Three Cans of Soup (3 page)

The words just seemed to hang in the air. All Bill could think to say was, “Thank you for sharing with me. I know that it was a painful time. The search committee hinted at that but never gave many details. I want you to know that I support helping people and I am open to all kinds of worship. I appreciate your support and ask for your prayers.” Even as Bill said this he felt it sounded too patronizing. He had sensed that there had been trouble but his district minister, Dr. Pearl, had just said that Rev. Elliott had simply resigned for a better position. Bill had let it go at that, thankful for the opportunity to even be considered at a larger church.

Tom looked at his wife who had given him a look. “I am really sorry for how that sounded. But we just wanted to meet you and fill you in. We know you are the right person for our church...” An almost invisible signal went between the two and they both rose to leave. Tom extended his hand and said, “Heh! How about some time you and your wife and the two of us go out for a bite to eat?”

“That would be fine,” Bill replied, and with that the couple left. Sharon came out of the kitchen to bid them farewell. After they left, Bill sat down and stared at the wall for a few moments.

“Hard day?” Sharon said, sitting down beside him and placing her arm around him.

“A little,” Bill said. Then he added, “I think there are some skeletons in the closet here!”

“What was all that about the last minister? I thought we were told he resigned to get a better position?”

“That is what I was told. It is strange that Dr. Pearl didn’t mention anything about it. I was under the impression that he just went on to bigger and better things.”

“Do you know him?” Sharon asked. “Maybe you could call him and find out what went on.”

“I think I might do that.” Bill sighed and looked around the room still cluttered with boxes. “Well, I am hungry. I don’t know about you but I could eat a bite. This will all still be here tomorrow.” With that, the day ended. Bill would discover that there were a great many skeletons in the closets of Central Avenue. Most of them would trace back to Benny and his friends.

The first months were a blur of meetings, visitations, conferences, and getting to know the community and congregation. Bill’s sermons received positive comments. Christmas was especially memorable with the beautiful decorations. The centerpiece was a huge wreath provided by Benny’s family that hung over the cross. It dominated the sanctuary, which had been richly decorated in greens and lights. The choirs were beautiful and the special events of the season made the season one of the most memorable for Bill and Sharon. Their children had joined them for the holidays in their new home. In fact, as the New Year started Bill forgot about the red flags that he had noticed weeks before.

Early in the year Bill was invited to lunch by Benny Lewis and Gerald Shoemaker. Gerald was the moderator of the church. The invitation from Benny’s secretary came as a matter-of-fact call inviting Bill to join Benny for lunch at the Benson Country Club restaurant. No mention as to what the purpose of the meeting was. Bill assumed it was a friendly invitation.

The club restaurant was a stately place, done in a Greek motif, and conveyed the message of wealth and exclusiveness. It was one of two country clubs in the city but had the reputation of being the “real” one as the other one seemed to let anyone in.

Bill drove up in his new Honda Accord, another perk for being at Central. He was met by a young man dressed smartly in grey pants and a blue blazer who opened his door and told Bill he would park his car. For Bill this was like stepping into a world he had only seen on television.

At the door a hostess seemed to perk up when Bill said he was a guest of Benny’s. She led him to a table that sat before sparkling windows overlooking the golf course. Benny rose to greet and welcome Bill, as did Gerald. Gerald was retired from teaching at the Community College. He was tall, grey haired, a little overweight and had a habit of blowing air between his lips at the most odd moments. He liked things to be peaceful. His wife had died before Bill arrived at the church. Gerald seemed to have adjusted well. He spent a lot of his time traveling to visit friends and family, which meant that he was sometimes not on top of things. More than anything, Gerald just wanted to keep the peace and for things to run smoothly at the church.

“Order anything you want from the menu,” Benny said as he sat down at the beautifully decorated table. “The Reuben sandwich is great! This is, of course, my treat.”

