Free Orchard of Hope by Ann H. Gabhart Page A

I just wanted to be sure everybody got a warm welcome today,” David went on with a smile before he called on Ogden Martin for the opening prayer and then returned to his chair on the podium behind the pulpit while Jim Sanderson led the first hymn.
    Jim wasn’t the greatest singer in the world, but he was willing and loud and looked as if he enjoyed singing so much that everybody in the church felt compelled to join in. If he went off key, his wife, Jessica, just played the piano a little louder until they got back on the right notes. Singing in church was all about making a joyful noise unto the Lord anyway, and most mornings they sounded joyful if not always on pitch.
    This morning everybody was sounding a bit tentative as they started out on the first verse of “Bringing in the Sheaves.” And then a strong soprano voice rose up out of the third pew from the back, and even Jim almost forgot to keep singing for a moment. Myra Hearndon’s voice was as beautiful as she was, and she didn’t seem to give the first bit of notice to the fact that half the church had seemed to lose their voices as they looked over at her when she started singing. Or maybe she did notice and sang a bit stronger and truer because of it.
    She and her family had come in and nearly filled up one of the pews. The McDermotts had settled in the pew in front of them although they usually sat closer to the front. Jocie sat beside Noah and already had one of the twins, Elise, in her lap. The little boy, Eli, was in Noah’s lap. The girl, Cassidy, was sitting very close to her mother, helping her hold the hymnbook and singing along. Aunt Love was in her customary spot three rows back, and Leigh had joined her there instead of crowding the Hearndons by sitting with Jocie.
    Three families had moved across the aisle to settle in different pews than usual, but at least no one left when the Hearndons came in and sat down. That was something to give thanks for, David thought as he watched his congregation. Some had even welcomed Myra Hearndon and her children. The McDermotts. Mr. Harvey and Miss Sally. A few more.
    Several others smiled over at the woman and her children but seemed hesitant to speak to her for fear they wouldn’t say the right thing. Myra Hearndon had kept a friendly smile on her face the whole time. Yet David thought he caught the hint of a challenge under her smile, as if she was waiting for someone to say the wrong thing, perhaps even ask her to leave so that she could refuse.
    Before the service started, David had introduced himself to her as he shook her hand. “We’re so glad you are here this morning.”
    “Are you?” she said with that challenge in her eyes.
    “Of course. Noah said you might come when we talked last week.”
    “Oh, yes. He told me you had offered him a job at your newspaper.” She bent her head just a bit like a queen granting favor to a subject. “Thank you, but he’ll have to clear the hours with his father. My husband is working very hard to get the ground ready to put in some apple trees this fall.”
    “Noah can let me know what hours might suit him best. Tuesday is the day I need the most help because that’s the day we run the paper, but we can talk about that later. Now I hope you enjoy our services.”
    “Is that what you think the Lord wants? For us to enjoy church?”
    The question had surprised David. “Yes, I do. Don’t you? The Bible does say to come before him with gladness.”
    “So it does,” she had conceded with a smile that showed perfect white teeth. “And perhaps I will enjoy worshiping with you and your congregation.”
    “It’s our prayer that you do so.”
    Now with the last verse of the song winding down, David was praying. He had his eyes open as he sang along, but he was praying at the same time. Dear Lord, let these people you have allowed me to shepherd have open minds and hearts. Let us all be here in your church to receive your message and your love and to share that