People investigating the LDS Church aren’t often aware of sacrament meeting practices and formalities. Those inviting investigators to church should be mindful to explain these formalities, but this was unfortunately not the case for a pair of missionaries in the Provo Riverwood ward.

Last Sunday, Elder Miller and Elder Rowan invited local Provo investigator, John Reynolds, to attend a sacrament meeting in line with COVID-19 safety procedures. The two missionaries reportedly celebrated their successes despite neglecting to mention the formal attire and absence of applause that follows a musical number. When Reynolds made an appearance, these issues came to fruition.

Following a piano rendition of “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief”, Reynolds proceeded to openly applaud what he said was “a very moving performance until I realized I was the only one clapping.”  To the missionary’s horror, Reynolds proceeded to walk out of the building.

“I knew those two screwed the pooch when I saw he showed up in sweats,” said Riverwood Bishop, Carl Moreton. “I don’t blame him for walking out- the pause after musical numbers are awkward enough. The high-speed bicycle chase afterward certainly didn’t help.”

“Yes, okay, we chased him. We just wanted to explain ourselves-  but he’s surprisingly fast. If I had to guess, it was because of the sweat pants,” explained Elder Rowan. 

Rowan and Miller suspect Reynolds is “just out of town or something” for the time being, and haven’t been in contact with him since. However, considering we were able to interview him outside of his home, it’s safe to say Reynolds is just a poor wayfaring man of grief that’s trying to avoid the missionaries.