Podcasts about Welkin

This is Sacred Nine Project: Words of Welkin, offered with no introduction. This was offered on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Rayne Memorial Methodist Church.It is essential that you follow along in the program because you will not be able to understand all the words if you don't. You will see that early hymnody was, well….troubling.You can find that program HERE.Tomorrow is giveNOLA day. If you want to donate today or tomorrow, go HERE.

The Curate loses his virginity.A series in 17 parts, By Blacksheep. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. At this Sunday's service, there was much talk of the upcoming harvest festival. Members of the congregation were encouraged to donate fruit and vegetables, along with non-perishable items for the local food bank.Jenna had made an effort and brought along a bag of apples. She placed the bag on the side table in the church hall."I don't know how a brazen hussy like you has the cheek to set foot in a church."Jenna remained calm, as she turned to face Mrs. Norris. "Well I'm a Christian, the same as you.""Huh! Christian my foot. I saw what you and the organist were getting up to and I think it's disgusting! In the church of all places! And he's old enough to be your father!""Well if you clutch those pearls of yours any tighter they'll crumble to dust. And Gordon and I happen to be consenting adults. Single consenting adults. So there.""Why you, you, .horrid little slag!" Mrs. Norris fumed, lip quivering. She stormed off.Jenna exhaled and rolled her eyes."Coffee or tea?" a friendlier voice asked. It was Debbie, the Sunday school teacher, who was volunteering to do today's hot drinks rota in the hall."Tea please," Jenna replied."You ok?""Yeah. I don't think I'll be on her Christmas card list.""Don't let that old bag get to you. She's a nasty one. She's horribly ageist. Not to mention xenophobic too. I overheard her mocking Yulia's English skills last week. I can't stand her. Her husband's not that bad, he's a tedious fusspot, but there's no malice in him. But her, she's poison.""I heard her hubby spreads gossip on Facebook." Jenna said."More likely that's her doing." Debbie replied. "I'd be surprised if John Norris even knows how to switch on a laptop."A brief chill ran through Jenna. What if Mrs. Norris were to post some bile about her online? "I don't use social media anymore," she said. "Briefly poked my nose into Twitter as a teen, but didn't like the pile-ons.""Wise. I'm on Facebook, but only to keep up with church stuff. I never post anything about my private life. I imagine Mrs. Norris would have a stroke if she knew I was dating a woman. A married woman at that. Keep it to yourself. I'm not ready to come out yet.""Don't worry, I won't say a word."Jenna sipped her tea quietly as she observed the other members of the congregation file into the hall. She was hoping Reverend Morris would soon arrive, but after fifteen minutes, there was still no sign of him. Then there was Gordon; he never came into the hall after a service, and he'd sent her that amusing text message on Friday, about Charles Wesley and his "bulging hymn book."She headed out of the hall, in search of Gordon, when Josh the curate came staggering in, carrying a massive pile of hymn books. He almost collided with Jenna and dropped a couple of books."Oh! I'm so sorry!" Josh stammered. "How clumsy of me."Jenna bent down and picked up the books. "You're loaded up like a pack horse. Let me give you a hand. Where are you taking all these?""Um. So kind!" His pale cheeks went pink. "The storeroom at the far end of the hall. These are spare hymn books.""Ok. Lead the way. By the way, you haven't seen the vicar have you?"""Oh, he and the organist are in a meeting. One of the organ pipes has just been repaired.""Damn," Jenna muttered under her breath. "Oh dear. How sad. I guess he'll miss his tea and biscuits."She followed Josh down to the storeroom. She'd never paid much attention to the curate before, but looking at him now, she realized that he was rather cute. Mid-twenties, tall and stocky with fair hair and a chubby face. There was an endearing innocence about him. Reverend Morris had said he was hoping to complete his ordination next year and become a fully-fledged vicar. He'd been impressed by his devotion to the church - but he needed to come out of his shell a bit and interact more with worshippers. Josh was a shy man and lacking in self-confidence. Remembering this information made Jenna smile.I think this innocent curate needs some other kind of help,The storeroom was vast, and crammed from floor to ceiling with box files, books, old furniture and plastic crates."Holy sh,, I didn't know this room existed. And what a lot of stuff for one small church!" Jenna exclaimed."Heh, yeah." Josh said, putting the books down. "It's not just for St Michael's. We share it with St John's and the Methodist church on Oakwood Road."Jenna began putting the books on the shelf."Um you don't need to do that,”"Jenna."Josh blushed again. "Jenna. It's kind of you to do that but,”"Oh I don't mind. Why should you have to do all the donkey work? This room is a tip. Besides, a good Christian should help others, right? Especially the vicar's right-hand man. That's what a curate is, yes?"Josh relaxed a bit. "Pretty much, yeah. Like Batman and Robin.""Have you always wanted to be a curate?"Josh sat down on a stool. "In truth, no way. I wasn't religious at all when I was a kid. I suffered from crippling shyness. I used to dread being asked to read in front of the class. When I was ten, my dad walked out, and that affected me a lot. Haven't seen him since. Mum turned to drink, I relied on my grandad for support. He became a father figure to me. He used to be a vicar. Thanks to him I survived my teens and passed my exams. I was eighteen when he died. That's when I decided I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Without him - and God, I fear, well I may have gone down a dark path. Got in with a bad crowd. Taken drugs, self-harmed, maybe ended up in jail.""Wow." Jenna replied, realizing how cosseted and safe her upbringing had been. "Well I'm so glad your grandad was there for you.""There are still days when I doubt myself and I'm in a bad place. I feel useless.""Don't put yourself down," Jenna said, walking towards him. "You're an amazing role model, especially for younger people."Josh blinked. "You, think so?""I do. Plus, you're really cute. Has a girl ever told you that before?"Josh blushed. "Err, no-one except my Nan. I don't think she counts.""Women round here must be blind," Jenna added, making him squirm with embarrassment. She leant forward and planted a kiss on his lips. He trembled, cheeks turning redder."J-Jenna, don't,”"It's alright Josh. You're not committing a sin or anything. We're not inside the church, if that's you're worried about.""N-no, it's not that. I, um,” The curate sighed. "I, I'm just scared of, I don't know if I can, do this."She already knew he was single and straight, but decided to question him. "Do you have a girlfriend?""No, but, um, that's the problem really. I'd like one, but I wouldn't know how to tell her,”Jenna stroked his arm. "Tell her what?""I worry she'd laugh at me.""Josh. Whatever it is, I promise I would never laugh at you. And I will understand."He looked down. "Shit. I'm twenty-five. And I'm still a virgin! I've never gone beyond kissing a girl."She kissed his cheek again. "Oh Josh. That's nothing to feel awkward about. In fact I admire you. In this age when we're bombarded with over-sexualized imagery 24/7 both online and offline, finding someone who's chosen to wait is pretty awesome in my opinion. I lost mine just days after reaching the age of consent. I couldn't wait to lose it. But that's just me,”"Yeah but, I, um,”She pulled him to his feet and gently coaxed the truth out of him. "You want to lose your virginity, yes?""More than anything. But, dating today is scary. It's a minefield. Especially after Me Too. I'm afraid. I don't want to say the wrong thing and come across as some horny creep,”Jenna held back a chuckle. Mrs. Norris probably thinks of me as a horny creep. She thought."I get that. But trust me. I don't think a sweet, kind-hearted man of God like you could ever be a creep. Horny yes, nothing wrong with that of course." She winked at him and he gulped. "How about it? I think you're ready right now."His eyes widened. "W-what? Here?""Why not? It's nice and private, And you're a really sexy curate!" Her face was just inches from his own, hovering there. Then her lips were on his, dancing there softly for a moment before pulling away."Jenna,” He was already rock hard, and hoped his cassock had disguised this fact."Shush. You're very special." She whispered, barely audible. "You're warm, caring, You're strong. You deserve to be experience the joys of the flesh." She kissed him again. It's okay to feel nervous. First time is always a bit nerve-racking. But just relax. You'll be just fine,”What an adorable lamb to the slaughter, Jenna thought to herself. He's so scared and unsure. I've never seduced a virgin before, so I'd better not go too hard on him. I do love a challenge. With a bit of encouragement, this sweet guy could have real potential.The touch of her lips sent a fire through his body, a jolt that brought a tingle to every micron of his skin. "Oh, Jenna!""Shhh." Her lips caressed his own, then his nose, his ear. "Don't talk just now, okay?""Mmm?"She kissed him again, gently caressing his upper lip between her own. At last, he responded."Josh." Jenna smiled cheekily. "You're a pretty good kisser, you know that?""Really?"Just relax. I'm not going anywhere, there's no rush. All we have to do is discover each other. There's no hurry. No-one's going to come in here. I imagine the vicar will be busy for ages."Jenna ran her hand down the front of his black cassock. "Oh my, you're more than ready. "Let's get these buttons unfastened." She knelt before him, opening the cassock and revealing the black trousers underneath. And another straining crotch bulge."I'm going to worship you," she whispered, unbuckling