The Storytelling service recognises the profound importance of stories to our individual and shared identity, as a way of processing our culture, learning wisdom, and shaping our own life stories within the broader framework of the deeper stories that underpin our lives. The service also reflects the fact that several members of the congregation have writing and storytelling talents, and we wanted a forum to bring those gifts together for their nurture and our enjoyment.
We generally hold this service on the second Sunday of the month, at 7pm. The curator of the service sets up an intimate and cosy environment with cushions spaced round in a circle and candles or lamps for lighting. There is tea and coffee available throughout the service.
People are invited to come as storytellers or listeners… some come to the service without a story planned but leave having told one on the spur of the moment. Some people tell stories in an informal, ad hoc way, others memorise their own or others’ stories and tell them in creative ways, others read stories that they have written, or that they have read and enjoyed. Others just come to listen and enjoy the space. Some people read poems, or play audio recordings of stories or narrative songs.
There is generally no pre-arranged order for the stories: people begin when they are ready. There is usually a fairly long pause between the stories, to allow them to sink in. Occasionally people will ask questions or comment on the story in this space.
The storytelling has been valuable for some writers and storytellers in the congregation to have a regular audience for work in progress, and as a stimulus to keep writing their own stuff, or practising their storytelling skills. Others look forward to the space as a relaxing end to the week, enjoying the special ambience created by the sharing of stories. It is rare for adults to be read to in our culture. The experience often invokes memories and feelings of early childhood.