The invitation for community announcements
The final hymn faded, and silence settled over the large hall. The Pastor closed his bible and smiled benevolently at his flock.
He extended the standard invitation for community announcements, usually reserved for bake sales or charity drives.
It was the routine conclusion to the service, yet the atmosphere felt heavy today. This was the cue my father had been dreading for the last hour.
The time for stalling was officially over.