II went for a walk to local wood this afternoon, passing our parish church in the countryside. Noticed the door was open, which I thought was unusual, but took the opportunity to look round. Continued to the wood then stopped at the church again on my return. Door still open. Investigated further but was I trespassing?
Light on in vestry but couldn’t see anyone there. Thought maybe there was someone in room off the vestry but didn’t want to go to window and potentially make them jump. Crept into vestry to peer in window. Found it was actually a mirror. The room was just a reflection of the one I was already in!
The organ was switched on but main church lights off. The church is usually locked but I wondered if they’d left it open for visitors, although that would be very unusual. No way of telling. Picked up a collecting box to see if any money in it. Yes. Strange to leave it there if church is open.
Then realised there were security signs and CCTV. How long would it be before the police arrived to apprehend the ‘intruder’ who had been filmed with the collecting box?
Looked at noticeboard outside and no service on this afternoon or evening. It would be at least the morning before anyone came. Found number for the vicar. Should I bother her on a Sunday? Decided I should.
Church should not be open she said. It’s always kept locked. She’d be up straight away to lock it. I sat waiting for her on seat in churchyard that I often use. Called hello as she walked by on the path. Made her jump out of her skin. Felt very guilty. I’d been so careful not do the same to anyone in the church too.
Went into the church with her and she turned everything off, put alarm on and locked up. She was very grateful and would be having words with the church wardens. She’d emailed them as soon as I rang. I don’t think she was happy!
Now it was raining and she kindly offered me a lift down the lane. I accepted but then felt guilty as she had to remove her cassock and stuff from the front seat. She was on her way to take another service. She told me not to worry about the things on the floor.
As I got out I saw that my walking shoe had left mud on the handle of her handbag.
So my place in heaven that seemed so secure after saving the church from almost certain ransacking is now in jeopardy after first making a vicar jump in her own churchyard then depositing mud on her handbag.
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