This morning...
I found a feather in the gutter.
It was worn, it was tattered,
seemingly worthless.
But I thought to myself...
on the wing of an eagle,
a feather like this can soar high above the trees,
over snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers.
I don't get it, man.
You know, everyone runs around
looking for things they don't have.
Most times, it's...
It's right in front of their eyes.
Ah.
See now...
Now take this for example. Right?
Don't mind if I do.
In Shakespeare's hand, a feather dipped in a bit of ink
gave us the world's
most beautiful wonderful stories.
Now see? Who'd throw something
this awesome away, huh?
Not you or me.
Not enough comfort in the world as it is, if you ask me.
What else have we got in here?
- What are you doing? - Um... oh, um...
I was just minding my own business, officer.
A paint brush in my hands might be good for painting the house,
but a paint brush in Michelangelo's hands...
- All right. - The Sistine Chapel.
Have some breakfast then. Here.
Huh?
- Do me a favor. - Yes, sir?
Stay out of trouble, all right?
I don't want to have to haul you in again.
Anything you say, sir.
- Thank you. - Okay.
Hand me a violin...
friends, you would run for the hills.
A violin in the hands
of Itzhak Perlman, priceless.
Got by that time.
Two fish and five loaves
in my hands, not very much.
Two fish and five loaves
in the Lord's hands can feed thousands.
Friends, things and people
only take on their full value
when they are placed in the right hands.
Are you willing to give your life to God
so that he can use you for his purpose?
The Bible tells us he took the five loaves
and the two fish.
He looked up to heaven and he gave thanks.
He blessed the food, he broke the loaves,
he gave them to his disciples to set before them,
and the two fish,
he divided among them all.
It was a miracle that day.
Friends, all is made good through God.
You can choose to live your life on your own...
never asking for help, never asking for guidance.
Or you can give your life to God
and discover all the wondrous things
that he has planned for you.
All the wonderful things he has planned
for each and every one of you.
Can I get an "amen"?
- Yes! - Amen!
Don't be so obvious.
Thank you for coming.
- Hey, hey, thank you, Meredith. - Thanks, Reverend.
Meredith, thank you. Hi. Hi, Lori.
Thank you for coming.
Tim, good to see you. Keep coming back.
Hey, kids! You too busy to talk to your dad?
Oh, great sermon, Dad.
Oh, thank you. Did you really like it?
Because I think that I touched
the congregation today on many different levels.
- I wasn't really listening. - Oh.
Well, please tell me that you got something out of my sermon.
I'm hungry. Does that count?
- -Look, I was thinking that we could spend
this afternoon as a family.
We can go to the movies, maybe go to the museum.
Well, actually, Peter's got some video game convention thing that he's going to
and Chrissy's working pet adoptions down at the animal shelter.
You know, I worry about that kid sometimes.
And she's got such a tough exterior, you know,
but I know she's falling in love
- with each and every one of those rescue dogs. -Mmm.
- Sweetheart, I... - I know.
I'm sorry.
I got a mani-pedi appointment,
- then I'm getting my roots done. - Mmm.
I'll see you later.
Okay, honey.
Brian Johnson wants to see you in his office.
Oh. Oh. Thank you.
Closing?
There simply aren't enough members to sustain this parish any longer.
The neighborhood? Mostly businesses.
The families have all moved out.
Holding this church together with such limited resources, but...
Look, I know, okay?
We didn't get enough funds to get a new roof,
but that's no reason to close the church.
The building is falling apart around you.
The congregation will be invited to join the church at Saint Mark's.
You're being reassigned.
- Eufala. - Yes, I follow.
No, no, no, no.
That is the name of the town.
Arizona.
Eufala, Arizona.
I want to talk to you about...
Now, just hear me out before you say anything,
because this is not something that I sought out,
but it is... something
that I think that we should consider.
She's stood behind your decisions in the past, hasn't she?
She's got your back, man.
I'm sorry.
Have I seen you before?
Me? Well...
Me, I've always been here.
And you just haven't noticed.
I don't mind.
And you have an opinion that you want to share with me.
Now... now, the way I see it...
Now if you truly believe in something,
trust in that with all your soul.
Well, with all due respect, mister... mister...
Deangelis.
- Hi. - Rain Deangelis.
You know, like the...
like the cleansing drops that fall from the heavens.
Mr. Deangelis, with all due respect,
you couldn't possibly know what I'm going to have to go through right now.
Now, you've got to convince your fa... family to do something...
something you haven't quite convinced yourself about...
even though you know in your heart it's the right thing to do.
You know how they say when God closes a door, he opens a window?
- Yeah. -Well, you could just wait for that window to open
So you're saying that this could be God's plan for my family?
All I'm saying is you could just open the door.
That's how doors work.
Thanks.
- Uh, hi, Chrissy. - Hi, Dad.
What if I don't want to go to Eufala?
What then?
So there's this new game called Cliff Hanger, and it's super...
Well, that's interesting, honey.
Mom, it's more than just interesting.
It's like the coolest game ever.
I mean you get to climb all the highest mountains in the world,
like Half Dome, Mount Whitney, Kilimanjaro...
Kilimanjaro?
Oh, honey, I don't know if I want you
Well, after each mountain, you gain new skills for the next climb.
Well... you know, it sounds very dangerous.
I think you should talk to your father about it.
It's not like he's actually going outside or anything.
Okay, who's talking to y...
What the... what...
- This is Yoda. - I think it's a gremlin.
What is it doing here?
She was the only one not adopted today.
- I can see why. - Mom!
I couldn't bear the thought of her going to the shelter alone.
I think she's great. Can we keep her, Mom?
Absolutely not. You know this building doesn't allow pets.
Come on.
Oh. Little boo boo.
Okay, maybe one night.
Tomorrow you're going back to the shelter.
And she's staying in your room. Your father can't know about this, okay?
- Okay. - Mary Louise.
- Hiya, honey. - Hey, sweetheart.
- Hi. - Um, I gotta talk to you.
Can it wait?
Just...
There's... this church,
and the pastor just retired.
And I've been assigned
to help them find a permanent replacement.
And it's just something I feel that I have to do...
That... that we have to do,
and I don't think there's a lot of choice.
Well, there is a choice.
Joey's been after you for years to come work at the restaurant.
Mary Louise, I have a calling, all right?
And your brother and I don't exactly get along.
Oh, nonsense.
I mean, now you can finally be part of the family business.
And then on the weekends, you can do God's work.
I mean, it's... It's win-win honey.
Oh, at least promise me you'll think about it.
I mean, you know how much we love it here.
All right, honey, I'll think about it.
- Thank you. - But on one condition.
If it doesn't work out,
we go. No complaints.
Okay.
Where is this place, anyway?
Eufala.
- What, we can't go with you? - Eufala, Arizona.
Breakfast is served.
For our vegan option, we've got lentils
with broccoli, kale, and... tofu.
Very, very delicious.
Our protein breakfast for you, young man,
egg white frittata in a tomato sauce.
Gluten free. Not too bad if I do say so myself.
You kids are taking that dog back to the shelter this morning, right?
Good, 'cause we can't have your father worrying about anything else today, okay?
Well, we can't have Yoda going back
on an empty stomach, can we?
- Thanks, Mom. - Enjoy. Bon appétit.
All right, honey.
Oh, honey, I made you this lean, mean, delicious green shake.
Come try it. It's filled with antioxidants.
Oh, that's so nice, sweetheart,
but I'm going to catch something on the way, because I'm late.
I'm going to give it the old college try with the pizza pie. Love you.
Ooh.
Okay. Well...
maybe... maybe we'll try something else.
How many times I gotta tell you, Joe?
Enough with that darn bell. You don't have to ring it so many times.
You don't have to yell on top of it, okay? I can hear you.
Yeah, like anything could make you move quicker.
I heard that.
Oh, there he is!
Ah!
Hey, everybody, listen up.
