Second Sunday

by Michele Andrea Bowen

St. Louis, 1975. Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church's pastor has gone on to see the King. Still, many people are wondering why he couldn't have just waited until after the Second Sunday in June-a day that's supposed to commemorate the church's 100th anniversary! It's praying time, but is anyone going to show up at the altar? Gethsemane's wealthy, conniving Deacon Cleavon Johnson is determined to have one of his own elected to the pulpit, and the rest of the deacons are at each other's throats. It's up to the women of Gethsemane to do something before time runs out. Their secret weapon? Sheba Cochran-a single mother, former disco party girl, and backslidden church member. Her assignment is to expose every slick-talking candidate endorsed by the church's power-hungry deacon. Then she meets Rev. George Wilson, a true man of God as fiery in love as he is strong in faith. As Deacon Johnson steps up his game to a lower level, Sheba, George, and the congregation must do some heaven-inspired maneuvering to save the future of...

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Book Club, Adult Fiction, Romance, Inspirational

352 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2004

Reviews

[Adrienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of the series; I really laughed and enjoyed this one! I laughed out loud at work too. Someone asked today, what are you reading since I said out loud, "Who eats a 'pig ear sandwich'?" mentioned on page 142. He laughed and said that is "country folks"!

Oddly, one of my favorite scenes in the book that I could vividly visualize was when Sheba was acting out at American Worship Center then Phoebe joined in as if she got the Holy Spirit in her too. Then, Bertha left her former church for personal reasons and later realized it was time to come home and love her man!

I really enjoyed this book all the way through! Will move to the next one and love the title "Holy Ghost Corner"

[Ayani_Meli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters were much like the ones I see every Sunday; therefore, I could relate to them all. Some entertained me, some angered me and some...I felt their pain. I wanted to cry along with them. The book ended too soon. The plot was great and I loved the ending.

[Tawallah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second novel of Mrs. Michele Andrea Browne which once again gives an honest look at the Baptist Church in St. Louis. In this companion novel to Church Folk, it is 1975 and Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church is about to celebrate its centenary anniversary. But things go pear shaped after the incumbent suddenly dies at a crucial point.
This time around, the themes are consistent and well written even with the laugh out loud humor and shenanigans that occur. But the humor should distract from the serious issues that are raised here. Though there are some challenges whilst reading a book of this nature, I believe that the intent of this author is to highlight areas of hypocrisy and shame in the American church with the intent of repentance and allowing God to be in control of His church.

Well worth the read. You are guaranteed to identify certain people that you know from the characters.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though it appears I may be one of a few 'white' people who have read it or at least reviewed it. You definitely don't have to be African-American to enjoy this book but it is definitely written with African-American people in mind since all the characters in the novel are African-American. The novel is set in St. Louis but I felt like I was reading about and listening to the African-American people I lived and worked with in South Carolina for many years. In Second Sunday, Bowen writes the story of events happening at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church as it goes about trying to find a new pastor and also in preparing for its 100 year anniversary. The language and expressions are definitely African-American vernacular---so vivid and at times hilarious. A group of women decide they are tired of their husbands having all the say about the selection of a new minister and what they perceive as a horrible mistake with the last pastor. They devise a plan to set to 'weed' out any undesirable pastoral candidates but are also up against a powerful enemy---a member who has his own personal agenda at stake. There is a lot of humor in this book but there are also some profound spiritual messages woven in as well---although it is definitely not a 'preachy' book. Bowen has a wonderful style of combining humor and religion in a very down-to-earth manner.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

All is not well at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church. Their pastor has passed on just months before the big centennial celebration and divisions on the deacon's board promise quite a fight to find a replacement. This discord provides the backdrop for a series of stories delving into the daily struggles of the congregation and how they find redemption by relying on prayer and a little old-fashioned moxie. I particularly loved the portrayal of the marriage of Bert, the head of the board of deacons, and Nettie, is wife who leads a campaign reminiscent of Lysistrata to get the right pastor appointed.

Bowen's book is hilarious in parts and tender in others and makes a great read for church folks and non-church folks alike. One of the joys of the book is that Bowen is quite comfortable showing people who love Jesus and love sex and romance too, though this may turn off some of the more prudish readers.

I listened to this book on tape and the recording is one of the better ones I've heard. The narrator does all the voices and infuses the characters with an energy and mirth that had me laughing out loud.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was literally a laugh a minute (as with all Michele Andrea Bowen's books). The characters were so well written they jumped off the page for me, and the book was more about them than the story going on around them. At the end I was a bit sad because I had to leave their world. I can't wait for her next book.

[Danyelle Scroggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michele truly knows the art of laughter! Her book Second Sunday, not only helps you get a good cry in, but a bundle of laughs as well. It really reminded me of my grandmother and her old church buddies. You know, there is nothing like a old saved sister who understands that a man is for enjoyment and not for enslavement. I would highly recommend this books to all of my friends.

