Every Church Needs a Bag Lady
Dennis Sawyer
October 1, 1984
She usually arrived midway through the morning worship service, attired in three or four dresses, an apron, and a coat. Her red wig, often off to one side, was usually secured by a tight-fitting knit cap, even in summer. She resembled an older, slightly frail Munchkin from the mythical land of Oz. Stealthily, she would seek a seat near the back of the sanctuary. As she did, coats and Bibles would seem to sprout alongside the other worshipers, occupying any vacant seats. Undaunted, Katie would keep looking, a large shopping bag dangling from each hand, until she found a row with an empty seat, usually near the front or beside a first-time visitor. Setting her two bags in the aisle, she would kneel, cross herself, then pick up her bags, rustle past the other parishioners, and nest. During the remainder of the service, she would gesture eccentrically and mumble comments either to her neighbors or toward the pastor. At the conclusion of the service, she would strike a pose of reverent prayer before leaving quickly and quietly. Then came the Sunday with a special program and Communion. The church was nearly full. Katie, in her familiar attire but with one addition-combat boots-could find only an aisle seat in the second row from the front. She proceeded with her usual gesturing, rustling, and mumbling until the Communion service began. At that time, she became very reverent and still. The deacon serving her row extended the tray of bread pieces past Katie to the next person, from whence it proceeded toward the other end. Katie looked around, bewildered, then shrugged, reached into one of her shopping bags, and pulled out a loaf of bread. She offered some to her neighbors (who politely refused), took a whole slice for herself, and ...
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