This here is my brother-in-law, Randy.
- Oh! I knew you'd come around eventually. -
- Yeah. -It took Mary Louise longer than we thought, huh?
- Yeah. Welcome to our humble establishment, Reverend. -Thank you.
Let me get you an apron and get you all set up.
Okay. Thanks, Tina.
This was a mistake.
- We're closed! -Oh! Uh, Joey, just... can I speak to him?
Don't go all soft on me.
Hey. What are you doing here?
What are you thinking, man? Huh?
This isn't what you're supposed to be doing.
Now... you know that, right?
Um...
I don't know anymore.
Yes, Randy, yes, you do.
It's just a different question this time.
Doesn't change the answer.
Wait, wait.
Let... let me get you something, okay?
- Joey can I have a couple slices for this gentleman, please? - Here.
False alarm.
- Oh! Where are you going? - Out.
I told you. You never listen.
Me and your sister are going to a book signing at the library.
The library?
So, you survive your first day?
Yeah, Tina, thank you. Thank you.
I really, really don't think I would have made it without you.
Floor ain't going to mop itself, Reverend.
Joey.
- Get to work. - Okay, brother-in-law of mine.
Hey, Tina. Hey, honey.
- Honey! - Mwah! How's it going?
- Joey work you too hard? - Whatever.
Listen, there's a plate in the fridge. All you gotta do is heat it up, okay?
I'll see ya later.
What? You forget something?
No. Look at him.
He's miserable.
Be honest with me.
Am I being selfish?
- Making him do this so that we can stay? - Here's what I think.
You love someone, you want 'em to be happy, right?
- Yeah. -Even if that means maybe doing something you don't wanna?
- Mmm, yeah. - Okay, look.
You think being a waitress in a pizza joint in Los Angeles was what I wanted?
- No? - No!
I had dreams, you know?
I really wanted to be somebody, like...
Like a dental hygienist.
Then I fell in love with that big galoot brother of yours.
He wanted to take over the family business, and here we are.
So, you're saying I should go with him?
I'm saying that if you really love him...
- Mm-hm. -...you should give what he wants a try.
He did come out here for me.
Return the favor. And look good doing it.
Come on, we're going home.
- What about the library? - What about the floor?
Oh, go ahead, get out of here. Shh.
You know I love you guys. I love your pizza even more.
Mm-hmm. - Oh, honey, you're miserable.
I see it. But you tried...
for me and I love you for that. I really do.
But this isn't what you're supposed to be doing.
You're supposed to be spreading the gospel...
not garlic and prosciutto.
Healing souls, not tossing dough.
- I... - Shh!
I want what you want, and if what you want is in Arizona...
- Arizona? -...then your family is going with you to Arizona.
- I love you. Oh, I really love you. - Come on.
You think it's romantic, some girl does what her husband wants,
Yeah. I think that's romantic, you sorry Neanderthal.
Ah. Me too, I guess.
Aww.
- Mmm! - Mwah. Mwah.
- Ah. - Grr.
Let me guess. You're getting a divorce.
No, honey. Never.
- Is somebody dying? - No. Nobody's dying.
No, it's nothing like that.
We are moving to Arizona temporarily.
- What about school? - Yeah, all our friends are here.
Well, there are schools in Arizona. You can make new friends.
Your mother and I realize that this is a lot to ask of you,
but there's a church that needs a helping hand down there,
and your father's been asked to go.
This is very important to your father.
We need to support his decision.
The animal shelter counts on me here. This isn't fair.
Chrissy. Wait, wait, wait.
Chrissy.
It's breaking my heart to even ask you this,
but you have to have some faith.
You have to trust your old man.
- -I can't believe you're making us leave.
I make a real difference here.
Can't I stay with Uncle Joey and Aunt Tina?
Sweetheart, you are so special,
you will make a difference no matter where you are.
I get my own bathroom, right?
I mean, no more sharing with the bathroom hog.
- That's a deal. - Deal.
I drive a hard bargain, huh?
Yes, you do. A very hard bargain.
I thought you were going to ask for something like your own car.
- Was that on the table? - Absolutely not.
- What about a new dog? - What do you mean?
- Oh. - Deal or no deal?
Chrissy!
Deal.
You do drive a very hard bargain.
Thanks.
- I love you. - I love you too.
Watch the light, honey.
I never thought I'd be this sad to leave this place.
Oh. Come here.
We're really gonna miss you guys.
Us too.
Oh, who knows? Maybe we'll show up in Eufala someday.
Word is they could use some decent pizza in Arizona.
- Oh, is that the word? - Yeah.
Just because we're on the road doesn't mean you can't study.
A Hundred Fun Facts about Arizona?
You're kidding, right?
There'll be a quiz in an hour.
Wow. That's a lot smaller than I thought.
How is that even a town?
Welcome to Eufala, kids.
Well, this is it.
Speak now, honey, or forever hold your peace.
Oh, you know me.
When I commit to something, it's all the way, honey.
You sure?
Being a pastor's wife means going wherever the pastor is needed.
I love you.
Come on, kids. Welcome to the country.
- Come on. Whoop. - Darling.
Thank you.
Ha! Someone's got a sense of humor.
Or wants their husband out of the house more often.
Exactly.
- Hey. - Hi.
- I'm, uh...
Sir, I know who you are.
Eufala isn't exactly the kind of place people just wander upon.
- I'm Alex Hutchins. -I'm Randolph, otherwise known as Pastor Randy.
This is my beautiful wife, Mary Louise.
Hi. -And this is my daughter, Chrissy.
Hey, you two are about the same age, huh?
Oh, that's Yoda. That's the cute sister.
This is my son, Peter.
- Gosh, you're pretty. - Hey, be a gentleman.
- We'll see you kids inside, huh? - All right. Bye.
I love the whole I-just-fell-asleep-in-the-car look you got going on.
Not many girls can pull that off.
You know, my mom, Reva, she owns the best beauty shop in all of Eufala.
You should really come by once you get settled.
And I'm guessing you mean the only beauty shop in Eufala.
Why aren't you inside with the others? Animal abusers not allowed in?
My mom is also church secretary,
so naturally she has to be here on Sundays.
Come on. I'll show you around.
Coming? And your little dog, too.
You have to go into town for a signal.
- God, where are we? - Eufala.
You know, my uncle, Danny, he's the youth group leader at church.
I can introduce you to him.
- Meet you inside. - Okay.
Mabel, it's okay now. Just sit a spell,
take a deep breath. Ain't none of us going anywhere.
All right? Take a deep breath.
There you go.
- Hi. - ♪ You are the one
As church secretary, everyone's going to expect for me
I know that they look meaner than a bunch of rattle snakes, but they don't bite.
- -At least not during the daytime.
Oh, Mary Louise, I know that you and I are going to be the best of friends.
Nobody else in this town has any real... style,
not like you and me.
- Whoo! - Now, Jimmy Watkins,
I swear sometimes you have more moving hands than a watch factory.
Well, as long as you have time for me.
Kids, I think I saw some cookies on the table.
Why don't you go get something to eat?
Go on. Go.
Just quit horsing around. We are trying to make
a good impression on our new pastor.
Oh! Pleasure to meet you, Pastor.
- Pastor Randy. - Pastor Randy.
- Mary Louise. -Mary Louise. Pleasure to meet you.
Well, I just want to apologize for that public display of affection.
But as you can probably tell, this here filly,
she's prettier than a hot glob of butter melting on a pancake.
Of course, I probably don't have to tell you that, do I, Pastor?
There's a whole church full of people waiting to meet these fine folks.
All right. Well, welcome to Eufala.
- Pleasure. - Thank you.
So who's responsible for that very humorous sign that's out front?
- Yeah. Funny. - That's Danny's job.
Poor boy's only got one oar in the water most times, but he is such a cut up.
Sometimes I wish I were funny, I mean, instead of pretty.
Now where was I?
Oh, that is the Widow Smythe.
