Comtort: A Fictional Story Concerning Church Discipline Gone Wrong

By Wayne Baker

Comtort is a fictional story and word. The word Comtort is communication lawsuit or tort. The basic theme is the proper way for a church to discipline its membership. It begins twenty-five years previous to the primary action set in 2012, which is 1987. For the sake of brevity I removed the PRELUDE. I may, if sales warrant, publish it under The Contract and the Youth Pastor. This introduces Henry Zimmerman and explains why women informed of the contract become his Slave after accepting his love. Flash to the present. The church is being embezzled from. False accusations are made against an active church member. He is disciplined in a vague manner, with the cause being clouded and based on lies. The embezzlers use him as a scapegoat and are accused of suggesting he commit suicide, the basis of the torte.
This story is a challenge to the church that discipline is to be done openly and in the light. If done in darkness and vague communication, it only serves Satan. If done in the light, you correct error, train for correction, encourage reconciliation and repentance, and may even deal with visits by Mis Communication, sending her packing. It has the benefit of discouraging false accusation and dealing with false accusations as they occur.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503593114

Wayne Baker

Born in Lethbridge, Alberta. Father was Roman Catholic, and mother was Baptist. With Father on the road, it was agreed the children would be raised Baptist. I am a conservative Evangelical Protestant Christian. I went to high school in Red Deer, Alberta, got a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta and a Master of Divinity degree from GGBTS in Mill Valley, California. Having had several cases where churches disciplined myself, usually denying there was any discipline, I have considered the right, duty, and obligations of churches for discipline. The Prelude dealing with the topic of sexual misconduct may be replaced, if sales warrant with a new book The Contract and the Youth Pastor. It is referred to several times, and is mentioned at the end with considerations for consequences. Other matters have been dealt with more like I have been. Action taken, usually meaning they have heard complaints, found you guilty—not offering you a chance to respond—and sentenced. The sentence is passed on using lies, saying it is church policy, or some other line. In the most severe case, I was invited to a meeting and told I was forbidden to work with children. If you can tell me why, then we will both know. I do not know why despite attempts to find out. They contradicted themselves. In the last attempt, I was basically told reasons with statements that contradicted themselves. In other words, in the book Second Foundation by Asimov, the summary the secretaries would give you would be blank pages. Their response to a written letter, stating I understand, I ignore your advice as long as I attend this church with three ways one could obey, it was met with, well, you are ignoring our advice. No explanation of the advice given. I guess that means they meant the advice I defined, with suicide being one alternative. They informed a subsequent church they would not have me work with women or children, claimed to have given me everything in writing meaning: (a) I took notes, my notes they gave me, or (b) we took no minutes of the meeting with you. These minutes we did not take were given to you. Figure the two options out as to their statement “I was given everything in writing.” The book is fictional. Some may be exaggerations of actual events, but most has been my vivid imagination with ideas from a book I read long ago, The Cardinal, and a series of books by Randy Singer. The characters are all purely fiction and not based on any person I know but born in my fertile imagination.

Book preview

Copyright © 2015 by Wayne Baker.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015915118

ISBN:                  Hardcover                           978-1-5035-9309-1

                             Softcover                             978-1-5035-9310-7

                             eBook                                    978-1-5035-9311-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. [Biblica]

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 09/09/2015

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Contents

Author’s Foreword

Intention Of Novel

Prelude

Chapter 1 Church Discipline

Second Picnic

Church Response

Board Meeting

Accident: Foundation Of Case

Chapter 2 The Case

The Dream

Life Continues

A Treasure Damaged

Chapter 3 The Investigation

The Clients

Communication Law And Discipline

Confirmation

Committed

Another Dream

A Team Forms

Checking Statements

Plans Change

Chapter 4 Strategy

Problems For The Case

John’s Crimes And Demise Planned

Weekends Are Hectic Times

Chapter 5 Into The Fire

What Is That They Said?

The Proposal

Tail Ambushed

The Briefing (Briefing One)

Chapter 6 Preparing The Case

Case Outline

Forming The Wolf Clean up Squad

Planning A Trap

Safehouse

Lives At Risk Emergency Response

Four Punks? Emergency Handled

Chapter 7 Gathering Clouds

Bribed Witnesses?

Briefing, Round 2

Chapter 8 Sunday Shocks

Terrorist Round Up

Plans Go Astray

Anna What Is Courage?

Apartment

Prepare For Court

Chapter 9 Tuesday Trial Begins

Emergency Replacement

Bribery Charges

Blackmailed Widow

Kids In Danger! Cavalry, Charge To The Rescue!

Time For The Kill

Bugle Call For Cavalry, Round 2

Siren’s Performance

Siren’s Fall

Free For All

Powells Vs. Skc

The Defense Rests, The Powells State Their Case

Wolves Meet The Wolf Clean up Crew

Chapter 10 The Trial Continues

New Evidence

Epilogue: Future Ramifications Of The Case

Divorce

Author’s Afterword

Notes

Author’s Foreword

INTENTION OF NOVEL

T his story is fictional. The names of the characters and the characters themselves are real only in the vivid imagination of the author. Drawing upon personal and secondhand experience in multiple churches, the author focus upon the themes of communication and discipline in church. Personally, the pastor and Chair of Elders accused him of offending several teenage girls with what he said to them … Despite clear denial of the charge, church officials insisted on their guilty verdict yet refused to indicate any information on the charge.

This fictional story has several sources. Extrapolated from personal and secondhand experiences, I have used my imagination to create the story and added some ideas from works I have read such as The Cardinal, books by Randy Singer as well as others. As stated, the story is fictional. Though personal experiences may form the basis for some complaints, every person, church, and motivation purely comes from novels, media, or the author’s vivid imagination. Three churches are real, located where Joe saves the girls.

