FRIDAY FICTIONEERS 29.9.21 WHERE IS HOME
The verger notices a glimmer of light in the church window, so late in the evening .
The heavy door opens with a groan and four faces are revealed in the gloom. They turn towards him, their eyes wide with terror fix on him.
They look like a family group, two adults, two children who seem poised to run.
‘We have no shared language’ he thinks, and ‘this church is a place of sanctuary.’
He softens his voice, mimes eating and drinking.
He senses their pure terror and for a second tunes into the enormity of exile. He fetches bread and milk and holds it out. After a pause, the
father takes the bread and shares it with his family.
October 5, 2021 at 10:16 pm
Nicely done. A feel good read. 🙂
October 5, 2021 at 6:31 pm
The realities of terror and refugees. Apt and timely.
October 3, 2021 at 11:59 pm
May all refugees find someone like this verger! Beautiful story.
October 4, 2021 at 11:28 am
Thanks for your feedback Brenda, so glad you liked the story.
October 3, 2021 at 4:16 am
They came to the right place. I’m glad it worked out for them.
October 3, 2021 at 11:28 am
Thanks for your comment Jade.
October 3, 2021 at 5:09 pm
You’re welcome.
October 2, 2021 at 4:25 pm
Would be so wonderful if churches were truly sanctuaries they were meant to be. With so much turmoil in the world, we need millions of vergers like yours.
October 3, 2021 at 11:37 am
Thanks for comment Lorraine, much appreciated. There are so many up-rooted groups of people at the moment, aren’t there ?
October 2, 2021 at 4:24 pm
Lovely story, and very well told. I love the insight and empathy you show with the sentence, “He senses their pure terror and for a second tunes into the enormity of exile.”
October 3, 2021 at 2:13 pm
Thanks so much for your appreciation Penny. Pleased you liked the story. I have been wondering what it must be like to be a refugee, the opposite of our own sense of safety and home.
October 2, 2021 at 4:07 pm
A lovely story, the verger’s kindness comes through loud and clear. That’s what churches should be for, and that’s how everyone should act, no matter which faith.
October 3, 2021 at 2:24 pm
Thanks so much Gabi for your reflection, so glad you liked the story.
October 2, 2021 at 1:22 pm
Made me think of the scripture passage, “A cup of cold water given in My Name. . . .” Mark 10:42. Good story.
October 3, 2021 at 2:33 pm
Thanks for your reflection Linda.
October 2, 2021 at 11:47 am
Dear Francine,
Some communication needs no words. Sweet story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
October 3, 2021 at 2:34 pm
I appreciate your comment Rochelle, glad you liked the story.
October 2, 2021 at 4:44 am
A kindly priest, true to what the church stands for.
October 3, 2021 at 6:06 pm
Thanks for your reflection Ali,I agree with your sentiments.
October 2, 2021 at 4:07 am
Lovely story. I’m sure resulted in a relieved family.
October 3, 2021 at 6:13 pm
Thanks for your comment Oneta. Let’s hope so.
October 1, 2021 at 8:04 pm
it looks like they came to the right place. a church is usually a place where folks are most welcome.
October 3, 2021 at 6:17 pm
Thanks for your comment. Let’s hope most churches make people welcome.
September 30, 2021 at 5:36 pm
A moment that could mean so much, to them and to the verger
October 3, 2021 at 6:21 pm
Thanks for your comment Neil, much appreciated.
September 30, 2021 at 5:31 pm
Awww… that is lovely. Would that they were all so generous…
October 3, 2021 at 6:31 pm
Thanks Dale, so glad you liked the story. You’re right, not every-one would respond like the verger does.
October 4, 2021 at 12:33 am
I did 🙂