She's kind of a celebrity here in Eufala.
She was in some movie with Elvis back in the day.
- Girls! Girls! Girls! I think it was. - That's impressive.
It's hard to imagine her ever being a movie star.
Oh, and poor thing, she's been in love
with Pastor Zeek for going on 40 years.
- That's a long time. - Long time.
- It's a very long time. - Yeah.
Well, she's a tough one.
She can start an argument in an empty house.
I'm having a hard time... What does that mean?
It means she's going to be your toughest critic.
Ah. Well, thanks for the warning,
but Mary Louise and I,
we're pretty good at winning people over, so...
In fact, why don't we go take a shot at that right now, huh, honey?
- Yes. Let's go say hi. - Thank you.
Well, good luck.
- Hi, baby. - Hey.
- Hi, baby. - Hey, baby.
How are ya?
- I'm cool. - I missed you.
- Mrs. Smythe? - Oh.
You must recognize me from my movies, am I right?
No, I... I...
was actually just saying you look so familiar.
Girls! Girls! Girls! Am I right?
Mm-hmm.
So, tell me why it is you think you should be our new pastor.
Oh, Mrs. Smythe, we just got done with this.
Really again?
Mrs. Smythe, it is a pleasure to meet you.
I am just looking so forward
- to meeting all of the residents of Eufala. -
Not that many worth knowing, if you ask my opinion.
Especially not that one.
I mean, just look at how she dresses.
And for church no less.
It's like soup on a plate. It's just not right.
- Right, Ze... Zeek! - Huh! What?
If brains were leather, that girl wouldn't have enough to saddle a June bug.
Whatever you say, Ethel.
- Hi. - Pastor Ezekiel?
- You cycle? - Sorry?
What, are your ears flopping over?
Do you cycle, cycle, cycle? Do you ride a bicycle?
Oh, oh, yes, yes, actually, all the time. Yes, sir.
Good. I do my best thinking on a bike.
Twenty miles. Tomorrow 6:00 a.m. Don't be late.
- -Oh, I hope you are in good shape.
Zeek is quite an athlete.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Wh... huh.
Where's your Bible? I don't trust a pastor
who doesn't carry the good book with him at all times.
Well, actually, I happen to have it downloaded right here on this tablet.
It's very convenient to keep the good book with me at all times.
The Bible wasn't meant to be convenient.
Any minister worth his salt
should carry the actual weight of the book
to remind him of the import of the words
that he has been entrusted to share.
Well, if that's the case, then I guess that any minister worth his salt
would carry around stone tablets
as Moses received on the mount.
Well played, young man.
Well played.
- Don't be late. - I won't.
I think I've had enough of meeting people today.
- Yeah, me too. - Okay. Shall we...?
What do you say we go find ourselves a place to live?
- I think it's a great idea. - Okay.
Well, Mary Louise, what do you think? Interesting, huh?
Yeah, very.
Where's our car?
Where is our car?
Mary Louise, the U-Haul... Everything is gone!
Never should've left LA.
Officer. Officer.
Are you sure? There haven't been any robberies in Eufala...
There was that one time when you got called in to investigate
- when Mrs. van Der Gelder's billy goat went missing. - Right.
Turns out he just wandered next door to spend some time with Mabel's doe.
And Rascal Johnson thought that his truck was stolen
- a while back, remember that? -Mm-hmm. Found it a few days later right where
he left it, behind Billy Jean's cafe.
I'm sorry, we're losing precious time here.
We're not talking about Mrs. van Der Gelder's love-struck goat
or Rascal Johnson's long lost truck.
We're talking about everything we own in the world.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
My family loses everything, and the best they can do is laugh.
Mary Louise, we're going back to the city where it's safe.
- In what car? - Now hold on there, Padre.
I'll give you a ride.
I promise we'll find your stuff.
- Coming? - Oh yeah.
So, how do you all like Eufala?
Well, we've only been here a couple of hours,
and we don't have a place to live,
but other than that, it's... it's great.
I'm sorry. Is something funny?
- No. - Actually, our impression
of Eufala is less than dandy at the moment.
- Uh, Dad. - No, no, not now, Peter.
And frankly, I would expect more out of you, officer,
even if you're not used to bad things happening
in your little town.
Chrissy, just give me a minute, all right?
- Randy. - What?
It seems we've gotten off like a herd of turtles, Padre.
This is the house the church provides for the pastor.
It's yours for as long as you're here.
And that is Eufala helping you move in.
Why don't you guys go check it out?
Dibs on the biggest bathroom.
What are you waiting for?
Let's go see our new home.
What... what is going on?
They're unloading our stuff, honey.
Welcome to the country, family.
This is amazing.
Set this up like it's your own kitchen, girls.
Everything convenient and organized, all right?
Tell me why we have to do this.
I mean, they're only here for six months,
then we have to do this all over again
for the next pastor and his family.
Well, that's not how we do things in Eufala, now is it?
We never know how long someone's going to be in our lives,
so we welcome them as though it's going to be forever.
You know how these city people are.
I mean, I bet you anything she doesn't even know how to cook.
- -They probably go out and eat all the time
and never eat at home like a family should.
Have you seen the way she dresses?
Way too fancy for a preacher's wife.
There's nothing wrong with wanting to look your best.
You know, it must be scary
moving to a new town and meeting new folks.
- What is this? - It's a juicer.
Oh!
You know, for those rare occasions where we don't go out to eat.
I actually like to use organic fresh fruits and vegetables,
you know, like kale, wheat germ, strawberries.
We are so happy your family is here in Eufala, aren't we, ladies?
What smells so delicious?
Oh!
Mary Louise, you simply haven't lived
until you've tried Lila's country fried steak and sweet potato pie.
Honey, do you need to step outside and get some air?
I think so.
Ooh.
Yeah, yeah, I'm just not used to eating any stuff like that.
You know, all those carbs.
Well, I do suppose that southern cooking can take some getting used to.
Yeah.
Say, is everyone in Eufala always this nice and helpful?
Well, I mean, I guess we have our share of good old boys
who break bad every now and again, but for the most part, yeah.
We just tend to take care of each other.
- Just being neighborly, I guess you could say. -Mmm.
Yeah, I didn't know any of my neighbors back in the city.
Oh, well, I guess that it can take some time to get to know your neighbors.
Mmm. Oh! That's Norma Nichols, editor of the Eufala Tattler.
Look at her.
Madder than a mule chewing on bumble bees.
- Bumble bees? -Norma doesn't care for me much.
She fancies Officer Barney.
She thinks that...
It's so silly... I flirt with him.
Well, you kind of do.
Please. As if any guy who liked...
this would go for her.
- Reva. - Norma.
Good afternoon, ladies. Hi, I'm Norma Nichols,
editor of the Eufala Tattler. Now I assume you're...
Mary Louise. It's a pleasure.
Pastor Ezekiel retiring after 50 years
is a big change for the people of Eufala.
I'd like to do a cover story on your family.
Introduce yourselves, help the community get to know their new guests.
Oh, all right, I'll go get my husband.
Oh, bless your heart.
- Uh, wh... thank you. - You're welcome.
Mary Louise, a word please.
You see, that doesn't really mean what you think it does.
What Reva really means is that was just a silly statement,
but you're just not self aware enough to know it.
Oh.
Mary Louise, it's you I want to interview.
Oh, good gracious, Norma,
our guests just got here.
Maybe your little interview will have to wait.
Very well then. Good day.
I'm sure that Mary Louise will be happy to answer all your questions then.
Yeah. Sometimes that girl just dills my pickle.
But... Norma's all right, I suppose.
I mean, she just needs to loosen up a little bit.
- -I tell you, the only reason that I flirt
with Officer Barney at all is to get Norma's goat.
I got my eyes on Jimmy Watkins.
Okay.
Whoo! Forget how good fresh air tasted.
So...
you think this might be a good move for us?
Well, this is your calling, right?