In The Cardinal, a son-in-law of a respected businessman was embezzling from a church, taking money from the loose offerings. My lawyer/embezzler is inspired by this novel. Inspiration for Henry Zimmerman comes from the sexual scandals experienced by the church over the last several decades. Two news stories, a story I heard on Focus on the Family, and a fourth story from a friend concerning inappropriate sexual behavior played a part in adding this segment. One boy in a news story said something to the effect that athletes can screw hundreds of girls, so he had a right to. The only way he could would be with the date rape drug. The story from a friend and the story from Focus on the Family both dealt with people dismissed from a ministry position for inappropriate unrepentant sexual behavior. The dismissed, in both cases, quickly found new churches. Does silence on the reason for dismissal leave one liable for later faults?

The goal of this novel is to challenge the church to consider what is communicated by their actions, words, deeds, and discipline. Are they acting in accordance with the biblical standards or at least as close as they can in our society? If they are not, why not? Are they, as I believe, in open, blatant, deliberate rebellion against God? If so, why? If you are a member of a church and attend regularly, do you know how your church disciplines? Can the discipline be improved? What are the goals your church has for discipline? Do their methods inspire trust?

The terrorist plot just grew in the story. It, however, does teach our sins may grow and bite us worse than we dream.

Prelude

J ohn and Joanne are introduced as high school sweethearts. John thwarts Satan’s emissaries, in particular Newton Nizol and his friends. In retaliation Satan focuses an attack on John through his girlfriend,/fiancée Joanne, offering a powerful contract to a youth pastor for seducing her as long as she is John’s fiancée, and even more powerful if he breaks them up and marries her quickly once he has seduced her. He earns the contract, failing to earn the bonuses, with John marrying Joanne. Their first daughter, Jade is conceived the evening the youth pastor earns the contract. Years later, Jade is twenty four, Henry the youth pastor learns a daughter of his will team up with a son of his to end his domain. Jade is the obvious choice. The Prelude develops many of the characters, and may become a prequel to this and a second novel I intend to write as well. A personal note, I would like to thank Katherine Anne for her words of encouragement and Cousin Trish for her insightful and thoughtful critic.

Chapter 1

CHURCH DISCIPLINE

L eaving under heavy suspicion, Henry departs on July 20, 1987. With the scandal swept under the rug, few know the reasons for his departure. Church leadership suggests disagreements with Pastor Kevin Kelso and a broken heart with Joanne marrying John led to his departure. A church in Vancouver being told of these reasons and the excuses of previous churches, hire him, where he lasts for two years before moving to Saskatoon. September, he accepts a youth pastorate in Vancouver. June 1989, he moves to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, for two years.

Demon Niau is exorcized from Karen and Tara on July 19. Pastor Kelso and Mr. Temple resign positions on August 31, 1987. Spending several months in a retreat their families deal with spiritual issues while healing from the wounds. Both families return into leadership positions in other churches. Pastor Kelso and wife find a greater ministry ahead for the family. Twenty years later, Karen’s son Kent, returns to SKC playing a significant role in cleaning up the wolves. Pastor Carl Cash is accepted as the new pastor in September. Eleven years later, in 1998 is injured in an auto accident, and retires a year later due to complications. Joseph Leon joins the church in 1990—a very active volunteer in facilities setup, children’s ministry, sound as well as a reliable person to call on for special needs. June 1, 2000 a new pastor, Thomas Magnum begins his Ministry. Jealous of people thinking Joe’s quiet ministry is more vital than his, he develops a strong dislike for Joe. Barney Steele and Pastor Magnum chases Joseph from the church by June of 2004. December 18, 2009, Pastor Magnum dies T-boned in an accident by a car that ran a red light.

Calum Powell begins attending the church in April of 2004. September of 2004, he begins ministry with the midweek children’s group, sound tech, and helps setting things up. From 2005 to end of 2008 the sound ministry has several sexual scandals, Darryl Dewey is replaced in 2005 for sexual misconduct by Larry Devito. April 2006 Larry finds new accommodations after he is convicted of sex with minors and embezzlement from the church. Serge Hoyt leads the sound ministry until a girl celebrates her thirteenth birthday giving birth to Serge’s daughter Christmas day 2008. Serge is given an all-expenses paid vacation in Corrections Canada guest facilities for sex with minors and embezzlement. Unable to find anyone willing to lead the scandal ridden ministry, they accept Calum Powell as the new leader in desperation, January 2009. Consulting with the board, he quickly establishes a code of conduct everyone adheres to. One rule he strictly enforces, there is no situation where there is one member of a gender alone with one or more of the other gender in any ministry situation. A dynamic youthful ethical leader now heads the facilities and special events ministry and audiovisual ministry. They become the standard setters for ministries.

With the stage set, God now assembles a wolf cleanup squad. Strangely, most of the squad members are wolves. Lambs are hard to find in the squad! That is, except for the one God has hire them!

Arthur Fitzgerald begins his interim ministry in March 2010. He serves the church until the August 31, 2011. Reverend Kirk Capland is called to start Thursday Sept. 1, 2011. Available one month early Reverend Capland begins Monday, August 1st. The church agrees.

Waking up from a weird dream, Kent Kelso wakes up Monday, August 1. He calls his dad, tells him. "Dad, I dreamed I was walking. I tripped over a strange old book. The book looked worn and tattered. It had the word, in capital letters, ‘law’ boldly printed on it. In one corner, there was a pole with a hook on it, like a candy cane, looking like it is moving to center stage. An angel says, ‘Your day is not yet. Law is the mission, but those who need you soon are to meet you again.’ A lamb comes, is happy to find the book. The angel ties it onto his back. Some wolves come, circling the lamb, they obey and help the lamb. I am unsure of the count—maybe two, maybe eight, maybe twelve, maybe fifteen. I am not clear on it. Maybe even a lamb or two.

