Kat Andrews ♀

Katherine Andrews stood at the back of Grace Community Church, her posture steady but her thoughts restless. The soft hum of voices filled the converted warehouse, bouncing off its exposed brick walls and metal beams. She’d been an usher here for years, slipping between rows of chairs, greeting newcomers, and handing out bulletins with a warm smile. Today, though, her duties felt like a chore rather than a calling. The scandal had left its mark on everyone. The treasurer’s betrayal—embezzling thousands meant for outreach and renovations—was bad enough. But the pastor and board’s attempts to bury the truth had been the final blow. Their resignations came too late to stop the wave of anger, disappointment, and doubt that swept through the congregation. Katherine’s eyes scanned the crowd as she gathered stray bulletins. People still showed up, but the unity that once defined Grace Community was gone. Conversations were quieter, smiles strained. Even the building felt different—its stained glass windows and colorful banners no longer radiated hope but served as reminders of broken trust. As she listened to the interim pastor’s message, Katherine wrestled with her emotions: anger, sadness, and a deep sense of betrayal. For over a decade, this church had been her home. She’d raised her children here, prayed through her darkest days, and celebrated life’s greatest joys. But now, she wasn’t sure if it could ever feel like home again. After the service, Deacon Thompson approached her, his face kind but lined with worry. “Katherine,” he said softly, careful not to draw attention. “We’re forming a team. A small group to figure out what’s next for the church. We need to rebuild—trust, leadership, everything.” Katherine’s interest was piqued. She wanted to be part of the solution, to help her church recover and emerge stronger. “I’m in,” she said, without hesitation.