his belt and unzipping his trousers. Josh was wearing plain black briefs underneath. It was fun seeing the different types of undies men wore. First there was Reverend Morris with his "holy boxers," then Gordon and his sensible white y-fronts, now Josh with smart black tight-fitting briefs."Everything will be fine. I promise. Close your eyes if it makes you feel better, okay?"The curate hesitated still, but Jenna's smile was reassuring and gentle. "I promise you'll like it." With a shudder, Josh squeezed his eyes tight as his trousers and underwear were lowered, and he could feel the cool air of the room, then Jenna's warm breath on his manhood."There we are."He couldn't resist a peek, through half-closed eyes. He was painfully stiff, of course, harder than he'd ever been in his life, but he didn't need his eyes to tell him that. He shivered as Jenna ran her hand through his pubes and stooped to kiss him there. He gasped as her smooth palm encircled him."Oh my God!""Mmm. So beautiful. Truly God's gift to women. Just relax, don't fight the feeling. Isn't it nice?" Jenna kissed the very tip of his member, and he gasped and moaned, his muscles tensing. "Don't fight it now Josh, just let the feelings come. Relax and let it take you. You don't have to hold it back, just let it come." With that, she closed her lips around his head, tasted him with her tongue."Uh! Oh Jesus!" The curate groaned. The crescendo was boiling in him now, wonderful and frightening and exhilarating. Nothing could have prepared him for the warm embrace of a woman's mouth, the slight roughness of her tongue as she rolled it up and down his length. No porn, no fantasy could have approached the sensation of her lips gently drawing on his cock, coaxing him towards a peak of indescribable pleasure. The fire was in him and around him, consuming him and his thoughts until all that he was became the connection with her, his flesh and her mouth. Her hands cradled his cock gently as he built towards climax, his breathing becoming rapid and shallow."Oh,”"Let it come."Josh sighed deeply in relief as Jenna enveloped him again, shuddered as he felt himself swell between her lips, as he released himself to her, surrendered to her, spurting his cum. She lingered over his manhood, slowly coaxing him down from the heights of his ecstasy. She gently licked his shaft and kissed a drop of his essence from the tip, and smiled up at him."That wasn't so bad, was it?" She said, standing up. "Did you enjoy your first blowjob?""Jenna. Fucking hell!""I'll take that as a yes?""Yes!" he gasped."Oh good. Because we're not done yet. You don't get off that easily you know!" Jenna began unfastening her skirt, letting it fall to the floor. Josh's eyes widened. She wasn't wearing any panties.An old, battered table was in the middle of the storeroom. Jenna cleared it and reclined on it, spreading her legs and unfastening her blouse. No bra!"Your turn."Josh crossed himself."Just trust your instincts." She whispered, lowering herself onto her back. Josh stared at her for a second, dumbstruck by her beauty and timid as a deer. Her gently smiling face and the flowing red hair that framed it, the round fullness of her breasts, her long legs, and the tantalizing lure of her wet womanhood between,Finding his courage at last, Josh moved close. With a shaky hand he reached out and tentatively cupped her left breast. Tracing the nipple with his thumb, ever so gently."Mmm nice, Josh. Keep going!"Encouraged, Josh lowered his mouth to her other breast, the memory of the delightful sensations she'd given him earlier fresh in his mind. He felt her run her fingers through his short blonde hair as he tasted her with his tongue, heard her sigh as he closed his lips around her nipple."Gently now.""Sorry!"The curate feasted on her breasts for a bit longer, before moving down to her abdomen, planting more kisses, then he paused for a moment. Jenna said nothing, silently urging him to carry on, and he did. Tentatively, he kissed the inside of her thighs, tracing a finger through the trimmed hair above her slit.Josh continued to lovingly kiss her thighs, his nerves beginning to fade. The heady scent of her was overpowering, emboldening him to trail a finger between her cunt lips. The wetness he felt there surprised him, and he glanced up."You're doing great, Josh." Jenna answered in a throaty whisper. "Please don't stop."He ran a finger over her clit, causing her to let out a moan. Lowering his head, he caressed her softly with his mouth, tasting her."Oh Josh,” He suckled gently on her clit and she let out a scream."Jenna?" He pulled away from her, his fear returning. "Did I hurt you?""No Josh. It was incredible, that's all. When you licked me down there, wow. You sure know how to thrill a woman. You learn quick! But don't make me cum just yet. Because I want you inside me when it happens."Josh's heart leapt into his throat. "Oh,”"Are you ready?""Um, but protection, I-I don't have a condom,”"It's okay, you don't need to worry. I'm on the Pill.""Oh, right. Good,”"Think of this as doing God's work," Jenna purred, urging him to get on with it. She was eager to feel that virgin cock inside her.Slowly he positioned himself above her on the creaking table. Jenna took his cock in her hand, guiding him. He felt the head of his organ nestle inside her."Lord in Heaven!" It was such exquisite torture, fighting the urge to cum as fast as he could. The feel of her cunt as it sheathed him was beyond even the joys he'd felt already.At first, he slipped in and out of her slowly. He buried his face in her neck."Umm, oh God Josh. Yes! Go harder!"Jenna slowly relaxed her control, allowing him to work his cock in and out of her more forcefully. He thrust in deep, as far as he could, and gasped, savoring the sensation."Oh Josh, that's so good!"He speeded up, as she wrapped her legs round him. Soon he was pounding her like a pro."Jenna!" He could feel his climax coming now, a mighty force of almost Biblical proportions. Just as Jesus drove out many devils, Josh drove out his virginity, casting it aside forever. He'd been freed."Ugh!" With a roar of release the curate came, filling Jenna's womanhood with his seed. Josh wasn't sure how long his orgasm lasted. But he knew that it was wonderful, an epiphany of sensation, and that Jenna writhed and gasped in the throes of her own climax in perfect harmony with his.When they'd both calmed down, Jenna held him close and kissed him. "Are you okay? You were amazing, Josh, do you know that? How are you feeling?""Just fantastic, absolutely fantastic! I, wow. That was, incredible. Um, do you mind if I say a quick prayer for both of us?""Not at all. You go ahead."When he'd finished, he opened his eyes and looked at Jenna, who was smiling broadly. "You are going to become a bloody amazing vicar!" She said.An Erotic Dream & an organ lesson.T'was the Year of Our Lord 1739, and on a road bound for London, weary preacher and hymn writer Charles Wesley had just arrived at a tavern."Innkeeper! I hath been riding all day and my poor horse be in the great need of water and rest. As am I." Charles said."Fear thee not, good fellow, I'll tend to thine horse!" The innkeeper replied. "If it's a room for the night you're looking for, then ye hath come to the right place. Here at the Lamb Inn, there's always a warm greeting for a weary traveler. I'll leave ye in the capable hands of my fine wench Jen, who is adept at making gentlemen feel welcome,”"Greetings to you sir!" Jen said, and Charles was a little taken aback by this stunning redheaded wench. "If you'd like to follow me, I'll lead you to your bedchamber." She picked up a candle and gave him a seductive smirk."Gladly, Miss!" Charles replied, following her up the creaking wooden staircase. In the main room, sounds of merriment filled the air as many men supped ale and enjoyed the company of willing wenches."I see you're a man of faith, sir," said Jen as she reached the top of the stairs. "Have you travelled far?""Aye, all the way from Bristol. I write many hymns. I'm going to visit my older brother John, who's in London. He's a preacher too. In fact he,”"Oh gosh, of course! Your brother must be John Wesley, founder of that Methodist movement I keep hearin' about!""That's right! I'm Charles Wesley."Jen entered the bedchamber. "Here we are, Mr. Wesley. I trust the room is to your liking? This happens to be a new room - never been used before. Bed never slept in, chair never sat on, chamber pot never,”"Ah, glorious!" Charles interrupted her. "It looks most excellent. I am indeed blessed to have been afforded such kindness. God is good!""Mmm, thanks be to God," Jen replied, eyeing up Charles. He was young and rather attractive for a man of the cloth. Most of the clergy she'd encountered in her life had been very old men."There be a fresh jug of water on the table for you, Mr. Wesley. We're lucky here. The Lamb has a deep well which provides safe, clean water to drink. That's why we get so many visitors desperate to quench their thirst without worry of getting the flux."Charles nodded as he put his bag down on the chair and removed his black robe. That four poster bed looked so inviting."Why don't you sit on the bed, Mr. Wesley? I cannot help but wonder, after all that riding, do you not grow a little stiff?""Um, I am a little stiff, yes.""Then come over here and sit beside me." Jen said, patting the bed. "I'd be interested to hear about your hymn writing."Charles bashfully did as she asked. "Well right now, I am working on a "Hymn for Christmas Day." But I confess I have only written the first verse."Perchance could I hear this first verse?" Jen replied.Charles nodded."Hark how all the Welkin ringsGlory to the King of Kings,Peace on Earth, and Mercy mild,God and Sinners reconciled!""I'd say that's a marvelous first verse," said Jen. "Very stirring, very uplifting. It makes one, rise to the occasion." Her hand had somehow ended up on his thigh."Oh do you think so? That pleases me greatly, Miss! Now if only I could complete it."Jen removed her mobcap, revealing long, tumbling red locks. Charles gazed, mesmerized. "By all the saints, you're