Not Arizona. I mean the ministry.
When I was a kid, I didn't want to go to church. My parents made me go.
All the other kids would be playing football in the street.
I was jealous. I didn't think it was fair.
My mother said, "It doesn't matter if it's fair. It's right."
But I was grateful to her after I heard the story of Samuel,
that even small children could hear the voice of God.
And I so wanted God to speak to me.
But no matter how still it was at night
or how quiet I was in the back of the bus,
I couldn't hear anything.
So, I started to think that maybe I was unworthy
or that... that God spoke to other people and not me.
Then my mother told me, "You know what, Randal?
"You're doing it wrong. You don't listen for God
with your ears, you listen with your heart."
And that's when everything changed for me.
That's when I heard his voice.
And now I think I can hear him saying
that this might be the right place for us for a while.
Maybe it's not so bad, us being here for a while, huh, kids?
- What do you think? - I can make it work.
- Yeah? -It's cool. I mean, I don't gotta share
a bathroom anymore with... her.
Yeah, it wasn't a walk in the park for me either.
- What about you, Chrissy? - Six months?
Yeah, it'll be okay.
What do you say, girl?
Yoda is in, too.
- All right then. - All right then.
It's settled. We're staying.
Only for six months, though.
Hey.
- Hey. - Where you going?
I'm going bike riding with Pastor Ezekiel. Remember?
Oh, honey, do you think that's such a good idea?
Well, it's a chance for me to get to know Pastor Ezekiel,
find out more about the congregation,
what they're looking for in the line of a new minister.
Besides, the sooner I find a new minister...
The sooner we get to go back to Los Angeles.
- Bingo. - Okay.
Besides, what could go wrong?
You haven't been on a bike in a long time.
Oh please, honey, the guy is like 90 years old.
There is one problem. You don't really have a bike.
- There is that. - Gonna use Pete's 12-speed.
Uncle Joey took that.
Your brother took Pete's bike?
- Yeah. -Yeah, but I mean, you could just use Chrissy's.
Y... yeah, go for it.
The things we do for the Lord.
I doubt seeing an out-of-shape city minister
ride a bike is on His wish list.
Well, getting to know Pastor Ezekiel I'll bet you is.
Pastor Zeek.
Pastor Randy. I thought this might be
Oh, no, no, no, we... in the city we like to say, "Early bird gets the worm."
That's a good one. Okay, let's get rolling
before the sun gets so hot, it'll melt the smile right off your face.
Yes, sir.
That's your bike?
Well, I hope your chances of finding a pastor are better than your choice in bikes,
or I'll be leading this congregation for the next 50 years.
- Is this a... a joke? -Well, sir, it's kind of been in the family a long time.
I'm just yanking your chain there.
- -I'm sure you'll find somebody to replace me.
Maybe you have already.
Okay, let's get this show on the road before it gets so hot
we won't be able to make sense out of anything.
You know what that character Charlie Brown says?
- What's that, sir? -He says, "Life is like a 10-speed bike.
Most of us have gears we haven't even used yet."
Zeek.
- Come on, don't lallygag! - Pastor Ezekiel!
I suppose I should have taken it easier on you, being your first day and all.
Oh... I'll be all right, sir, I just...
need a moment to... catch my breath.
I just want to make one thing clear.
This retirement is not my idea.
I... still got a few good years left in me.
I'm slowing down a bit.
I may lose a word, lose my place occasionally.
I've been known to nod off
when Jimmy's choir starts caterwauling,
but I have the fire inside me.
You know, once you have the word of God in your heart,
well, you know what I mean.
Yes, sir.
I suppose they're right.
I should be thinking more about the church,
and thinking about keeping it energized and current
and young folks coming back every week.
Then there's Ethel. She's not getting any younger.
I suppose I should...
do the right thing and marry the old goat
while both of us... still can remember our names.
Old goat, sir?
I've grown quite fond of this congregation...
and I will not turn it over to the wrong person.
So, I am trusting you to find the right person
or you won't get me out of here with a crowbar and a bag of peaches.
Well, you can count on me, sir. I'm not going to let you down.
See that you don't.
Folks in Eufala don't take kindly to having their business known,
but you just got to try and remember that sometimes the folks that...
seem to need help the least are the ones that need it the most.
Hey, I can give you a ride.
No.
That's all right. I'm okay.
City people.
♪ Boy, am I gonna have fun
♪ I wanna be a cowboy
♪ Rope 'em and a-ride 'em ♪
♪ I get 'em up, move 'em out ♪
Oh, my gosh. I really just want to jog in peace, okay?
If you're almost finished with your exercise there, we could grab that interview.
Look, Norma, I'm... I'm sorry I just...
I know. I know you're used to having your own space.
- I've been there. - Yeah.
There's something to be said for life in the big city,
being left alone, being anonymous.
Any chance you got time for that interview
this afternoon, Mary Louise? Say four o'clock?
- Yeah, all right. Sure. - Okay, I'll see you at 4:00.
Hello?
Is anyone here?
Right here!
Hello?
I'm in here, honey.
Hi.
I hope you don't mind. I...
I just came in through the front door,
'cause it was unlocked.
That lock hasn't worked in years.
You people don't lock your doors?
Why on earth would we do that?
- Right. - Wow. You look terrible.
Well, thank you.
Is this... my desk?
Oh! Uh, yes.
- Yeah? - Um, okay.
These are next Sunday's church bulletins.
Pastor Zeek likes me to get 'em printed up by Tuesday
on account that if I didn't, he will keep adding stuff till the last minute.
So, I thought you might like to take a look.
Great. Lets see here.
"6:00 p.m. Bean Supper, Fellowship Hall.
Music to follow." That's good. That's cute.
- I don't get it. -"Bean supper. Music to follow."
Oh! Oh yeah, beans and music.
Yeah, I guess I am funny and not just pretty.
I'm sorry that the place is such a mess.
I tend to get a little bit behind in my filing
on account of I'm only here a couple hours.
I have to leave at noon to go do hair.
Reva's Curl Up & Dye Beauty Salon.
"Curl Up & Dye"?
Are you serious?
Our motto is, "If you're not becoming to him, you better be coming to us."
You should give that to your wife.
I mean, not that your wife's not becoming to you.
I... yeah, uh... oh, my gosh. Of course she isn't.
You're a pastor. It's not like you guys are...
No, no, I appreciate my wife's appearance
just as much as any other man.
That's not what I meant to say.
I didn't mean that I appreciate other men
appreciating my wife's appearance. That's not what I...
You're bad.
Am I interrupting something?
Oh, thank goodness. Please do come in.
I got to get to Reva's Curl Up & Dye.
- It's not going to open itself, now is it? -Ooh!
Mmm, mmm, mmm! Whoo-hoo!
Please sit down.
Hi.
How can I help you?
Well...
Pastor Ezekiel hasn't paid attention to things for a little while.
- Mmm. And? - And well, look around.
I mean, we're busting at the seams.
Everything is all worn out. Out of date.
Ah, I see. So you have some suggestions that you'd like to make.
All right. New choir robes.
- Choir robe. - State of the art sound system.
- State of the art sound system. -Yeah. Uh-huh. And a real rehearsal space.
And an actual pastor's office.
New pastor's office. Thank you.
What we need is a new building.
New building? Listen...
I am the temporary pastor here,
but mainly I'm here to find a replacement for Pastor Ezekiel,
so you might want to take this up with...
Pastor Randy, think of this as an opportunity
to make a real difference here in Eufala.
Mary Louise, I just want to say thank you so much
for having me in your beautiful home for the interview.
I've been real excited.
Now I do understand you've already met
Eufala's most influential people. Widow Smythe for example.
Oh yes, Mrs. Smythe does seem to have quite a hold on this town, doesn't she?
I know. I don't get it myself.
And you know what? I guess it always will be.
- Here you go. - Oh, thank you.
So tell me, what do people in Eufala do?
