Vivian Birch

Vivian Birch is Ellis Birch's wife and Amy's grandmother in Pokenberry Falls. She helps welcome the Barclay family when Ellis invites George to consider becoming pastor of the struggling First Church. Amy has lived with the Birches since her parents died in a car accident, leaving the grandparents to care for a troubled young woman who longs to escape their declining town. Unlike Ellis, who tries to create a favorable impression with old postcards and hopeful descriptions, Vivian decides the Barclays deserve the complete truth. She explains that only a few families remain in the church and that it cannot provide a full salary. Her honesty allows George and Mary to consider the difficult calling with clear eyes rather than false expectations.