The parson hurried up the driveway, across the flower garden, and through the parlor door of the Really Big Church on the Hill. He was there to talk with the Senior Pastor of the Combined Clergy. They were both working on a community project.
Following the meeting, the parson and the Senior Pastor headed to a small kitchen located across the hall from the church office complex. There was a kitchen equipped in a way that made the parson's resemble one in a camper. Senior Pastor offered the parson a coffee, cappuccino, tea or several other choices of beverage. The parson indicated a cappuccino. Senior Pastor punched a button on a device that proceeded to hiss and gurgle and spit forth a foamy, steamy broth. He handed it to the parson who studied it with interest as Senior Pastor pushed another button and another brew spewed into a second mug emblazoned with the logo of Really Big Church on the Hill.
As they turned to walk toward a small sitting room off the kitchen, the parson asked, “What did this kitchen cost?”
“You don't want to know, Parson, and I don't want the sermon from you.”
“I guess I'm just getting too old,” said the parson. “I remember when the choice at the church office was black, sugar, and cream.”
“Sit down,” said Senior Pastor.
The parson sat in a rather ornate rocker. He sipped his drink and puzzled at its somewhat bland flavor, expecting more from the amount of sizzle and gurgle. He sat the mug on a coaster on a side table with a marble top.
“I want to talk to you about your retirement,” said Senior Pastor.
“My retirement?”
“Yes.”
“I'm pastor of the Senior and Only Pastor of Questing Parson Really Cool Church,” replied the parson.
“I know that, duuhhhh!,” said Senior Pastor. “Look, I'm thinking about hanging it up myself. I've got enough years in and I've got enough funds in my retirement that I'm thinking about retiring this year and taking a part time church like you.”
“I've got news for you,” said the parson. “There's no such thing as a part time church.”
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