[Alondra Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually don't read christian fiction, but this was good. It had a nice pace and storyline and shows actual love and caring between a man and woman.

[Hyacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, great laughter, great drama, good shock value, the characters are comedy, pockets of teachable moments equals a good book. I am looking forward to reading all of her books.

[Marcitia L Zachary]

Hilarious

Hilarious read that took me back to my childhood church. But key factor here was the remembrance of what a God is able to do if you just trust in his word and believe.

[Sonya Sherow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: This book is so funny that you may you spray soda/water out your nose. This is a wonderful slice of life about black churches. Get your praise on and keep reading. 🤓

[Amy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The follow up to Church Folks, the author will have you laughing your entire read.

[Myesha-Tiara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favorite Quote: “When the saints are caught up in the business of the Lord, the devil gets mad and gets busy in church.”~Katie Mae’s grandmother

There are so many characters in this book that at times I can’t keep them straight, however there are a few who I gravitate towards the most: Sheba, Mr. Louis Loomis and Rev. George Wilson to name a few and Deacon Cleavon is a good villain.

The church drama is definitely in full swing and the sexism and abuse can definitely be triggering and they do not shy away from it.

[Zenzele-Leandria Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

What A Good Story

I chose this rating because I have read Michele's other books and they all are inviting, funny and true to some point. I have been in church all of my life and some of these people remind me of people I grew up with. You will definitely enjoy her books.
I suggest that you try to read them in the order that they were released to get the full effect of the stories.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Black Church stories

If you were raised in a black church like I was, this book makes total sense. However, if you weren’t, it’ll be difficult to understand the speech and the many characters. This is my second time reading this book, first read many years ago, and it’s like an old comfy sweater. It’s not great literature but it feels like home.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious! Loved every minute of it.

[Pamela G. Brice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book you don't want to put down and don't want it to end.

[Kavonne Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. I loved the complexity of the story

[Alma Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amen

A well written book that depicted God fearing church members. I loved the humor, characters and story line.
I would read it again,

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read!

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amusing read, if a little dated. 2.5 stars

[April Sousa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story filled with culture, politics, and lives of people we call church...

[Suprina Bracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago. I decided to re read it. I loved it then and even more today. The Church Folk was something else 🤣🤣🤣

[Brittanie Boone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book and really enjoyed the immense amount of dialogue between the characters—I often find it hard to keep up when there’s a ton of characters and dialogue but this was such an easy read. This book book felt so real for a church kid like me. Can’t wait to get started on the next installment

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read to this one now and really enjoying it. I love writing style and everything Describe in this book.

[Brittany-Monique Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Second Sunday by Michelle Andrea Bowen! The way she introduced the new pastor was full of rich detail and tied beautifully into Church Folk without feeling like a direct sequel. I especially loved that one of my favorite characters got a chance to be highlighted and redeemed in this story—it made the book even more meaningful for me. Bowen’s storytelling is engaging, heartfelt, and full of life, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of her work. Five stars all around!

[Angelia Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suddenly Victories Resound Loud and Clear!!!

Michele has done it again! Hit with a sudden and totally unexpected transition, the congregation at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church is rocked to its very foundation. One strategic shift leads to the uncovering of a plethora of unresolved issues, hidden agendas and predatory schemes that affect both the individuals involved as well as the congregation at large. This story is proportionately seasoned with the humors and the hurts of love as relationships develop and the congregation increases. This inspirational work reminds us “…that God don’t play, and that if He is for you, can’t nobody even think about standing against you”. It also encourages us to know that God allows the pains of transition to propel us into our new dimension in Him. Thank you, Michele, for an awesome work! I was so inspired that I read it twice!!

[Diana Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if I can shout the praises high enough for this book. What a little gem and I am so glad I discovered it on Goodreads! So, I really liked the character development in this story. I felt very intimate with all of the characters and I really felt like I established a bond with almost all of them. I definitely had mixed feelings about the Pastor, but that is just me being me. I love the passion these women feel for their church, and I wish more churches today had women who would fight for it the way these women did. Inside of the plot, there are subplots that are equally important to the story, and I really enjoyed watching certain characters grow spiritually and emotionally.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to read this book after reading Michele Andrea Bowen's first book for this series. It didn't disappoint AT ALL! I cried, laughed and even got the HOLY GHOST a few times. LOL

Now I'm on to the 3rd book of this series, Holy Ghost Corner. It was also nice that a few characters from the first book made select appearances in this book as well.

It was a friendly well-needed reminder to go to GOD even with romance and relationship issues FIRST and ONLY to allow HIM to fix or even send THE ONE and focus on HIM ONLY and then all else will fall in place!

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

humorous account of a small black church’s preparations for their 100th anniversary - everything goes haywire when the pastor dies a few months before

Towards the end, a pregnant woman giving birth while getting married had mom laughing to hard she started choking and I had to stop reading long enough for her to catch her breath!