Arizona Pastor by Jennifer Collins Johnson Page B

around Wade’s heart. He smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Kristy. I prefer preaching from the ESV.” He turned to Freddy. “It’s a great idea that I will be sure to communicate with our congregation.”
    â€œOh, that reminds me.” Becca snapped her fingers. “I meant to tell you how much I enjoyed the newsletter.”
    Eustace nodded. “Yes. I liked the addition of a devotional.”
    â€œAnd it looked great at the beginning,” added Kristy with a sly smile.
    â€œYeah,” agreed Freddy. “Kinda set the mood to read it.”
    Kristy lifted her eyebrows, and Wade offered a quick nod. “Thanks. Okay. Let’s move on to the music.”
    Eustace groaned. She leaned forward, cupped her cheeks with her hands and shook her head. “I tried to listen to the contemporary stuff. The words—when I could understand them—seemed good enough, but I just don’t see how playing guitars and beating drums is worshipful.”
    â€œSome of those old hymns are hardly worshipful.”Becca sat up straighter in her chair. “Chad played several for me, and I was so bored I practically fell asleep.”
    Greg looked at Becca. “I enjoy some of the hymns. We sang all of the old hymns in the church where I grew up.” He glanced at Wade. “I usually prefer contemporary, but I still get cold chills when someone sings ‘Amazing Grace’ or ‘Because He Lives.’”
    â€œHumph. Back in my day ‘Because He Lives’ was a contemporary song,” said Freddy. He clasped his hands. “I have to admit there were a few contemporary songs I’ve started to enjoy.”
    â€œFreddy,” accused Eustace. “You must be joking. What would Dortha say?”
    â€œWell, there was this one song about the oceans and having faith to keep your eyes focused on Jesus and not the waves.” Freddy pursed his lips and glanced at Eustace. “The song spoke to Dortha, as well. She sang right along when she was dusting the living room.”
    Eustace crossed her arms. Becca cocked her head. “You gotta be willing to give things a try, Eustace.”
    â€œNow, that doesn’t mean I don’t like the hymns, Becca.” Freddy’s already deep tone sounded more like a growl. “I wasn’t overly fond of most of the fast-moving music.”
    â€œWell, we could always go to two services,” said Becca. Eustace clicked her tongue. “I’d rather do that than have someone on stage, banging on drums.”
    â€œThere are several churches that have done the same thing,” Greg said. “One traditional and one contemporary service.”
    Wade lifted his hands. “Wait a minute. I don’t want to talk about splitting up the church.”
    â€œRight,” Kristy said. “Our committee was formed for unity.” She motioned toward each of them. “That we couldfind a middle ground, then encourage our friends to buy in to what we’ve decided.”
    Wade’s heart pounded in his chest, and he found himself caring more for her. No. His feelings were beyond caring. He was falling in love with her. She would be the perfect helpmate, a terrific encourager. Someone he could come home to and experience reason and refreshment with after a taxing, spiritually draining day.
    He cleared his throat and forced his thoughts back to the meeting. “I want you all to hear something.” He opened his laptop and pulled up the song he’d downloaded earlier in the day. “This song blends a traditional hymn with some contemporary sound. Let’s listen, then tell me what you think.”
    While the song played, he studied his fellow committee members. Becca mouthed the words, and Greg silently tapped the beat with his pointer finger on the table. Freddy tilted his head. He didn’t make any gestures, but his expression seemed open to the new music. Eustace, however, scowled. Wade offered