by J B Hawker
Merrill was puzzled at the woman’s angry response, but she was beginning to think “sour” was Manota’s only mood setting.
“I don’t think we’ll need to worry about heat, at least for a few months. I’m hoping and praying our congregation will have grown a bit before the cold weather sets in, again,” she explained. “I thought we might have some sort of ceremony marking the re-opening of our sanctuary, something on a Saturday afternoon, to be less intimidating to non-church-goers, and invite the whole community to help us celebrate.”
“Might get some new folks at worship the next day, too. Good idea!” Edgar said.
“Sounds like a whole lot of bother and a waste of time and effort, if you ask me. All the people in this town who want a church already have one.”
“Now, Manota, try to be a bit more optimistic. We won’t know until we try,” Manny urged.
“I’d like to propose we have our first service in the sanctuary two weeks from tomorrow, with the Open House on Saturday. I was wondering if anyone would mind if we put some of the unneeded pews into temporary storage. It would open up the back of the sanctuary and provide a mingling area for the guests at our celebration,” Merrill said.
“Now, wait a minute! You can’t take out the pews. That’s going too far,” Manota protested.
“I don’t see what harm it would do. Might even make the place feel a bit less empty for our small congregation. I vote for it,” Edgar said.
“We can’t take a vote here, but I can call a special meeting for next week and take a vote in time for the Open House. I think it’s a good idea, too.” Manny said.
“If the board agrees, I’m sure Ryan and my brothers will help us move the pews,” Merrill offered.
“If the board agrees. We shall just have to see about that,” Manota said before wrapping her shapeless gray cardigan more tightly around her bony shoulders and hurrying outside.
“I seem to have upset her,” Merrill commented.
“Don’t worry about her. That’s just Manota’s way, nowadays,” Edgar said, shaking his head. “She’s always been a bit touchy, but this last year she’s gotten downright disagreeable.”
*
Standing at the door, greeting those leaving the service the following Sunday, Merrill was approached from behind by Bethany Sisco, who tapped the pastor’s shoulder to get her attention before speaking.
“Good morning, Pastor. Good service,” Bethany began.
“Thank you, Mrs. Sisco. So glad you could be here,” Merrill replied and began to turn to the next person waiting in line.
“Just a minute, Pastor Merrill,” Bethany said, tugging at Merrill’s elbow. “I want to tell you my news. I’ve frankly gotten tired of waiting for you to begin the women’s work this church so desperately needs. I’ve decided to start a women’s Bible study in my home.”
“Well, that’s wonderful. We can never have too many Bible studies. What book do you plan to begin with?” Merrill asked.
“Oh, I’m going to let the Spirit guide me on that.”
“But, how can you choose a study guide without selecting a book of the Bible first?” Merrill objected.
“I don’t need any guide. I have a special anointing from the Holy Spirit. It lets me offer new revelations every time I interpret Scripture. The women in my study in Portland were always amazed.”
“I am sure they were…but, don’t you think, at least for your first Bible study here in Bannoch, it might be better to use an established program of study?” Merrill said, trying to be tactful, while in her head warning bells and sirens were blaring. “It would let you and the other ladies get established as a group before introducing your, uh, unique gifts.”
“Nope,” Bethany said. “Can’t waste time. I’m starting my group this week. I didn’t get the notice to Gladys in time for the bulletin, so I’ll just use the prayer chain to call and invite all the women.”
“I would rather you didn’t, Bethany. The prayer chain is only for prayer requests.”
“That’s okay. When I invite them to come, I’ll ask them to pray for the Bible study,” Bethany replied over her shoulder as she bustled away.
“Oh, dear,” Merrill sighed to herself.
She was going to have to attend that woman’s study group to keep an eye on her special interpretations and revelations. Bethany had all the earmarks of a loose cannon.
Merrill consoled herself by remembering how well the news about returning to the sanctuary in a couple of weeks had gone over with most of the congregation.
She noticed Manota cornering people during the greeting time and assumed she was trying to discourage the idea, but the comments after the service had been overwhelmingly positive.
One visitor had come forward to request baptism and Merrill was thrilled to be able to schedule it in the newly repaired sanctuary.
At the special meeting, the board had almost unanimously agreed to remove the extra pews, as well.
Still, Merrill worried about Manota and prayed for wisdom to know how to help the unhappy woman.
*
Ryan was helping Merrill wash up the dinner dishes that evening when he paused, put down the dish towel and leaned back against the counter.
“It’s great the church is going to be able start using the sanctuary again, huh?” he began. “Peri said he can’t wait to start planning his organ music. We came over here after church, while you were still shaking hands, and he played a couple of pieces for me. He’s really good!”
“I know. The first time I heard him was through the wall of my bedroom, though, and I thought he was just good and loud. Once I got to hear him from the proper vantage point, I realized he has a special gift.”
“I’ve been taking piano lessons for years, but I don’t suppose I’ll ever be that good,” Ryan said.
“You were taking lessons? Why didn’t you tell me? We will have to find some place for you to continue.”
