Greenleaf (2016) s04e04 Episode Script
A Common Enemy
1 - Previously on "Greenleaf" - Ever since you showed up here, you've been telling me how much you need me.
Are you not worried at all about over exaggerating your importance? If you were to be my, say, eyes and ears among the Greenleafs, I'd definitely make you A.
P.
Are you asking me to spy? What a wonderful sermon Grace delivered.
Was that a sermon? Well, it seemed more like a minister's minute.
[CHUCKLES.]
I knew you'd think it was short.
Well, I wouldn't say short, Bob.
Um Insufficient.
Why do you have to leave? Look, I wish I could stay, but I can't.
You like it? Where will we get the money to pay for this? - We can sell the land.
- Who wants to buy it? A commercial developer.
Just tell Kerissa no.
What's it gonna be? I don't know what you're doing here or why Calvary is suddenly so important to you, but I'm gonna find out.
I just got a phone call from some inmate at a prison in Arizona.
He says he's our son.
So, you gonna help me out or what? I wanted to see you.
I thought you were just gonna send the money.
That was the deal.
What do you want? I want you to come home.
I'm listening.
Well, in its prime, Fairview was a big church upwards of 1,500 on Sunday.
Now they're down to maybe 270, and that building eats money like a goat.
What does this have to do with Calvary? Well, I thought since they're relatively close by, maybe you could sit down with Cal, the head Pastor, and see if there's a fit.
I'd be happy to talk with him.
Yeah, I figured you would be.
Oh, and, uh, not that it matters, but you should know the congregation is white.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
Amen All right Amen Uh-huh, hmm Ooh-ooh, ooh Well Oh-ohh, ohh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Amen, amen oh Yeah - [INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS.]
- Hey, Bob.
Hey, how'd it go with Grace? Uh, Grace she's gonna meet with Cal.
She knows it's a white church? Yeah.
She seems totally on board.
Hey, do you want me in that meeting? No, I think they'll be fine.
But, listen, that last version you sent me of the July 4th sermon Still not working for you? Ah, just doesn't sound like me.
I'll take another pass.
[PATS ARM.]
Attaboy.
[DOG BARKING.]
What do you think of this? Can I be honest? Always be honest.
Who's gonna visit me when no one's supposed to know I exist? Me.
That's not really my style.
So whatcha got going on here that smells so good, huh? - Waffles.
- Waffles? What's that? Gizzards? Chicken livers.
You learned to cook like that in, uh Mnh-mnh.
No.
What's funny? [LAUGHS.]
All you people love to think that prison's good for something like it's some kind of trade school.
"You people.
" [CHUCKLES.]
Where'd you learn to cook? One of my foster families the Hurleys.
The dad was a chef.
Yeah, Sophia's dad is a chef.
I know.
You knew? Did a little research.
So that's the sight plan.
I got to say, Fernando, I was not planning to sell, but I'm feeling better.
[LAUGHS.]
I told you! And that yoga studio is going to kill.
This makes me very happy.
May I have my secretary arrange for a closing? I guess I don't see why not.
- Mm-hmm.
[LAUGHS.]
- Fantastic.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
Oh, what beautiful cufflinks.
Oh.
These? I've had 'em forever.
Well, those are kind of your style, aren't they? Uh good look.
Yeah.
So if I can find some champagne - It's the middle of the day.
- Oh, I think we would love some.
Very good.
Just a splash.
Thank you for doing this.
Well It's your land, too.
Let's not forget that ever.
[CHUCKLES.]
This is going to be good for us.
I pray you're right.
So my secretary says we can close Sunday afternoon.
Here you go.
You all do business on the Sabbath? We'll make an exception.
[CHUCKLES.]
Cheers to that.
[GLASSES CLINK.]
JAMES: Uh-huh.
Well, it sounds like a plan, Desi.
[LAUGHS.]
Bye.
[LAUGHS.]
Hey, uh, Desi sends her regards.
Who? Desiree Boudreau.
Oh.
How is she faring? Oh, good.
[CHUCKLES.]
I can't turn a page without seeing something about Atlanta seems like it's become the new home of everything.
Well, the church is thriving.
Ned's away on a mission trip, and their guest speaker next month cancelled.
And you said you'd fill in? Mm.
I said I'd get back to her.
Doesn't seem very wise.
Well, who would you have them get? I mean unwise for us, James.
Hey, it would just be one Sunday.
James, our whole project right now is to impress upon the people of this church, the church that we lost, that ours are the hearts that should be beating at the center of things.
Do you miss the spotlight that much? It's not about the spotlight.
It's about molding in the shadows.
Can't a man preach? I mean, we don't have sex.
- [GASPS.]
Ja - [CLEARS THROAT.]
Bad time? You just saved me an hour of prayer to ask God to forgive me.
Speak.
Well, I just had a very interesting conversation with Bob Whitmore.
Is he back in town so soon? - Mm-hmm.
He's got judee with him.
- [GROANS.]
You know, for a family that's got a thousand churches, he sure stops by a lot.
Yet I don't feel favored.
Well, he would like us to consider folding a white church into Calvary.
Get out.
Do the deacons know about this? Mm.
Uh, he didn't say.
I assume they don't.
Even Connie wouldn't like that idea, and she'd let a komodo dragon into church if he had a checkbook.
[SINGING INDISTINCTLY.]
[WHISPERS.]
Oh, my God, this song.
What did I do now? You've got to get me something on Grace something big and soon.
Why? What's going on? I'm not sure.
Just get me something on Grace, or neither one of us is gonna preach at this church.
Understood? Understood.
Thank you.
[SIGHS DEEPLY.]
[EXHALES DEEPLY.]