a pretty woman, Miss,”"Jen, Mr. Wesley, perhaps I can be of some help to you." She blew out the candle. "Oh my! Now we're in the dark. How careless of me! We'll just have to,”"Oh Miss Jen!" Charles gasped as her hand groped him in an intimate place."I think you've risen to the occasion Mr. Wesley!"A few moments later and the good wench had relieved the dear Mr. Wesley of his breeches and cast off the rest of his apparel, including a periwig. The preacher produced naked, stiff, and erect, a wonderful maypole. Jen put her hands to this fine example of maleness and her actions had the desired effect."Ah! I think my inspiration is returning!""I'm filled with joy, Mr. Wesley! Tis an honor to help you!""Joyful all ye Nations rise,Join the Triumph of the Skies,Universal Nature say"Christ the Lord is born to Day!""That's a wonderful second verse!" Jen ran her tongue round the preacher's erect member, before taking his entire length into her mouth."Oh Lord in Heaven, I have given in to sin, but if the sin results in a completed hymn, will thou look upon me with mercy?" Charles gasped, as the pleasure overwhelmed him.Jen withdrew. "The Lord will indeed pardon you, Mr. Wesley. Now please relax and enjoy my help!""Ah, oh my God, thine tongue is divine, it feels so good!"Jen sucked, licked and teased Charles' cock until he could take no more."Miss Jen! I'm going to spend! Oh, yes!""Ahh, I have been anointed by your holy essence, Mr. Wesley!" Jen giggled as she eagerly gobbled up his seed.Charles' face bore an expression of utter bliss and satisfaction. "Oh Miss Jen. I am so grateful God delivered me to this inn. What sweet pleasures you have afforded me this evening!"A furious knocking on the bedchamber door disturbed the blissful ambience."Jen! Jen! You need to get up!" a woman shouted."Is that, the innkeeper's wife?" Charles wondered, still dazed after his powerful orgasm.Jen licked the remaining cum off the preacher's softening cock. "Mm, sounds like Mother. But wait, Mother died of smallpox ten years ago, so how, ?"Everything seemed to fade away in a strange haze."Jen! You're going to be late for work! Wake up!"Jenna finally awoke. "Huh? What?""Are you alright?" Her mum shouted. "Answer me or I'm coming in.""Um yeah. I'm fine Mum!" She rolled over and reached for her smartphone. Squinting, she looked at the clock."Shit! I overslept!"Breakfast was a rushed affair, with Jenna barely able to drink half a cup of coffee and a piece of toast."For goodness cake, slow down before you choke on that," her mum said."Can't believe I overslept. I set my phone. I've never done that before." Jenna said."Hey, we all do it sometimes. Though your exertions at church no doubt kept you up late. Your dad and I noticed how much time you've been spending at St. Michael's. Now feel free to tell me to mind my own business, but what's with the sudden obsession with church? You've never been interested before. You used to laugh at Gran for being in the Mother's Union.""I guess the pandemic made me think about things differently," Jenna lied, trying to think up a good excuse. "I know I never attended church much before, but I never stopped being a believer.""That's great, Jen. I'm glad it makes you happy. I just hope you're not spending all your time with old people, though. It's good to mix with people your own age.""Oh there's a good mix of different ages at St Michael's. They're not all boomers, Mum. The curate, Yulia and Debbie aren't much different to me. And Reverend Morris, .he's amazing.""I'm sure he is," her mum replied, with a wry grin. "You out tonight?""Yes. Choir practice." Jenna grabbed her bag and car keys."By the way, who's Charles Wesley?""Um, what?""You were yelling his name over and over in your sleep. You must've been dreaming.""Oh. Well he's a guy who wrote a lot of great hymns. He lived in the 18th century. He wrote that famous carol "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", although the original words were different. Gotta go. Love you. Bye!"Jenna's mum shook her head. "Charles Wesley? When I was growing up, I used to dream about Brad Pitt.""I have got to get a place of my own," Jenna muttered to herself as she headed to the car. "That was cringe."Jenna had prepared herself for her evening "choir practice" with Gordon, by wearing her best lingerie and a sexy dress that perfectly highlighted her curves and cleavage. The organist himself had also made an effort, by wearing his best suit and tie. With his black robe unfastened, he resembled an old-fashioned headmaster."Hello there!" Gordon said, grinning from ear to ear. Whoa, she looked drop-dead gorgeous. He was practically drooling like a dog in heat."Not so bad yourself, Gordon!" Jenna replied. "Love the suit. Now all you need is a cane.""A cane?""To punish me with. You see, I've been a naughty girl. I forgot to practice that piece of music you mentioned.""Oh dearie me," Gordon said, walking over to her. "Whatever am I to do with such a naughty girl? Never mind. I'm sure you can make it up to me some way,”He sat down on the organ stool. "Come sit in my lap, Jenna. We're going to play a little tune together. I'm sure you can do it.""Why Gordon, I'm not sure I can play this. It's a bit of a step up from the piano.""Just give it a try. I'm sure you'll learn quick!" He winked. "Try the third manual," he added, indicating one of the keyboards.Jenna bit her lip and slid onto Gordon's lap. She deliberated wiggled about a bit, causing him to let out a groan. "This seat is a little, hard!"Jenna began playing the first few notes. "You're right, Kings and Queens does sound fantastic on a pipe organ. I'd have never guessed you were an Ava Max fan, Gordon.""Hah, I'm not. Can't stand modern pop music. But the younger members of the choir are always begging for this song. You're great at this!"As Jenna continued to play, Gordon began massaging her breasts and kissing her exposed neck."Oh Gordon," Jenna sighed."There's a part-time job available,” he continued, between kisses. "An assistant choirmaster and pianist at the Sunday school. Three days a week. The school isn't just open on Sundays anymore. There's a crèche and breakfast club on Wednesdays. They do after-school sessions for kids who have special needs. It's not bad money. I know you've got all the relevant qualifications. If you're interested, I could easily pull a few strings and get you in."Jenna suddenly halted her playing. "Wow, are you serious?""Of course I am. Look, the young 'uns think I'm some kind of ogre. And they're probably right. But you, you'd be such an asset to the school. And tell me honestly, do you truly enjoy working in a call center?""I hate it. The pay is shit and I hate my boss. Now she's a real-life ogre.""Exactly. Your talents are wasted in a dead-end job like that, Jenna. It's up to you of course, but please give it some thought."She turned round to face him. Kissing him hard the lips, she slipped her arms round his shoulders. "I've given it thought. I accept! Now why don't you let me thank you properly, Gordon?"Jenna hiked up her dress, and unfastened Gordon's belt. She unzipped his trousers, pushed down his underpants, and his rock hard erection sprang free from its encumbrance. Unable to contain himself any longer, Gordon pulled aside the crotch of her damp panties, positioned himself to her entrance, and pushed himself into her. The soft lips between her legs parted, and she threw her head back in sudden ecstasy as the organist began thrusting himself in and out of her warm body, slowly at first, then building in speed.Outside, a black 4 by 4 had just pulled up in the church car park. John Norris got out of the driver's side and furiously slammed the door shut."John please, don't do this!" his wife pleaded. "Not in the church!""Look Patricia, I want to get to the bottom of this. First Gordon angrily accuses me of spreading lies on Facebook. He called me "the biggest shit-stirrer in this church" to my face! Now the chaps at the Rotary Club have frozen me out. They said I've been making sexist jokes and racist comments about Ukrainians! I ask you, when have I ever made a racist comment? I haven't a racist bone in my body! And I've never signed up to Facebook either. Someone is trying to smear my name. If you ask me, Gordon's the one behind it all! Well, we'll see what he has to say, man-to-man."A look of horror swept Mrs. Norris' face. "You can't go in there! I can hear the organ - the choir are in there!""I don't care if the whole bloody town is in there!" John yelled, a display of anger that was most unlike him. "This has gone too far. I can't believe Gordon could be so vindictive. He'd a bad-tempered sod, but I never thought he'd do this. Libel is a serious offence."He stormed into the church and marched down the aisle, his panicking wife rushing after him."Alright alright, it wasn't Gordon. It was me!" She grabbed his arm. He halted."What?""I did it."John shook his head. "Why are you trying to protect him? Do you fancy him or something? Is there more to this?""No! No of course I don't! Look, I signed up to Facebook so I could access the church page but I used your name. I know I shouldn't have but, well surely you must know how members of this church treat me? I'd have been blocked immediately!"John's face had gone through several shades of red and was now the color of raw steak."You, Did what? You've been spreading lies and racist comments using an account with my name? What the hell am I married to?" He walked round the side of the organ. "Bloody hell!"Mrs. Norris shoved him aside, wondering what had shocked him. "That's her! She's the one who's caused all this! The little tart! She's bringing filth and depravity to this church!"John glared at his wife. "I'd say your own venom has done that already, Patricia." He turned and stormed off. "I'm going home. To pack a few things. I'm going to stay at my brother's for a bit. And you, well you can go to Hell.""Gordon, do you hear somebody shouting?" Jenna sighed as she felt his warm cum fill her."Probably just a bit of rowdy teen behavior outside," Gordon replied with a smirk.To be continued.By Blacksheep, for Literotica.

