Strange morning

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.