Now, just paying devil's advocate, are we sure it's a bad idea? Gigi, black church is black it's one of the few places we can freely be ourselves.
Let me stop the both of you.
This isn't about race.
This is about Harmony & Hope, and Bob Whitmore.
What does Bob have to gain? First, he gets to cash in on a piece of property that hasn't generated a dime for him for quite a while.
Let let's make no mistake, that's his main aim.
The man's first language is cash.
And as for the church being white, well Maybe he really does think that's a good idea racial reconciliation.
- Oh, Gigi, please.
- What? What? Gigi, there has never been a truly multiracial megachurch with a black Pastor.
Now, there are these black folks who are willing to listen to a white person, but, let's be honest usually a woman in a dior pantsuit preach the word.
Oh.
So, it's a problem it's a woman? The problem is it never works the other way around.
So if Bob Whitmore is planning on turning Calvary into some beacon of Harmony & Hope, you can bet it won't be anyone in this room preaching every Sunday.
- Alright.
- MAE: Mm-hmm.
I'll go and talk with this guy from Fairview.
I'll let you know how it goes.
So, you still think it's a good idea to holiday in Atlanta, Bishop? Mae, it's just one Sunday.
No.
[LINE RINGS.]
KARINE: Pastor Greenleaf's office.
Oh, Karine, it's me.
I didn't do anything wrong.
Congratulations.
Who is managing Whitmore's schedule this weekend? That would be me.
Wonderful.
[THUMP.]
[RUSTLING.]
Hello? [THUMP.]
Hello? Baby, what are you doing here? - Honey? - I came to see my brother.
You two are in contact? How else would I know he was here? Does anyone else know you're here? No.
I'm sneaking in and I'm sneaking out.
I do not want the hassle.
The hassle of what? Lying for you.
Where are you going? Zora's.
I'm staying down there.
Can you just sit for a second? Don't worry.
He told me about your deal and how he's supposed to stay in the dark like some kind of secret until you say it's cool to come out.
I get it.
I won't tell.
Alright, let's just sit and talk about this, alright? No.
And I'm just saying, what do you think Harmony & Hope is gonna do when they find out that you gave up a baby? I mean, it's the 21st century.
[SIGHS DEEPLY.]
I want to wait until the church is back in the family.
- You know what? - Hey.
Sit down.
I don't think you're protecting the family at all.
I think you're just ashamed.
You shot your mouth off for 40 years, and now you have to admit to yourself that you're just as bad as everyone else.
Just get it over with.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
- Whoa, careful! - Oh, oh, oh! Sorry.
Hi.
What are you printing? Nothing importing important a transcription of the sermon I did for the last day with Lady Mae.
Oh.
And what a sermon it was.
You? Oh, just some articles on excellence.
I'm meeting with Phil Demars tomorrow.
What about? Oh, I guess he heard about the school and wants to hear a little more.
Mm-hmm.
You know, Bishop told me that you and Jacob were putting in that land across the street for sale.
Is that true? [LAUGHS.]
Yes.
We actually accepted an offer.
Oh.
So whatever advice Bishop gave Jacob failed to compel on the matter.
We're free to sell what is ours.
Eve was free to eat that apple, and look where that got her all of us.
Oh.
This ink is on its last leg, so I'll have Maricel run to the store, because we all know you don't like to wait.
Aha.
Hey, why did you leave like that the other day like, after saying that you'll stay? 'Cause not gonna lie, you kind of had me in my feelings.
Yeah, I know.
I'm sorry.
I just had a stupid fight with my mom.
I'll make it up to you, though.
Okay.
Here's a starter you can help me tonight with my sermon for the little saints.
I'm two days out, and I've got nothing.
I have plans with Roberto.
Oh, you're back with "burrito.
" No.
We just [SIGHS DEEPLY.]
It's complicated.
I'll help you tomorrow? - Okay.
- See ya.
- Bye.
- Bye.
[KNOCKS ON DOOR.]
You selling cookies? I see you inherited our mother's sense of humor.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- My condolences.
Yeah, so I graduate literally the day before I turn 18, and my foster parents are like, "okay, get to stepping," and I'm like, "uh, where?" Okay.
So, they just threw you out.
Yeah, you know, there's a lot of people, they think once a kid turns 18 they're on their on, even about their own kids.
And I was just, like, a check, you know? So And that's when you found mom? Grace? Yeah.
You sure you're okay with that? Mm.
Mm-hmm.
[CHUCKLES.]
Yeah, I'm good.
New experiences.
I'm sorry she didn't behave better.
Well, you have me now.
[LAUGHING.]
Thanks.
Why is that funny? You and your mom are, like, the same person all in, save the day.
Hey, if you don't want be saved no, I don't mean any disrespect.
Oh, no, no, no.
I don't mean anything, either.
It's just easy to show up and make promises.
It's harder to keep them.
That's all I'm trying to say.
Yeah, I hear you.
Sorry if I made it seem like I thought it was that simple.
Sorry if I thought that.
But I'm serious about being here for you, however, I, you know, can.
I'm at Hampton, but it's just, like, a phone call or a plane ride away.
I might take you up on that.
I am not my mom.
We are not the same person.
I'm in this for the long haul.
Forever! [BOTH LAUGH.]
I'll keep that in mind.
- You know, I think - [SETS DOWN GLASS.]
I think I might just close my eyes for a second.
Is that okay? Yeah, you do you.
Slumber party.
So, Grace, you folks would be interested in having us join you? Well, you know, Cal [SIGHS.]
It would definitely be a process, I'm sure about that.
But, um Maybe.
Why? Bob sure wants it to happen.
Yeah, no, Cal I'm wondering, do you know what that's all about? No.
No, I just know that brought up five or six white churches in the area as potential partners, and he was like, "get back on the paper.