"There is a coffin. I and many of my friends are distressed by the coffin. The lamb with this book attacks our church. I do not know why my friends and I help him! Picking up brooms, the wolves start sweeping and washing everything. Their frenzied cleaning soon looks like a tornado has struck! The lamb with the book seems to be standing, trying to hold something. The wolves try to aid many hideous monsters, attack the wolves, the lamb, and all helping the lamb. A few angels try to help as demons attack aiding many wolves. They are about to die. One or two of the wolves seem to shift between lamb and wolf.

"Angels are not helping. One wolf, no lamb, no wolf, no lamb, well, whatever asks the angels to let her die for her failure but save her friends. The angel responds, ‘I cannot let you or your friends die. You were told if you ask for help, as you just did, he with the book is to be stoned to death if you or your friends die. He, we are to save.’

"With that the angels come in a surging wave. The rest is confusion. An angel stands next to me, says, ‘You are not to know more yet. This is the end of a battle started before your birth. Secrets your parents have now must be told you by them only. You were conceived in this battle in one of our defeats. God will use those defeats for victory! Your siblings with different mothers, same bio father, shall soon enter the battle. Help from you and your friends is needed. What you have seen must come at the cost of one of your friends filling the coffin. Have your dad and mom tell you about your stepsiblings. One is the daughter of an ewe, yet not of the lamb with the book. The alpha wolf will be hunting her. His plans are not to tattoo her but are the same as for the lamb with the book. The bonuses the alpha wolf was offered has never been removed. One other truth is he can only be defeated should a male and female of his loins team up, and ask for help from God!’

‘The alpha wolf has been blocked from an attack he planned with a Slave. The lamb who sits on the throne has hurt an ewe who wears the wolf’s tattoo. This was to protect a lamb who wears a badge. He will now complete the attack by using the tattoo. The one he tattoos will be used to hurt a lamb, bringing false accusations. This battle has begun, but will climax after the battle you witnessed in your dream. This battle you are warned about deals with rebellion from within the church. This rebellion opens the doors for many attacks by Satan. He who sits on the throne has two wolves who will ask the lamb who carries the book to use the book to bring a small chastisement on the church. The chastisement will allow a lamb who turned his back on the church to repent of his rebellion or die. A niece of his helped a wolf who became a lamb at the time you were conceived. This wolf helped the alpha wolf and has since been an enemy of the alpha wolf. The daughter of the ewe who is not a daughter of the lamb with the book but sired by he who sired you shall become a target not for a tattoo by the alpha wolf. He will want for her that for which he desires for the lamb with the book.’ The dream ended. I woke up in a sweat. Dad, I do not have stepsiblings.

Kevin Kelso said, Son, you have a great friend you have told us about. Did you see anyone you thought might be him?

Kent said, No.

Your mom and I will fly to Edmonton tomorrow. We will have dinner with you at the Royal Fork in Jasper Gates at five. I have to see if a couple is still in town. Do you know anyone with a tattoo that looks like a brand, a circle scar with the letters ‘HZ’ centered on it?

There are a few older ladies with that on them. Why?

"Son, do not tell them anything. Steer clear of them. Your mom and I will be there tomorrow!"

Unable to understand dad’s last instruction, or urgency, he calls Calum and Brad. Both agree to the supper meeting. Calum said he is bringing his girlfriend unless forbidden. Kent said, I always love to see her.

Tuesday, John, Joanne, Jade, Kent, Calum, Brad, and Lee Anne meet at the Royal Fork. Apologizing for their tardiness, Kevin and Karen pay for everyone’s meal. With grace said everyone begins their meal. Kevin says, Kent, please tell the dream you had again. He did not like sharing such stupidity with total strangers. This gal is quite good looking. The angel appeared last night and told him to trust his dad on this. He tells everyone the dream. Kevin asks Joanne if Kent’s dream reminded her of anything.

Joanne says, The lamb with the book saying ‘law’ is familiar but long forgotten.

Karen says, That surprises me. I would not think you forgot that.

Joanne laughs. You mean the interpretations many gave to the lamb with that book?

Karen answers, Yes.

Opening his befuddled mouth, John proves how clueless he is. I remember hearing about dreams with this lamb in it. I know no one thought he was Jesus. He was just an ordinary lamb for God to use. But I do not know why Joanne should remember him.

Karen says, She married the lamb carrying the book. Everyone looks at her. John was clearly the most shocked of all.

Joanne responds, I never accepted the lamb of the book was John. I have never figured out who he is or was. I did think maybe Kevin.

Karen says, You mean my husband?

Joanne replies, Yes.

Karen laughs. Joanne tell me how Satan attacking you could seriously hurt Kevin. Yes, the attack hurt Kevin and myself. Fallout from the alpha wolf’s hurt many, including innocents. Who are two people still hurting today, that the attacks were aimed at, and still are attacked?

Joanne says, Those attacks hurt a lot of people. You and Kevin had to leave this church because of me.

Karen said You allowed the alpha wolf his power. His power always can only be exercised through pride. Yes, he can, and probably does exercise his power through other means on occasions. He is about to reappear—hopefully, for the last time. I think the alpha wolf may fear you, Jade.

Jade queries, I have no idea what any of you are talking about. I am not a daughter of he who sired you. I know Dad did not screw your mom.

Karen laughs. Joanne, is it true the man who sired her did not screw me? Are you like us, keeping secrets that are now coming back to haunt us through our children? The others look at Karen.

John speaks. Jade, I do not think your mom wanted you to find out about this. For now, will you promise to tell none of your siblings about what you have and will learn at this meal? Both Jade and Kent agree. Kent’s friends wonder if they should be here as well. John asks, Kent, did you have any idea of any symbol that may reflect on Calum in the dream you had?

