Standing Room only for Papa Panov

Adding a twist to the traditional carol and nativity service can be a little risky, but incorporating Tolstoy's play Papa Panov was a real inspiration. There was standing room only at the Baptist church last weekend as the cast led by David Berkley as Panov the shoemaker, delivered a convincing performance of a play which asked the question “if Jesus was coming to you on Christmas Day what present would you give to him?”

No, Jesus didn’t show up but other very needy people did, like the single parent played by Elisa Cunningham, the cold and weary road sweeper (Mark Balchin) and the beggars played by Wendy and Jonny Atkinson. These Papa Panov served with a warm welcome, coffee and food. The moral of the story, eloquently narrated by Becky Thomas, was in serving others we are also serving Christ and that this is a very fitting present for him.

The children also played their belle Plates, note perfect, and their angelic singing made one feel that heaven had surely come to earth said Pastor Steven Reed.

Picture attached – Papa Panov the shoemaker (David Berkley) welcomes a weary road sweeper (Mark Balchin) into his home on Christmas day.