For this episode of Season 4, I had the pleasure of interviewing fantasy, horror, and scifi author G. Owen Wears. We had a great chat about his long list of work, his current projects, and his second book in his Welkin Series. Make sure to check out his social and book links in the space below! Also please make sure to like, share, and subscribe! We are trying to get to 1k subscribers as quickly as we can in 2025! Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07QBJNQ33/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=a78f1746-8c7e-4fe9-b5a6-b1e8068b36e7&ref_=ap_rdr WELKIN the Returned https://a.co/d/eeI9K2g The Chasm: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLVZJ8W2 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exterusmagazine/ Podcast Channel Links: Patreon: patreon.com/TFSFP Website: https://thefantasyandscififanaticspod.com/ Youtube Channel Subscription: https://youtube.com/@thefantasyandsci-fifanatic2328 Rss.com: https://media.rss.com/thefantasyandsci-fifanaticspodcast/feed.xml Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aCCUhora9GdLAduLaaqiu?si=cl-8VWgaSrOGDwJg-cKONQ Facebook Group join link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/402724958101648/?ref=share

 The Curate loses his virginity. By Blacksheep. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. At this Sunday's service, there was much talk of the upcoming harvest festival. Members of the congregation were encouraged to donate fruit and vegetables, along with non-perishable items for the local food bank. Jenna had made an effort and brought along a bag of apples. She placed the bag on the side table in the church hall. "I don't know how a brazen hussy like you has the cheek to set foot in a church."Jenna remained calm, as she turned to face Mrs. Norris. "Well I'm a Christian, the same as you." "Huh! Christian my foot. I saw what you and the organist were getting up to and I think it's disgusting! In the church of all places! And he's old enough to be your father!" "Well if you clutch those pearls of yours any tighter they'll crumble to dust. And Gordon and I happen to be consenting adults. Single consenting adults. So there." "Why you, you, .horrid little slag!" Mrs. Norris fumed, lip quivering. She stormed off. Jenna exhaled and rolled her eyes. "Coffee or tea?" a friendlier voice asked. It was Debbie, the Sunday school teacher, who was volunteering to do today's hot drinks rota in the hall. "Tea please," Jenna replied. "You okay?" "Yeah. I don't think I'll be on her Christmas card list." "Don't let that old bag get to you. She's a nasty one. She's horribly ageist. Not to mention xenophobic too. I overheard her mocking Yulia's English skills last week. I can't stand her. Her husband's not that bad, he's a tedious fusspot, but there's no malice in him. But her, she's poison." "I heard her hubby spreads gossip on Facebook." Jenna said. "More likely that's her doing." Debbie replied. "I'd be surprised if John Norris even knows how to switch on a laptop." A brief chill ran through Jenna. What if Mrs. Norris were to post some bile about her online? "I don't use social media anymore," she said. "Briefly poked my nose into Twitter as a teen, but didn't like the pile-ons." "Wise. I'm on Facebook, but only to keep up with church stuff. I never post anything about my private life. I imagine Mrs. Norris would have a stroke if she knew I was dating a woman. A married woman at that. Keep it to yourself. I'm not ready to come out yet." "Don't worry, I won't say a word." Jenna sipped her tea quietly as she observed the other members of the congregation file into the hall. She was hoping Reverend Morris would soon arrive, but after fifteen minutes, there was still no sign of him. Then there was Gordon; he never came into the hall after a service, and he'd sent her that amusing text message on Friday, about Charles Wesley and his "bulging hymn book." She headed out of the hall, in search of Gordon, when Josh the curate came staggering in, carrying a massive pile of hymn books. He almost collided with Jenna and dropped a couple of books. "Oh! I'm so sorry!" Josh stammered. "How clumsy of me." Jenna bent down and picked up the books. "You're loaded up like a pack horse. Let me give you a hand. Where are you taking all these?" "Um. So kind!" His pale cheeks went pink. "The storeroom at the far end of the hall. These are spare hymn books." "Ok. Lead the way. By the way, you haven't seen the vicar have you?"" "Oh, he and the organist are in a meeting. One of the organ pipes has just been repaired." "Damn," Jenna muttered under her breath. "Oh dear. How sad. I guess he'll miss his tea and biscuits." She followed Josh down to the storeroom. She'd never paid much attention to the curate before, but looking at him now, she realized that he was rather cute. Mid-twenties, tall and stocky with fair hair and a chubby face. There was an endearing innocence about him. Reverend Morris had said he was hoping to complete his ordination next year and become a fully-fledged vicar. He'd been impressed by his devotion to the church - but he needed to come out of his shell a bit and interact more with worshippers. Josh was a shy man and lacking in self-confidence. Remembering this information made Jenna smile. I think this innocent curate needs some other kind of help, The storeroom was vast, and crammed from floor to ceiling with box files, books, old furniture and plastic crates. "Holy sh,, I didn't know this room existed. And what a lot of stuff for one small church!" Jenna exclaimed. "Heh, yeah." Josh said, putting the books down. "It's not just for St Michael's. We share it with St John's and the Methodist church on Oakwood Road." Jenna began putting the books on the shelf. "Um you don't need to do that,” "Jenna." Josh blushed again. "Jenna. It's kind of you to do that but,” "Oh I don't mind. Why should you have to do all the donkey work? This room is a tip. Besides, a good Christian should help others, right? Especially the vicar's right-hand man. That's what a curate is, yes?" Josh relaxed a bit. "Pretty much, yeah. Like Batman and Robin." "Have you always wanted to be a curate?" Josh sat down on a stool. "In truth, no way. I wasn't religious at all when I was a kid. I suffered from crippling shyness. I used to dread being asked to read in front of the class. When I was ten, my dad walked out, and that affected me a lot. Haven't seen him since. Mum turned to drink, I relied on my grandad for support. He became a father figure to me. He used to be a vicar. Thanks to him I survived my teens and passed my exams. I was eighteen when he died. That's when I decided I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Without him - and God, I fear, well I may have gone down a dark path. Got in with a bad crowd. Taken drugs, self-harmed, maybe ended up in jail." "Wow." Jenna replied, realizing how cosseted and safe her upbringing had been. "Well I'm so glad your grandad was there for you." "There are still days when I doubt myself and I'm in a bad place. I feel useless." "Don't put yourself down," Jenna said, walking towards him. "You're an amazing role model, especially for younger people." Josh blinked. "You, think so?" "I do. Plus, you're really cute. Has a girl ever told you that before?" Josh blushed. "Err, no-one except my Nan. I don't think she counts." "Women round here must be blind," Jenna added, making him squirm with embarrassment. She leant forward and planted a kiss on his lips. He trembled, cheeks turning redder. "J-Jenna, don't,” "It's alright Josh. You're not committing a sin or anything. We're not inside the church, if that's you're worried about." "N-no, it's not that. I, um,” The curate sighed. "I,  I'm just scared of, I don't know if I can, do this." She already knew he was single and straight, but decided to question him. "Do you have a girlfriend?" "No, but, um, that's the problem really. I'd like one, but I wouldn't know how to tell her,” Jenna stroked his arm. "Tell her what?" "I worry she'd laugh at me." "Josh. Whatever it is, I promise I would never laugh at you. And I will understand." He looked down. "Shit. I'm twenty-five. And I'm still a virgin! I've never gone beyond kissing a girl." She kissed his cheek again. "Oh Josh. That's nothing to feel awkward about. In fact I admire you. In this age when we're bombarded with over-sexualized imagery 24/7 both online and offline, finding someone who's chosen to wait is pretty awesome in my opinion. I lost mine just days after reaching the age of consent. I couldn't wait to lose it. But that's just me,” "Yeah but, I, um,” She pulled him to his feet and gently coaxed the truth out of him. "You want to lose your virginity, yes?" "More than anything. But, dating today is scary. It's a minefield. Especially after Me Too. I'm afraid. I don't want to say the wrong thing and come across as some horny creep,” Jenna held back a chuckle. Mrs. Norris probably thinks of me as a horny creep. She thought. "I get that. But trust me. I don't think a sweet, kind-hearted man of God like you could ever be a creep. Horny yes, nothing wrong with that of course." She winked at him and he gulped. "How about it? I think you're ready right now." His eyes widened. "W-what? Here?" "Why not? It's nice and private, And you're a really sexy curate!" Her face was just inches from his own, hovering there. Then her lips were on his, dancing there softly for a moment before pulling away. "Jenna,” He was already rock hard, and hoped his cassock had disguised this fact. "Shush. You're very special." She whispered, barely audible. "You're warm, caring,  You're strong. You deserve to be experience the joys of the flesh." She kissed him again. It's okay to feel nervous. First time is always a bit nerve-racking. But just relax. You'll be just fine,” What an adorable lamb to the slaughter, Jenna thought to herself. He's so scared and unsure. I've never seduced a virgin before, so I'd better not go too hard on him. I do love a challenge. With a bit of encouragement, this sweet guy could have real potential. The touch of her lips sent a fire through his body, a jolt that brought a tingle to every micron of his skin. "Oh, Jenna!" "Shhh." Her lips caressed his own, then his nose, his ear. "Don't talk just now, okay?" "Mmm?" She kissed him again, gently caressing his upper lip between her own. At last, he responded. "Josh." Jenna smiled cheekily. "You're a pretty good kisser, you know that?" "Really?" Just relax. I'm not going anywhere, there's no rush. All we have to do is discover each other. There's no hurry. No-one's going to come in here. I imagine the vicar will be busy for ages." Jenna ran her hand down the front of his black cassock. "Oh my, you're more than ready. "Let's get these buttons unfastened." She knelt before him, opening the cassock and revealing the black trousers underneath. And another straining crotch bulge. "I'm going to worship you," she whispered, unbuckling his belt and unzipping his trousers. Josh was wearing plain black briefs underneath. It was fun seeing the different types of undies men wore. First there was Reverend Morris with his "holy boxers," then Gordon and his sensible white y-fronts, now Josh with smart black tight-fitting briefs. "Everything will be fine. I promise. Close your eyes if it makes you feel better, okay?" The curate hesitated still, but Jenna's smile was reassuring and gentle. "I promise you'll like it." With a shudder, Josh squeezed his eyes tight as his trousers and underwear were lowered, and he could feel the cool air of the room, then Jenna's warm breath on his manhood. "There we are." He couldn't resist a peek, through half-closed eyes. He was painfully stiff, of course, harder than he'd ever been