It
was evening. Ina was sitting in the wicker rocker enjoying a few quiet moments
of contemplation before bed. The fire in the grate was burning low. Her Bible
was open in her lap. She was reviewing the text of the young minister’s
sermon from the second chapter of Luke – the birth of the Christ child.
It
was a fine sermon, Ina thought. And a fine day altogether. After that spell of
unseasonable cold, today was almost spring-like. No one complained about the
temperature in the mid-40s with plenty of sunshine. It was a blessing. And so
many had come out for the service.
The minister had specified a light breakfast before the service, and Ina was grateful because it gave her time to prepare dinner. She baked an apple pie and before they left for the church, she put a beef roast in
the oven.
Church
services were held only once a month when the minister came, but the
congregation met regularly (weather permitting) for Sunday school.
The minister previewed the Sunday school lessons with Ina, who was the Sunday
school superintendent and disseminated the lessons to the teachers.
The
minister carried Ina and Jack over to the church in his car, then returned for
Bertha and June and their daughters. Bertha was responsible for the grape juice
and the bread for the communion plate.
Today’s
service was, of course, their Christmas program. After the sermon, the Sunday
school children presented a little skit and the whole congregation enjoyed
singing many carols from the hymnal. It was lovely.
Back
at the house, Ina quickly served dinner – pot roast, salad, and apple pie. Then the minister and his family left – anxious to get home to their
own holiday preparations. Ina gave them eggs, cream, some of the roast, and a
chicken to carry home with them. Others had shared as well. It was important because the congregation could not give him much in terms of money.
And
then the house was quiet once more. The sun, now very low in the southern sky,
shone brightly into the living room and warmed it. Ina sat there addressing her
cards and writing notes and letters. How very pleasant it was.
She
and Jack needed only a light supper.
And after the dishes were done once more, she and Jack listened to a fine
program of Christmas music on the radio.
And
now – it was bedtime – and she admitted she was very tired after such a full
day. KW
5 comments:
Were Ina and Jack both actively involved in this little community church? Was it affiliated with one of the many Christian faiths common in their area? If so, what was it?
She was good to have the Pastor and family stay every month! Again, it makes me think of the Little House books.
Hi Joanne! I don't know that Jack was actually involved in the church. I believe there were two churches originally but I need to ask a neighbor about that. In her story, Grandma Ina says that she, Bertha, Julian and Junius joined the church while living near Troy. My dad was baptized a Methodist, so I assume that was Ina's affiliation.
Apparently Ina did board the minister and his family when they were working in the community. Bertha said she offered to help by serving some meals, but Ina said she enjoyed it -- that it was actually a help to her.
A help to her? How do you suppose? Do you think that they helped with dishes so it was worthwile to cook extra food since there would be less cleanup work with more hands? OR do you think that they helped consume food before it spoiled? OR... (secret option #3)do you think that it was a help to her spirits to have company to entertain?
I think it was option #3 -- that her spirits were lifted by doing for others. She was needed. I think Ina was a bit fragile of temperament. You know how she says, "I stood it all just fine"? I think she probably hadn't stood it all just fine and they worried about her a bit.
Who else do you know that comes unglued when the Christmas pie boils over in the oven?
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