Something Old - Dianne L. Christner [65]
“Sometimes an unrest blows across a congregation. Like the wind before a storm. Every generation or so, this happens. It has happened again. I believe it’s time to address some hard issues like submission and the prayer covering.”
If possible, the congregation became even quieter. “In the coming month, I will preach on husband-and-wife relationships, discussing how marriage symbolizes the relationship between God and the church. We will also review the scriptures on the prayer bonnet, which sets us apart from the world.”
Katy felt a jubilant little thrill and forced herself not to glance at Lil, whose face must have turned scarlet.
“Rumblings of discontent can destroy a congregation. We’ve already amended the custom from our Amish friends by allowing our women to take the strings off our bonnets. It’s time we take a fresh look at the symbol and explore its relevance to this generation. While it sets us apart from the outsiders, it’s starting to divide us as insiders. I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed, but right below the scripture regarding the prayer bonnet, the Lord commands the church not to allow division over unimportant issues.”
Katy joined the collective gasp that roused and then hushed the congregation. Was he insinuating that the bonnet was an unimportant issue? Right before that, he had stated the matter was not to be taken lightly. She stirred uncomfortably.
“Some would argue that the covering’s not necessary because it was merely a custom in the apostle Paul’s time. Others may think it is appropriate for church and prayer but not everyday life. We’ll get into all that. And after the series is over, we’ll hold a meeting and listen to the congregation’s input. We’ll encourage the women to participate freely at this meeting. Afterward, a vote will be taken on how we will adhere to the custom. Then I pray that our congregation will abide by the decision, and we can move on at peace with one another. For if we are not at peace with one another”—he raised his arm toward heaven and lowered his voice to a near whisper—“how can we exemplify our Lord?”
Countless questions churned in Katy’s mind. Who had complained about the head covering? Was it possible the church would outvote something so vital? Her pulse sped, and her body threw off enough heat to warm the sanctuary.
She knew there were sects of Mennonites who had already abandoned the head covering, but she’d never dreamed the Conservatives would even consider it. Or wouldn’t they be Conservatives any longer? Would they move into a higher conference? Was that the ulterior motive of some, bringing televisions and regular clothing into the church, too?
She stared at the elderly preacher. Surely not while Brother Troyer was shepherding the flock. Tension crawled up the back of her neck. As the service wore on, she fought the urge to go out for fresh air. She rubbed her aching temples and glanced across the aisle at the clock near the exit sign.
Fifteen more minutes. She ran the scenarios through her mind again. And only when Karen nudged her, did she discover that she’d been leaning forward and staring at the men’s side far too long. But just before she straightened, she met Jake’s amused gaze. And he had the audacity to wink at her.
She straightened her spine and looked back at the preacher, then at the plain wooden cross that graced the wall behind the pulpit. Its larger counterpart marked the exterior of the meetinghouse as a house of God, but Katy wondered how pleased God was over the bonnet controversy.
The ride home from church was subdued, neither Katy nor Lil having the courage to bring up the bonnet issue and risk a potential argument. They talked about how good it was to see their families and agreed to spend the following Sunday with them. Lil was worried about her mom, who had been declining ever since the church fire. “I think she’s blaming herself, ashamed over all the trouble and expense the fire’s caused,” Lil explained. “Although even before the fire, Mom was acting depressed.”
“But nobody accused