intimate bar; intimate Church

intimate bar; intimate Church

fiction
edward w pritchard



The same urge that drives a small group of strangers to frequent a small intimate hideaway bar on an unfamiliar backstreet in a run down neighborhood starts and fans the growth of a new God fearing Church.

New Churches are risky. So often an established congregation will use subterfuge to proselytize their members for every Minister is under business pressure to grow the business.  

New churches have hand painted wrinkled signs hung a little crookedly by Miss Dailey the retired widow Art teacher proudly proclaiming that " The House of the Brethren" meets here Sunday's  and Tuesday nights at 7. Come and bring your friends, all denominations are welcome.

New Churches are full of crisp Preaching and hearty hymn singing. Services are long and there is a lot of hand shaking; after no one leaves for a long time. Standing near the front door leaning on right leg then left there is so much to talk about. Parking is difficult on urban streets. Sometimes someones car won't start and five men will hover over the problem. 

Rented hymnals are shared. There are three preachers, but only Mrs. Felton takes a pay for it's hard to cover rent in a New church building. The landlord reluctantly agreed to a 20% discount after Brother  Adkins who runs the shoe repair on Market had a Thursday meeting with the ladies support committee.

New Churches love children especially teenagers who have gotten on the wrong path in life. At Saturday morning brainstorming session plans are always in progress to put up a basketball court so the teeners can have a wholesome place to hang out. New building budget is shot because of all the troubled teens who receive a weekly allowance for cleaning up around the church.

For a year or two there is an excitement about going to a new Church. Before the politics, backbiting, and regulations are imposed on the congregation by the strongest in the newly forming hegemonial leadership groups a new church can be fun to attend.

The same urge that drives a small group of strangers to frequent a small intimate hideaway bar on a unfamiliar backstreet in a run down neighborhood starts and fans the growth of a new God fearing Church.