After immersing herself in the communities of Whiteway, Southdown, and Kingsway for more than four years, Pioneer Rachel Spence decided to extend an invitation to churchgoers in December with a unique event she named “Experience Narnia” .
Inspired by the model presented by ‘Jumping Fish Publications,’ which Rachel and her Methodist counterparts had previously introduced to the community, she crafted an experience centred around C.S. Lewis’s book, ‘The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.’ The timing was significant, aligning with the week marking 125 years since C.S. Lewis’s birth and 60 years since his passing.
In preparation for the event, Rachel led an Advent in Narnia Bible study, referencing the book of the same title by Heidi Haverkamp. 3D wardrobe-shaped invitations were distributed to the local primary school and uniformed groups. Midweek community drop-in sessions were organised to create props and backdrops, while a call was made to the community for white Christmas trees, ‘fur’ coats, and other homely props.
Transforming St. Barnabas Church into the enchanting land of Narnia involved dividing the space into six distinct areas. Rachel collaborated with a volunteer team from Wessex Water for the setup, with the south porch entrance serving as the wardrobe in the land of Spare ’Oom, adorned with fur or fur-like coats and a line of white Christmas trees.
Volunteers, organised into six groups, each represented a character from the book and facilitated themed activities in designated areas. As the bells rang, groups rotated clockwise to experience each unique facet of the Narnian adventure
The six areas were:
- Mr Tumnus at the Lamppost activity making snowflakes
- The White Witch’s Castle activity playing musical statues
- The White Witch’s Sleigh with Edmund activity trying Turkish Delight & hot chocolate.
- Mrs Beavers Lodge activity playing a memory game.
- Father Christmas Grotto activity thinking about what we want versus what we need for Christmas. Aged appropriate useful presents were given to everyone who attended.
- Cair Paravel activity dressing up as Kings & Queens of Narnia.
Rachel said, “We decided not to focus on the Stone table and Aslan dying as we might pick that up around Easter next year, but we did give an overview of the importance of Aslan ‘being on the move’ and what this meant.”
In all 6 sessions were offered; Sunday afternoon the first and busiest session which saw around 80 people attend. On Monday evening there were 2 sessions mainly for the Cubs and Scouts, Tuesday Year 4 from Roundhill Primary School came along and in the evening there was an adult "Christmas Wreaths in Narnia making session. On Wednesday afternoon it was the turn of Year 3 from Roundhill Primary and the Beavers. In the evening the invitation was extended to everyone.
Altogether more than 279 people came to Experience Narnia. Rachel said, “For a church with less than 20 most Sundays we were thrilled."
The whole team said they were delighted with the response from the local community. A spokesperson said, “It really built on the community work Rachel has been doing during her time as paid lay pioneer. Since Experience Narnia we welcomed more families to St Barnabas Café Church, the Carol Service and other events. Many have told us they have watched the film or read the book for the first time.
“It was certainly a source of much joy.”