Priest on a Bicycle

By October Skye

Unconventional priest leaping out of the traditional box throwing caution to the wind moving from the pulpit to the neighborhood. Having a desire to be more connected and available to those around him. Knowing that change ends and begins within. To be more one has to do more. Don't wait for others, lead the way. Starts slow but the pace picks up as you read.

• Language: English
• Publisher: October Skye
• Release date: Aug 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370612710

October Skye

Place of Birth: MichiganCurrently Residing:Southern CaliforniaGraduate,. California State University B.A. PsychologyFavorite Authors: Deborah Harness, Cassandra Clare, Diana GabaldonGalen Beckett, J.K Rowling, Eckhart TolleFavorite website: Southern CA digital library, Enki ebooks, Pin interest,Favorite eatery: Starbucks , Panera Bread, Bj's, Cheesecake Factory , Coffee Bean & Tea.Favorite exercise: Yoga, BikingFavorite music: Classical, Rachmaninoff Mozart, Maurice Revel

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Priest on a Bicycle

By October Skye

First Placement

Father Theopolis was new to this church and the neighborhood, his first assignment since he graduated from the seminary. He had already taken his first few days becoming familiar with the physical building of the church and the cottage in the rear of the property where he lived. Father thought now is a good time for him to sniff out the neighborhood and its inhabitants, and no better way to move freely around than by bicycle.

Earlier in the week Father Theopolis had eye spied a bicycle in the tool shed behind the cottage. The bicycle was in great condition someone probably the previous occupant had done terrific maintenance the chain was rust free the tires were hard as a rock and the brakes worked. Bless God there was a large comfy seat I hate the seats that are as wide as your hand that cause much suffering to one’s derriere.

Three days later on a fine blustery morning in September the weather was crisp and chilly but not cold. Father Theopolis decided to hop on his bicycle and ride around the neighborhood. His coat tails flapping in the wind behind him like the wings of a large black crow about to shoot into the air.

He greeted a woman walking her dog she was holding the leash with one hand and a red and green polka dot poop bag with the other.

Good morning Madame, Father Theopolis said.

The woman replied, Morning to you Father. I take it you must be the newly appointed priest for our neighborhood church.

That I am Father Theopolis at your service. Most folk just say Theo they think the name is rather long in syllables.

What a strange name what does it mean?

It means friend of God.

Most appropriate your parents must had some inkling you would become a priest, did they tell you that while growing up?

To be honest I don’t think they had a clue.

Maybe they did they just didn’t share the idea with you.

Never really thought about it.

By the way my name is Ms. Mary and this is Poppie.

Nice to meet you and Poppie.

I haven’t attended your church in a very long time.

Father Theopolis looked at Ms. Mary and thought to himself I wonder why.

Glad to have met you I may not see you in church, but I will come across you and Poppie when I ride around the neighborhood. He told her to enjoy her morning walk and he bent over and patted Poppie on the head.

Father Theopolis continued on his way riding through the neighborhood and also getting some exercise. He came across a little boy probably between the ages of three and five walking aimlessly by himself. This is not a good Father Theopolis thought. He stopped riding and ask the boy,

Where are your parents?

The boy didn’t answer he stared up at Father and started to cry. Father got off his bicycle propped it up against the nearest tree, and knelt down to be eye level with the little boy. Father Theopolis said,

Now, now no tears that will not help. What is your name? Father heard some mumbling that sounded like Jimeeee.

Are you lost Jimmy? He nodded his head up and down. Well the lost part is sort of obvious I need to ask better questions.

Do you know the color of your house?

Jimmy said, yellow.

Father asked, do you have trees or bushes around your house? Jimmy looked at Father as if he was trying to remember, and he started crying again.

Father picked up Jimmy and patted him on his back and told him, Not to worry everything is going to work out. Father Theopolis thought I am totally out of my league I don’t know the first thing about little people all of this is so frustrating, where are those negligent parents!

Father Theopolis placed Jimmy on the ground and told him ,

We will find your yellow house together.

Father Theopolis grabbed the bicycle with one hand and asked Jimmy, may I hold your hand? Jimmy placed his hand in Father Theopolis’s and they started walking down the lane. They walked to blocks to the left and then two blocks to the right. Jimmy seemed to have calmed down as they continue to stroll the neighborhood. In the distance behind Father Theopolis he heard a car horn and someone calling Jimmy’s name.

Jimmy and Father Theopolis turned around to see a car speeding toward them a woman jump out of a car, even before it came to a complete stop. Jimmy released Father Theopolis’s hand and took off running as fast as his little feet could carry him. The mother was running with out stretched arms saying,

My baby, my baby, and started crying.

Must be the mom Father Theopolis thought. The man in the car parked illegally had his four ways blinking and jumped out the car. He ran to his wife and child and embraced them everyone wiping away spilled tears of joy. Father Theopolis had done his civil duty and was happy the situation has been resolved on a good note.

He was grabbing his bicycle and on the verge of leaving when he heard a women’s voice.

Excuse me sir I would like to thank you for watching over my son.

Father Theopolis said, I was more than happy to be of assistance.

The woman said my name is. " Lydia and this is my husband Henry you already know Jimmy.

Nice to meet you both my name is Father Theopolis I ’m the new priest at the Community church.

We don’t know what to say or how to thank you, said Lydia.

Father Theopolis reached out and shook both of their hands and said, Just thank God that will be more than enough. Jimmy had fallen asleep in his mother’s arms all tuckered out from his adventure.

I’m just curious as to how this happened, said Father Theopolis. Henry spoke first sounding way more tired than he looked.

I was in the house and heard Jimmy say something about a dog outside, he was looking out the window. The next thing I know the living room was too quiet and the front door was open. I assumed Jimmy went out to play with the dog and the dog ran and he ran after the dog and ended up being lost and confused. Lydia and I panicked jumped in the car and started searching the neighborhood, knowing he could not have gone far hoping that no foul play would be involved.

You folks look exhausted go home all is well put Jimmy to bed, and you two get some rest.

Thanks, again for everything Father Theopolis , Lydia said. They waved good-by as they drove away.

After the incident with Jimmy Father Theopolis decided he would return to the cottage. He needed to refresh himself and have a bite to eat, and there was a load of clothes that needed to be washed. Sunday service was slowly increasing in patrons. People were staying long enough for me to shake their hands and thank them for attending. The word must be getting out that I am not an ogre in the pulpit.

Meeting Annabelle

On Thursday Father Theopolis felt on edge not sure of his Sunday message. He wanted to give the people a sermon that would touch hearts and renew their spirits. Exercise always clears the mind and fresh