in his life, but he didn't need his eyes to tell him that. He shivered as Jenna ran her hand through his pubes and stooped to kiss him there. He gasped as her smooth palm encircled him. "Oh my God!" "Mmm. So beautiful. Truly God's gift to women. Just relax, don't fight the feeling. Isn't it nice?" Jenna kissed the very tip of his member, and he gasped and moaned, his muscles tensing. "Don't fight it now Josh, just let the feelings come. Relax and let it take you. You don't have to hold it back, just let it come." With that, she closed her lips around his head, tasted him with her tongue. "Uh! Oh Jesus!" The curate groaned. The crescendo was boiling in him now, wonderful and frightening and exhilarating. Nothing could have prepared him for the warm embrace of a woman's mouth, the slight roughness of her tongue as she rolled it up and down his length. No porn, no fantasy could have approached the sensation of her lips gently drawing on his cock, coaxing him towards a peak of indescribable pleasure. The fire was in him and around him, consuming him and his thoughts until all that he was became the connection with her, his flesh and her mouth. Her hands cradled his cock gently as he built towards climax, his breathing becoming rapid and shallow. "Oh,” "Let it come." Josh sighed deeply in relief as Jenna enveloped him again, shuddered as he felt himself swell between her lips, as he released himself to her, surrendered to her, spurting his cum. She lingered over his manhood, slowly coaxing him down from the heights of his ecstasy. She gently licked his shaft and kissed a drop of his essence from the tip, and smiled up at him. "That wasn't so bad, was it?" She said, standing up. "Did you enjoy your first blowjob?" "Jenna. Fucking hell!" "I'll take that as a yes?" "Yes!" he gasped. "Oh good. Because we're not done yet. You don't get off that easily you know!" Jenna began unfastening her skirt, letting it fall to the floor. Josh's eyes widened. She wasn't wearing any panties. An old, battered table was in the middle of the storeroom. Jenna cleared it and reclined on it, spreading her legs and unfastening her blouse. No bra! "Your turn." Josh crossed himself. "Just trust your instincts." She whispered, lowering herself onto her back. Josh stared at her for a second, dumbstruck by her beauty and timid as a deer. Her gently smiling face and the flowing red hair that framed it, the round fullness of her breasts, her long legs, and the tantalizing lure of her wet womanhood between, Finding his courage at last, Josh moved close. With a shaky hand he reached out and tentatively cupped her left breast. Tracing the nipple with his thumb, ever so gently. "Mmm nice, Josh. Keep going!" Encouraged, Josh lowered his mouth to her other breast, the memory of the delightful sensations she'd given him earlier fresh in his mind. He felt her run her fingers through his short blonde hair as he tasted her with his tongue, heard her sigh as he closed his lips around her nipple. "Gently now." "Sorry!" The curate feasted on her breasts for a bit longer, before moving down to her abdomen, planting more kisses, then he paused for a moment. Jenna said nothing, silently urging him to carry on, and he did. Tentatively, he kissed the inside of her thighs, tracing a finger through the trimmed hair above her slit. Josh continued to lovingly kiss her thighs, his nerves beginning to fade. The heady scent of her was overpowering, emboldening him to trail a finger between her cunt lips. The wetness he felt there surprised him, and he glanced up. "You're doing great, Josh." Jenna answered in a throaty whisper. "Please don't stop." He ran a finger over her clit, causing her to let out a moan. Lowering his head, he caressed her softly with his mouth, tasting her. "Oh Josh,” He suckled gently on her clit and she let out a scream. "Jenna?" He pulled away from her, his fear returning. "Did I hurt you?" "No Josh. It was incredible, that's all. When you licked me down there, wow. You sure know how to thrill a woman. You learn quick! But don't make me cum just yet. Because I want you inside me when it happens." Josh's heart leapt into his throat. "Oh,” "Are you ready?" "Um, but protection, I-I don't have a condom,” "It's okay, you don't need to worry. I'm on the Pill." "Oh, right. Good,” "Think of this as doing God's work," Jenna purred, urging him to get on with it. She was eager to feel that virgin cock inside her. Slowly he positioned himself above her on the creaking table. Jenna took his cock in her hand, guiding him. He felt the head of his organ nestle inside her. "Lord in Heaven!" It was such exquisite torture, fighting the urge to cum as fast as he could. The feel of her cunt as it sheathed him was beyond even the joys he'd felt already. At first, he slipped in and out of her slowly. He buried his face in her neck. "Umm, oh God Josh. Yes! Go harder!" Jenna slowly relaxed her control, allowing him to work his cock in and out of her more forcefully. He thrust in deep, as far as he could, and gasped, savoring the sensation. "Oh Josh, that's so good!" He speeded up, as she wrapped her legs round him. Soon he was pounding her like a pro. "Jenna!" He could feel his climax coming now, a mighty force of almost Biblical proportions. Just as Jesus drove out many devils, Josh drove out his virginity, casting it aside forever. He'd been freed. "Ugh!" With a roar of release the curate came, filling Jenna's womanhood with his seed. Josh wasn't sure how long his orgasm lasted. But he knew that it was wonderful, an epiphany of sensation, and that Jenna writhed and gasped in the throes of her own climax in perfect harmony with his. When they'd both calmed down, Jenna held him close and kissed him. "Are you okay? You were amazing, Josh, do you know that? How are you feeling?" "Just fantastic, absolutely fantastic! I, wow. That was, incredible. Um, do you mind if I say a quick prayer for both of us?" "Not at all. You go ahead." When he'd finished, he opened his eyes and looked at Jenna, who was smiling broadly. "You are going to become a bloody amazing vicar!" She said. An Erotic Dream & an organ lesson. T'was the Year of Our Lord 1739, and on a road bound for London, weary preacher and hymn writer Charles Wesley had just arrived at a tavern. "Innkeeper! I hath been riding all day and my poor horse be in the great need of water and rest. As am I." Charles said. "Fear thee not, good fellow, I'll tend to thine horse!" The innkeeper replied. "If it's a room for the night you're looking for, then ye hath come to the right place. Here at the Lamb Inn, there's always a warm greeting for a weary traveler. I'll leave ye in the capable hands of my fine wench Jen, who is adept at making gentlemen feel welcome,” "Greetings to you sir!" Jen said, and Charles was a little taken aback by this stunning redheaded wench. "If you'd like to follow me, I'll lead you to your bedchamber." She picked up a candle and gave him a seductive smirk. "Gladly, Miss!" Charles replied, following her up the creaking wooden staircase. In the main room, sounds of merriment filled the air as many men supped ale and enjoyed the company of willing wenches. "I see you're a man of faith, sir," said Jen as she reached the top of the stairs. "Have you travelled far?" "Aye, all the way from Bristol. I write many hymns. I'm going to visit my older brother John, who's in London. He's a preacher too. In fact he,” "Oh gosh, of course! Your brother must be John Wesley, founder of that Methodist movement I keep hearin' about!" "That's right! I'm Charles Wesley." Jen entered the bedchamber. "Here we are, Mr. Wesley. I trust the room is to your liking? This happens to be a new room - never been used before. Bed never slept in, chair never sat on, chamber pot never,” "Ah, glorious!" Charles interrupted her. "It looks most excellent. I am indeed blessed to have been afforded such kindness. God is good!" "Mmm, thanks be to God," Jen replied, eyeing up Charles. He was young and rather attractive for a man of the cloth. Most of the clergy she'd encountered in her life had been very old men. "There be a fresh jug of water on the table for you, Mr. Wesley. We're lucky here. The Lamb has a deep well which provides safe, clean water to drink. That's why we get so many visitors desperate to quench their thirst without worry of getting the flux." Charles nodded as he put his bag down on the chair and removed his black robe. That four poster bed looked so inviting. "Why don't you sit on the bed, Mr. Wesley? I cannot help but wonder, after all that riding, do you not grow a little stiff?" "Um, I am a little stiff, yes." "Then come over here and sit beside me." Jen said, patting the bed. "I'd be interested to hear about your hymn writing." Charles bashfully did as she asked. "Well right now, I am working on a "Hymn for Christmas Day." But I confess I have only written the first verse. "Perchance could I hear this first verse?" Jen replied. Charles nodded. "Hark how all the Welkin rings Glory to the King of Kings, Peace on Earth, and Mercy mild, God and Sinners reconciled!" "I'd say that's a marvelous first verse," said Jen. "Very stirring, very uplifting. It makes one, rise to the occasion." Her hand had somehow ended up on his thigh. "Oh do you think so? That pleases me greatly, Miss! Now if only I could complete it." Jen removed her mobcap, revealing long, tumbling red locks. Charles gazed, mesmerized. "By all the saints, you're a pretty woman, Miss,” "Jen, Mr. Wesley, perhaps I can be of some help to you." She blew out the candle. "Oh my! Now we're in the dark. How careless of me! We'll just have to,” "Oh Miss Jen!" Charles gasped as her hand groped him in an intimate place. "I think you've risen to the occasion Mr. Wesley!" A few moments later and the good wench had relieved the dear Mr. Wesley of his breeches and cast off the rest of his apparel, including a periwig. The preacher produced naked, stiff, and erect, a wonderful maypole. Jen put her hands to this fine example of maleness and her actions had the desired effect. "Ah! I think my inspiration is returning!" "I'm filled with joy, Mr. Wesley! Tis an honor to help you!" "Joyful all ye Nations rise, Join the Triumph of the Skies, Universal Nature say "Christ the Lord is born to Day!" "That's a wonderful second verse!" Jen ran her tongue round the preacher's erect member, before taking his entire length into her mouth. "Oh Lord in Heaven, I have given in to sin, but if the sin results in a completed hymn, will thou look upon me with mercy?" Charles gasped, as the pleasure overwhelmed him. Jen withdrew. "The Lord will indeed pardon you, Mr. Wesley. Now please relax and enjoy my help!" "Ah, oh my God, thine tongue is divine, it feels so good!" Jen sucked, licked and teased Charles' cock until he could take no more. "Miss Jen! I'm going to spend! Oh, yes!" "Ahh, I have been anointed by your holy essence, Mr. Wesley!" Jen giggled as she eagerly gobbled up his seed. Charles' face bore an expression of utter bliss and satisfaction. "Oh Miss Jen. I am so grateful God delivered me to this inn. What sweet pleasures you have afforded me this evening!" A furious knocking on the bedchamber door disturbed the blissful ambience. "Jen! Jen! You need to get up!" a woman shouted. "Is that, the innkeeper's wife?" Charles wondered, still dazed after his powerful orgasm. Jen licked the remaining cum off the preacher's softening cock. "Mm, sounds like Mother. But wait, Mother died of smallpox ten years ago, so how, ?" Everything seemed to fade away in a strange haze. "Jen! You're going to be late for work! Wake up!" Jenna finally awoke. "Huh? What?" "Are you alright?" Her mum shouted. "Answer me or I'm coming in." "Um yeah. I'm fine Mum!" She rolled