Insensitive Church People

The parson and his faithful canine companion, Charlie Brown, had just competed their daily trek around the outskirts of the Quik Trip, America's Excellent Convenience and Gas facility, and in this case Truck Stop, also. It was a daily ritual that began a few days after the parson found Charlie Brown almost dead from starvation about a mile from the place years ago.

Walk completed, Charlie Brown hopped into the car to await the parson's journey inside to acquire his daily portion of cappuccino. The parson had just filled his cup when, turning, he encountered Bill Elder, the pastor of a church just twenty miles south.

“Morning, Bill,” the parson greeted.

“Parson,” exclaimed Bill, as he spun around from filling a bag with doughnuts. “Great to see you. What brings you this way?”

The parson explained his daily walk with Charlie Brown. He then inquired of Bill how things were going at his church.

“You know, Parson,” said Bill, “it's funny you should ask that. I mean, everything is going well, I suppose, but I'm so fed up with those people and their insensitivity I can't see straight.”

The parson directed Bill toward a back area of the facility and asked, “What's the problem?”

“Well, Barry Sullivan died. You knew Barry Sullivan, right?”

“I'm not sure I did,” said the parson.

“Well, It thought you might have. He was really active in things about ten years ago.”

“I moved here about ten years ago,” the parson said. “Maybe I just didn't have the opportunity.”

“Well, anyway. Barry died. And the attendance at his service was horrible, I thought. I mean the man was a backbone of the church for so long. Now, the church was full. But there were a lot of the members who weren't there; and I think it was insensitive and I'm having a hard time getting beyond it.”

The parson didn't say anything for a moment.

“So tell me, Parson. Don't you think it's kinda insensitive for these folks not to express their sympathy for someone like that?”

“I do,” said the parson. “I do. It's inexcusable.”

“I'm glad you agree,” Bill said as he munched down on one of the doughnuts. A bit of filling squirted over to the right side of his chin. It rested there. “That makes me feel a bit better.”

The two headed to the cashier to pay for their treats. After walking outside, the parson turned to Bill and asked, “Did you hear about Henry Holberg's wife passing away?”

“I read about it in the concerns they send out from the Bishop's office. That was really terrible. Quite unexpected. Henry must be devastated.”

“I can tell you from experience, Bill. He is. Tell me, wasn't Henry on your committee when you came before the Board of Ministry for ordination?”

“He was. He was really helpful, too.”

The parson reached for his car door. Charlie Brown, sitting up in the back seat, cocked his head. “Do you mind, Bill, if I ask you a question?”

Sure, Parson,” said Bill.

“Henry's wife, did you go to her service?”

“Well, no, I didn't, Parson. I think I was busy with something that day.”

“I see,” said the parson.

“But you did send a card or call him?”

Bill stared at the parson. He stared a long time. He turned. He walked away.

Comments

[Tommy Conder]

Ouch