" "Get back on the paper"? How? Oh, like like a puppy.
That couldn't have been pleasant.
No, it wasn't, but, uh, Harmony & Hope, you know, they're like the army.
They feed you, clothe you, house you, they pay you.
Mm.
I am just trying to [SIGHS.]
I'm just trying to be realistic.
What do you think being realistic has to do with Jesus Christ? Not much.
Me, neither.
And that's, uh Kind of what we do.
Sounds good.
Very Harmony & Hope.
Let me show this to Bob and get back to you.
Maybe there's a fit.
- Either way, it's a pleasure.
- Yes.
And may I ask kind of a kooky question? Be my guest.
Where did you get those cufflinks? Oh, these? They're from Bob.
Work for Bob five years cufflinks.
- Really? - Yeah, kind of his thing.
You know what brand they are? I was hoping to get Jacob some.
Oh, he had them made custom.
But assuming everything works out, Jacob will get his soon enough.
Thanks again for coming in.
- No, thank you.
- Mm-hmm.
Hi, Nadine.
It's Kerissa.
Can you call me, please? I have a question about our buyer.
Hey.
Karine, my sister.
- Got a second? - Sure.
What can I do for you? I have met someone very special.
Pastor Phil? Phil? Why would you say that? Sorry.
I thought you liked him.
Liked Phil Demars? No.
[SCOFFS.]
I hate him.
I don't hate him.
I'm meant I found someone for Grace.
Not me for Grace.
Oh.
But I just wanted to make sure, you know, before I get his hopes up, that Grace isn't taken.
Why don't you ask her? Is she taken or not? I don't think she is.
So Darius, that's over with? - As far as I know.
- And Noah? I mean, he came in a few weeks ago for a little reunion.
He flew in for something.
What do you mean by that? Who's this someone special? No, what do you mean "something"? Is she seeing Noah again? Is that it? Charity, he's married.
- Well, just answer the question.
- I did.
He's married.
Is there something you're not telling me? There is, isn't it? Yes.
Now leave me alone.
Now I'm "telling you.
" Hey.
What's all this? My project for the little saints.
I moved on without you, so, sorry.
I brought you some cheesecake.
I don't eat cheesecake anymore.
Since when? Since you became a lying bitch.
Excuse me? Where did you stay last night? And don't say Roberto's, because, "A," I called him trying to find you, and he didn't even know you were back.
And, "B," he doesn't drink, and you stink.
So, how are you doing? Fine.
Back to our regularly scheduled program.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS.]
Thank you.
- Bob.
- Mae.
So good to see you.
Well, thank you for making time.
Oh, not at all.
I'm so glad that you reached out.
I've been meaning to do that myself.
Yes, well, it may not be my church anymore, but it still is my town, and a lady does love to be gracious.
So, to what do I owe this pleasure? Well, Grace told me about a little visitor that's coming on Sunday.
Cal Weaver from Fairview.
Yes, and I just wanted to get a sense of your long-term goals since merging Calvary with an all-white church, even one as small and sickly as Fairview, could quench the spirits of both congregations in ways that would be so problematic that the whole notion might be properly labeled as Spiritual sabotage.
[CHUCKLES.]
Boy, you do cut to the chase.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
It's a gift.
Is it okay if we order first? By all means.
- Perfect.
- Mm-hmm.
[LINE RINGS.]
NOAH: Hi, this Noah and Isabel.
Leave a message.
We'll get back to you.
- [BEEP.]
- Hey, Noah.
It's me.
Uh, Charity.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
What were you thinking coming by Calvary and not saying hello? Shame on you.
Have a blessed day.
[HANGS UP RECEIVER.]
Bob, starting as far back as slavery.
So, we're talking centuries and centuries the black church has always been a source of hope and strength and inspiration for my people.
In a world that was fraught with danger, our church was our one safe haven.
As it should be, always.
Then surely you can understand why folding a white church into Calvary could be problematic.
I do.
Most certainly, I do.
You're not getting any argument from me.
Then why did you propose this? The world is changing.
People are mixing as they never have before races, cultures.
How can the church not reflect that when the church is founded on the command to love thy neighbor? Well, I suppose I'm just fearful of what will be lost in the process Mm.
and where someone even as palatable as Grace will fit in.
Well, God called Paul to be a voice to the gentiles, and if God has called Grace to be a voice to white folks, then Grace will be that voice.
If not, God will find someone else.
I know this much after reading that sermon you messengered over.
- You read it? - I did.
And I had Karine show me the video.
Grace did not get her gifts from her Daddy.
She's all you.
That sermon was something.
Well, it was an honor to be used by God that way.
I still do feel, however, that this invitation Mae, Mae, let's not [CHUCKLES.]
Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Let's let Grace and Cal meet, see what shakes out.
I mean, we're obviously not going to force anyone to do something they don't want to do.
Deal? Oh! Oh, Sophia! Sophia, what are you doing here? I didn't even know you were coming home.
Is everything alright? Yeah, everything is fine.
I just I've got to catch my ride back to the airport.
- Back to the airport? - Yeah.
N-No, I don't understand.
I was here for a hot minute, and now I'm going back.
But I never knew you were here.
I have so many questions for you, I don't even know how to begin.
I'm sorry you don't understand.
Then help me understand.
Mom knows.
Ask her.
What is going on between the two of you that has you coming and going like this? I will not stand for it.
Your daughter is leaving, and I never even knew she was here.
Yeah, I know.
I'm sorry, grandma.
I love you.
Oh, I love you.
[LOWERED VOICE.]
I'm not coming back here until everybody knows.
I will not tell your secret, but I will not lie for you.
What is she so angry about, hurt about? It's between Sophia and me.
Grace [WHISPERS.]