over and reached for her smartphone. Squinting, she looked at the clock. "Shit! I overslept!" Breakfast was a rushed affair, with Jenna barely able to drink half a cup of coffee and a piece of toast. "For goodness cake, slow down before you choke on that," her mum said. "Can't believe I overslept. I set my phone. I've never done that before." Jenna said. "Hey, we all do it sometimes. Though your exertions at church no doubt kept you up late. Your dad and I noticed how much time you've been spending at St. Michael's. Now feel free to tell me to mind my own business, but what's with the sudden obsession with church? You've never been interested before. You used to laugh at Gran for being in the Mother's Union." "I guess the pandemic made me think about things differently," Jenna lied, trying to think up a good excuse. "I know I never attended church much before, but I never stopped being a believer." "That's great, Jen. I'm glad it makes you happy. I just hope you're not spending all your time with old people, though. It's good to mix with people your own age." "Oh there's a good mix of different ages at St Michael's. They're not all boomers, Mum. The curate, Yulia and Debbie aren't much different to me. And Reverend Morris, .he's amazing." "I'm sure he is," her mum replied, with a wry grin. "You out tonight?" "Yes. Choir practice." Jenna grabbed her bag and car keys. "By the way, who's Charles Wesley?" "Um, what?" "You were yelling his name over and over in your sleep. You must've been dreaming." "Oh. Well he's a guy who wrote a lot of great hymns. He lived in the 18th century. He wrote that famous carol "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", although the original words were different. Gotta go. Love you. Bye!" Jenna's mum shook her head. "Charles Wesley? When I was growing up, I used to dream about Brad Pitt." "I have got to get a place of my own," Jenna muttered to herself as she headed to the car. "That was cringe." Jenna had prepared herself for her evening "choir practice" with Gordon, by wearing her best lingerie and a sexy dress that perfectly highlighted her curves and cleavage. The organist himself had also made an effort, by wearing his best suit and tie. With his black robe unfastened, he resembled an old-fashioned headmaster. "Hello there!" Gordon said, grinning from ear to ear. Whoa, she looked drop-dead gorgeous. He was practically drooling like a dog in heat. "Not so bad yourself, Gordon!" Jenna replied. "Love the suit. Now all you need is a cane." "A cane?" "To punish me with. You see, I've been a naughty girl. I forgot to practice that piece of music you mentioned." "Oh dearie me," Gordon said, walking over to her. "Whatever am I to do with such a naughty girl? Never mind. I'm sure you can make it up to me some way,” He sat down on the organ stool. "Come sit in my lap, Jenna. We're going to play a little tune together. I'm sure you can do it." "Why Gordon, I'm not sure I can play this. It's a bit of a step up from the piano." "Just give it a try. I'm sure you'll learn quick!" He winked. "Try the third manual," he added, indicating one of the keyboards. Jenna bit her lip and slid onto Gordon's lap. She deliberated wiggled about a bit, causing him to let out a groan. "This seat is a little, hard!" Jenna began playing the first few notes. "You're right, Kings and Queens does sound fantastic on a pipe organ. I'd have never guessed you were an Ava Max fan, Gordon." "Hah, I'm not. Can't stand modern pop music. But the younger members of the choir are always begging for this song. You're great at this!" As Jenna continued to play, Gordon began massaging her breasts and kissing her exposed neck. "Oh Gordon," Jenna sighed. "There's a part-time job available,” he continued, between kisses. "An assistant choirmaster and pianist at the Sunday school. Three days a week. The school isn't just open on Sundays anymore. There's a crèche and breakfast club on Wednesdays. They do after-school sessions for kids who have special needs. It's not bad money. I know you've got all the relevant qualifications. If you're interested, I could easily pull a few strings and get you in." Jenna suddenly halted her playing. "Wow, are you serious?" "Of course I am. Look, the young 'uns think I'm some kind of ogre. And they're probably right. But you, you'd be such an asset to the school. And tell me honestly, do you truly enjoy working in a call center?" "I hate it. The pay is shit and I hate my boss. Now she's a real-life ogre." "Exactly. Your talents are wasted in a dead-end job like that, Jenna. It's up to you of course, but please give it some thought." She turned round to face him. Kissing him hard the lips, she slipped her arms round his shoulders. "I've given it thought. I accept! Now why don't you let me thank you properly, Gordon?" Jenna hiked up her dress, and unfastened Gordon's belt. She unzipped his trousers, pushed down his underpants, and his rock hard erection sprang free from its encumbrance. Unable to contain himself any longer, Gordon pulled aside the crotch of her damp panties, positioned himself to her entrance, and pushed himself into her. The soft lips between her legs parted, and she threw her head back in sudden ecstasy as the organist began thrusting himself in and out of her warm body, slowly at first, then building in speed. Outside, a black 4 by 4 had just pulled up in the church car park. John Norris got out of the driver's side and furiously slammed the door shut. "John please, don't do this!" his wife pleaded. "Not in the church!" "Look Patricia, I want to get to the bottom of this. First Gordon angrily accuses me of spreading lies on Facebook. He called me "the biggest shit-stirrer in this church" to my face! Now the chaps at the Rotary Club have frozen me out. They said I've been making sexist jokes and racist comments about Ukrainians! I ask you, when have I ever made a racist comment? I haven't a racist bone in my body! And I've never signed up to Facebook either. Someone is trying to smear my name. If you ask me, Gordon's the one behind it all! Well, we'll see what he has to say, man-to-man." A look of horror swept Mrs. Norris' face. "You can't go in there! I can hear the organ - the choir are in there!" "I don't care if the whole bloody town is in there!" John yelled, a display of anger that was most unlike him. "This has gone too far. I can't believe Gordon could be so vindictive. He'd a bad-tempered sod, but I never thought he'd do this. Libel is a serious offence." He stormed into the church and marched down the aisle, his panicking wife rushing after him. "Alright alright, it wasn't Gordon. It was me!" She grabbed his arm. He halted. "What?" "I did it." John shook his head. "Why are you trying to protect him? Do you fancy him or something? Is there more to this?" "No! No of course I don't! Look, I signed up to Facebook so I could access the church page but I used your name. I know I shouldn't have but, well surely you must know how members of this church treat me? I'd have been blocked immediately!" John's face had gone through several shades of red and was now the color of raw steak. "You, Did what? You've been spreading lies and racist comments using an account with my name? What the hell am I married to?" He walked round the side of the organ. "Bloody hell!" Mrs. Norris shoved him aside, wondering what had shocked him. "That's her! She's the one who's caused all this! The little tart! She's bringing filth and depravity to this church!" John glared at his wife. "I'd say your own venom has done that already, Patricia." He turned and stormed off. "I'm going home. To pack a few things. I'm going to stay at my brother's for a bit. And you, well you can go to Hell." "Gordon, do you hear somebody shouting?" Jenna sighed as she felt his warm cum fill her. "Probably just a bit of rowdy teen behavior outside," Gordon replied with a smirk. To be continued. By Blacksheep, for Literotica.

 The Curate loses his virginity. By Blacksheep. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. At this Sunday's service, there was much talk of the upcoming harvest festival. Members of the congregation were encouraged to donate fruit and vegetables, along with non-perishable items for the local food bank. Jenna had made an effort and brought along a bag of apples. She placed the bag on the side table in the church hall. "I don't know how a brazen hussy like you has the cheek to set foot in a church."Jenna remained calm, as she turned to face Mrs. Norris. "Well I'm a Christian, the same as you." "Huh! Christian my foot. I saw what you and the organist were getting up to and I think it's disgusting! In the church of all places! And he's old enough to be your father!" "Well if you clutch those pearls of yours any tighter they'll crumble to dust. And Gordon and I happen to be consenting adults. Single consenting adults. So there." "Why you, you, .horrid little slag!" Mrs. Norris fumed, lip quivering. She stormed off. Jenna exhaled and rolled her eyes. "Coffee or tea?" a friendlier voice asked. It was Debbie, the Sunday school teacher, who was volunteering to do today's hot drinks rota in the hall. "Tea please," Jenna replied. "You okay?" "Yeah. I don't think I'll be on her Christmas card list." "Don't let that old bag get to you. She's a nasty one. She's horribly ageist. Not to mention xenophobic too. I overheard her mocking Yulia's English skills last week. I can't stand her. Her husband's not that bad, he's a tedious fusspot, but there's no malice in him. But her, she's poison." "I heard her hubby spreads gossip on Facebook." Jenna said. "More likely that's her doing." Debbie replied. "I'd be surprised if John Norris even knows how to switch on a laptop." A brief chill ran through Jenna. What if Mrs. Norris were to post some bile about her online? "I don't use social media anymore," she said. "Briefly poked my nose into Twitter as a teen, but didn't like the pile-ons." "Wise. I'm on Facebook, but only to keep up with church stuff. I never post anything about my private life. I imagine Mrs. Norris would have a stroke if she knew I was dating a woman. A married woman at that. Keep it to yourself. I'm not ready to come out yet." "Don't worry, I won't say a word." Jenna sipped her tea quietly as she observed the other members of the congregation file into the hall. She was hoping Reverend Morris would soon arrive, but after fifteen minutes, there was still no sign of him. Then there was Gordon; he never came into the hall after a service, and he'd sent her that amusing text message on Friday, about Charles Wesley and his "bulging hymn book." She headed out of the hall, in search of Gordon, when Josh the curate came staggering in, carrying a massive pile of hymn books. He almost collided with Jenna and dropped a couple of books. "Oh! I'm so sorry!" Josh stammered. "How clumsy of me." Jenna bent down and picked up the books. "You're loaded up like a pack horse. Let me give you a hand. Where are you taking all these?" "Um. So kind!" His pale cheeks went pink. "The storeroom at the far end of the hall. These are spare hymn books." "Ok. Lead the way. By the way, you haven't seen the vicar have you?"" "Oh, he and the organist are in a meeting. One of the organ pipes has just been repaired." "Damn," Jenna muttered under her breath. "Oh dear. How sad. I guess he'll miss his tea and biscuits." She followed Josh down to the storeroom. She'd never paid much attention to the curate before, but looking at him now, she realized that he was rather cute. Mid-twenties, tall and stocky with fair hair and a chubby face. There was an endearing innocence about him. Reverend Morris had said he was hoping to complete his ordination next year and become a fully-fledged