Sunday
Mar302003
Strange morning
Sunday, March 30, 2003 at 2:43PM
We had a very strange morning at church today. First, somebody came looking for money right before the service. He wanted money for a bus ticket. I told him I wouldn't give him money, but I would be glad to go with him to buy the ticket. He refused, and went outside to hit people up for money as they came in. It isn't unusual for someone to come looking for money right before the service, but the timing is a little weird. Then, right as the service started, one of our seniors had a medical emergency and had to be carried out. Emergency personnel responded quickly, and came in with masks due to the SARS outbreak. She's quite elderly - about 91 - and the next 24 hours will be pretty critical to her. We also had a visiting choir, which took over the entire service. Right after the offering, a woman stood up and started calling us all heretics and stuff. The ushers were busy collecting the offering, and I ended up escorting her out. Note to self: usher training required. A medical emergency and a disruption all in one morning. I'm used to a couple of things going wrong, but I was getting a little rattled by the time the third strange event took place. I'm glad to be home; let's just say I'm glad that service is over.
Reader Comments (4)
Gosh, that was quite the morning. It had to be very unnerving to see paramedics using universal precautions. People do get a bit unglued sometimes, even in church. And you are merely rattled? Whew. What a tough day this sounds like. I hope you get to rest up before you plan your usher training....go under the mercy, may God grant you clarity and give His peace to you and yours.
Heretics? You weren't preaching tithing I hope... ;)
This is weird to walk in and read this - not ten minutes ago during my lunch hour a guy came up to me on the street and asked for 50 cents towards a tram ticket. My response was the same as yours but he accepted my offer to buy the ticket and was very grateful. Instead of walking away resenting these beggars that panhandle for money, I walked away feeling like his request was a genuine one and that I was pleased to have spent the $4 or whatever to help him get wherever he needed to go. I didn't get all the rest happen, though...
That was a pretty strange morning.