I... I mean, for fun?
Well, a lot of the women, they like their scrapping.
Scrapbooking. Putting photos in books.
Quilting, swap meets.
On the weekends, you got your rodeos,
and your square dancing and oh, pie baking.
Bingo. Bingo's real fun.
I almost won once.
Gosh, I really miss the big city.
- Not like the city. - Not like the city.
Shopping. Restaurants.
Museums. Art Galleries.
Opera. Broadway.
Seems I never had time to do any of those things.
That's one thing you'll have plenty of in Eufala.
- Time? - Time.
Mary Louise, don't get me wrong.
There's a lot to be said for living in a place like Eufala.
Clean air, clean water,
no traffic, no lines.
No lines ever.
People here, they're different.
Everyone knows everyone else.
They always smile and say hello to you
when you pass them by on the street for no reason.
- -And they're always willing to help.
No matter what.
That actually sounds kinda great.
I mean, Mrs. Smythe. I'm so sorry. Please s...
Save the pleasantries, young man.
I'm sure you know that I am the most generous supporter of this church.
Without me... well...
let's just say I expect to be consulted
before you make the decision on the replacement pastor.
- I've made myself clear? - Abundantly.
Hmm.
Ah!
Sorry I'm late.
- Right. Umm... - Reva didn't tell you.
I swear my sister would forget her own name
if it wasn't written right there on her license.
- You were saying? - Oh, right.
Well, in addition to being the youth group director,
I also fill in as church secretary
on the afternoons when Reva leaves to...
- Does hair. - Right.
There is so much work to do around here.
It's no wonder Reva can't make heads nor tails of anything.
I do what I can, but...
to be quite honest...
planning the youth group musical doesn't really leave me
a lot of time to do much else, so...
been pretty busy.
I call it God Star. It's kind of a mixture
between Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar.
I think of it as like a feel-good rock opera
based on The Gospel of Matthew
And... it all takes place... wait for it... on the ark.
Lord willing and the creek don't rise.
Lord willing.
I'm gonna need a translator.
So, do we have the funds for this little production?
You know, funds Schmunds, right?
All anyone ever cares about is money.
Come on, people, this is art. It's theater!
Great.
- Huh. - Wow. This looks great.
Everybody brought so much food yesterday, it's like...
I got like eight pies, cake...
and two casseroles I don't even recognize.
- Mary Louise? - Hmm?
You think you could learn to love living in Eufala?
- You taping this? - Totally off the record.
To be honest with you, I'm not completely sure.
But I told my husband I would give it a good try, so...
That's all we can ask for.
Hey, I've told you all sorts of personal stuff about me.
It's your turn.
Guys, it was nice of your mom to invite me over for lunch.
Yeah, I guess. I mean, we had all these people
that brought over food, so it's a shame to see it go to waste.
Well, it was still nice of her.
Um, are you not gonna eat that?
Mm! She's... she's... She's a vegan, so...
Oh, that's cool. I'm a Scorpio, so...
She... she doesn't eat meat.
Studies show that vegans live up to nine years longer than meat eaters.
Okay, yeah, but I don't want to die tomorrow
knowing that I could've had a piece of steak today.
You know, Peter, you should try out for the baseball team.
You look like a natural athlete.
Only if video tennis counts.
Actually, Peter, you should try out.
I mean, you know what Mom always says.
Nothing amazing ever comes from staying in your comfort zone.
Besides it's a way to make friends, so win-win.
You guys are so lucky. I always wanted a brother.
Yeah. Lucky.
Well, like I said, my uncle, Danny,
he's the youth group leader at church.
This is interesting because...?
Like, you know, car washes, and bake sales, and musicals.
Lots and lots of musicals.
We actually just started rehearsals.
You're in a musical?
I mean, no offense, but you don't exactly look like the performing type.
Unless you're performing a dissection or something.
You're right, it's not anything I want to do,
but since my uncle is the youth group leader at church,
I don't really have a choice.
Now neither do you.
Oh no, I'm not really a singer or anything.
Come on, Danny says it's like a rock opera.
How bad could it be? Maybe it'll even be fun.
Nothing amazing ever comes from staying in your comfort zone.
Well, Alex says that I'm a natural athlete, so...
no present like the time.
That's not how the saying goes.
I will never figure boys out.
Me either, but it's kind of fun trying to.
Gosh, I can't believe I ate all that.
You know what they say. Fresh air does that.
Well, wait a second, wait a second, not so fast.
You promised me you were going to tell me something about you.
No, I don't believe I did.
How do you know so much about the city?
Like with all teenage girls growing up in a small town like Eufala,
I always dreamed of moving to the big city.
- Mm-hmm. -So, right after college, I packed my bags
and I moved to the big city to chase my dreams of being a big broadcast journalist.
It was a disaster.
It took me all of a month to realize I was not cut out for the cutthroat world
of the news entertainment industry.
So, I hopped the first flight back to Eufala and...
started all over again.
It was about that time the editor of The Tattler was setting to retire.
Mary Louise, I saw it as a sign.
I sold everything I could lay my hands on,
and I bought that paper.
Yeah, here we are.
I'm sorry. I... I shouldn't have pushed this interview on you
- so soon right after you moved here. - Oh, gosh. No, no, no, no!
Don't be silly. I totally understood.
You were just doing your job, right?
You got to understand.
People around here, they're not used to change.
Case in point. Pack N Shop closed
and Piggly Wiggly moved right in.
The people were screaming and crying in the parking lot. I mean, it was just terrible.
Not Eufala's most proudest moment.
It's natural for people to want to resist change.
You should have seen the fight I put up with Randy
when he told me we were moving to Arizona.
- No offense. - No offense taken, really.
- What's up with you and Reva? - Oh, it's nothing, really.
I can recognize a couple of alley cats fighting a block away.
Oh, it's silly.
Spill it.
Reva has a thing for Jimmy, the choir director.
Why does she insist on flirting with Officer Barney?
And you like Officer Barney.
Ah, yeah. Yeah, I can see that.
He's handsome.
That uniform right?
Reva has Jimmy. Why does she have to flirt with my Officer Barney?
I cannot compete with that, Mary Louise.
Hey, hey, hey, relax. Reva doesn't have anything that you don't have.
- Are you serious? - Yeah.
Have you seen her? She's so beautiful.
I could never be like that.
Stand up. Stand up a minute. Let me look at you.
Come on.
Not so close.
Well?
I've had more challenging cases.
No, no, sweetie, you don't give yourself any credit. You know that?
You're beautiful. For some reason, you just don't want anyone to know it.
What-what... what color is this? Aircraft carrier?
- No, it's gray. - You need a makeover, stat.
And you're in luck, because I happen to be an expert
at, well, challenging cases.
I'm sorry, I can't.
- What? Why not? -I'm sorry. I can't afford the fancy things you have.
I'm sorry, Mary Louise. I should get going.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold up, hold up, hold up. Please.
Sit... sit down. Let me tell you a story.
Come on. Sit down.
When I was a little girl growing up...
we didn't have much money.
And honestly, it really didn't bother me much.
Just one day in high school and...
I was in the locker room with these rich girls, and I...
I just couldn't help notice their flawless skin
and their... And their straight teeth...
matching underwear.
It was that day I decided I was going to be rich one day.
Then I fell in love with Randy...
and, well, let's just say
I'm rich in a way I never ever imagined.
And if I wanted nice things,
I just had to learn how to be a smart shopper.
Mary Louise, do you think you could teach me?
Where's the best beauty shop in town?
Hi.
I was hoping you'd come by.
I've been dying to get my hands on this glorious hair of yours.
Oh well, actually, I was hoping you could help my friend Norma.
Norma. Come on, let's see what kind of magic Reva can work on you.
- Come on, honey. -I've been meaning to do something about this.
- Reva, I don't think so. - Come on.
- Reva. - Oh, don't you look lovely?
- Are you serious? - There you go. Marvelous.