Kent answers, No, the angel showed up last night, said Dad seems to understand the symbol I refuse to understand. I think he meant that he asked me the same question. Why do you and dad ask this question?

John says, "Jade your mom conceived you a month before we married. She hoped I did not know but strongly suspected I knew.

Joanne and I shared a dream. When that happens, something is happening. We both knew that one lamb is facing problems. This lamb has plans, which are approved by and can only be accomplished only after he who sits on the throne performs a mighty miracle. Everyone at this table must promise to not tell anyone about this. (They all agree.) Lee Anne, I believe you will experience sorrow that can only be relieved by a mighty miracle. He who sits on the throne will do the mighty miracle. I think you will know I lie about this well before he does the mighty miracle. The lamb who has turned his back on the throne is in danger of being found out. He works with the alpha wolf to get revenge on he who sits on the throne for the pain he suffered. Those he calls friend are all wolves. To hide their sin, they will cause Calum great hurt. When you think he cannot be hurt more, they will have plans to cause even more. I think the coffin is the symbol for Calum." Only Kevin and Karen were not surprised.

Kevin asks, Are you suggesting that Lazarus, Mary, and Martha will have some new friends to share their stories with? John agrees.

Calum says, Say no more. Why would God do as you say?

John says, "You contradict yourself, Calum. You tell us say no more then ask a question. The answer to your question is in Isaiah.

"Let them turn to the

LORD

, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

         8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

         neither are your ways my ways,"

                           declares the

LORD

.

         9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,

         so are my ways higher than your ways

         and my thoughts than your thoughts.

         10 As the rain and the snow

         come down from heaven,

and do not return to it

         without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish,

   so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

         11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

         It will not return to me empty,

      but will accomplish what I desire

         and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.¹

The dream seems to say Satan wants me to do something. God is saying he wants it done. Satan has his plans. God has his trump card. The miracle a card God plays after his trump wins the day. Only some wolves can play the trump card. Satan’s victory will mean Jade’s needless death, and hurt many others. If they do, the victory will be the lambs’. The final card, the miracle, shall remind us it is God’s victory.

Kevin asks, John are you thinking of changing careers?

No. Why?

Just wondering.

Only Kevin understands his question.

Embarrassed Joanne explains about stepsiblings. "Twenty four years ago, Satan offered a Contract to Alpha Wolf as an attack on John. Only by seducing John’s fiancée, me, could the Contract be earned. Desiring the Contract, the alpha wolf moved to Edmonton becoming the youth pastor at my church. Earning and signing the Contract a man is referred to as Contractee. Any female meeting all requirements, has been informed of the contract, including the ritual; performs the ritual unaided shall become his Slave. All conditions must be met for no less than fifteen of the ninety day Activation Period. One must be receiving Contractee’s sperm for the first time, be eighteen been informed have ability to say no, be aware of what is happening, facing no direct threat to self to qualify.

Jade was conceived the night I allowed Henry earn the Contract. The next day an angel helped John and a girlfriend save me from being drugged into allowing five attempt to earn it screwing me." Karen confirms her role and how she allowed sin in her life. Kevin ends the discussion, finally admitting his own path of sin and the role John and Joanne had in helping him and his family recover. The talk of the miracle is put aside.

The church hosts a welcome to the city and our church picnic on Sunday, August 15, 2011. Pastor Capland leaves some bushes, steps around a corner, stepping into Calum who is carrying a twenty five gallon of Kool-Aid. Hearing Mrs. Capland call, he had stopped, looking for her, he responds. The Cherry Kool-Aid clashes with Capland’s blue suit. He is not pleased with the clod.

SECOND PICNIC

Friday, September 30, 2011, Saints Koinonia Church hosts a picnic honoring the volunteers as the church starts the new ministry year. They reserve Emily Murphy Park for the event. Taking Thursday and Friday as vacation days from his job at Chapters on Whyte Avenue, Calum prepares for the picnic with Brad Anderson’s help. They arrange the supplies for a quick load. Pastor Capland makes it clear he and Stephen Hoyt will take two of the three barbecues to the picnic. Calum readies two loads for Capland, five for his crew Thursday night. All supplies are ready to go. Friday errands include picking up the community service plaques. Capland desires to showcase the church—its import to the city.

Calum tests equipment as he prepares it. The portable sound system is silent. Brad drives Calum and the system to the music store. The unit needs a part that will take a week to get. No rentals are available. Calum is not fazed. No sound, thinks Brad. He knows Capland will blame Calum. Calum buys six mics. They get Calum’s expensive home stereo system. Why buy the mics? Why get his stereo system? Brad cannot figure Calum out.

Pastor Capland quickly learns Calum is one he will run into a lot during his ministry. Calum leads the sound ministry, the service ministry, is an assistant leader in the children’s midweek clubs to the six and seven-year-old boys, helps with leadership of the college and career, and leads one of the small group bible studies. The pastor meets Calum everywhere.

Saul, the new pastor’s son, decides he will work in the sound tech booth. There are four sexy high school girls—two of whom are Suz-Anne Phelps and Naomi Garraway—in the ministry. Who needs to go to Thursday rehearsals? You show up on Sunday, do your thing. Calum requires attendance at training sessions and rehearsals. Complaints from Naomi and Suz-Anne clinch his decision. Saul refuses to admit his wrong, stands on his right as the pastor’s son. Saul is not accepted. Kirk is happy his son wants to be in some ministry, thinks Calum is unreasonable.

Rebecca is an opinionated person. As the pastor’s daughter, she has the right to do anything. She decides she will be on the worship team. She can be seen by everyone, impress the boys. Calum’s girlfriend, Lee Anne Ferrelli, says no. Rebecca misses practices, thinks she solos every Sunday. Capland wonders what Calum has against his family.

