Something to offer

The Stephens are late again. We've finished the welcome and
the children's message, the first hymn and prayers, the Kyrie and Gloria when
the Stephens finally come through the narrow door of the hundred-year-old
church.

They try to be quiet. They tiptoe in their boots, children
first and then parents. They choose the back row, their usual spot in the pew
on the right. It is not secured to the old wooden floor, so it rocks and
shakes. The floor groans and complains as they move down along the pew aisle.

I pause and then read the scripture. I preach the sermon. We
sing another hymn.