the parsonage by midnight Monday. They came over unannounced this evening to deliver the news.
On what charge? “Willful deception.” About Julia. Which is ridiculous because we never deceived anybody! The issue of Julia’s birth came up in our talk with the departing pastor during Jonathan’s interview. We explained it, and the pastor was okay with it and told us he would let the elders know. They claim he never mentioned it to them, so I have no idea what really happened. All I know is that we’re being dismissed and they are using this as the excuse. Apparently, they figured it out when the secretary went to compile our anniversary and birthday dates to send us cards.
I knew it! I just knew somebody, sometime was going to condemn us for what we did.
They have the nerve to stand in our living room and give us the news, right in front of Julia! Then, they tell Jonathan he is still expected to preach on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, where he will then announce his resignation. I was so proud of Jonathan. He stood nose to nose with them and said, “After you barge into our home and humiliate us, you expect me to still do the Easter services? I don’t think so, gentlemen.” And he showed them the door and locked it behind them.
But I can tell he is just crushed. He’s such a good pastor, and he’s been so conscientious. All that, and he gets fired for this! I’m so angry, I’d like to physically hurt them. I never knew I had such a violent streak. I know I’ll have to repent for that, but I can’t honestly say I feel repentant at the moment. I’m just so mad! And hurt. This is the type of thing that made me worried about being a pastor’s wife to begin with.
We don’t know what we’re going to do. I’m not welcome at Jonathan’s parents’ house, and my mom and dad don’t have the space for our whole family and our stuff. My brother lives in a tiny apartment in New Jersey, with his girlfriend. Jonathan’s two sisters are missionaries in Pakistan. Monday, we’re going to be homeless and unemployed. I should be scared, but I’m too overwhelmed to feel even one more emotion.
Back to packing,
Phyllis
* * *
From:
Zelia Muzuwa
To:
P. Lorimer
Subject:
Re: Our…“church”
* * *
Phyllis,
I can’t believe they did that to you! That’s horrible. I’m so, so sorry. You can come stay with us, if you want. We don’t have a huge house or anything, but we have a guest room and a mostly finished basement. And you could put your things in the basement and the garage—we don’t keep too much in the garage. I bet McKenzie and Julia would have a lot of fun playing together. Please don’t feel hopeless. I know God hasn’t abandoned you.
Love,
Dulcie
* * *
From:
Dulcie Huckleberry
To:
P. Lorimer
Subject:
Re: Our…“church”
* * *
Boy, that’s about enough to make me embarrassed to be labeled a Christian! No wonder non-Christians aren’t exactly flocking to our churches. Makes me sick!
Listen, honey, you just come on over to Baltimore. We have an apartment over our garage that we’re just using for storage. It’s supposed to be an art studio for me—like I ever have time for that! Anyway, it’s just one bedroom, and a living-kitchen area, but I could look around and find a daybed/trundle thing for the kids to sleep on. Don’t worry about a thing, okay?
Love,
Z
* * *
From:
The Millards
To:
P. Lorimer
Subject:
Re: Our…“church”
* * *
Ooh, that makes me so mad for you, Phyllis! Shame on them! I can’t imagine how frightening that would be. Why don’t you come to Colorado for a nice visit in the mountains? You can have Shane’s and my master suite—we’ll bunk in the basement or move Audra into Cassia and Evelyn’s room and take that one. The suite is almost like a mini apartment—bathroom, bedroom, sitting room (with fireplace, I might add), private deck. The only thing would be the kitchen, but you could just eat with us if you want.
You are going to need time to relax and get back on your feet after this blow. I can’t think of a prettier place to do it than Colorado Springs. What do you say?
Love,
Jocelyn
* * *
From:
Brenna L.
To:
P. Lorimer
Subject:
Re: Our…“church”
* * *
Oh, that’s low and mean! But somehow it doesn’t surprise me, after how some “Christians” treated me after I had Madeline. I’m angry right along with you!
Hey, here’s an idea—why don’t you come