Pastor Capland plans a large picnic honoring volunteers. Capland wants to impress the city council and impress provincial MLA’s and Federal MP’s. City permits are needed for some ideas he has, impressing them with his influence will be a big help. Being on good terms with all politicians is always a great idea. The volunteer rewards will include those serving in volunteer capacity not only in the church but also the city, province or federal areas. He invites Mayor Ledman, three city councilors, two city Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and two Members of Parliament (MPs) to the picnic. One volunteer for the mayor happens to be Calum. The church pays Global for the exposure. Global TV has three teams taping the picnic. His church has fifteen hundred members, five hundred volunteers in the church. Seven hundred fifty members commit over thirty thousand hours of volunteer work to the community, province, and/or country each year. Yes, the ministries in the community began before Capland arrived. He still accepts the credit! He will honor not just the church volunteers. Calum gives over 520 hours a year to the church and another 260 hours to the community per year. Several people including Timothy Shaw and the Mayor report many of the hours Calum contributes.

Friday morning, 7:15 a.m., Calum Powell, Brad Anderson, Kent Kelso, Lee Anne Ferrelli, Timothy, Veronica, and Silvia Shaw meet at Saints Koinonia Church. They have a total of five trucks. Pastor Capland and Mr. Hoyt’s two light loads are set up for an easy fast load. Quickly, the five loads are loaded, and the two light loads are prepared, allowing the parade to leave at 7:45 a.m. Two of Global TV vans arrive at Emily Murphy Park at 7:55 a.m. The convoy arrives at 8:00 a.m., surprising them. The third Global van meets the church leaders at 8:30 a.m. Unloading begins. By 8:40 a.m., the setup is over 50 percent done. Unloading nearing completion, Pastor Capland arrives. Amanda Ferrelli and Anna Massena meet them at the park. They join Brad preparing the food area, readying it for the day’s challenge. The two on-site crews are impressed with the efficient and speedy preparation.

Lee Anne and Kent set up the sound system, using Calum’s stereo. His new mics and mixer provide the accessories. Testing starts. Veronica and Silvia Shaw set up the awards center. Veronica enjoys working with her daughter. Veronica wonders why there is no award for Calum. Capland decides who gets the awards. Timothy Shaw pairs with Calum, sets up the tables from the church. Brad, Amanda, and Anna have the food area ready. Brad was the last of the five drivers arriving picking up two generators from a rental firm. Calum powers his home stereo system with a generator he bought. Ice and frozen food will be kept in freezers powered by the generators Brad rented. Ice and frozen food will be bought in an hour, allowing the freezers time to cool down. The ice keeps the coolers cool for food and beverage. Calum thought everything out. This is his sixth year working all these special jobs. Some think Calum is more essential to the ministry of Saints Koinonia Church than the pastor. This Magnum hated this view concerning Joe. Capland likes the idea even less.

Starting at 10:00 a.m. continuing to 6:00 p.m., the picnic provides lunch and supper. People begin arriving at 9:15 a.m. Parking was advised to pay $14 at Windsor Car Park the church will have a shuttle service or at Hawrelak Park. Pedestrian signs will mark the way from both areas to walk to Emily Murphy. Kent marks two paths from Hawrelak and one from Windsor with pedestrian signs. The plan calls for a friendly meet and greet from ten till eleven, races from eleven till noon. Hot dogs, potato salad, chips, and ice cream are served from noon till one o’clock. Plaques honoring long service in the ministry for five plus years were given from one o’clock to one thirty. Activities went from one o’clock to three thirty. Prizes awarded for the day were handed out from four o’clock to four thirty. Barbecued chicken, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, cake, and ice cream were served for supper at four thirty to six o’clock. Capland’s coup de grace, the community service plaques, are presented during the evening meal. Somehow it seems the nominations for Calum’s recognition are missed by the pastor.

Trouble is, Calum seems to be on camera doing many things. Not one member of Capland’s family is seen volunteering. Melinda, the church secretary, has too many other things to do. Saul is busy getting into the groove with his new friends. Rebecca has her own ideas of what she wants. Of course, Calum’s refusal to let them in the ministry contributes its own effect. Cannot tick off Lee Anne, Amanda, or Kristi Ferrelli—their parents are major donors to the church coffers. The whole family is involved in many ministries in the church, expanding into several agencies in the city. He needs the influence their parents have. Having not added up hours, he is unaware there are six families with over two hundred hours total contribution to the church per annum. Calum, a single man, made one family. Most of his financial help for the church is done without receipt of gift. His total financial giving is significantly over 5 percent of the church budget.

At two o’clock, Timothy, Brad, and Calum leave the picnic to get the chicken, corn on the cob, more ice cream, and plenty more drinks. They return about two forty-five. At two fifteen, Brenda McCormick, Pat Hemming, Rejean Samuels with Amanda Ferrelli, Paul and Daniel Marshal, Ron Minnish, and Silvia Shaw take a break. Finding cool shade on the hot day, they rest in some trees. Saul Capland, Reginald Hoyt, Andrew Ramsey, and Alan Howell see a table with shade, about two twenty-five. They talk about a rerun they saw on TV from a previous season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. A dance instructor had a computer program that can remove clothing from pictures of people. He used video in his dance instruction then images from the video were processed by the program for his pleasure. One day a young girl’s dad was five minutes late getting to pick her up. She accepted a ride from the instructor. Her body was found in a park hours later. The boys mention pictures they have that they would like to process through this program.

Alan says, I have great pics of Brenda, Pat, Rejean, Anna, and the three Ferrelli girls. This program can only enhance.

