The parson was peering into the mail box at the church when a car horn honked behind him. Startled, he jumped and turned to see Ellen Snyder’ Ford Taurus’ right front fender about two feet from his leg. Ellen was laughing at the parson’s jump.
The right passenger window lowered at the parson stepped to the car.
“Thought I wake you up a bit,” said Ellen. “It’s awfully early for a pastor to be about, isn’t it?”
“Oh, just trying to get a jump on the week,” said the parson.
“Well, I’m glad you’re up and about,” said Ellen. “I was afraid you’d be sulking about today. I know I would.”
“What do you mean?” asked the parson.
“Parson, there’s no way you didn’t notice Harvey and Edna Jackson walk out in the middle of your sermon.”
“I did see them leave,” said the parson. “I’m glad you reminded me. I need to call to see if everything is okay.”
“Parson, they walked out because of your sermon.”
“What about my sermon?”
“Your interpretation of Revelation didn’t sit well with their end times theology.”
“You think that’s the reason they left?”
“I know that’s the reason they left.”
The parson thought a moment and then said, “Thanks Ellen, I appreciate you telling me.”
“No problem, Parson, no problem. So, are you going to talk to them?”
“I don’t know Ellen; I don’t know. I’m not sure what would be accomplished.”
“Well, either way, I appreciated the sermon. Whatever you decide I’ll be praying for you.”
The parson thanked Ellen and headed to the study to ponder.
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