Church Folk - Michele Andrea Bowen [43]
Bishop Jennings chuckled and said, "Ohhh, I'm sooo sorry, Reverend. Don't any of you ladies get all dressed up and sashay over to Greater Hope toting a peach cobbler. Rev. Simmons wants a blackberry cobbler. You must bring him a blackberry cobbler. And you all better make sure that it's right sweet and tart all at the same time. Aaa . . . men."
Rarely had the Bishop seen Theophilus so embarrassed. He was sure that his message was getting through. "Now, Rev. Simmons," he went on. "Do you want any of these fine young ladies to bring you anything else?"
"Well, Bishop, since you asked, some freshly picked collard greens and pot roast would be right nice."
To his credit, the Bishop thought, Simmons was remaining both respectful and dignified, and he admired the young man's effort to be a good sport. He smiled at Theophilus and said, "Rev. Simmons, I guess I should leave you alone. I've given you enough of a hard time this afternoon. But it was my Christian duty. I just don't believe that one of my finest young pastors should be out here serving God alone, without the kind of helpmeet who would make an honorable and good first lady. I only want what is best for you, your church, and this district. Aaa . . . men."
Theophilus's whole body relaxed, hearing that he was about to be let off the hook. And he was surprised and grateful to have been called one of the "finest young pastors" by Bishop Percy Jennings. That was a rare compliment indeed. He said, "I thank you, Bishop, for caring enough about me to do your Christian duty right here at the great Annual Conference."
Then he sat down to a hearty round of applause.
Eddie nudged him in the arm and said, "Man, that was tough. I don't know why Bishop Jennings had to put your business all out in the street. And if Glodean wasn't mad at you before, I bet she sure is now."
Theophilus nodded and stared straight ahead, steadfastly avoiding looking at either Essie or Glodean. Bishop Jennings was announcing, "Church, now let us welcome some special guests. Evangelist Elroy Thorn and his Gospel Songbirds are here and they have agreed to render a song from their new album titled A Soul-Saving Savior Is He."
A ripple of excited murmurs ran through the congregation as Elroy Thorn and his group made their way up to the front of the church. Elroy Thorn and the Gospel Songbirds was one of the best gospel ensembles in the Tennessee-Mississippi area.
"As they are setting up, I'd like the organist to play 'Great Is Thy Faithfulness.' " He began to hum the melody, and the organist played a few notes until she matched his key. When Bishop Jennings heard the music, he began to sing, "Great is Thy faithfulness, O God My Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee, Thou changest not, Thou compassions, they fail not, As Thou has been Thou forever wilt be . . .' "
Then he raised his hands, summoning everyone to stand and sing along with the choir, saying, "I want you all to keep singing as we prepare for our first collection. Now this has been a blessed week indeed and you all need to show your appreciation for all that God has done for you during this Annual Conference. Aaa . . . men. And when you march up to this table, I don't want to hear anything falling into those collection plates. Because if I can hear it, you can keep it. God doesn't like cheapness from His children."
Uncle Booker leaned over and whispered to Rose, "I guess that means I can keep it. He ought to be glad to get whatever he can, seein' that this here congregation filled up with hardworkin' people. And I don't think he need any more money than he already got—especially seein' how he got so much more of it than me."
Rose shushed him as Essie and Lee Allie got up to put money in the collection plate for the group. When they walked back to their seats, Theophilus finally caught Essie's eye and gave her a wink. She smiled warmly, as Glodean stared at Theophilus, narrowing her eyes to let him know she was watching. Eddie nudged him and warned, "Man, Glodean is over there watching you like a hawk. Looks like she is determined