Saul says, "Sounds like a great program to use on pics of gals. I prefer live. I know where to get date rape drugs. Use the drugs on Kristi, Amanda, Lee Anne, and their friend Anna. With them drugged we have them pose for us fully dressed, as they strip, and finally fully naked. This will allow us to compare the program to reality for accuracy. Once they are appropriately attired they will enjoy entertaining us, and will never complain since they will remember nothing.

All laugh. Red faced, at two thirty-five, those in the trees quietly leave.

At two forty-five, Brenda, Pat, and Rejean run into Saul, Andrew, and Alan. The boys invite the girls to Alan’s apartment. They can model for some pictures, have fun, and study biology. Amanda, Kristi, Lee Anne, Ron, Paul, and Daniel are chatting in the shade just three feet away from Brenda. They hear the invitation for the date and pictures. They also heard the boys’ previous discussion. The boys are very easy to hear. Saul mentions they will buy a computer program for special effects on pictures. The girls turn crimson, decline, and depart quickly. The boys laugh.

The girls head to their car in Hawrelak Park and take off. Jessica Hoyt meets them on the path as she is returning from her car. They explain why they are leaving. They clearly state Saul Capland, Reginald Hoyt, Andrew Ramsey, and Alan Howell are the boys they mean. Jessica tells her husband. He talks to Pastor Capland. Capland saw Calum talking to Silvia Shaw just five minutes earlier, about two fifty. Hoyt and Capland find Powell unloading the groceries with Mr. Shaw. They state, Several teen girls left because you offended them by showing porn pics. He denies showing any pictures that day. It is the pictures you asked to take of them. The pictures you suggested they take of you. Calum’s camera is at home. He is too busy to pose for any pictures. They complained that he stood so close to them that for them to get away from him, they had to rub against him. Calum left them. He had too much to do.

Timothy is puzzled. He tells Capland, I have been with Calum for the day. He had no such conversation. Go peddle your lies elsewhere.

Silvia dropped some money. As she bent over to get it, Saul walks past her table, flavoring her drink. Jesus had Calum see him smiling at Silvia. Calum told her that he thought Jesus was pleased with her ministry and with her heart. Jesus desired Silvia to know that. He wanted Silvia to get that message. Silvia had been having a lot of trouble with boys at school. As Calum gave her the message, he caused a squirrel to knock over the glass of juice she just poured.

Calum left Silvia, went for another drink. Saul is angry at Calum for spoiling his plans. Timothy and Brad carry one table between them. Calum carries one himself. Rebecca runs into him out of some bushes, stumbles into a tree. She has a slight cut that needs bandaging. Rebecca wants Silvia’s boyfriend. She was looking for Silvia to tell her Brett, Brad’s younger brother, is chasing Pat Hemming’s skirt. No truth, but hey, what it takes to break two up.

Tim knows Calum’s conversations concern the picnic. Mr. Shaw dismisses the discussion. They are too busy. More work calls. Calum is always on the move. One of Global’s three crews realized by nine that Calum provides the behind-the-scenes film they are to get. They place the pastor as a big blow hard, puffing himself up. They are amazed at all Calum is into. The first crew films Calum from 8:00 AM to noon. The exhausted crew trades with the pastor’s crew. The second crew is exhausted by 4 PM. The roaming crew films Calum till he and his crew leave at 9:30 PM with the park cleaner then when they arrived. Only Brad, Timothy, Veronica, Shaw, Lee Anne, and Kent worked as long as Calum. Too busy to notice the cameras, Calum is on the go. The camera crew trying to keep up with Calum is exhausted by four o’clock. They trade with the pastor’s crew. The Global teams, or the last filming Calum, also worked the long hours, longer actually, but were paid for their efforts.

A second crew films Pastor Capland and the dignitaries. They filmed the pastor’s day from 8:30 a.m. till noon, taking over from Calum’s crew, who finished with the pastor at six thirty. With the events over, the peons clean up. He leaves. The day is a rather relaxing pace for them, until trading with Calum’s crew. The third crew roams about. They see guys talking. They focus on Saul, Reginald, Andrew, and Alan, capturing a very clear audiovisual of the chat, providing a great test for the new equipment. The two groups concealed in the trees are seen as they review the tape. They keep the video, decide to see if the episode they discussed referred to real software. The cameraman for the roving crew is Anna’s brother, Chris. He is furious. No one talks about his sister like that. Chris obtains and keeps a copy of the tape from all three crews for his personal files of the entire coverage. The crew with Pastor Kirk Capland is Jason Ramsey and Fred Steinke. Chris Massena works with Christina Samson. Barry Brian Benson and Edna May Liddell begin the day filming Calum.

From twelve thirty to twelve fifty, Calum took five to have a quick bite. Dr. Andreacchi suggests Calum will make a great pastor. Dr. Andreacchi offers to pay all of Calum’s costs for university and seminary. Calum said, After July, I may think about it. I will ask your advice then. If I choose that path, I can afford it. I do appreciate your offer.

By Thanksgiving, most seem to have forgotten the picnic. Brad and Kent doubts the pastor has. He searches for every fault he can find with Calum. Brand and Kent are sure if he drives Calum away, many will follow Calum. Brad heard rumors Magnum and Steele ran another from the church who served in the same ministries Calum does. Five couples Brad knows say they will leave if it occurs a second time. Pastor Capland could put the church in trouble with his vendetta!

Friday evening, March 30, is a big weekend for the Ferrelli clan. Calum got to the church as soon as he could after working at Chapters. The two Marshall boys are there, the Shaw family, Amanda, Lee Anne, and Thomas are all in the chapel. The sound system is on strike. Calum has to take it to the repair shop again. Calum wishes he knew who is messing it up. The last eight months, it needed repairs ten times. The previous six years, only three times was it in for repairs. He has his suspicions.