Sit.
See? Better already.
- What? - That's my mom.
Huh. I wonder what's going on in there.
Yeah.
Hmph.
You care about what your parents think, right?
You know, you do what they want you to do?
- Yeah, I guess. -Reva wants me to go into cosmetology school...
as soon as I graduate.
And work here in this salon with her.
- That sounds pretty good to me. - Are you kidding?
Chrissy, as soon as I graduate, I'm gone.
You know... it's not so bad here.
That's easy for you to say,
because... you didn't have to live here your whole life.
What's it like, living in the city?
Dirty.
Noisy. Smelly.
Sounds kind of wonderful.
Yeah, and kind of wonderful.
You know it's why I dress like this, right?
Dirty, noisy, and smelly?
No, grungy and rock.
I keep hoping that Reva will finally get the hint
that I don't want to work here at the salon with her.
I want to go places and see things.
- Why don't you just tell her? - She has her heart set on it.
And it's so frustrating, because...
she already has my whole future planned out for me.
- Sorry I can't stop to chew the fat. - What are these?
Resumes for the replacement pastors.
- Wow. - Oh, wonderful.
Mary Louise and Reva, thank you so much.
- Wow. - Wow. She looks amazing.
You know, I never would have thought of that look for her, but you were right.
Reva's Curl Up & Dye Beauty Salon and Consultant.
Hey, I... I'm next.
- She was helping me. - No, no, no, I'm next.
Uh-uh-uh-uh! Me.
No.
Okay, people!
Okay, listen up, people! Come on!
I said, "People!"
That's better.
Now we've got six months to raise funds,
write, rehearse, and stage this musical,
so anyone who is not 100% committed,
well, I invite you to make our lives
a little bit easier and just leave now.
Good.
Now. We've got a lot of work to do,
and not a lot of time to do it, so let's get started.
You know what they say. There's no present like the time.
That's not how the saying goes.
You're just adorable, aren't you?
I have our lovely piano player...
Mabel, here to play for us.
Ain't that right, Mabel?
Old arthritis is really setting in, ain't it?
Now, I know this is our first run-through,
so I don't expect it to be perfect.
- He does. - I do.
I do. That I do.
But don't you worry about it, all right?
- Let's just not embarrass ourselves. - Embarrass.
Mabel! Turn it up, girl!
♪ We invite you to a very special dinner ♪
♪ Where the son of God is our most important guest ♪
- ♪ There'll be wine - ♪ And bread
And cheese.
♪ Of every flavor, so be happy ♪
♪ For we never know what's next ♪
It's happening!
Seriously, do you guys have to do this in here?
Well, we do until you figure out some way to get us our own choir room.
I told you that that is not my job.
My job is to find you a new pastor.
Well, of course, if you don't want to have music
- on Sunday services... - No, no, we don't want that.
Just... just... please, just a little lower, okay?
- A little lower volume? - You got it, Pastor Randy.
Okay.
Whoo! Time to finish the ark.
Of course it is.
Hey, Pete. What are you doing here?
It's a permission slip. I'm on the baseball team.
Wait, wait, wait, you're talking about...
the actual baseball team, you're not talking about a video game?
Pete, that's amazing!
I'm... I'm just the assistant manager.
Just the assistant manager.
- Dude. -Dad, don't... don't "dude" me.
Sorry. I'm getting a little excited right now but, honestly,
dude, son, do you realize that the manager
is the most important person on the team?
- It's okay, I guess. - No, it's not just okay.
Without a good manager the whole team falls apart.
It's just like a... Like a pastor.
A pastor is like a team manager to the church.
You have the choir, you have the youth group minister,
you have the congregation.
The pastor holds all the pieces together,
gives everybody what they need, so that the team can win.
- Okay, Team Church! - Team Church.
All right.
Dad, Chrissy and Alex are in the car waiting.
Oh! Yes!
There you go, team manager.
Thanks.
Go get 'em!
Team manager son!
- Hi, honey. - Hey.
You're cooking?
- Where's the fire extinguisher? -The women from church shared their favorite recipes with me.
I never thought I'd enjoy it so much.
Well, just when I thought I had seen everything. Listen to this.
Guess who made the high school baseball team.
Oh, honey, do you really think that that's such a good idea?
I mean, I know you felt really energetic after your bike ride
with Pastor Ezekiel, but this is...
No, honey, I'm not talking about me.
- I'm talking about Peter. - What?
Assistant manager, just like his old man.
Oh wow, I didn't see that coming.
- No. - No.
Well, listen, I also have some news.
Reva asked me to go into business with her.
You happen to be looking at Eufala's one and only fashion consultant.
Oh, honey.
- -All those years of shopping are finally paying off.
Listen, you're not getting too involved are you?
You know as soon as I find a new pastor, we're out of here.
I don't want you to get too...
- Attached? - Attached.
Honey, I thought you'd be happy.
I mean, we're all really trying here.
Well, you look happier than a tornado in a trailer park.
- Tornado in a... - Trailer park?
Oh gosh, I am spending far too much time with Reva.
Well, Chrissy's going to be in the youth group musical production with me.
- Really? - I'm gonna be a cow.
You have to love the irony.
Because I'm a vegan.
- Right. Yeah. - Yeah.
Hey. And where are you going?
I must be dreaming, so I'm gonna go lay down.
Congratulations, honey.
You hungry?
Here you go.
- Oh. Thank you. - What's this?
It's recyclable.
Yeah, I believe we've got to, like, cherish this planet
that God has entrusted to us, you know?
Right. Do you have any church experience?
Well, I got this song.
Cool, cool. Okay.
♪ Come thy fountain
♪ Something, something
♪ And the screams of
I have the perfect role for him in God Star.
♪ And goodbye horses
Yes. ♪ And something
I know what you're asking yourself.
How did I get to be so perfect
to take over this here church-type establishment place?
Let me tell you. I got a 90-minute Power Point,
gonna bring it right here. We can sit through it.
Thank you. Thank you.
Not on my watch you don't.
Zeek.
I'll be at the Dairy Queen.
Everything okay, boss?
Yeah, I just...
Don't worry about it, boss. We'll find the right person for the job.
I bet the guy upstairs already has somebody picked out.
Somebody who needs to be in Eufala just as much as we need him here.
Though... he may not know it yet.
I had no idea it was going to be this difficult.
What? What are you talking about?
- -I thought we were doing just fine.
I mean, the kids have never been happier and...
I'm really enjoying working with Reva.
No, honey, I'm talking about finding the new pastor.
I mean, you should have been there, Mary Lou.
You wouldn't believe these candidates.
This place is...
special. It's different.
They deserve someone who is going to take care of them,
someone who is going to take the position seriously,
not just use it as a stepping stone to something else.
Sounds like someone I know.
Anyone promising in that new batch?
Not a one, Reva.
I mean, you'd think there would be one good candidate
in this entire bunch, but there's just not.
I have this feeling that one of these days you're gonna wake up
and find the answer, clear as the nose on your face.
Thank you.
Looking lovely as ever, Reva.
- Oh, thank you. - How are you this morning?
I am finer than a frog hair split four ways.
Mind if I have a word with Pastor Randy here?
Oh, of course not. I'll just go check on Danny.
- Mm. - Holler if you need me.
I'm going to speak my mind for a moment,
- if that's all right with you. - Of course, Pastor.
I've been watching you for these past few months
and it doesn't take an eagle's eye
to see that something is troubling you.
Well...
I came to Eufala with a specific purpose,
and I just feel like I'm letting you and the congregation down. I...
No, you can't blame yourself for that.
You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
Never find a diamond in a pile of manure.
Ah! That I understand.
- All right. -But what I don't understand is,
why did God choose me for this task?
I mean I'm...
I'm used to dealing with people that have
a completely different set of problems.
A completely different set of needs.
No one knows what God's plan is for us,
what purpose is hidden in the things we do in our lives.