“Well, that’s sort of what I was getting at. Peri teaches organ and piano and he said he’d take me on as a student.”
“That’s wonderful,” Merrill enthused. “Why don’t you look more excited?”
“Well, he’s a professional teacher. It will cost a lot of money. He said he’d give you a discount, but I know the church doesn’t pay you very much. Maybe I should wait until I can get a part-time job.”
“Don’t be silly! I’m proud of you for wanting to help, but I think I can afford your lessons. If I couldn’t, there’s always your parents’ life insurance and annuity that’s in trust for you. We could petition to have some of the money released for educational expenses, if necessary.”
“That’s great! Then, I can tell Peri it’s a go?”
“Sure.”
The word hadn’t passed Merrill’s lips before Ryan was already calling Peri to share the good news.
He took the call into his room, where Merrill could hear him laughing.
Noticing Ryan’s abandoned towel and the dishes still to be dried, she started to call him back, but then shrugged and finished up for him.
It was so good to hear Ryan’s happiness; she didn’t want to spoil the moment.
When she started upstairs for the night, Ryan stuck his head out of his room.
“My first lesson is after school tomorrow. Peri will pick me up when school’s out and bring me home, is that okay?”
Merrill nodded, smiling.
“Cool. G’nite Auntie Merri. Thanks again!”
The smile remained on her face even after she fell asleep.
*
Merrill was driving back to Bannoch from a hospital visit in Tillamook late Monday morning when she decided to stop and check out the big box discount store on the highway.
Wandering through the aisles, trying not to be distracted from her mental shopping list by the vast array of goods on display all around her, she bumped her cart into the basket of another shopper.
“Oh, excuse me!” she breathed.
“Why, Merrill! We
re you wool gathering?” Peggy Burt asked, the orange flowers on another of her extraordinary hats still quivering.
“Peggy! I’m so sorry. I am a bit overwhelmed by this huge selection. I was driving back from a hospital visit in Tillamook and thought I’d just dash in and pick up a few things, but I confess, I didn’t expect such a wide assortment of groceries and household items. I even saw patio furniture and playground equipment on display.”
“Is someone in your congregation ill?” Peggy asked.
“No. I signed up for the chaplain rotation when I learned the Tillamook hospital no longer has a clergyperson on staff. One of the patients requested a Protestant pastor and my number came up. I’m glad the patient wasn’t too ill. He was so shocked when I walked in and told him I was the pastor, if he had been in a more critical condition, I might have had to pray his soul into Heaven.”
“You don’t believe in substitutionary salvation, do you? That’s not Baptist doctrine.”
“No, I was just making a silly joke. I believe, as you do, that every person is responsible for his or her own salvation,” Merrill assured her new friend.
“Good. I’m not sure joking about such things is a good idea,” Peggy said, snapping the clasp on her large green tapestry handbag.
“You’re probably right. Well, I’d better let you get on with your shopping. I’ll try to watch where I’m going as I finish mine, so I don’t crash into anyone else,” Merrill said.
“Will I see you at the next First Ladies Club meeting?” Peggy asked.
“Yes. Unless something unavoidable comes up, I’ll be there. It was nice bumping into you. Bye.”
Merrill grinned as she scooted off down the aisle.
She set about putting the things she’d come in for into her cart, while considering the disparate personalities and backgrounds of her new circle of friends in the First Ladies Club.
They nearly rivaled the variety of goods in the big box store.
She looked forward to the continuing adventure of getting to know them all.
*
Ryan returned from his first piano lesson with Peri eager to tell his aunt all about it.
Plopping himself on a swivel stool beside the kitchen island, he shared his news and watched Merrill chopping vegetables for the tofu stir fry she was preparing for their dinner.
“Add lots of asparagus, please,” he urged, and then resumed his remarks about Peri’s teaching style.
“He’s not at all like my other teachers. Peri makes learning new music and techniques so much fun. Every composition has a story, either the history of the composer or some silly fantasy the music brings into Peri’s head. Those stories make it easier to remember the notes, somehow,” he said. “He had me play Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance while he assessed my skills, and then he told me it was the story of a beautiful gypsy woman who was forced to give up her beloved son to the old king and queen, to be raised as a prince, because she knew her son would be in grave danger, if she kept him with her. The poor gypsy gets gobbled up by a fierce dragon, but the Prince never knows the truth of her sacrifice. All very melodramatic, but fun.”
“Sounds like Peri, all right,” Merrill commented and dipped the strips of extra firm tofu into the soy sauce and citrus marinade.
“He likes the way I play, though. He wants me to learn the prelude and offertory music for the first Sunday the church goes back to the sanctuary, so we can use both instruments. He said he was trying to figure out a way to play them both himself, until he heard me play.”
“I’m a little nervous about it,” he added. “I wouldn’t want to let him down. What if I can’t play those complicated pieces, or even keep in time with him?”
“If Peri thinks you can do it, then I wouldn’t worry about it. He may seem a little silly and overly dramatic at times, but he takes his music very seriously. I’m really proud of you.”
“Thanks,” Ryan said, snatching a slice of red pepper out of the wok.