I don't want to talk about it.
I had lunch with Bob Whitmore today.
Why? Tomorrow morning, when you preach why would you do that without telling me? I thought you were here to help.
Please don't make any accommodation for our guest, in the name of decency or any liberal ideal.
Mama, I met with that Pastor today.
They don't want to merge, either.
This is just Bob's big idea.
I know, and it is your job to kill it.
You have this habit of seeing things from every angle.
Just see this from ours for once, please.
Ours or yours? Well, forgive me for thinking we could possibly agree.
How about I just pray and ask God what he wants me to say? - Would that be alright with you? - We are losing the church! Thank you for your vote of confidence.
Grace, it's not ohh.
Welcome to the family of God Where everyone is loved as they are Where love and peace abide And our arms are open wide Welcome to the family of God Really? Come and meet the Shepherd of souls Shepherd of souls He conquers with his staff and his rod In Harmony and Hope, let our voices rise Welcome to the family of God Of God, mm Welcome to the family of God - [APPLAUSE.]
- [STIFLES LAUGHTER.]
[APPLAUSE CONTINUES.]
GRACE: Now the thing to remember about the 12 tribes of Israel is that they were 12 tribes.
Now, I don't know about y'all's family, but we can barely get 2 people to agree on something, - let alone 12! - WOMAN: 12! - [GRACE LAUGHS.]
- She is not wrong about that.
But somehow, Moses got all the tribes of Egypt to agree to do this strange, bloody thing to slaughter their firstborn lamb and to paint the doorways with its blood.
And lo and behold, it worked.
- PARISHIONERS: Yes! - [APPLAUSE.]
They walked out of Egypt with their heads held high! [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
The sea itself parted out of respect for their unity of purpose! - Amen.
- MAN: Believe it! That's right.
How did Moses do all of that? How did he do that? I never heard Moses used as a uniter in that way.
Very on brand.
MAN: Praise him! Praise the Lord! It was God who did it.
[APPLAUSE.]
It was God who did it! - Amen.
- Hallelujah! Catch this through pharaoh.
[PARISHIONERS MURMURING.]
Every time pharaoh gave an order, every time he moved God's people this way and that against their will, he united them against a common enemy.
- That's good.
- Yeah, it is.
And when they finally Rose up, it cost pharaoh his own son.
Now, I want you to hear me right now.
I want you to catch this part.
Anyone out there in the world who thinks that they can get away with pushing God's people around, I have got news for you.
[INDISTINCT SHOUTS.]
God is using you to unite us! Amen.
[CHEERING.]
And woe to you when we rise.
Woe to you when we rise! Rise up, church! Rise up, church! Rise up! Rise up in the face of your sorrow! Rise up in the face of your trouble! Rise up! Tell that mountain to move! Rise up! Rise up! Woe to you when we rise, 'cause it is gonna cost you everything! [APPLAUSE.]
JAMES: Gigi.
Mm.
You gave that old devil what for.
- Hmm.
- And I don't mean Lucifer.
- I mean that old - she knows who you mean, James.
Resist the urge to make a scene.
- Well done.
- Thank you, mom.
Mm-hmm! [LAUGHS.]
Well, look who's here.
Rochester.
Bob would like to see you at my office when you get a second.
Your office? Yes.
And I'd take that second now.
I'll see you back at the house.
Bishop, Mae Always a pleasure.
- [CELLPHONE RINGS.]
- MAN: Thank you very much.
WOMAN: You're welcome.
- [RING.]
- Hi.
- Oh, it's Nadine.
Go ahead.
- [RING.]
Okay.
[BEEP.]
Hi.
Did you get my message? Yeah, I did.
You wanted to know who's the money behind city on a hill, right? - Who funds them? - Were you able to find out? I was.
It's Harmony & Hope.
- Is that gonna be a problem? - [SIGHS.]
Kerissa? Um I-I don't know.
Well, I've scheduled the closing for this afternoon.
And if that's not gonna work Uh, hey.
What's the matter? Yeah, w-we'll we'll we'll see you there.
Okay.
Bye.
[BEEP.]
I wanted to talk in here, because I thought it might remind you in the most simplistic way that, in a very real sense, this is not your church.
You are an employee of Harmony & Hope.
Your paycheck is processed by H&H accounting.
Your office, desk, even your robes, Pastor, which may seem to be yours, are on loan.
Guess I hit a nerve.
Cal Weaver just told me that he's thinking of staying put, giving it one last go.
He's inspired.
Is that such a bad thing? It's gonna make something that should take two months take two years, if it happens at all.
He doesn't want to come over here.
- I don't blame him.
- Because you don't want him here! We just became Harmony & Hope.
Why does it have to happen right now? I'm trying to make the world a better place.
What are you doing? Indulging your own sense of righteousness at the expense of all the people you value the most? What's that supposed to mean? One more move like that, and you're out, all of you your sister, your brother.
They're both hanging by a thread right now.
And it's all because of you.
All because of you.
Goodbye, land.
[SIGHS.]
Hello, dream house.
[SIGHS.]
Come on, babe.
My favorite kind of deal.
Buyers, sellers everyone's happy.
[CELLPHONE BEEPING.]
[LINE RINGS.]
[CELLPHONE RINGS, BEEPS.]
Noah, hey.
What's up? Isabel just threw me out.
Why? Charity called the house and left a message like, "why didn't you come by after you were at the church?" - Seriously? - Yeah.
Izzy put two and two together and figured we'd seen each other, so she asked.
- And you told her? - I had to.
I thought it would be better than what she thought.
I was wrong.
The fact that you and I have a kid, and she and I can't, it's [SIGHS.]
She just said she's done.
So, what are you gonna do? For starters? I'm moving back to Memphis to get to know my son.
