We decided to call ourselves Stone Soup after the story which you can read at the end of this section. We really want to be a group who worships together well and with hospitality. We are intentionally a small group but would really love others to join us (yes, I know that's a contradiction, but both these things really are true!).
We start at the church centre at 5:30pm for a meal together where we share news and catch up, once a month we have communion as a part of the meal. We start our worship time at 6:30pm which has a bit of a different feel in that there is no formal sermon but we listen to someone tell a story from the bible then we discuss it. The children have crafts while we do this and we try hard to make the points in the service with both adults and kids one which is spiritually enriching for all of us.
It's hard to communicate just what it's like, if you're curious come and check us out or speak to Kez, Jackie, Antony or anyone else you know who goes along. You can get hold of Kez at the church office on 01924-382966.
The Story of Stone Soup
Once upon a time, there was a great famine in which people jealously hoarded whatever food they could find, hiding it even from their friends and neighbors. One day a wandering soldier came into a village and began asking questions as if he planned to stay for the night.
"There's not a bite to eat in the whole province," he was told. "Better keep moving on."
"Oh, I have everything I need," he said. "In fact, I was thinking of making some stone soup to share with all of you." He pulled an iron cauldron from his wagon, filled it with water, and built a fire under it. Then, with great ceremony, he drew an ordinary-looking stone from a velvet bag and dropped it into the water.
By now, hearing the rumor of food, most of the villagers had come to the square or watched from their windows. As the soldier sniffed the "broth" and licked his lips in anticipation, hunger began to overcome their skepticism.
"Ahh," the soldier said to himself rather loudly, "I do like a tasty stone soup. Of course, stone soup with cabbage -- that's hard to beat."
Soon a villager approached hesitantly, holding a cabbage he'd retrieved from its hiding place, and added it to the pot. "Capital!" cried the soldier. "You know, I once had stone soup with cabbage and a bit of salt beef as well, and it was fit for a king."
The village butcher managed to find some salt beef . . . and so it went, through potatoes, onions, carrots, mushrooms, and so on, until there was indeed a delicious meal for all. The villagers offered the soldier a great deal of money for the magic stone, but he refused to sell and traveled on the next day.
By working together, with everyone contributing what they can, good things will be achieved.