“I’d love to hear you play. We could go into the sanctuary after dinner and you could try out the piano…just to see if it’s in tune. What do you think?”
Chapter 13
The following Sunday, Naidenne Davidson was chatting with her husband, Scott, over lunch.
“That’s encouraging news, Hon. I’m glad to hear your new friend is making a difference at First Baptist. I’ve hated watching that church failing these last few years,” Scott said, while chasing the last bite of warm apple crisp through the pool of melting vanilla ice cream in his dessert bowl.
“Merrill’s brothers made the repairs for her. She is so excited about holding worship in her church’s sanctuary next week. She’s also celebrating her first baptism that day…I wonder how she manages…” Naidenne trailed off to take a bite of her own dessert.
“How she manages what?” Scott prodded.
“Well, she’s so tiny. I wonder how she manages to immerse a taller person in the baptistery and bring them back up without getting pulled under. That’s something you’ve never needed to worry about,” she grinned at her tall husband.
“I suppose she’s learned to make some sort of accommodations for that sort of thing. Maybe she stands on a box or something. Not every woman can be as tall and shapely as you, my darling,” he grinned, wiggling his eyebrows lasciviously.
In her highchair, two-year old Talitha Joy saw her father’s expression and began to giggle.
As she laughed, a dollop of ice cream slipped from her spoon onto the floor, where it was immediately lapped up by the family dog, Texaco.
“Nap time for you, little girl,” Scott declared, scooping his still chuckling daughter into his arms and heading for the stairs.
Naidenne smiled at them fondly and began to clear away the remnants of the family’s meal.
*
“Would you mind if the girls and I attend the Baptist church next Sunday, Ken?” Judy asked her husband, who was relaxing in his easy chair, reading the Sunday papers.
“What did you say? What’s gotten into your silly head, now?” Ken asked.
“Next Sunday Merrill is going to hold the worship service in their sanctuary for the first time since it was repaired. I thought we might go and give her moral support.”
“And Ryan is going to play duets on the piano with their organist,” Paisley said, as her sister explained, “We want to hear Ryan play, Daddy.”
“Oh, so that’s what’s going on here, is it? You girls have a crush on the Baptist pastor’s boy?”
“Oh, Dad!” the twins moaned in unison.
“Have you thought how it would look for the Presbyterian pastor’s family to attend a different denomination’s church?” Ken asked.
“Look to who? No one will even know, except our people and the folks at the Baptist church and they can’t possibly mind if the girls and I help our friends celebrate, can they?” Judy said, standing in the middle of the living room with her hands on her generous hips.
“Don’t get all excited. I didn’t say you can’t go, did I?”
Astilbe whispered into Paisley’s ear and the pair giggled to see their mother so uncharacteristically standing up to their stern father.
“Don’t you two have homework to do?” Ken said. “And if you want to attend this boy’s concert next Sunday, you’d better have all your chores done by Saturday night.”
“Yes, sir!” Paisley piped as Astilbe gushed, “Oh, thank you, Daddy!”
*
Monday morning, Olivette Vernon was sweeping the concrete porch steps of the imposing, but rundown, Reformed Church parsonage when her friend, Elizabeth, rode by on a bicycle, its basket heavy with books.
“Heading to the library, Elizabeth?” she called out.
“Hi, Olivette. I’m on my way to return these textbooks I borrowed from Merrill’s seminary library. Her books are more up to date than most of Gil’s and mine. Having her here is helping me to get caught up to modern times.”
“Merrill’s a dear girl, isn’t she? I do ho
pe she is able to grow her small congregation,” Olivette said.
“I’d say she must be doing something right. They are moving back into the big sanctuary this coming Sunday.”
“That’s wonderful. How long has it been since they used it?” Olivette asked.
“Merrill said she was told it had been a couple of years, even before the last split. I’m really happy for her.”
“Her congregation must be pleased, too. I’ve been to special programs in that church in years past and their sanctuary is especially beautiful,” Olivette commented.
“Well, from what I’ve heard about local history, the Addison family who donated the land and built that church spared no expense. I guess they were really flush from their fishing and timber enterprises.”
“Those were boom times in Bannoch and the Addisons were the wealthiest people in the area. Do you know if there are any members of the Addison family left in these parts…or did they all move away when the depression came?” Olivette asked.
“Beats me. If they are still around, they aren’t making any lavish donations to the community, that’s certain,” Elizabeth said, then waved good-bye and peddled off to return the books.
As Olivette resumed sweeping, she considered going to the public library later and looking up more of the local history.
Chatting with Elizabeth had aroused her curiosity.
*
Merrill was revising her sermon notes when Ryan stepped into her office.
“Are you and Peri finished practicing? What I heard from here was heavenly music, indeed,” Merrill said.
“Yeah, I’m not so nervous about Sunday, now. Peri’s a real good teacher. He’s showed me how to skip some of the tricky parts, when it isn’t too noticeable. He just fills in the missed notes on the organ.”
“Has Peri already gone? He’s welcome to stay for dinner, if he doesn’t mind potluck,” Merrill said.