to accomplish achange.
FOREWORD
The chapel service at the Episcopal School of New York is about to begin. A sense of anticipation is palpable: parents are gathering, and children and their teachers are entering the chapel space. In the front of the room sits Bill Gordh, calmly playing music on his banjo. His face glows with a sense of welcome; so, too, he communicates to both adult and child that this is a distinctive time and space, in stark contrast to the “business as usual” that can quickly fill up the day of those now gathering here, in this moment. As Bill quietly and devotedly sets the tone, he in turn is sensing the tone of the group, picking up cues regarding mood, worry, and preoccupation. Some of the children point to their artwork, which Bill will use in the chapel service. This is both a very happy time as well as a serious time.
As the chapel service begins, Bill establishes an atmosphere of reverence, empathy, and, above all, welcome. Children and adults both feel that sense of welcome: they have come to associate this chapel space and service with a clear sense of belonging, regardless of their religious affiliation or no affiliation at all. To believer and nonbeliever alike, something important is happening here. Thanks to Bill’s masterful leadership, not to mention sheer hard work and careful preparation, chapel at the Episcopal School is an experience that those gathered have come to look forward to, as they know something out of the ordinary is about to take place.
As Bill leads the group in song, then tells a story, he displays an adeptness at connecting with his congregation. He knows the developmental and spiritual needs of children, he understands not only how to keep their attention, but to involve them in the story he is telling. As is the case with so many children’s chapels, one child shouts out something surprising, perhaps distracting, but Bill knows not only how to respond, but how to include that child’s observation into the wondrous web of story and song he is developing.
Bill Gordh stands firmly within the oral tradition that lies at the base of our biblical faith. He communicates through story the elements of grace, mercy, and hope that the biblical writers have gifted us. At the same time, Bill has developed a unique talent for incorporating folktales from throughout the world into his chapel repertoire. His sense of inclusion and a wide embrace
