FEUDING WOMEN - Episode 4

"Women Ministry - Deaconess Euodia. She will be assisted by..."
Euodia was exultant. How could a childless woman head the Women Ministry? This was clearly God at work. She intended to ensure that those self-righteous women understood that one didn't have to have kids to be a woman. It wasn't like she didn't want to have kids; her time hadn't just come. Yes, it was rewarding to head the women ministry and watch those women who snickered and mocked her eat their words. It'll be nice to be assisted by someone like Deaconess Lydia.
"Deaconess Syntyche", Pastor Gabriel finished the statement.
What was happening? How could Syntyche be her assistant? No, she wasn't hearing properly? How could she work with THAT WOMAN? A woman that couldn't even keep her home?
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Syntyche couldn't believe her ears. How could a childless 'woman' head the women's ministry? How could she understand what mothers deal with? How could she be expected to work with Euodia?
On one hand, it was humbling that she, of all women, would be considered a women leader. Indeed, God chooses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. Where was it heard that a single mother would head the women ministry?
On the other hand, she had to deal with the "Holier-than-thou" Euodia. Well, she'll just have to find a way to work with THAT WOMAN!
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Archippus was happy and sad at the same time. His dream of becoming a father had been fulfilled but he wished Euodia was the mother of his first child. He loved her but he couldn't remain childless. Her position in church would keep her occupied and it wouldn't be too hard to keep his secret. Yeah, and he was proud of her too.
Mama had come up with the plan. No one would suspect anything. It was a bonus that his first child was a boy and that he was an American citizen. He had to find a way to attend the naming ceremony party Mama was planning. He would find a way to visit mother and child later.
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Sylvia had slipped into the church unnoticed. Syntyche hadn't even bothered to tell any of them about the ordination service. She was her only sister! She couldn't allow the gulf keep growing. One of them needed to take the step towards reconciliation.
She was sorry she had been cold to Syntyche; she couldn't see beyond the shame of having a single mother as a sister. She was thoroughly ashamed of the unkind words she had spoken to her sister. Learning about John's serial adultery two years ago had helped her change her views about what was truly shameful. They were seeing a marriage counsellor and she was learning unpleasant things about herself. She needed to find some time to see Syntyche and start showing her sister unconditional love.
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Stephen wondered if Syntyche was amongst the ministers being ordained. He knew she was committed to the Faith Family Church; she kept him up to date with useless details of her life. He had no plans of returning to her but he couldn't get her out of his mind.
The lady he picked up yesterday had gone to take her bath so he was just passing time with the TV. He tuned in just as Pastor Samuel began his sermon. The sermon stirred him. Then he was seriously considering falling on his knees when it was time for the altar call. Then, the lady came in and the moment passed. Then, the pastor started talking about giving to build a church auditorium and he remembered why he had walked away from that life and started a new one.
Just as he was about to change the station, he saw her! Syntyche!
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Cletus was tired already. He planned to spend the rest of the day with his computer. He was already missing an important part of the action. The gang had planned to have a group viewing at 12 noon. This was already 11:40am. Maybe he could sneak away. Yes, that's the best way to go.
As he moved towards the door, an usher accosted him and told him to return to his seat. No one was allowed to leave church once the (guest) pastor was ministering. That was a sign of disrespect for the anointing. Cletus rolled his eyes as he strolled back lazily to his seat. Maybe he'll even try to join in from his phone. Thankfully, his seat was secluded.
"CLETUS!"
That sounded like Aunty Sylvia. He turned in the direction of the voice and found his aunt waving at him. He was happy to see her but sad to miss his "appointment". Well, pornography would have to wait!
Author's Note: Euodia and Syntyche's story is found in Philippians 4:2-3. This is a very very fictionalized version...Stay tuned for Episode 5.