They need a sound system now. They will try again. The chapel is decorated. The girls did a fantastic job. Dan and Brad planned the mic positions. The Shaws found creative positions for cameras in the chapel, prepared the bridal room. Saturday will be busy. Arriving at noon, they start right in. Calum calls for a meal break at four o’clock. Dan finds some unusual spotlights for the wedding. Timothy takes Calum to the music store. It will be two weeks before they can have it running. A speaker wire touched a live wire. The power into the speaker post caused major damage. Calum asks Brad to bring his junk stereo system. Curious Brad obeys.

Sunday, the crew arrives at the church three hours before Sunday school. They work hard preparing for the rehearsal at four o’clock that afternoon. Aware Dan is developing quite an interest in Amanda, Calum wonders if Amanda or Lee Anne will be the next to walk down the aisle. Calum notes Saul seems interested in Amanda, thinks Dan is a lot better. He sees she seems wise enough to see that. After church, Thomas drives Calum home, picks up his stereo system, mics, cable, and mixer. Quickly returning, they set up the sound system. Everything is ready as the rehearsal party arrives. The mic positions work perfectly. Everything is gold for the go.

Calum and Brad remain, cleaning up, while everyone heads to the rehearsal dinner. Calum trades his stereo system case with the case for Brad’s. Calum’s unit is hidden, replaced by Brad’s. Now it looks like the sound system is fully set up and working. Calum and Brad go to the front door, where eight people wait. Opening the door, one of the people shows Calum a paper. Calum allows them in. Brad and Calum head to the rehearsal dinner.

Brad asks, Who are those people? Will you not be in trouble letting them in?

Calum responds, Police. No, I will not be in trouble. They have a warrant. We are not to tell anyone about the police though. A good friend of mine, Ed Dornenball with several of his friends, is watching the sound system. Your stereo is the heart of it. If I am correct, someone will try to damage it.

Brad laughs. Damage that broken junk?

Saul stays at the dinner for about forty minutes, sees Brad and Calum arrive. He leaves ten minutes later. With everyone at the rehearsal dinner, no one will see him fix the sound. He has six cameras with three video cams. He will ensure the bridal party is filmed in the last-minute preps. Friday, he saw the bridal party arrive with their dresses. Calum showed them a room. They hid their dresses. Clearly, the bride and her maids will dress in this room. His will be the best wedding pictures! Noticing Saul’s furtive interest, Calum shares his suspicions with Ed Dornenball, a friend and EPS officer.

The police warrant allows full surveillance. Saul is filmed from entry to departure. His theft from the offering plates, destruction of the stereo system, and set up of cameras in two ladies’ washrooms and the bridal room is all witnessed and recorded.

With dinner over, Brad and Calum return to the church. Arriving fifteen minutes after Saul departs, Ed shows them the video, giving him two choices. Arrest now or wait till after the wedding. The second clearly proves his intent. There will be no embarrassment to the bridal party.

Calum asked, Can there be any legal problems?

Ed said, We have adequate warrants. Being responsible for the sound equipment, you have the right to inform the police. You allowed access in response to the warrant. You verified. The warrant requires your silence. Saul will have his day in court. Concerning the pics, black paper fell in front of his cameras.

This is being done very cleanly. Calum and Brad exchange the sound equipment. Monday, April 2, 2012, the Ferrelli wedding occurs. Saul came, expecting a good laugh at Calum’s stereo failure. Everything works. With the wedding over and everyone heading to the reception, Saul delays, enters the bridal dressing room. Gathering the six hidden cameras, he sees some paper. Looking at it, curses vehemently. A police officer steps out from her hiding place, arrests him. His cameras took great wedding pics of black paper. His response to the black paper is recorded. His vehement cursing leaves no doubt of his intent to photo the bridal party as they changed into their wedding attire.

Seeing police take his son, Capland is furious. The pastor is sure no one saw the arrest. Seeing the arrest, Calum and Brad know why Saul is escorted by the police. Calum explains to Lee Anne, "I saw Saul doing too many suspicious things Friday and Saturday. I called an EPS officer friend. Ed agreed to obtain a warrant for surveillance of the church. They recorded Saul’s attempt to sabotage the wedding and photo the bridal dressing room. They blocked the lenses, waited until after the wedding. They arrested him collecting the cameras. Two female officers arrived at two this afternoon with six other officers. Timothy let the eight officers in. Lee Anne is furious.

CHURCH RESPONSE

Sunday, April 8, 2012, Mike Johnston asks Calum if he plans to work with children in the September 2012 to June 2013 ministry year. He answers, I believe a church dies when it closes its children’s ministry. Yes, I will be with the children’s ministry next year. Mike leaves. Calum sees Timothy. He asks Timothy if they can talk privately. Timothy, seeing Calum’s face, is concerned. He agrees. Calum and Timothy enter a storage room so they will not be disturbed. Calum gives Timothy a holographic will.

Can you make sure it covers all legalities? Can you take care of anything needed, have it ready for next Sunday? What is the cost? I will pay cash next Sunday for it.

Timothy answers, I do this as a favor. I will be insulted if you do not accept. See you next Sunday. Is there some particular reason for the will?

Calum answers, I have had some dreams. I think God warns me of trouble ahead.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012, Stephen Hoyt calls Calum. Can you meet with the pastor and me at seven thirty Friday to discuss the ministries you will be involved in next year? Can we assist you in developing your ministry skills? Serving his guests dinner, he puts the phone on speaker. Calum agrees. Lee Anne Ferrelli, Dan Marshall, and Amanda Ferrelli listen as they enjoy his cooking. Dan asks Amanda to come to the church with him Friday at six thirty. She asks why. He says he has a bad feeling about the meeting. Amanda is growing to like Dan. She knows Calum is taken; Dan is almost as good. Lee Anne is lucky to have latched onto Calum before she realized the person he is. This invite means more time with Dan while helping Calum. Little can be better. She eagerly agrees. Lee Anne is still wondering when and if Calum will propose.

