Free Fiction Friday

Zoom

a collection of short works

Kingdom Hall

by Michael Yoder

copyright 2021 Michael Yoder

"Alright!" Ron said. "The meeting starts in half an hour, everybody get ready." Brother Harris straightened his tie and put on his jacket.

Sister Emily Harris scuttled into the living room. "I don't know why we have to get dressed up for these," she said. "Everyone else on these Zoom thingies wear pajama bottoms."

"Emily!" Ron almost scolded. "This is the Sunday meeting and we're on camera. You know they monitor the cameras. We need to be presentable. You're showing a lot of cleavage in that outfit."

Emily started. "I am NOT!" she said indignantly. "This is perfectly fine for the meeting. I can put a shawl on if that'll make you happy. It certainly won't make ME happy! But you're the husband so whatever you say, 'dear'!"

"Never mind," Ron replied. Then he called out. "Kids! Are you ready?"

Their son Tom stumbled into the room, bleary eyed. He was wearing jeans and a T-shirt.

Ron gasped. "No! No, Tom! That is completely inappropriate for the meeting."

"What?" asked Tom. "I'm dressed, right?"

"No - you go and put on your slacks and a proper shirt and tie." Tom wandered back to his room as Ron called out. "And run a comb through that hair young man! You want to make Jehovah happy don't you?"

"Whatever!" Tom called back and slammed his bedroom door.

Emily was fussing with chairs in front of the laptop. Two in front for the parents and two in back for the children. "I don't like these meetings. They're boring as all get out."

Their six year old daughter, Pamela, came into the living room wearing a nice summer dress and carrying her grey bible. She immediately went to her chair and sat down.

"Daddy?" she asked.

"Yes, Sweetheart?" Ron came over and sat next to her.

"Is there going to be a cartoon? You know like last week?"

"Well, I don't know Sweetie," he replied. "That's up to the elders and the Governing Body. We only have to have faith that Jehovah will do what's best for us through his light. So, there might be one."

"I hope so," Pamela said. "Otherwise, it's just that stupid Elder and he talks too much."

"Now, now Pammy! Elder Johnson is a fine man and has some wonderful things that lead us closer to Jehovah! You want to make Jehovah happy, don't you?"

Emily came back in adjusting her earrings. "All this is so tiring. No field service - which is fine for my feet and I really don't like knocking on doors, but now all I do is write letters to names in the phone book while you're out window-washing. I think I'm getting carpal tunnel from all that writing. Can we do it on the computer? No! Of course not!"

"Honey," Ron said."You just need to be strong through all this. You know that God will provide all the answers we need, He knows best. Soon this pandemic will be over and we'll all be back in the Kingdom Hall and out in service again."

Tom came back in with his white shirt and tie and bible and plunked himself in his chair.

Ron checked him over, adjusted his tie and told him, "That's much better! You look like a proper young Ministerial Servant now. Gosh, Tom! You know I can see you becoming an Elder one day - you're so strong in your faith!"

Tom rolled his eyes. "Well, I don't wanna be a window washer all my life." he muttered to himself.

Ron looked at the clock. "Two minutes! Everyone get in place. You know this will all be over soon, these darned Zoom meetings and we'll back in the Kingdom Hall and out in service, saving all those souls from destruction at the End Times. Yes, the Kingdom Hall will be open soon! Then this wicked system will end and we'll be living on Paradise Earth."

He turned on the computer and found the link to the meeting. He logged in and waited for the connection. The screen popped up and he hit "share camera".

Up popped the Elder Johnson. There were forty other cameras all turned on, microphones muted.

Elder Johnson began. "Welcome Brothers and Sisters to the Sunday morning service. I have a few announcements to make before we begin the session. First, I and the Governing Body are so pleased that you have maintained your faith in Jehovah and his good works through you and your efforts. In our congregation alone, we've reached more than 500 people by mail and have had 3 requests for follow up Bible studies. Also, Sister Morris has recently given birth to a healthy baby boy! Yes! Jehovah is clearing blessing us!"

Then he stopped for a moment and put his fist against his mouth.

"The last announcement I have to make is more serious and will affect us all, but it is Jehovah's will and we will, as always believe that His ways are the right way. The Governing Body, through their direct inspiration have decided that the Kingdom Hall will be closed and sold and we will be assigned to other congregations. Isn't that wonderful news?!"

Ron stared at the screen. He felt as though he had been punched in the gut. He looked at other cameras and saw the same stunned faces of the other congregants. Finally, one elderly lady opened her microphone and spoke.

"If this is the will of Jehovah then it is truly a sign of His love for us," she said.

Others on camera applauded.

Then Ron applauded. He nudged Emily and she started to applaud as well.

"Thank you Sister Ida," Elder Johnson said. "And now, we can all turn on our microphones and open with a Kingdom melody."

Pamela spoke up. "Is there going to be a cartoon, Daddy?" He hushed her and turned on the microphone.

"The opening melody is one we all know very well," said the Elder.

"Listen, Obey and be Blessed."