Christmas with St John's Church Mice

At the Carol service at St John’s on Sunday 15th December 2024, we heard a poem about the St John’s Church Mice…

St. John’s Church Mice by Sally and Cilla

Here amongst the piled-up hassocks and the odd musty hymn book
The damp ancient walls have provided a cosy nook
For our family so wide
That we must find places to hide;
Under the altar, organ, or a pew
Hiding places of which these are just a few.

People enter this church but they never see us and moan
Honestly, we prefer it this way to be alone.
During services we listen to cries of the new-born
And hear the sobs of the forlorn,
But best of all we like a service where we can sing
A hymn or carol with a bit of a swing.

Some church seasons are more hectic
Therefore, our diet can be quite eclectic
In Autumn we have the odd conker to chew
Which makes a change from candles and the legs of a pew.
Christmas is a special time for a mouse
As the light and warmth of the decorations brighten up this sacred house.

The singing is joyful and the people seem of good cheer,
They welcome a King who comes to a world of fear.
At this time of year, the flower arranger leaves us a feast
In the vestry chocolate reindeer, intended for the priest.
Unwrapping the colourful foil during pass the parcel
Oh, what fun to get to the tasty morsel.

We love to continue our party after hours
And send out invites ‘Come over to ours’
Some years ago, in the holy manger we had a cosy bed,
Until one of us played leap frog over someone’s head,
We heard a scream and we were scared
And knew our existence was not to be shared.

We continue to hear prayers for the homeless, sick, those displaced and at war
The world outside these walls can be a frightening place and more.
So spare a thought for the church mice
Who down the centuries have had a house so nice
That they share with friends, bees, butterflies, and bats.
And people too where they no longer must wear hats.

We will look out for you in services to come
To find peace and calm and not to seasonal pressure succumb
During this busy season we spare a thought for those who juggle
Finding their life work balance is such a struggle.
So you are all welcome to come and join us
As we wish you a Happy Christmas.

With love from St. John’s church mice.