The things that happen to a man as he plods through his life,
these are the things that shape the man he is to become.
Now the fact that you have given your heart and soul to this assignment
and the love and the devotion you have for your wife and children,
these are the things that you've become.
These are the gifts from God.
Even if they're not wrapped in ways we can always see.
Now, I know that your time here is diminishing down
and it's quite possible that you will be reassigned
before you can get the fine folks of Eufala a proper minister.
What would happen to the church?
Well, you don't have a dog in that fight.
No, no, no. No, I'm not leaving here until I find you a new pastor.
I think that you should give the sermon next week.
- Oh, I don't... - Now, don't get me wrong.
I appreciate everything you've done organizing the place
and keeping Danny and Jimmy in check.
You heard about that?
Jimmy's eyes are always going to be a lot wider
than this church's little budget will ever be.
But... folks in this community have grow quite fond of you and your family.
And they know that your time is at a close,
and they're going to want to hear what you have to say.
Can I have some time to think about it?
Afraid not. Already settled.
Pastor.
You take care of yourself.
Thanks, Pastor.
Come on, hurry up. We're going to be late. I got things to do too.
I have no idea why a girl as pretty as you
would want to dress like a mortician.
- Look how you dress. -Sweetie, you'll be very well served to take
a good long look at how I dress.
The future co-owner of Reva's Curl Up & Dye Beauty Salon
has got to look the part. That's all I'm saying.
I'm not you! Why do you always worry
about what I'm going to do with my future
when I don't even know what I want to do?
Sweetie, if you want to be a brain surgeon or an astrophysicist,
you better get yourself a scholarship,
and then Reva will just go curl up and dye on her own.
It's not always about you.
Sometimes it's about me, too.
I'm sorry.
Sweetie...
I want whatever you want for yourself, for your future.
This is what parents do.
We worry about our kid's dreams.
Is that so bad?
It's okay, I guess.
Good.
- Mom... -Do I have something in my teeth?
No, Mom!
On the way to the salon...
can we please talk about what I want to do with my future?
I'm all ears.
Pastor Ezekiel is right.
I think the congregation would love to hear a sermon from you.
I don't think they're gonna take too kindly to me
when they realize that I haven't done my job.
They won't take too kindly?
Ha, ha, ha, very funny.
I admit it. Eufala is rubbing off on me.
Mm-hmm.
I just hope the pastoral committee gives me more time.
We have to leave Eufala?
Uh-oh.
Come on over, kids. This concerns you.
We were just starting to like it here.
- Yeah, where are they gonna send us? - No telling.
The church in the old neighborhood is already closed, so...
So, we're gonna have to start all over in a new place?
We're a family. We stick together.
♪ Working together, we will ♪
♪ Carry out His master plan ♪
♪ Amen
I know each and every one of you like the back of my hand.
Don't deny it.
You think I'm an old man who falls asleep in church.
I have been known to nod off on occasion.
I miss a verse now and then, but...
Maybe I should turn this fine congregation over
to somebody younger, somebody with new ideas.
Don't worry, Ethel. It's... Everybody knows it's true.
It's time.
Now we've been fortunate that Pastor Randy has been so generous
in giving of his time to help us find a new pastor,
but... sadly, that time is at hand
and he will be leaving us soon.
Now, I don't know what'll happen
to our little church community once he's gone,
but I do know that each and every one of us
are the better for having gotten to know Pastor Randy and his family.
And... quite possibly,
this might be our last opportunity,
so with your permission...
I have asked Pastor Randy to give the sermon next week.
All right, sonny, what have you got for us?
Five eighty-nine, What a Friend We Have in Jesus.
If I drift off on you, just please know
that I am surfing on your heavenly voices.
- Good morning, ladies. - Morning.
Do you not know that in a race
all the runners run, but only one receives the prize?
So, run that you may obtain it.
First Corinthians, 9:24.
You two are on the team too, huh?
- Yeah. - It's all about stamina.
- -Mary Louise has changed our world.
You too, of course, Pastor Randy.
- Oh, that's so sweet, Norma. Thank you. -Yeah.
- See you in a couple of hours. - All right.
- Bye, sweetie. Have fun. Have fun, girls. - Okay. Come on, girls.
- Bye! - Bye!
Ah. Must be in the country.
- Hey! - Oh, hey!
Oh! Hi, how you doing?
Mwah! Mwah!
Wow! What are you guys doing here?
- We came to help you pack. - Surprise!
Right, well... I don't know what to say.
Oh, now, don't get all mushy on us.
- We really missed you guys. - Let's catch up later, okay, guys?
'Cause he's got a sermon.
- We'll see you out there. - Okay.
Oh, we're gonna go find seats.
Bye, honey.
Would you relax?
I swear you are jumpier than a long-tailed cat
in a roomful of old ladies on a sunny afternoon.
I've never seen you like this. What's going on, honey bear?
Uh...
I'm just nervous, that's all.
Why? What does a big strapping man like you got to be nervous about?
Well, um...
- Pastor Randy. - I know.
We are all very sad that Pastor Randy and his family are leaving.
That's not it.
Pastor Randy, he asked me to speak in front of the service this morning.
- So? - Well, I mean, I'm just...
I'm not good at that sort of thing. What if I mess up or something?
Sweetie, you stand in front of that church every Sunday and you lead the choir.
That's right, I lead the choir. I don't have to say a word.
Baby, that's not what you got all of your boxers in a bunch over.
Now be honest with me.
You can tell little Reva.
Well, I've been watching Pastor Randy these last couple of months
and...
I see how much he loves his family.
And it's got me to thinking.
I mean, I know how people see me as this big, tough,
good-looking, handsome, king-of-the-road type of guy...
but I want what Pastor Randy has.
I want to settle down.
Well, you've always got me, haven't you?
Come on, a girl as pretty as you?
I mean, I see how guys look at you
and how you flirt with Officer Barney.
Why would you want to settle with a guy like me?
Now, Jimmy Watkins, this color green is not good on you.
All this flirting is just Reva being Reva,
and expecting me to change is like asking a leopard to shed his spots.
But if you're asking to make an honest woman out of me...
I am.
Well, then get down on your knee!
Now, honey, you give me some sugar.
And you go out there and you show them
what Jimmy Watkins is made of.
- Full house to hear your sermon. - Hmm.
I'm more nervous about this sermon
than... I've been in a long time.
I mean, things had gotten pretty simple for you back in LA.
Parishioners...
the same questions, the same answers.
You just didn't have to push yourself, you know, honey?
Just kind of... going through the motions.
I just don't seem to be reaching this congregation
the way that I did back in the city.
Honey.
People are people,
whether you're in the city or the country.
And we all have the same basic fears.
Dreams.
Prayers.
Only the circumstances are different.
Speak to that and you'll do just fine.
I have been listening to your sermons for more than 12 years, that's how.
What do you think? I was reading fashion magazines?
You should read this.
A few months ago, Eufala welcomed Pastor Randy,
its new interim pastor.
Many were skeptical that a pastor used to ministering
to an inner city congregation could have any relevance here.
And I was one of them.
Keep reading.
Many didn't see any reason to give pastor Randy a chance.
No real obligation to get to know the man and his family.
But, as local resident Lila van Der Gelder reminds us,
"That's not how we do things in Eufala, is it?
"Truth is, we never know how long
"someone's going to be in our lives,
"so we just welcome them
as though it's going to be forever."
As it turns out in this case,
it isn't going to be forever.
Pastor Randy and his family will leave us in just a few short weeks.
But I, for one... I am so glad to have known
this wonderful, beautiful family
to count them as my friends.
I suggest Eufala will come to realize just how fortunate we were
to have known pastor Randy and his family as part of our church.
Even if it is just for a short while.
Times like this, we all need a guardian angel.
Well.
This is... certainly a surprise.
I just came to see how things were...
Good. Good. Things are... they're actually working out really well.
Word is you've turned down
every applicant you've seen thus far.