vicar. He'd been impressed by his devotion to the church - but he needed to come out of his shell a bit and interact more with worshippers. Josh was a shy man and lacking in self-confidence. Remembering this information made Jenna smile. I think this innocent curate needs some other kind of help, The storeroom was vast, and crammed from floor to ceiling with box files, books, old furniture and plastic crates. "Holy sh,, I didn't know this room existed. And what a lot of stuff for one small church!" Jenna exclaimed. "Heh, yeah." Josh said, putting the books down. "It's not just for St Michael's. We share it with St John's and the Methodist church on Oakwood Road." Jenna began putting the books on the shelf. "Um you don't need to do that,” "Jenna." Josh blushed again. "Jenna. It's kind of you to do that but,” "Oh I don't mind. Why should you have to do all the donkey work? This room is a tip. Besides, a good Christian should help others, right? Especially the vicar's right-hand man. That's what a curate is, yes?" Josh relaxed a bit. "Pretty much, yeah. Like Batman and Robin." "Have you always wanted to be a curate?" Josh sat down on a stool. "In truth, no way. I wasn't religious at all when I was a kid. I suffered from crippling shyness. I used to dread being asked to read in front of the class. When I was ten, my dad walked out, and that affected me a lot. Haven't seen him since. Mum turned to drink, I relied on my grandad for support. He became a father figure to me. He used to be a vicar. Thanks to him I survived my teens and passed my exams. I was eighteen when he died. That's when I decided I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Without him - and God, I fear, well I may have gone down a dark path. Got in with a bad crowd. Taken drugs, self-harmed, maybe ended up in jail." "Wow." Jenna replied, realizing how cosseted and safe her upbringing had been. "Well I'm so glad your grandad was there for you." "There are still days when I doubt myself and I'm in a bad place. I feel useless." "Don't put yourself down," Jenna said, walking towards him. "You're an amazing role model, especially for younger people." Josh blinked. "You, think so?" "I do. Plus, you're really cute. Has a girl ever told you that before?" Josh blushed. "Err, no-one except my Nan. I don't think she counts." "Women round here must be blind," Jenna added, making him squirm with embarrassment. She leant forward and planted a kiss on his lips. He trembled, cheeks turning redder. "J-Jenna, don't,” "It's alright Josh. You're not committing a sin or anything. We're not inside the church, if that's you're worried about." "N-no, it's not that. I, um,” The curate sighed. "I,  I'm just scared of, I don't know if I can, do this." She already knew he was single and straight, but decided to question him. "Do you have a girlfriend?" "No, but, um, that's the problem really. I'd like one, but I wouldn't know how to tell her,” Jenna stroked his arm. "Tell her what?" "I worry she'd laugh at me." "Josh. Whatever it is, I promise I would never laugh at you. And I will understand." He looked down. "Shit. I'm twenty-five. And I'm still a virgin! I've never gone beyond kissing a girl." She kissed his cheek again. "Oh Josh. That's nothing to feel awkward about. In fact I admire you. In this age when we're bombarded with over-sexualized imagery 24/7 both online and offline, finding someone who's chosen to wait is pretty awesome in my opinion. I lost mine just days after reaching the age of consent. I couldn't wait to lose it. But that's just me,” "Yeah but, I, um,” She pulled him to his feet and gently coaxed the truth out of him. "You want to lose your virginity, yes?" "More than anything. But, dating today is scary. It's a minefield. Especially after Me Too. I'm afraid. I don't want to say the wrong thing and come across as some horny creep,” Jenna held back a chuckle. Mrs. Norris probably thinks of me as a horny creep. She thought. "I get that. But trust me. I don't think a sweet, kind-hearted man of God like you could ever be a creep. Horny yes, nothing wrong with that of course." She winked at him and he gulped. "How about it? I think you're ready right now." His eyes widened. "W-what? Here?" "Why not? It's nice and private, And you're a really sexy curate!" Her face was just inches from his own, hovering there. Then her lips were on his, dancing there softly for a moment before pulling away. "Jenna,” He was already rock hard, and hoped his cassock had disguised this fact. "Shush. You're very special." She whispered, barely audible. "You're warm, caring,  You're strong. You deserve to be experience the joys of the flesh." She kissed him again. It's okay to feel nervous. First time is always a bit nerve-racking. But just relax. You'll be just fine,” What an adorable lamb to the slaughter, Jenna thought to herself. He's so scared and unsure. I've never seduced a virgin before, so I'd better not go too hard on him. I do love a challenge. With a bit of encouragement, this sweet guy could have real potential. The touch of her lips sent a fire through his body, a jolt that brought a tingle to every micron of his skin. "Oh, Jenna!" "Shhh." Her lips caressed his own, then his nose, his ear. "Don't talk just now, okay?" "Mmm?" She kissed him again, gently caressing his upper lip between her own. At last, he responded. "Josh." Jenna smiled cheekily. "You're a pretty good kisser, you know that?" "Really?" Just relax. I'm not going anywhere, there's no rush. All we have to do is discover each other. There's no hurry. No-one's going to come in here. I imagine the vicar will be busy for ages." Jenna ran her hand down the front of his black cassock. "Oh my, you're more than ready. "Let's get these buttons unfastened." She knelt before him, opening the cassock and revealing the black trousers underneath. And another straining crotch bulge. "I'm going to worship you," she whispered, unbuckling his belt and unzipping his trousers. Josh was wearing plain black briefs underneath. It was fun seeing the different types of undies men wore. First there was Reverend Morris with his "holy boxers," then Gordon and his sensible white y-fronts, now Josh with smart black tight-fitting briefs. "Everything will be fine. I promise. Close your eyes if it makes you feel better, okay?" The curate hesitated still, but Jenna's smile was reassuring and gentle. "I promise you'll like it." With a shudder, Josh squeezed his eyes tight as his trousers and underwear were lowered, and he could feel the cool air of the room, then Jenna's warm breath on his manhood. "There we are." He couldn't resist a peek, through half-closed eyes. He was painfully stiff, of course, harder than he'd ever been in his life, but he didn't need his eyes to tell him that. He shivered as Jenna ran her hand through his pubes and stooped to kiss him there. He gasped as her smooth palm encircled him. "Oh my God!" "Mmm. So beautiful. Truly God's gift to women. Just relax, don't fight the feeling. Isn't it nice?" Jenna kissed the very tip of his member, and he gasped and moaned, his muscles tensing. "Don't fight it now Josh, just let the feelings come. Relax and let it take you. You don't have to hold it back, just let it come." With that, she closed her lips around his head, tasted him with her tongue. "Uh! Oh Jesus!" The curate groaned. The crescendo was boiling in him now, wonderful and frightening and exhilarating. Nothing could have prepared him for the warm embrace of a woman's mouth, the slight roughness of her tongue as she rolled it up and down his length. No porn, no fantasy could have approached the sensation of her lips gently drawing on his cock, coaxing him towards a peak of indescribable pleasure. The fire was in him and around him, consuming him and his thoughts until all that he was became the connection with her, his flesh and her mouth. Her hands cradled his cock gently as he built towards climax, his breathing becoming rapid and shallow. "Oh,” "Let it come." Josh sighed deeply in relief as Jenna enveloped him again, shuddered as he felt himself swell between her lips, as he released himself to her, surrendered to her, spurting his cum. She lingered over his manhood, slowly coaxing him down from the heights of his ecstasy. She gently licked his shaft and kissed a drop of his essence from the tip, and smiled up at him. "That wasn't so bad, was it?" She said, standing up. "Did you enjoy your first blowjob?" "Jenna. Fucking hell!" "I'll take that as a yes?" "Yes!" he gasped. "Oh good. Because we're not done yet. You don't get off that easily you know!" Jenna began unfastening her skirt, letting it fall to the floor. Josh's eyes widened. She wasn't wearing any panties. An old, battered table was in the middle of the storeroom. Jenna cleared it and reclined on it, spreading her legs and unfastening her blouse. No bra! "Your turn." Josh crossed himself. "Just trust your instincts." She whispered, lowering herself onto her back. Josh stared at her for a second, dumbstruck by her beauty and timid as a deer. Her gently smiling face and the flowing red hair that framed it, the round fullness of her breasts, her long legs, and the tantalizing lure of her wet womanhood between, Finding his courage at last, Josh moved close. With a shaky hand he reached out and tentatively cupped her left breast. Tracing the nipple with his thumb, ever so gently. "Mmm nice, Josh. Keep going!" Encouraged, Josh lowered his mouth to her other breast, the memory of the delightful sensations she'd given him earlier fresh in his mind. He felt her run her fingers through his short blonde hair as he tasted her with his tongue, heard her sigh as he closed his lips around her nipple. "Gently now." "Sorry!" The curate feasted on her breasts for a bit longer, before moving down to her abdomen, planting more kisses, then he paused for a moment. Jenna said nothing, silently urging him to carry on, and he did. Tentatively, he kissed the inside of her thighs, tracing a finger through the trimmed hair above her slit. Josh continued to lovingly kiss her thighs, his nerves beginning to fade. The heady scent of her was overpowering, emboldening him to trail a finger between her cunt lips. The wetness he felt there surprised him, and he glanced up. "You're doing great, Josh." Jenna answered in a throaty whisper. "Please don't stop." He ran a finger over her clit, causing her to let out a moan. Lowering his head, he caressed her softly with his mouth, tasting her. "Oh Josh,” He suckled gently on her clit and she let out a scream. "Jenna?" He pulled away from her, his fear returning. "Did I hurt you?" "No Josh. It was incredible, that's all. When you licked me down there, wow. You sure know how to thrill a woman. You learn quick! But don't make me cum just yet. Because I want you inside me when it happens." Josh's heart leapt into his throat. "Oh,” "Are you ready?" "Um, but protection, I-I don't have a condom,” "It's okay, you don't need to worry. I'm on the Pill." "Oh, right. Good,” "Think of this as doing God's work," Jenna purred, urging him to get on with it. She was eager to feel that virgin cock inside her. Slowly he positioned himself above her on the creaking table. Jenna took his cock in her hand, guiding him. He felt the head of his organ nestle inside her. "Lord in Heaven!" It was such exquisite torture, fighting the urge to cum as fast as he could. The feel of her cunt as it sheathed him was beyond even the joys he'd felt already. At first, he slipped in and out of her slowly. He buried his face in her neck. "Umm, oh God Josh. Yes! Go harder!" Jenna slowly relaxed her control, allowing him to work his cock in and out of her more forcefully. He thrust in deep, as far as he could, and