#FF — Bats in the Belfry


PHOTO PROMPT © Jen Pendergast

Bats in the Belfry

Reverend June looked for divine inspiration to write this Sunday’s sermon, her first in the new parish. She was replacing Father Flannery, who’d disappeared suddenly, location unknown, after thirty years at the pulpit.

She’d heard so much about Father Flannery as a preacher who could sway his congregation; one who could make believers out of the most entrenched of agnostics.

Every eye was riveted upon Reverend June as she spoke; every mouth hung open.

Standing at the door, smiling and shaking hands with folk as they filed out, one woman said,

I’m glad Father Flannery’s bats flew the belfry. Welcome!”

[100 words]

 

Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.

48 Comments Add yours

  1. memadtwo's avatar memadtwo says:

    That’s a nice ending. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thank you, Kerfe. This one was a tough write for me. The ideas just weren’t there.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Dale's avatar Dale says:

    Now this is a wonderful and original take on the prompt, Lisa! Nicely done and way to go Reverend June!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Happy you liked my spin, thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar Dale says:

        That I did! Love when people step out of the pulpit … I mean box!

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Sadje's avatar Sadje says:

    A good story Li.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      :) Glad you enjoyed my story, thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sadje's avatar Sadje says:

        You’re very welcome

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Carol anne's avatar Carol anne says:

    great story with a great ending Li :D

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Carol Anne, so happy you enjoyed the story <3

      Like

  5. pvcann's avatar pvcann says:

    Ha, this brought a smile :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Paul, when you smile I smile. Thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. pvcann's avatar pvcann says:

        Wonderful 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  6. At least one of the good Father’s flock were not swayed

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Dana, thanks so much. The pic had me stymied for awhile.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      I was thinking asylum but may be… ;)

      Like

  7. James McEwan's avatar James McEwan says:

    A good first impression always goes down well.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:

    Great story. Maybe reverend June won them over with a little help from above?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      It’s very possible. Thanks for reading and your comment, Someone. (Will?)

      Like

  9. Anita's avatar Anita says:

    Mysterious disappearance of the past Father & hearty welcome to the new female preacher

    Like

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks Anita for reading and your comment.

      Like

  10. Fresh blood, fresh inspiration. A lovely tale.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks, Patrick, I wish them well.

      Like

  11. Bats in the belfry, that’s mental! Nice one, Lisa!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      lol thanks, Keith :)

      Like

  12. plaridel's avatar plaridel says:

    it looks like she made a good first impression. I consider that a plus. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      I agree, Plaridel :)

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:

    What a nice successful beginning for the new reverend.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. GHLearner's avatar GHLearner says:

      And that was she who forgot to log in…

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks, Gabi. Doesn’t it get tedious to have to log in before making every comment? I know it bugs the … out of me!

      Like

  14. It sounds like Reverand June won over the congregation. A lovely story, Lisa!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Brenda thanks so much. Yes, I believe she did.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Violet Lentz's avatar Violet Lentz says:

    There is definitely something to be said for a positive reception! Makes me wonder what exactly she preached about…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Good question, Violet!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Laurie Bell's avatar Laurie Bell says:

    Oh I was worried there but I’m glad it went well for her. Some small towns might not react so nice to a new face.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Laurie you are so right.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Dear Lisa,

    Proving once more that the best man for the job is a woman. ;) Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Rochelle,
      Ha ha! :::lips zipped, but chuckling inside:::
      Thanks, my friend.
      Shalom,
      Lisa

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re mostt welcome, Lisa. :D

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Oh my, poor Father Flannery.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      I hope he’s doing well, wherever he is. Thanks, Dawn.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Jules's avatar Jules says:

    Change can be good. :)

    Liked by 1 person

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