I just thought you'd want to know.
[CALL DISCONNECTS, DIAL TONE.]
Are you not worried at all about over exaggerating your importance? If you were to be my, say, eyes and ears among the Greenleafs, I'd definitely make you A.
P.
Are you asking me to spy? What a wonderful sermon Grace delivered.
Was that a sermon? Well, it seemed more like a minister's minute.
[CHUCKLES.]
I knew you'd think it was short.
Well, I wouldn't say short, Bob.
Um Insufficient.
Why do you have to leave? Look, I wish I could stay, but I can't.
You like it? Where will we get the money to pay for this? - We can sell the land.
- Who wants to buy it? A commercial developer.
Just tell Kerissa no.
What's it gonna be? I don't know what you're doing here or why Calvary is suddenly so important to you, but I'm gonna find out.
I just got a phone call from some inmate at a prison in Arizona.
He says he's our son.
So, you gonna help me out or what? I wanted to see you.
I thought you were just gonna send the money.
That was the deal.
What do you want? I want you to come home.
I'm listening.
Well, in its prime, Fairview was a big church upwards of 1,500 on Sunday.
Now they're down to maybe 270, and that building eats money like a goat.
What does this have to do with Calvary? Well, I thought since they're relatively close by, maybe you could sit down with Cal, the head Pastor, and see if there's a fit.
I'd be happy to talk with him.
Yeah, I figured you would be.
Oh, and, uh, not that it matters, but you should know the congregation is white.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
Amen All right Amen Uh-huh, hmm Ooh-ooh, ooh Well Oh-ohh, ohh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Amen, amen oh Yeah - [INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS.]
- Hey, Bob.
Hey, how'd it go with Grace? Uh, Grace she's gonna meet with Cal.
She knows it's a white church? Yeah.
She seems totally on board.
Hey, do you want me in that meeting? No, I think they'll be fine.
But, listen, that last version you sent me of the July 4th sermon Still not working for you? Ah, just doesn't sound like me.
I'll take another pass.
[PATS ARM.]
Attaboy.
[DOG BARKING.]
What do you think of this? Can I be honest? Always be honest.
Who's gonna visit me when no one's supposed to know I exist? Me.
That's not really my style.
So whatcha got going on here that smells so good, huh? - Waffles.
- Waffles? What's that? Gizzards? Chicken livers.
You learned to cook like that in, uh Mnh-mnh.
No.
What's funny? [LAUGHS.]
All you people love to think that prison's good for something like it's some kind of trade school.
"You people.
" [CHUCKLES.]
Where'd you learn to cook? One of my foster families the Hurleys.
The dad was a chef.
Yeah, Sophia's dad is a chef.
I know.
You knew? Did a little research.
So that's the sight plan.
I got to say, Fernando, I was not planning to sell, but I'm feeling better.
[LAUGHS.]
I told you! And that yoga studio is going to kill.
This makes me very happy.
May I have my secretary arrange for a closing? I guess I don't see why not.
- Mm-hmm.
[LAUGHS.]
- Fantastic.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
Oh, what beautiful cufflinks.
Oh.
These? I've had 'em forever.
Well, those are kind of your style, aren't they? Uh good look.
Yeah.
So if I can find some champagne - It's the middle of the day.
- Oh, I think we would love some.
Very good.
Just a splash.
Thank you for doing this.
Well It's your land, too.
Let's not forget that ever.
[CHUCKLES.]
This is going to be good for us.
I pray you're right.
So my secretary says we can close Sunday afternoon.
Here you go.
You all do business on the Sabbath? We'll make an exception.
[CHUCKLES.]
Cheers to that.
[GLASSES CLINK.]
JAMES: Uh-huh.
Well, it sounds like a plan, Desi.
[LAUGHS.]
Bye.
[LAUGHS.]
Hey, uh, Desi sends her regards.
Who? Desiree Boudreau.
Oh.
How is she faring? Oh, good.
[CHUCKLES.]
I can't turn a page without seeing something about Atlanta seems like it's become the new home of everything.
Well, the church is thriving.
Ned's away on a mission trip, and their guest speaker next month cancelled.
And you said you'd fill in? Mm.
I said I'd get back to her.
Doesn't seem very wise.
Well, who would you have them get? I mean unwise for us, James.
Hey, it would just be one Sunday.
James, our whole project right now is to impress upon the people of this church, the church that we lost, that ours are the hearts that should be beating at the center of things.
Do you miss the spotlight that much? It's not about the spotlight.
It's about molding in the shadows.
Can't a man preach? I mean, we don't have sex.
- [GASPS.]
Ja - [CLEARS THROAT.]
Bad time? You just saved me an hour of prayer to ask God to forgive me.
Speak.
Well, I just had a very interesting conversation with Bob Whitmore.
Is he back in town so soon? - Mm-hmm.
He's got judee with him.
- [GROANS.]
You know, for a family that's got a thousand churches, he sure stops by a lot.
Yet I don't feel favored.
Well, he would like us to consider folding a white church into Calvary.
Get out.
Do the deacons know about this? Mm.
Uh, he didn't say.
I assume they don't.
Even Connie wouldn't like that idea, and she'd let a komodo dragon into church if he had a checkbook.
[SINGING INDISTINCTLY.]
[WHISPERS.]
Oh, my God, this song.
What did I do now? You've got to get me something on Grace something big and soon.
Why? What's going on? I'm not sure.
Just get me something on Grace, or neither one of us is gonna preach at this church.
Understood? Understood.
Thank you.
[SIGHS DEEPLY.]
[EXHALES DEEPLY.]
Now, just paying devil's advocate, are we sure it's a bad idea? Gigi, black church is black it's one of the few places we can freely be ourselves.
Let me stop the both of you.
