly,” the district superintendent said.

  “We accept your proposal, Eric.” The bishop turned to the district superintendent. “Paul, we will want to present this excellent plan as a fait accompli at our cabinet meeting next week. We won’t tolerate any dissension.”

  “I’ll put the proposal in writing,” the district superintendent said. “Big Al, what do you envision happening to the Ebenezer property?”

  “The property belongs to the Conference. Perhaps you could sell it for a good price.”

  “Eric, if we sell the Ebenezer property,” the bishop asked, “do you foresee the probability of building a second Methodist church in or around Vickery, as time passes?”

  “We could always enlarge Ebenezer at Aldersgate, although the property won’t support a great expansion of the facilities,” Eric said. “The cost of purchasing adjacent property for an expansion probably would be prohibitive. Accordingly, I advocate building a new church close to Lake Hartwell when we outgrow Ebenezer at Aldersgate. Such an approach might attract more people to worship when they’re on the lake for weekends and holidays. Importantly, construction of a large subdivision has begun near the lake.”

  “This new subdivision goes forward even in the current economic situation?” the bishop asked.

  “Yes, sir. The investors apparently have access to significant funding. What with the Great Recession, construction costs tend to be much lower than when the economy boomed. The new subdivision will provide jobs to many local contractors and building suppliers.”

  “The subdivision targets people who want second or permanent homes?”

  “Both.”

  “Most current local residents probably will not be able to afford the homes you described?” Reverend Wright asked.

  “A few locals may be interested, although the primary target population lies outside Vickery and Alexander County.”

  “Purchasing potential church property near Lake Hartwell could be an expensive.”

  Eric thought of Miz Lizbeth and Raymond Taliaferro. “We might
find someone willing to make a donation of property, which doesn’t have to be directly on the lake.”

  “Another intriguing idea, albeit one we don’t need to pursue at this time.”

  Bishop Lyon brought the meeting to an end. “Go in peace and confidence, my Brothers in Christ. Paul and I will set the wheels in motion. When everything comes together on the Conference end, we’ll give you the formal authority to proceed.”

  CHAPTER 33

  Sunday, 26 October

  The Stockman and Jameson families took their seats at a table in the rear of the Sweet Gum Barbecue and Fish Lodge Restaurant. Most of the Sunday lunch crowd had left the establishment. “Lord-a-mercy,” Big Al said after the waitress took the families’ orders, “I thought we’d never be able to leave the church.”

  “Everybody wants to shake hands with two of Vickery’s best preachers and comment on their sermons,” Joseph said.

  “Interesting how the comments indicated most of the congregants approved of Eric’s sermon,” Allison said. “Same thing probably happened with you at the early service, Big Al.”

  “Well,” Big Al said, “the Holy Spirit did the preaching. Brother Eric and I only transmitted the message.”

  “So,” Joseph asked, “someone shaking hands with you two after the service also shakes hands with the Holy Spirit?”

  “Joseph,” Cathy rolled her eyes, “the Holy Spirit, real as he may be, lacks physical substance.”

  “Catherine,” Big Al said, “Brother Eric and I serve as transmission lines for the current of the Holy Spirit.”

  Eric thought of his hospital experience with Alice Hyde. “The current can shock you during the transmission, even if you can’t see the Holy Spirit.”

  “Evidence of the unseen Holy Spirit by effect rather than seeing the Holy Spirit in tangible substance, I suppose,” Joseph said.

  “Works for me,” Allison said. She noticed Sister Ruth staring at Big Al.

  Before Allison could make another comment, Big Al grasped his left chest with his right hand and pushed back his chair. “Lord God, that hurts!”