HENDERSONVILLE, TN — Local churchgoers were left in disbelief after local mom Karen Hedges' post-service conversation lasted so long that by the time she finished, next week's service had already begun.
"I was just catching up with a few friends," explained Hedges, a 42-year-old mother of three and unofficial church greeter. "Next thing I know, the pastor is back up on stage and I'm being handed a bulletin for next week's sermon. Time just flew by!"
Witnesses claim Hedges' marathon chat session began innocently enough, with a simple "How have you been?" directed at fellow attendee Rachel Gonsajer. From there, the conversation spiraled into a comprehensive discussion covering everything from essential oils to the latest Pinterest crafts and homeschooling tips. "We barely scratched the surface of all our favorite topics," Hedges admitted.
Hedges' husband, Mark and their children were less amused by the situation. "I tried to give her the signal so, so many times," Mark said. "I got nothing. At some point, we had to just leave or the kids would have starved. I dropped back into the sanctuary every day to check on her and there she was, still chatting. It's unreal."
At publishing time, Hedges was seen exchanging recipes and school stories with another unsuspecting mom, as church staff were seen dimming the sanctuary lights in the hopes she would get the hint this time and leave.
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