This isn't about race.
This is about Harmony & Hope, and Bob Whitmore.
What does Bob have to gain? First, he gets to cash in on a piece of property that hasn't generated a dime for him for quite a while.
Let let's make no mistake, that's his main aim.
The man's first language is cash.
And as for the church being white, well Maybe he really does think that's a good idea racial reconciliation.
- Oh, Gigi, please.
- What? What? Gigi, there has never been a truly multiracial megachurch with a black Pastor.
Now, there are these black folks who are willing to listen to a white person, but, let's be honest usually a woman in a dior pantsuit preach the word.
Oh.
So, it's a problem it's a woman? The problem is it never works the other way around.
So if Bob Whitmore is planning on turning Calvary into some beacon of Harmony & Hope, you can bet it won't be anyone in this room preaching every Sunday.
- Alright.
- MAE: Mm-hmm.
I'll go and talk with this guy from Fairview.
I'll let you know how it goes.
So, you still think it's a good idea to holiday in Atlanta, Bishop? Mae, it's just one Sunday.
No.
[LINE RINGS.]
KARINE: Pastor Greenleaf's office.
Oh, Karine, it's me.
I didn't do anything wrong.
Congratulations.
Who is managing Whitmore's schedule this weekend? That would be me.
Wonderful.
[THUMP.]
[RUSTLING.]
Hello? [THUMP.]
Hello? Baby, what are you doing here? - Honey? - I came to see my brother.
You two are in contact? How else would I know he was here? Does anyone else know you're here? No.
I'm sneaking in and I'm sneaking out.
I do not want the hassle.
The hassle of what? Lying for you.
Where are you going? Zora's.
I'm staying down there.
Can you just sit for a second? Don't worry.
He told me about your deal and how he's supposed to stay in the dark like some kind of secret until you say it's cool to come out.
I get it.
I won't tell.
Alright, let's just sit and talk about this, alright? No.
And I'm just saying, what do you think Harmony & Hope is gonna do when they find out that you gave up a baby? I mean, it's the 21st century.
[SIGHS DEEPLY.]
I want to wait until the church is back in the family.
- You know what? - Hey.
Sit down.
I don't think you're protecting the family at all.
I think you're just ashamed.
You shot your mouth off for 40 years, and now you have to admit to yourself that you're just as bad as everyone else.
Just get it over with.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
- Whoa, careful! - Oh, oh, oh! Sorry.
Hi.
What are you printing? Nothing importing important a transcription of the sermon I did for the last day with Lady Mae.
Oh.
And what a sermon it was.
You? Oh, just some articles on excellence.
I'm meeting with Phil Demars tomorrow.
What about? Oh, I guess he heard about the school and wants to hear a little more.
Mm-hmm.
You know, Bishop told me that you and Jacob were putting in that land across the street for sale.
Is that true? [LAUGHS.]
Yes.
We actually accepted an offer.
Oh.
So whatever advice Bishop gave Jacob failed to compel on the matter.
We're free to sell what is ours.
Eve was free to eat that apple, and look where that got her all of us.
Oh.
This ink is on its last leg, so I'll have Maricel run to the store, because we all know you don't like to wait.
Aha.
Hey, why did you leave like that the other day like, after saying that you'll stay? 'Cause not gonna lie, you kind of had me in my feelings.
Yeah, I know.
I'm sorry.
I just had a stupid fight with my mom.
I'll make it up to you, though.
Okay.
Here's a starter you can help me tonight with my sermon for the little saints.
I'm two days out, and I've got nothing.
I have plans with Roberto.
Oh, you're back with "burrito.
" No.
We just [SIGHS DEEPLY.]
It's complicated.
I'll help you tomorrow? - Okay.
- See ya.
- Bye.
- Bye.
[KNOCKS ON DOOR.]
You selling cookies? I see you inherited our mother's sense of humor.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- My condolences.
Yeah, so I graduate literally the day before I turn 18, and my foster parents are like, "okay, get to stepping," and I'm like, "uh, where?" Okay.
So, they just threw you out.
Yeah, you know, there's a lot of people, they think once a kid turns 18 they're on their on, even about their own kids.
And I was just, like, a check, you know? So And that's when you found mom? Grace? Yeah.
You sure you're okay with that? Mm.
Mm-hmm.
[CHUCKLES.]
Yeah, I'm good.
New experiences.
I'm sorry she didn't behave better.
Well, you have me now.
[LAUGHING.]
Thanks.
Why is that funny? You and your mom are, like, the same person all in, save the day.
Hey, if you don't want be saved no, I don't mean any disrespect.
Oh, no, no, no.
I don't mean anything, either.
It's just easy to show up and make promises.
It's harder to keep them.
That's all I'm trying to say.
Yeah, I hear you.
Sorry if I made it seem like I thought it was that simple.
Sorry if I thought that.
But I'm serious about being here for you, however, I, you know, can.
I'm at Hampton, but it's just, like, a phone call or a plane ride away.
I might take you up on that.
I am not my mom.
We are not the same person.
I'm in this for the long haul.
Forever! [BOTH LAUGH.]
I'll keep that in mind.
- You know, I think - [SETS DOWN GLASS.]
I think I might just close my eyes for a second.
Is that okay? Yeah, you do you.
Slumber party.
So, Grace, you folks would be interested in having us join you? Well, you know, Cal [SIGHS.]
It would definitely be a process, I'm sure about that.
But, um Maybe.
Why? Bob sure wants it to happen.
Yeah, no, Cal I'm wondering, do you know what that's all about? No.
No, I just know that brought up five or six white churches in the area as potential partners, and he was like, "get back on the paper.
" "Get back on the paper"? How? Oh, like like a puppy.
That couldn't have been pleasant.
