A Lesson in Hope

Sam Gardner has been pastor of Hope Friends Meeting for four months when a ninety-eight-year-old member, Olive Charles, passes away and leaves her entire estate--worth close to one million dollars--to the meeting. It's not long before this unexpected windfall creates a storm of conflicting opinions amongst the members of Sam's church as to how the money would be best used. But before the estate is released to the meeting, Olive's estranged niece, Regina Charles, turns up tipsy in Hope and threatens the church with a lawsuit over what she deems her rightful share. Sam soon finds himself in over his head while trying to lead his lively congregation, deal with Regina--and maybe even negotiate a raise.