“Thanks, that is generous of you,” both Bill and Gerald said almost in unison. The three settled into small talk about family, sports, weather and instinctively avoided politics and the church. Their lunches arrived. Benny had a salad, as did Gerald. Bill had gone ahead and ordered the Reuben and added fries. He felt a like he should have ordered soup or a salad since he was the one who had the most food in front of him.
Next time,
he thought to himself. Just as Bill was raising his Reuben sandwich to his mouth, Benny interrupted.

“Well, I guess we had better get to the point of this meeting. I know we all have a lot of things to do. At least I sure do,” Benny blurted out.

From that point and for the next thirty minutes Benny unloaded a litany of complaints. Benny always couched his words with “several members have shared with me” and then proceeded to relate what Bill suspected was Benny’s own litany. The “concerns” ranged from the somewhat fair to the very unfair. Benny was upset that Bill had allowed a “rock” band play in worship. Benny also felt that Bill was not exerting enough leadership with certain members. He also felt that Bill was not working enough hours and related that he had driven by their home often and found Bill’s car in the driveway. He was happy, however, that Bill was no longer bringing his dog to the church, as several members had complained about that.

“A church is no place for a dog,” Benny said in between bites.

Bill sat stunned. He had really thought everything was going very well. He had thought the meeting was to discuss some new idea or just to get acquainted. Benny continued in a matter-of-fact tone.

“You know that leading a church is a 24/7 job. You know soul-saving is not an eight to five job,” Benny said as he pushed another piece of bread into his mouth. Then he added between bites of his salad, “That is one reason I did not go into ministry. It is such a responsibility.” Pausing, Benny said, “You know we are only telling you this to help you.” Gerald in the meantime just kept playing with his food, smiling and at various times agreeing with Benny.

Benny’s diatribe was interrupted by the server. After refills of coffee, Benny continued. “Now, please take this all as loving criticism,” Benny said, putting down his fork and looking straight at Bill. “You know I am a businessman and like all things, it takes a lot of work to be successful.”

Bill, who had lost his appetite by now, shared that he thought things had been going quite well.

“Now please don’t take this the wrong way,” Benny said with a smile. “We love you and are excited that you are here. But I’ve found that when there is something wrong, it is best to get at it early. Don’t you agree?”

“Well yes, I actually do,” Bill said.

Finally speaking, Gerald added, “I think your sermons have been great and have heard nothing but compliments about your calling. But Benny and I just thought that you should know there are some complaints out there.” Gerald looked at Benny.

The three settled back into eating their food. Bill poked at his fries and left most of his sandwich on the plate. The subject turned to how Kansas City was doing and the colder weather developing. Benny asked if Bill played golf and when he said he did not, seemed disappointed. “Well maybe we can teach you. It’s a great game!” Gerald, who was an avid golfer, agreed and spent the rest of the time talking about some of the courses he had played on, seemingly relieved that the subject was about something other than the criticisms.

When Bill returned to the office, Mabel sensed that all had not gone well at lunch.

“Enjoy your lunch with Benny?” she asked as Bill entered and headed straight to his office.

“Oh, it was great!” Bill said with obvious sarcasm.

“Well, I am surprised he waited this long before unloading.”

“Have you heard anything?” Bill asked, almost not wanting to hear the answer.

Mabel turned from her computer to face Bill. “You know churches, everyone has an opinion. I make it a point not to listen to gossip. That’s an advantage of not being a member here. I can lock my door and go home.” Mabel paused and leaned forward on her desk, looking at Bill. “Actually, I have heard wonderful things about you. Your sermons are great and a lot of members like that you are talking about some of the current stuff. I sat here and watched Benny and some others destroy Rev. Elliott, the last minister. I have not said much, but it was really unfair. Benny believes he knows everything and frankly, as you have figured out, he has a lot of pull in this church. You need to know that the staff and I think you are doing a great job.”

“Thanks,” Bill said. Then he added, “I really enjoy all of you. I am glad to be here.” Yet there was a nagging doubt brewing deep down within Bill. Had he made a mistake? On the other hand, Sharon was so happy at the college. Did he have the right to disturb her happiness? Where was God in all this? Why was there always a Benny in every church? Bill decided to stop by the Crispy Cream donut shop for some consolation.

