Grandma glanced at me from time to time, on the verge of making introductions, but I lowered my head to the program. The picture on the cover was reproduced from some tapestry. Jesus, the crowd, even the donkey were wearing the same worried look you see on newborn babies. Wasn’t this supposed to be the joyful day? The triumphant day? Couldn’t someone come up with a cheerful picture for the occasion? There was no shortage of cheerful people on the premises, in spite of their varying states of health. I counted two wheelchairs, a number of canes, and five people with hearing aids. One was a small girl with sunken eyes and a peanut-shaped head. She was laughing and doing cartwheels in the aisle until her dad told her to stop. Maybe everyone has something wrong with them, even if it isn’t visible. Maybe that’s why we were here.

Sound of the Bell.

All Glory, Laud, and Honor.

Responding and Sending.

I stood up and sat down when Grandma did, and watched the ministers swish up to the lecterns, a bearded man and a woman with close-cropped hair. They had on black floor-length robes draped with purple satin. Kind of weird in an up-to-the-minute place like this that built schools for freed slaves. People must still want the ministers to look special, even if they make a point of putting their lecterns on the same level as the chairs. Or else what makes it a church and not just a bunch of people in a room?

The call to worship gave way to the silent prayer. Heads were lowered. Meek voices filled the room. I closed my eyes and tried to clear a special place in my mind. Sneak a look down. Nail polish coming off. Sneak a look sideways. Grandpa’s brows were raised behind his glasses, while Grandma’s were bunched in concentration. I did not want to see them like that. Sneak a look at the program. No matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome Tough and Tender Days Ahead. Don’t forget to validate your parking ticket. My mother and I were prone to attacks of hilarity on the most earnest of occasions. I missed her. I needed her now. She could go to brunch with Robin whenever she liked. I closed my eyes and opened them again. The prayer was over. People were coughing, the offering plate was circulated by a boy in a baseball cap, while up onstage three musicians dressed in black took their seats.