No, it wasn't, but, uh, Harmony & Hope, you know, they're like the army.
They feed you, clothe you, house you, they pay you.
Mm.
I am just trying to [SIGHS.]
I'm just trying to be realistic.
What do you think being realistic has to do with Jesus Christ? Not much.
Me, neither.
And that's, uh Kind of what we do.
Sounds good.
Very Harmony & Hope.
Let me show this to Bob and get back to you.
Maybe there's a fit.
- Either way, it's a pleasure.
- Yes.
And may I ask kind of a kooky question? Be my guest.
Where did you get those cufflinks? Oh, these? They're from Bob.
Work for Bob five years cufflinks.
- Really? - Yeah, kind of his thing.
You know what brand they are? I was hoping to get Jacob some.
Oh, he had them made custom.
But assuming everything works out, Jacob will get his soon enough.
Thanks again for coming in.
- No, thank you.
- Mm-hmm.
Hi, Nadine.
It's Kerissa.
Can you call me, please? I have a question about our buyer.
Hey.
Karine, my sister.
- Got a second? - Sure.
What can I do for you? I have met someone very special.
Pastor Phil? Phil? Why would you say that? Sorry.
I thought you liked him.
Liked Phil Demars? No.
[SCOFFS.]
I hate him.
I don't hate him.
I'm meant I found someone for Grace.
Not me for Grace.
Oh.
But I just wanted to make sure, you know, before I get his hopes up, that Grace isn't taken.
Why don't you ask her? Is she taken or not? I don't think she is.
So Darius, that's over with? - As far as I know.
- And Noah? I mean, he came in a few weeks ago for a little reunion.
He flew in for something.
What do you mean by that? Who's this someone special? No, what do you mean "something"? Is she seeing Noah again? Is that it? Charity, he's married.
- Well, just answer the question.
- I did.
He's married.
Is there something you're not telling me? There is, isn't it? Yes.
Now leave me alone.
Now I'm "telling you.
" Hey.
What's all this? My project for the little saints.
I moved on without you, so, sorry.
I brought you some cheesecake.
I don't eat cheesecake anymore.
Since when? Since you became a lying bitch.
Excuse me? Where did you stay last night? And don't say Roberto's, because, "A," I called him trying to find you, and he didn't even know you were back.
And, "B," he doesn't drink, and you stink.
So, how are you doing? Fine.
Back to our regularly scheduled program.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS.]
Thank you.
- Bob.
- Mae.
So good to see you.
Well, thank you for making time.
Oh, not at all.
I'm so glad that you reached out.
I've been meaning to do that myself.
Yes, well, it may not be my church anymore, but it still is my town, and a lady does love to be gracious.
So, to what do I owe this pleasure? Well, Grace told me about a little visitor that's coming on Sunday.
Cal Weaver from Fairview.
Yes, and I just wanted to get a sense of your long-term goals since merging Calvary with an all-white church, even one as small and sickly as Fairview, could quench the spirits of both congregations in ways that would be so problematic that the whole notion might be properly labeled as Spiritual sabotage.
[CHUCKLES.]
Boy, you do cut to the chase.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
It's a gift.
Is it okay if we order first? By all means.
- Perfect.
- Mm-hmm.
[LINE RINGS.]
NOAH: Hi, this Noah and Isabel.
Leave a message.
We'll get back to you.
- [BEEP.]
- Hey, Noah.
It's me.
Uh, Charity.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
What were you thinking coming by Calvary and not saying hello? Shame on you.
Have a blessed day.
[HANGS UP RECEIVER.]
Bob, starting as far back as slavery.
So, we're talking centuries and centuries the black church has always been a source of hope and strength and inspiration for my people.
In a world that was fraught with danger, our church was our one safe haven.
As it should be, always.
Then surely you can understand why folding a white church into Calvary could be problematic.
I do.
Most certainly, I do.
You're not getting any argument from me.
Then why did you propose this? The world is changing.
People are mixing as they never have before races, cultures.
How can the church not reflect that when the church is founded on the command to love thy neighbor? Well, I suppose I'm just fearful of what will be lost in the process Mm.
and where someone even as palatable as Grace will fit in.
Well, God called Paul to be a voice to the gentiles, and if God has called Grace to be a voice to white folks, then Grace will be that voice.
If not, God will find someone else.
I know this much after reading that sermon you messengered over.
- You read it? - I did.
And I had Karine show me the video.
Grace did not get her gifts from her Daddy.
She's all you.
That sermon was something.
Well, it was an honor to be used by God that way.
I still do feel, however, that this invitation Mae, Mae, let's not [CHUCKLES.]
Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Let's let Grace and Cal meet, see what shakes out.
I mean, we're obviously not going to force anyone to do something they don't want to do.
Deal? Oh! Oh, Sophia! Sophia, what are you doing here? I didn't even know you were coming home.
Is everything alright? Yeah, everything is fine.
I just I've got to catch my ride back to the airport.
- Back to the airport? - Yeah.
N-No, I don't understand.
I was here for a hot minute, and now I'm going back.
But I never knew you were here.
I have so many questions for you, I don't even know how to begin.
I'm sorry you don't understand.
Then help me understand.
Mom knows.
Ask her.
What is going on between the two of you that has you coming and going like this? I will not stand for it.
Your daughter is leaving, and I never even knew she was here.
Yeah, I know.
I'm sorry, grandma.
I love you.
Oh, I love you.
[LOWERED VOICE.]
I'm not coming back here until everybody knows.
I will not tell your secret, but I will not lie for you.
What is she so angry about, hurt about? It's between Sophia and me.
Grace [WHISPERS.]
I don't want to talk about it.
I had lunch with Bob Whitmore today.
