“Oh, for God’s Sake!”

(1985)

“Is there anyone here I can talk to?   Excuse me….hello….is there anyone here I can talk to?”

“What do you need?”

“I need someone to talk to.”

“What about?”

“I just need to talk to someone.  Isn’t there a priest here or something?”

“Follow me….this is Father *****, assistant priest here at Trinity Episcopal.”

“What can I help you with?”

“Where does one go when one can’t cope?”

“Excuse me?”

“What is someone supposed to do when life is just too overwhelming?”

“I’m sorry; I don’t know what you mean.”

“I’m not making it; I’m confused, alienated by my coworkers; stressed and about to give up.”

“Well… I don’t have any answers for you.”

“You’re a priest, right?  This is a church, right?”

“Yes, but…”

“Oh, for God’s sake…”

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(1991)

“Hello, my name is Catherine Godfrey.  I have attended your church a few times and I would like to attend more, but I have two kids, neither of which can walk.  I was wondering if someone could help me?”

“I’m sorry.  We can’t help you.”

“What?”

“If you need assistance, you need to call Buncombe County.”

“Buncombe County?  No, you don’t understand…I need assistance getting my children from the car to the Sunday School room.  I cannot carry them both.  One is crippled and the other is a newborn.  I just need someone who can help me carry them.”

“I’m sorry, there’s no one here who can help you.  You will need to call Buncombe County Social Services.”

“To be able to get into the church? This is All Soul’s Episcopal, right?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Oh, for God’s sake…”

********************************************************

(2015)

“Hi.  We met at St. Paul’s Church, in Pendleton, last month; do you remember?”

“Yes, I remember you.  How are you?”

“Well, honestly, I need some help; can we talk?”

“No, I have to get this out right away.”

“Shall I come back later?”

“What do you need?”

“I need some help.  I have to be out of my house in Asheville before the end of the week;  I need to paint the bedroom of the trailer I’m moving into here.  I fell and I’ve hurt my shoulder.  I was hoping someone could help me.”

“One of our members is a painter.”

“Would I have to pay him?”

“Well of course; it’s what he does for a living.”

“I don’t have any money.”

“That’s the best I can do.”

“By the way, I have told my priest in Asheville that I would like my membership to be transferred here to this church, here in Clemson.  Have you heard from him yet?”

“No, and that’s not how it works, anyway; if we think it is appropriate, we will extend an invitation to you.”

“Oh, for God’s sake.”

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(2018)

“For God’s sake, please tell me things have improved.”