From the solemnity of the Paschal Triduum,
To Taizé sung for ‘Kingdom Come’
Passion Portraits choral majesty, simple prose,
Fires at Easter, to celebrate he arose.

War and Peace, histories relived,
Festivals of Light in a village that gives.
Mental health talks at supper,
Memory Cafés, good cake, hot cuppa.

Palm Sunday processions, horses masquerading as asses.
Confirmation and Admission to Communion Classes,
Chestnut Sunday vintage cars, some applause,
Teddington Village Fair, an assortment of stalls.

Teddington Lights Up, pop-up gospel choirs,
These are some things, I have admired.
Bushy Park Runs, school runs, in a hurry,
meeting the chaps for MenU, and Curry.

Songs of Praise as Churches Together,
Elleray Hall Christmas carols, and dinner,
Christingle, Nativity, Carol and Crib,
Exhausted from the rollercoaster , my talks became more ad-lib.

Then all agreed the services at Homemead,
opened our eyes, to simple surprise
of Christ’s sparkle behind forgetful sighs.

Sunday Eucharist has been true,
I’ve learnt a great deal, during my time with you.
Small Church Big Soul,
A faithful few, a nest from which it is time we flew.

By Azariah France-Williams