- Every one. -Well, that is because I haven't found
an applicant that I feel is fit for this congregation.
You know...
You know, Randy.
Every successful business man will tell you that
reviewing job applicants is like...
Is like ordering a pizza.
Now, there's a million ingredients you may think
you want in your perfect pizza, but the truth is...
you probably wouldn't like the combination.
I mean, pineapple and jalapeños,
they probably thought that was a good idea right?
Well, I will find the right person.
I will. I just need more time.
You've seen all the applicants. You've seen them all.
And since you haven't found a suitable replacement in the bunch...
Randy, I'm afraid the church is going to be forced to close its doors.
Will be invited to join the church all the way in New Calgary.
No, no, no, New Calgary is an hour from here, okay?
These people love this church.
This community needs this church.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
- Hey. Hey. - Hey.
So I had the talk with Reva...
With my mom, and you were right,
because she only wants me to be happy.
Yeah? And what's all this?
I mean, you're normally in black, Alex.
Yeah, I know but...
it turns out being with my mom
sort of does make me happy.
- It shows. -And now that I have a friend in town...
Oh, Yoda. Yeah, she thinks you're pretty cool too.
Eufala's looking a whole lot better to me now.
Let's pray!
It's show time.
You're gonna be great.
Good morning.
I would like to start this morning's sermon
with something that's quite unpopular back in the city.
I want you to turn to the person in front of you
and behind you and welcome them.
When you think about it, aren't we all planning
on spending eternity together?
I figure, let's get a head start.
Let's get to know each other now.
When I was thinking about what I was gonna say
to you fine people of Eufala this morning,
a certain panic came over me.
What wisdom did this city minister have
to impart to you country folk
who have so graciously welcomed
my family and me into your community?
Luckily, I have my rock, Mary Louise,
who reminded me that people are people.
We all have the same dreams, fears...
desires...
questions.
But we have received so much from you.
You have taught us city folk
the true meaning of "love thy neighbor"...
what it means to give without even thinking
of receiving anything in return,
about having the courage to let your guard down
and live openhearted...
to trust one another,
to greet each other with a smile...
to have joy amongst you.
What a concept.
It was a bit of an adjustment for us coming from the city
where it's survival of the fittest and every man for himself.
Eufala for us has been a blessing from God.
It's been a lesson in how to love one another.
But I wasn't sent here to receive.
I was sent here with a task.
To find a replacement
for the irreplaceable Pastor Zeek as he retires.
I stand before you, Eufala, with that task incomplete.
I haven't found anyone worthy of you.
I haven't found anyone...
who will offer you the love that you offer one another.
So this morning, I'm reminded of how the apostles must have felt
before Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000...
with two fish and five loaves.
Jesus tested them.
He turned to them and said, "You feed them."
Through their faith, all were provided for.
And through our faith, we pray...
that God will provide the right pastor
for this wonderful church.
- Give me an amen. - Amen!
I hope you don't mind, Pastor Zeek,
but I've asked a friend of yours
to prepare something special for you this morning.
Jimmy?
Thanks, Pastor.
All right.
Zeke...
you've been a part of my life...
well, ever since I've been knee-high to a grasshopper.
So, I wanted to do something to show you...
how much you mean to me.
Really, to all of us.
So, if you don't mind...
I'd like the choir to sing your favorite church song.
♪ Take off your bandages
♪ It's time to heal
♪ So, let me try again
- Whoo! Wasn't that an awesome sermon? - Oh! La, la, la, la.
Seriously, it's a beautiful day.
Could it get any better than this? I say unto you no way.
Oh, for heaven's sake. This is church, young man.
Save some of that enthusiasm for the after party.
Just show me. What is it?
You're never going to believe this.
You and your wife can be very inspiring.
- You two? - Yeah!
- Oh, congratulations. - Thank you.
- That's wonderful. - Hey, Pastor Randy,
I know what you're thinking, too. That there is a real diamond.
Oh, I wouldn't doubt it, Jimmy.
- Let's go show it off. -We got to show everybody, Pastor Randy.
Thank you very much for coming. Thank you. Thank you for coming.
Come back now.
That was a beautiful sermon, Randy.
Thank you. It meant so much to me to have you guys here.
- Aw. - What did you think, Joe?
Eh! Not bad. Who knew you had it in you?
Well, you know, if you'd ever show up
Yeah, yeah. Come on, T. I need a cup of Joe.
Good to see you.
And then Sunday is pancake day.
- Yeah? - I love pancake day.
Oh hey. Rain, he came all the way from Los Angeles
just to hear your sermon. Isn't that awesome?
Had to see what wonderful place you landed in, my friend.
Eufala? Wonderful?
Well, no, I mean look around at all these wonderful people in your life, sunshine.
I mean, the folks who really care about you,
your dreams... your worries.
- Yeah. - See now...
Now, that's what makes Eufala special, Alex. Real special.
This was part of your plan, all along, wasn't it?
Well, not just mine...
but yes.
Okay, well, I promised to get Rain some coffee and...
- Oh. Please. - All right. And a donut, right?
- Yes, yes. Sprinkles on top? - Yeah.
- Strawberry? - Yes.
Turquoise? Turquoise? Really?
Oh hey, Dad, is it okay if I go over to Alex's later
- I thought you and Alex... -Yeah, she comes off madder than a wet hen...
- "Madder than a wet hen"? -Yeah, apparently, that's how we all talk now.
Okay, look, I just mean once you get past
her tough exterior, she's all right.
Oh and later, I'm gonna go down to the ball field for batting practice.
- What, I can't turn into a jock? - No!
Yes, you can.
Mary Louise, can I talk to you?
- Just for a second? - Sure.
- Yeah, babe? - How much do you like it here?
Well, you can't blame him really.
I mean, he doesn't have the sense God gave lettuce.
Pastor Ezekiel.
- Hey. - Hey.
Widow Smythe... Mrs. Smythe.
I would like to recuse myself from the panel
of reviewing the candidates for your replacement.
What for? I thought that's the reason you came here.
- What's this? - That's my resume.
I'd like to be considered
as a candidate for the new pastor.
Well, I'll have to take it into consideration.
All right, I've considered it.
This congregation would be very fortunate
to have you and your family as our new pastor.
Welcome home, son.
- Ooh. -Don't snap his head off. He's our new pastor.
Don't disappoint me, young man.
It was Love Me Tender, not Girls! Girls! Girls!
Kids, welcome to Eufala.
- Oh, thank you. - Thank you.
♪ I gotta get all these animals on a boat ♪
♪ But they're so big, I don't think it'll float ♪
♪ I got two elephants, giraffes and giant apes ♪
♪ With all these beasts in here ♪
♪ It really don't smell great
♪ We gotta clean up all these messes really fast ♪
♪ Or my family won't enjoy their noon repast ♪
♪ My son, my daughter, and my wife are here with me ♪
♪ Oh no, we lost another chimpanzee ♪
♪ We gotta have two of everything ♪
♪ 'Cause if we don't have two of everything ♪
♪ Then God'll be mad, and it won't work ♪
♪ And we can't repopulate the Earth ♪
♪ And then it'll be my dearth
♪ I wanna save all the birds
♪ And the bees
♪ But I can't stand that we have so many monkeys ♪
♪ Gorillas, orangutans, capuchins, apes and so ♪
♪ With all this screeching, they really gotta go ♪
♪ We got insects like the cockroaches and ants ♪
♪ Don't this song make you want to get right up and dance? ♪
♪ Dance break!
♪ Dance break
♪ Donkeys, horses, and the zebra are all here ♪
♪ Wait a minute, some have antlers ♪
♪ Oh! Reindeer
♪ Getting the dinosaurs aboard was tried in vain ♪
♪ And now it's way to late
♪ Because here comes the rain
No, really! Everyone on board, now!
I'm not kidding! Man the hatches!
Batten down the hatches! Man the jib!
Okay, gotta get aboard!