...influences that helped shape The Scorekeeper

CHURCH

Kitimat First Baptist Church

Church life is something Philip became accustomed to at a very early age. In fact, until he was around 20, he seldom missed a Sunday. At that point his independence kicked in and attendance for him became an option...his choice. So for the past 10 years it's been hit and miss. But that's okay, for the impact of years of fellowship with kindred spirits and the teachings of a particular denomination who 'feel they have it right', certainly helped shape his thinking and character. (of course, years of watching wrestling has taken its toll...good thing WWE is on Monday nights and not Sunday mornings...what a battle that would be!)

We had to stop him wearing this shirt to church...it scared the elderly

Philip was raised Baptist. He did his time in Nursery and Sunday School...participated in Christmas pageants, summer picnics, and the annual rummage sales. His disabilities went 'unnoticed'...he was accepted, welcomed, loved and included in everything.

In Sunday School he learned the great theological truths!

It was in church that Philip acquired his great love for music. (his favourite song?...hmmm...it's a toss up between "Shine Jesus Shine", and, "Duke of Earl"!) It was also in church that he learned his favourite expression..."Praise the Lord!"...which he uses frequently and often at the most inopportune times. Someone brings him pencils or notebooks -"Praise the Lord!"...Detroit wins the Stanley Cup - "Praise the Lord!"...he has a successful visit to the toilet...you guessed it -"Praise the Lord!" There is very little he is not sincerely thankful for...so perhaps that expression is not out of order.

While the church certainly had a defining influence on Philip, his attendance and participation likewise had a positive impact on his fellow parishioners. Over the years the congregation learned patience, tolerance,appreciation,understanding, love, laughter, forgiveness...all the wonderful virtues that, if the pastor couldn't get them across, Philip sure did!

Some examples:

During Philip's 'basket-case' years, he proved to be very disruptive during the services. He would enter and exit at will...express himself quite audibly...and often sit 'front and centre' wearing his sunglasses and swaying peacefully to the music. The pastor actually commented one Sunday that he felt honoured that 'Stevie Wonder' was in attendance!

Another time, during his very serious and annoying 'blinking and scratching' phase, Philip, sitting securely ensconced between Diane and me, began scratching furiously in his 'nether' region. When asked to stop by 'she who must be obeyed', he replied in a very loud voice..."it's my private spot -first it goes this way...then it goes that way!" (well...who wouldn't fidget?)

Then there was the time he 'goofed up' his ushering duties. He was a good usher...knew the ins and outs well...and was called upon quite often to assist. At offering time the ushers were beckoned to the front...the music commenced...and they very solemnly worked their way to the back of the sanctuary where they met...then returned in majestic unison to the front where they placed the offering plates on the table in front of the podium. Pretty routine...no problem.Until they changed the order! The committee that governs ushering (Baptists have committees for everything) decided that at offering time, they would, in the future, start 'at the back' and work their way forward...that way...they would end up 'at the front'. (brilliant...only took them 200 years to figure that one out!).

Well, NOBODY TOLD PHILIP! The pastor announced offering time, and Philip, without hesitation...and proud as punch...walked to the front...stood there alone...acknowledged the silence...turned around...saw his fellow ushers 'at the back'...and with embarrassed disappointment in his voice, shouted..."ahhh crap!"...and ran to the back (amidst the laughter)...collected himself...and proceeded to perform his divinely appointed duties!

And then there was the time...again during the offering...that he had to wait while a parishioner was filling out her cheque. He was patient, yet clearly annoyed. Finally she dropped the cheque into the plate and Philip...unaware of protocol or discretion...picked it up off the plate...glanced at it...and announced his appreciation with a very loud..."WOW!" (the minister was quick to seize the opportunity and remarked..."wouldn't it be wonderful if every time we placed our offering in the plate there was a similar, joyous, accompanying...wow!")

Out of the mouth of brats, eh?

These days Philip attends church with us under his terms. Saturdays he insists he will NOT be joining us (we're cool...he'll be there!). Sunday morning we head over (we're all of one minute away)...leaving him asleep...after all...he was up all night recording scores! The music team no sooner begins to lead the congregation in the opening hymn...and in he saunters...wearing whatever was handy...or whatever he slept in! (he keeps us humble!)

A few months ago Diane and I went to the grocery store (5 minutes away) just prior to church, thinking if we didn't make it back in time, we'd skip this Sunday. We returned to find him fast asleep...put the groceries away...checked the clock and found we still had time to make it..so left for church. We'd deliberately 'forgotten' to remove the note we'd left earlier informing Philip that we had gone shopping...in hopes he wouldn't stumble out of bed and into the pew on that particular morning. Well you can't fool the Scorekeeper! Just before prayer time...the music is softly playing...the sanctuary is peaceful and still...and in storms Philip. He walks right up to where his mom and I are sitting...catches my eye...leans over...and announces to the whole church..."thanks for the lying note!".

When will the madness end?

Hopefully never!