“Nice of you to meet with us, Parson,” said the Reverend Brother Sammy Hopkins, “it was a little unexpected?”often
The parson was not a frequent visitor to the meetings of the local ministerial group. Two reasons were responsible for his lackluster approach. The first reason was simply he was retired, and while he had agreed to pastor a church no one had mentioned attending preacher’s meetings. The second reason was the parson’s theology tended to be a bit different than the meeting’s attendees. And yet, when there was a community issue he felt was important, he joined in the effort with enthusiasm.
“Ah, Sammy,” said the parson, “it shouldn’t be unexpected. I’m always glad to participate in these community projects.”
“Let me ask you something, since you’re here, Parson,” Brother Sammy said. “Somebody told me that Andrea Rawlings was attending your church.”
“She is, Sammy. She’s a real blessing to us. I know she’s a member of your church, but since she moved to the other side of the county, she’s been coming to worship and volunteering to help out often,” the parson informed him.
“I heard that. I just hope she’s aware of the consequences.”
“I heard about your consequences, Sammy. I heard that she’s been told if she joins our church she’ll not be allowed to be buried at your church.”
“That’s correct, Parson. That’s correct. Our cemetery is reserved for members of our local congregation.”
“And it doesn’t matter that her mother and father, her husband, and a sister are buried in their family plot there. If she joins our church she’ll not be allowed a burial in her family’s plot?”
“That’s out church’s position, Parson. I understand a little that Sister Andrea might want to attend your church with it being so convenient to her and all. And I understand that as long as she’s visiting she might help out from time to time. But joining your congregation officially will prohibit her being buried at our church.”
“Even if her name is already engraved on a headstone there?”
“That’s right.”
“Well, I sure hope you stick to your position, Sammy. It would be a big help to us.”
Sammy wrinkled his brow. “A help to you? I don’t understand.
“Am I correct that Andrea’s name is already carved on the headstone that marks her husband’s grave?”
“That’s right.”
“And it says, ‘Marvin Rawlings, 1932-2004’? And then there’s Andrea’s name with her date of birth, dash and a blank space waiting the year of her death?”
“Well, I give God thanks for your policy, Brother Sammy, and as I said I hope you stick with it.”
“I didn’t think you’d be one to accept this policy, Parson.”
“Oh, Sammy, I don’t necessarily accept the policy. But I recognize its benefits. You know, if you folks stick to that plan and Andrea lives long enough or she joins our congregation, I figure it can only mean tremendous growth for out church. After all every time someone walks through your cemetery who knows Andrea’s situation, they're going to pause, look at that tombstone, and, knowing Andrea attends our church, will come to the opinion that being a United Methodist has the impossibility of immortality.
hah!
:)
Posted by: mmp | September 20, 2010 at 09:42 AM