The Ullet Road Children's Story

2 Jul 2023

Some words from Rev. Phil in response to an unusual turn of events during Sunday Service, last week:
"When the organist informs me on the morning of the Sunday Service that she is unable to play, the calmness of my routine is swiftly displaced by a sense of urgency. It is in moments like these that I reach for my emergency CD, my salvation in the form of Hymn Music and Miscellaneous Sacred Music. A hurried shuffle of hymn numbers follows, replaced to reflect the hymns contained on the CD. Despite the last-minute changes, the service goes on seamlessly.

Then, amidst the serenity of the day, an unexpectedly enchanting moment arises during the Children's Story. It has been our tradition for the organist to herald the beginning of this segment with the stirring theme of Harry Potter, composed by the magnificent John Williams. This music serves as a gentle invitation for all the children to settle down on the steps. It also gives me a moment to absorb the essence of the children’s story, seldom reading it word for word from the page. Instead, I prefer to leap into the narrative headfirst, unscripted, a dance between calculated hiccups and spontaneous laughter, an experience that entertains both child and adult.

On this day, without the usual organ music to signal the start, an unexpected miracle unfolds. Our rainbow rebel leaders, in a spark of spontaneous camaraderie, begin to hum the familiar tune. As if by magic, their melody spreads throughout, it felt like each member of the congregation was joining in the collective harmony. The church resounds with the simple yet powerful demonstration of community. It was truly an enchanting spectacle, like catching a glimpse of a shooting star on a cloudless night.

The ensuing story that day, featuring the beloved characters of Jedediah, Oliver the Owl, Grumble the Gruff, Francis the Fox, Beatrix the Beaver, and the glamorous Penelope the Peacock, was elevated to new storytelling heights. In the face of adversity, we had created a moment of shared wonder, a testament to the loving strength and unity of our community.
After the service the congregation tucked into Rev. Phil's Spicy Bean, Tomato and Spinach Soup!"