Neil Walpole finds room in the inn for over 100 at Christmas
13 Jan 2009
Few regulars at 'The Spangled Bull' pub in Kirkheaton, Yorkshire, could recall a Christmas quite like it. On a cold Monday night over 100 children and adults found 'room in the inn', as part of a "Posada" event that was the brainchild of Church Army Evangelist Neil Walpole and Reverend Leslie Noon.
"Posada" is part of the Mexican tradition of Christmas, involving the nativity scene being taken through a neighbourhood from house to house. Neil, Leslie and members of Kirkheaton Parish and Kirkheaton United Churches had several conversations at houses en route to the pub. They were also able to share the Christmas message with people who joined them along the way, purely out of curiosity.
The Posada journey began at a Parish Church building, where everyone was encouraged to dress as an Angel, Shepherd, or Wise Man. Those inclined to enter into the Christmas spirit in costume then got to work making stars, sheep, or crowns as their characters dictated. They then played Church Army's Posada game whilst waiting for the procession to get ready.
The centrepiece of this very special procession was a live donkey, which led people through the town to the pub whilst carols were sung by lantern light. The landlord of the "Bull" gave out sweets and drinks to all, then it was time to take the donkey to a purpose-built 'stable' inside the United Church! A nativity with a twist followed, performed by the church members. This play focussed on the Angels' declaration of Jesus as the Saviour for all mankind, and featured the playwright (Neil himself) as a modern-day reporter securing a world exclusive interview with Mary.
Neil found himself with many people to thank, at the end of a momentous evening: "So many people came together in a spirit of community to make this Posada a great night. As well as the landlord of the 'Bull' – and his regulars – I must give heartfelt thanks to our stable-builder, the many costume makers, the actors and, especially, Leslie who has given so much of her time to realise a vision we both share for Kirkheaton."
Whilst many people joined in with this Posada because they had seen one of the posters put up around town, one woman's story is of special interest. Having overheard people talking about the event on the bus she invited her next-door neighbour's child to the Posada, who enjoyed it so much that her parents are actively looking for a Sunday School that she can join.
The vision for this Posada is to make it a regular Christmas celebration, but also to build on it by starting an after-school drama club in February. The incredible potential for Christian witness to whole families, through performance arts, is at the very heart of why Neil Walpole became a Church Army Evangelist.