Why? Tomorrow morning, when you preach why would you do that without telling me? I thought you were here to help.
Please don't make any accommodation for our guest, in the name of decency or any liberal ideal.
Mama, I met with that Pastor today.
They don't want to merge, either.
This is just Bob's big idea.
I know, and it is your job to kill it.
You have this habit of seeing things from every angle.
Just see this from ours for once, please.
Ours or yours? Well, forgive me for thinking we could possibly agree.
How about I just pray and ask God what he wants me to say? - Would that be alright with you? - We are losing the church! Thank you for your vote of confidence.
Grace, it's not ohh.
Welcome to the family of God Where everyone is loved as they are Where love and peace abide And our arms are open wide Welcome to the family of God Really? Come and meet the Shepherd of souls Shepherd of souls He conquers with his staff and his rod In Harmony and Hope, let our voices rise Welcome to the family of God Of God, mm Welcome to the family of God - [APPLAUSE.]
- [STIFLES LAUGHTER.]
[APPLAUSE CONTINUES.]
GRACE: Now the thing to remember about the 12 tribes of Israel is that they were 12 tribes.
Now, I don't know about y'all's family, but we can barely get 2 people to agree on something, - let alone 12! - WOMAN: 12! - [GRACE LAUGHS.]
- She is not wrong about that.
But somehow, Moses got all the tribes of Egypt to agree to do this strange, bloody thing to slaughter their firstborn lamb and to paint the doorways with its blood.
And lo and behold, it worked.
- PARISHIONERS: Yes! - [APPLAUSE.]
They walked out of Egypt with their heads held high! [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
The sea itself parted out of respect for their unity of purpose! - Amen.
- MAN: Believe it! That's right.
How did Moses do all of that? How did he do that? I never heard Moses used as a uniter in that way.
Very on brand.
MAN: Praise him! Praise the Lord! It was God who did it.
[APPLAUSE.]
It was God who did it! - Amen.
- Hallelujah! Catch this through pharaoh.
[PARISHIONERS MURMURING.]
Every time pharaoh gave an order, every time he moved God's people this way and that against their will, he united them against a common enemy.
- That's good.
- Yeah, it is.
And when they finally Rose up, it cost pharaoh his own son.
Now, I want you to hear me right now.
I want you to catch this part.
Anyone out there in the world who thinks that they can get away with pushing God's people around, I have got news for you.
[INDISTINCT SHOUTS.]
God is using you to unite us! Amen.
[CHEERING.]
And woe to you when we rise.
Woe to you when we rise! Rise up, church! Rise up, church! Rise up! Rise up in the face of your sorrow! Rise up in the face of your trouble! Rise up! Tell that mountain to move! Rise up! Rise up! Woe to you when we rise, 'cause it is gonna cost you everything! [APPLAUSE.]
JAMES: Gigi.
Mm.
You gave that old devil what for.
- Hmm.
- And I don't mean Lucifer.
- I mean that old - she knows who you mean, James.
Resist the urge to make a scene.
- Well done.
- Thank you, mom.
Mm-hmm! [LAUGHS.]
Well, look who's here.
Rochester.
Bob would like to see you at my office when you get a second.
Your office? Yes.
And I'd take that second now.
I'll see you back at the house.
Bishop, Mae Always a pleasure.
- [CELLPHONE RINGS.]
- MAN: Thank you very much.
WOMAN: You're welcome.
- [RING.]
- Hi.
- Oh, it's Nadine.
Go ahead.
- [RING.]
Okay.
[BEEP.]
Hi.
Did you get my message? Yeah, I did.
You wanted to know who's the money behind city on a hill, right? - Who funds them? - Were you able to find out? I was.
It's Harmony & Hope.
- Is that gonna be a problem? - [SIGHS.]
Kerissa? Um I-I don't know.
Well, I've scheduled the closing for this afternoon.
And if that's not gonna work Uh, hey.
What's the matter? Yeah, w-we'll we'll we'll see you there.
Okay.
Bye.
[BEEP.]
I wanted to talk in here, because I thought it might remind you in the most simplistic way that, in a very real sense, this is not your church.
You are an employee of Harmony & Hope.
Your paycheck is processed by H&H accounting.
Your office, desk, even your robes, Pastor, which may seem to be yours, are on loan.
Guess I hit a nerve.
Cal Weaver just told me that he's thinking of staying put, giving it one last go.
He's inspired.
Is that such a bad thing? It's gonna make something that should take two months take two years, if it happens at all.
He doesn't want to come over here.
- I don't blame him.
- Because you don't want him here! We just became Harmony & Hope.
Why does it have to happen right now? I'm trying to make the world a better place.
What are you doing? Indulging your own sense of righteousness at the expense of all the people you value the most? What's that supposed to mean? One more move like that, and you're out, all of you your sister, your brother.
They're both hanging by a thread right now.
And it's all because of you.
All because of you.
Goodbye, land.
[SIGHS.]
Hello, dream house.
[SIGHS.]
Come on, babe.
My favorite kind of deal.
Buyers, sellers everyone's happy.
[CELLPHONE BEEPING.]
[LINE RINGS.]
[CELLPHONE RINGS, BEEPS.]
Noah, hey.
What's up? Isabel just threw me out.
Why? Charity called the house and left a message like, "why didn't you come by after you were at the church?" - Seriously? - Yeah.
Izzy put two and two together and figured we'd seen each other, so she asked.
- And you told her? - I had to.
I thought it would be better than what she thought.
I was wrong.
The fact that you and I have a kid, and she and I can't, it's [SIGHS.]
She just said she's done.
So, what are you gonna do? For starters? I'm moving back to Memphis to get to know my son.
I just thought you'd want to know.
[CALL DISCONNECTS, DIAL TONE.]