Friday at six thirty, they are in the church. Determining the boardroom as the meeting place, he takes Amanda to a girl’s washroom. Calum, Kent, Brad, Dan, and Paul probably know the church building better than anyone. They listen into everything said in the meeting room as Dan records it. First on the scene at seven twenty is Calum. At seven twenty-eight, Pastor Capland arrives. He refuses to say hello, comment on the weather, pray, read scripture, or begin the meeting. Calum tries to have a conversation. Capland ignores him. They sit twiddling thumbs. Hoyt arrives at seven forty-five. The pastor calls the meeting to order simply by saying Calum is not permitted to work with children. Stephen limits that to a year. They get up to leave. Calum asks why. Capland refers to the complaint from the picnic. Pressed for other reasons, he claims the decision was made before he began his ministry in the church. Stephen quickly mentions that years earlier, he offended a family. They left. No action then since the family was just justifying themselves. Calum presses for more reasons. Capland agrees to find out and inform him of the reasons then hastily departs with Stephen.

May 17, he calls the pastor, asks what he discovered. A meeting is set for the eighteenth.

May 18, he shows up at the church with witnesses—Dan, Paul, Brad, and Kent. He says, I want to know the real reason for banning me from children’s ministry.

The pastor says, You tell us why you should be punished then we will all know the reason. I told you the decision was made before I began my ministry here. We do know the insults you made to several teenage girls. I know of no other reason for the decision.

Calum states, I have no knowledge why either.

The pastor says, Get lost, I am preparing my sermon for Sunday and you are wasting my time.

Calum asks for a copy of the bylaws. The pastor reluctantly has his wife get them for Calum. Finding what he wishes, he and his friends put in a request for a meeting with the board. The bylaws state any five members may require the board meet with them or require the church meet them. Capland refuses. Calum quotes the particular bylaw, states Your choice board or church meeting. He answers he will talk it over with Hoyt as soon as possible then respond. Calum says, No answer by the third of June, I ask the church.

Sunday, May 27, Stephen Hoyt sees Calum as he leaves the chapel following adult Sunday school. He tells him The next meeting of the board is Thursday, June 14. You may meet the board at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, June 3, Calum hand delivers a letter to each board member. He receives zero response.

He clearly states his position and understanding in the letter: If the church closes its children’s ministry, he thinks the church will die. Of the four hundred families we have, three hundred have children in our children’s ministries. I talked with one hundred families. At least seventy say they will find another church if the children’s ministry closes. I cannot say how many, if any, of the families I have not talked to will leave. It is clear you have no reason for forbidding me to be involved in the children’s ministry. You have been unable to come up with one valid reason in two meetings.

He adds a clear statement of his understanding of their position concerning the message they have responded with:

The purpose for your action is so I will consider leaving the church. Obviously, you believe I will leave the church if I am not in the children’s ministry. The problem is you cannot. In this manner of communication, clearly indicate the method preferred to follow your advice. There are four basic actions. I can go to another church, attend no church, go to another faith in a false God, or I can cease living—suicide. The choice you prefer I take is not clear. I am forced to guess.

Thursday, June 14, at 9:30 p.m., Calum meets with the board. Forgetting his copy, Hoyt photocopies his, gives Calum the copy. Brad, Kent, Lee Anne, Dan, and Mrs. Ferrelli are witnesses. They meet at Tim Hortons a few blocks from the Church. He tells them that they were there under the authority of scripture.

Matthew 18:15–18. Dealing With Sin in the Church

¹⁵ If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. ¹⁶ But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ d ¹⁷ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

¹⁸ Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

¹⁹ Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.²

Board Meeting

They are to witness the meeting. They will, if needed, explain to the church what they see, hear and or occurs at the meeting. They should not take sides. Attempt to be impartial witnesses reporting the facts. I have two pens and a notebook for each of you. The board is being asked to explain why they are disciplining me. I suggest you set aside a page or two for this. You need to have a column for accuser, accusation, concern, date. You need to ensure you confirm the date the board made the decision to discipline me. Thus armed, they came. The notes taken looked like this:

The pastor asks everyone for a closing remark. Calum is the last to be asked for his closing remarks. Mike Johnston supports Mr. McElroy, stating none of the complaints mentioned tonight were brought to the board on any previous occasion. Stephen and Barney state all issues of significance are mentioned, any others are minor, can be ignored. Calum asks for five minutes rest to collect his thoughts. Hoyt grudgingly agrees. He phones Fitzgerald, who denies any complaints except his trying to involve him in the church after he left with the phone call. Brad, Lee Anne, and her dad listen on the speaker. They hear his statement. I have knowledge neither of any person nor persons who has any complaints against you. I have discussed with neither any person nor any group of persons in neither any formal nor informal discussion that in any part of it mentioned or brought up any complaints against you. Calum and his friends agree that is a strong denial.

Returning from his rest period, Calum’s response was "The board made vague statements and only clearly identified one accuser. It is stated Arthur Fitzgerald accused me of an unknown fault. He denies knowing of any person or persons with a complaint against me. Not only that, he had a discussion neither with any person nor persons in neither informal nor formal manner concerning faults with me. He did mention one issue. I phoned him on the break. He was not happy I was trying to involve him in church matters. The person involving him is in fact Mr. Hoyt for falsely accusing him of back stabbing and gossip. A second one is false. Capland repeats the accusation from several girls at a picnic. I denied this on the day you brought this lie forward. The options any witnesses here have to choose from are

1) If I talked with showing them pictures, I lied in denying it.

2) If denial is true, any person lies saying I did.

3)