Bill was always energized when he connected with people in their time of need. He made frequent visits to the nursing homes and hospital. He was at his best in times of grief. It was such times that reminded Bill of why he was in ministry: to help connect people to something greater than themselves, to connect those with God and in that connection bring a measure of peace into their lives.

A week after the country club meeting, Bill was visiting at Memorial Hospital when Ruth, one of the nurses, asked if he had a moment. Ruth was tall and carried herself with great confidence. Bill liked her caring spirit and her dedication. He had invited her to church but she had politely refused, pointing out that she had to work almost every Sunday. Bill suspected there was something else and so dropped the subject. Yet, over the months he and she had grown to respect each other. This was not the first time Ruth had asked Bill to intervene or visit someone in need.

Ruth invited Bill behind the desk and began to tell him about the couple in Room 202. The couple had no church ties, although Ruth knew that at one time they had been active in a local church. Ruth asked if Bill could just stop by and make a connection. Their seven-year-old son, Benjamin was very sick. Ruth intimated that most of the staff did not think he would live much longer.

Bill instantly agreed to visit the family. One thing that Ruth liked about Bill is that he was a good listener and although he would invite people to church, there was never any pressure or any judgment if they refused.

Pausing for a moment outside of Room 202, Bill said a quick prayer, centering his thoughts. As he walked in he noted that it was a typical hospital room, except for the dozens of cards and drawings that were hung around the bed. Flowers and teddy bears sat on a small shelf. Sitting together on one side of the hospital bed were Rick and Judy Simmons. Their faces betrayed the seriousness of the moment. On the bed lay Benjamin, encased in an oxygen tent, silently sleeping, gasping for breath every moment or so. The “ca-chunk-ca-chunk” of machines broke the silence.

“I don’t mean to intrude, but one of the nurses asked me to stop by. I am Bill Thompson, senior minister at Central Avenue Church here in town. I understand your son is sick.”

Judy looked up at him, her eyes welling with tears. Rick looked out the window at something far away. “Who are you?” Judy asked, the strain easily heard in her voice.

“I’m sorry to intrude. I am Bill Thompson, a pastor. I just stopped by to offer you my prayers and support.”

Judy paused for a moment. “I did not mean that the way it came out. I just didn’t hear your name. Thanks for stopping by.” Judy was petite with dark hair. Her eyes were alive with passion. Rick was taller and was slightly overweight. Both of them appeared to be in their early thirties. Rick reached out and took Judy’s hand.

“Our son, Benjamin, has cancer and the doctors don’t think he has much longer to live. We have been battling this for a long time, but I guess the battle is about over,’ Rick said. After a pause, he added, “Ah, we don’t go to church or anything but we are glad you stopped by.”

Bill stood for a few moments in silence. Then he said quietly, “Look, I know you don’t know me. I just want to offer my support to you two in what has to be the worse time ever. I cannot begin to understand what it must be like, but I want you to know you are not alone in this.”

“If you’d like, you can sit down,” Judy said, her voice faltering.

Bill sat down and remained with the couple for over an hour. They talked little. They just kept vigil over Benjamin. As Bill got up to leave, both Rick and Judy thanked him. Bill gave them his cell phone number and told them both if they needed anything they could call him anytime.

Over the next few days, Bill and Sharon, along with the associate pastor, Suzanne and other members of the church all visited Judy, Rick and Benjamin. There were moments of hope when it appeared Benjamin was improving and then everything would plunge again into despair. Benjamin died on a Wednesday. Rick and Judy asked Bill to officiate at the funeral. During the reception following the service, Rick and Judy made a point of talking to Bill.

“We really appreciate all the care you and so many have shared with us,” Rick said obvious moved.

Judy gave Bill a hug, “We really appreciate what you have done. I don’t think we could have gotten through this time without you.”

“Well, we appreciate both of you,” Bill said, tears forming in his eyes. “I can’t think of a harder time, but we want you to know that God cares and we care. There is no reason for such things as this, but please know God is walking with you.”