gasped, savoring the sensation. "Oh Josh, that's so good!" He speeded up, as she wrapped her legs round him. Soon he was pounding her like a pro. "Jenna!" He could feel his climax coming now, a mighty force of almost Biblical proportions. Just as Jesus drove out many devils, Josh drove out his virginity, casting it aside forever. He'd been freed. "Ugh!" With a roar of release the curate came, filling Jenna's womanhood with his seed. Josh wasn't sure how long his orgasm lasted. But he knew that it was wonderful, an epiphany of sensation, and that Jenna writhed and gasped in the throes of her own climax in perfect harmony with his. When they'd both calmed down, Jenna held him close and kissed him. "Are you okay? You were amazing, Josh, do you know that? How are you feeling?" "Just fantastic, absolutely fantastic! I, wow. That was, incredible. Um, do you mind if I say a quick prayer for both of us?" "Not at all. You go ahead." When he'd finished, he opened his eyes and looked at Jenna, who was smiling broadly. "You are going to become a bloody amazing vicar!" She said. An Erotic Dream & an organ lesson. T'was the Year of Our Lord 1739, and on a road bound for London, weary preacher and hymn writer Charles Wesley had just arrived at a tavern. "Innkeeper! I hath been riding all day and my poor horse be in the great need of water and rest. As am I." Charles said. "Fear thee not, good fellow, I'll tend to thine horse!" The innkeeper replied. "If it's a room for the night you're looking for, then ye hath come to the right place. Here at the Lamb Inn, there's always a warm greeting for a weary traveler. I'll leave ye in the capable hands of my fine wench Jen, who is adept at making gentlemen feel welcome,” "Greetings to you sir!" Jen said, and Charles was a little taken aback by this stunning redheaded wench. "If you'd like to follow me, I'll lead you to your bedchamber." She picked up a candle and gave him a seductive smirk. "Gladly, Miss!" Charles replied, following her up the creaking wooden staircase. In the main room, sounds of merriment filled the air as many men supped ale and enjoyed the company of willing wenches. "I see you're a man of faith, sir," said Jen as she reached the top of the stairs. "Have you travelled far?" "Aye, all the way from Bristol. I write many hymns. I'm going to visit my older brother John, who's in London. He's a preacher too. In fact he,” "Oh gosh, of course! Your brother must be John Wesley, founder of that Methodist movement I keep hearin' about!" "That's right! I'm Charles Wesley." Jen entered the bedchamber. "Here we are, Mr. Wesley. I trust the room is to your liking? This happens to be a new room - never been used before. Bed never slept in, chair never sat on, chamber pot never,” "Ah, glorious!" Charles interrupted her. "It looks most excellent. I am indeed blessed to have been afforded such kindness. God is good!" "Mmm, thanks be to God," Jen replied, eyeing up Charles. He was young and rather attractive for a man of the cloth. Most of the clergy she'd encountered in her life had been very old men. "There be a fresh jug of water on the table for you, Mr. Wesley. We're lucky here. The Lamb has a deep well which provides safe, clean water to drink. That's why we get so many visitors desperate to quench their thirst without worry of getting the flux." Charles nodded as he put his bag down on the chair and removed his black robe. That four poster bed looked so inviting. "Why don't you sit on the bed, Mr. Wesley? I cannot help but wonder, after all that riding, do you not grow a little stiff?" "Um, I am a little stiff, yes." "Then come over here and sit beside me." Jen said, patting the bed. "I'd be interested to hear about your hymn writing." Charles bashfully did as she asked. "Well right now, I am working on a "Hymn for Christmas Day." But I confess I have only written the first verse. "Perchance could I hear this first verse?" Jen replied. Charles nodded. "Hark how all the Welkin rings Glory to the King of Kings, Peace on Earth, and Mercy mild, God and Sinners reconciled!" "I'd say that's a marvelous first verse," said Jen. "Very stirring, very uplifting. It makes one, rise to the occasion." Her hand had somehow ended up on his thigh. "Oh do you think so? That pleases me greatly, Miss! Now if only I could complete it." Jen removed her mobcap, revealing long, tumbling red locks. Charles gazed, mesmerized. "By all the saints, you're a pretty woman, Miss,” "Jen, Mr. Wesley, perhaps I can be of some help to you." She blew out the candle. "Oh my! Now we're in the dark. How careless of me! We'll just have to,” "Oh Miss Jen!" Charles gasped as her hand groped him in an intimate place. "I think you've risen to the occasion Mr. Wesley!" A few moments later and the good wench had relieved the dear Mr. Wesley of his breeches and cast off the rest of his apparel, including a periwig. The preacher produced naked, stiff, and erect, a wonderful maypole. Jen put her hands to this fine example of maleness and her actions had the desired effect. "Ah! I think my inspiration is returning!" "I'm filled with joy, Mr. Wesley! Tis an honor to help you!" "Joyful all ye Nations rise, Join the Triumph of the Skies, Universal Nature say "Christ the Lord is born to Day!" "That's a wonderful second verse!" Jen ran her tongue round the preacher's erect member, before taking his entire length into her mouth. "Oh Lord in Heaven, I have given in to sin, but if the sin results in a completed hymn, will thou look upon me with mercy?" Charles gasped, as the pleasure overwhelmed him. Jen withdrew. "The Lord will indeed pardon you, Mr. Wesley. Now please relax and enjoy my help!" "Ah, oh my God, thine tongue is divine, it feels so good!" Jen sucked, licked and teased Charles' cock until he could take no more. "Miss Jen! I'm going to spend! Oh, yes!" "Ahh, I have been anointed by your holy essence, Mr. Wesley!" Jen giggled as she eagerly gobbled up his seed. Charles' face bore an expression of utter bliss and satisfaction. "Oh Miss Jen. I am so grateful God delivered me to this inn. What sweet pleasures you have afforded me this evening!" A furious knocking on the bedchamber door disturbed the blissful ambience. "Jen! Jen! You need to get up!" a woman shouted. "Is that, the innkeeper's wife?" Charles wondered, still dazed after his powerful orgasm. Jen licked the remaining cum off the preacher's softening cock. "Mm, sounds like Mother. But wait, Mother died of smallpox ten years ago, so how, ?" Everything seemed to fade away in a strange haze. "Jen! You're going to be late for work! Wake up!" Jenna finally awoke. "Huh? What?" "Are you alright?" Her mum shouted. "Answer me or I'm coming in." "Um yeah. I'm fine Mum!" She rolled over and reached for her smartphone. Squinting, she looked at the clock. "Shit! I overslept!" Breakfast was a rushed affair, with Jenna barely able to drink half a cup of coffee and a piece of toast. "For goodness cake, slow down before you choke on that," her mum said. "Can't believe I overslept. I set my phone. I've never done that before." Jenna said. "Hey, we all do it sometimes. Though your exertions at church no doubt kept you up late. Your dad and I noticed how much time you've been spending at St. Michael's. Now feel free to tell me to mind my own business, but what's with the sudden obsession with church? You've never been interested before. You used to laugh at Gran for being in the Mother's Union." "I guess the pandemic made me think about things differently," Jenna lied, trying to think up a good excuse. "I know I never attended church much before, but I never stopped being a believer." "That's great, Jen. I'm glad it makes you happy. I just hope you're not spending all your time with old people, though. It's good to mix with people your own age." "Oh there's a good mix of different ages at St Michael's. They're not all boomers, Mum. The curate, Yulia and Debbie aren't much different to me. And Reverend Morris, .he's amazing." "I'm sure he is," her mum replied, with a wry grin. "You out tonight?" "Yes. Choir practice." Jenna grabbed her bag and car keys. "By the way, who's Charles Wesley?" "Um, what?" "You were yelling his name over and over in your sleep. You must've been dreaming." "Oh. Well he's a guy who wrote a lot of great hymns. He lived in the 18th century. He wrote that famous carol "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", although the original words were different. Gotta go. Love you. Bye!" Jenna's mum shook her head. "Charles Wesley? When I was growing up, I used to dream about Brad Pitt." "I have got to get a place of my own," Jenna muttered to herself as she headed to the car. "That was cringe." Jenna had prepared herself for her evening "choir practice" with Gordon, by wearing her best lingerie and a sexy dress that perfectly highlighted her curves and cleavage. The organist himself had also made an effort, by wearing his best suit and tie. With his black robe unfastened, he resembled an old-fashioned headmaster. "Hello there!" Gordon said, grinning from ear to ear. Whoa, she looked drop-dead gorgeous. He was practically drooling like a dog in heat. "Not so bad yourself, Gordon!" Jenna replied. "Love the suit. Now all you need is a cane." "A cane?" "To punish me with. You see, I've been a naughty girl. I forgot to practice that piece of music you mentioned." "Oh dearie me," Gordon said, walking over to her. "Whatever am I to do with such a naughty girl? Never mind. I'm sure you can make it up to me some way,” He sat down on the organ stool. "Come sit in my lap, Jenna. We're going to play a little tune together. I'm sure you can do it." "Why Gordon, I'm not sure I can play this. It's a bit of a step up from the piano." "Just give it a try. I'm sure you'll learn quick!" He winked. "Try the third manual," he added, indicating one of the keyboards. Jenna bit her lip and slid onto Gordon's lap. She deliberated wiggled about a bit, causing him to let out a groan. "This seat is a little, hard!" Jenna began playing the first few notes. "You're right, Kings and Queens does sound fantastic on a pipe organ. I'd have never guessed you were an Ava Max fan, Gordon." "Hah, I'm not. Can't stand modern pop music. But the younger members of the choir are always begging for this song. You're great at this!" As Jenna continued to play, Gordon began massaging her breasts and kissing her exposed neck. "Oh Gordon," Jenna sighed. "There's a part-time job available,” he continued, between kisses. "An assistant choirmaster and pianist at the Sunday school. Three days a week. The school isn't just open on Sundays anymore. There's a crèche and breakfast club on Wednesdays. They do after-school sessions for kids who have special needs. It's not bad money. I know you've got all the relevant qualifications. If you're interested, I could easily pull a few strings and get you in." Jenna suddenly halted her playing. "Wow, are you serious?" "Of course I am. Look, the young 'uns think I'm some kind of ogre. And they're probably right. But you, you'd be such an asset to the school. And tell me honestly, do you truly enjoy working in a call center?" "I hate it. The pay is shit and I hate my boss. Now she's a real-life ogre." "Exactly. Your talents are wasted in a dead-end job like that, Jenna. It's up to you of course, but please give it some thought." She turned round to face him. Kissing him hard the lips, she slipped her arms round his shoulders. "I've given it thought. I accept! Now why don't you let me thank you properly, Gordon?" Jenna hiked up her dress, and unfastened Gordon's belt. She unzipped his trousers, pushed down his underpants, and his rock hard erection sprang free from its encumbrance. Unable to contain himself any longer, Gordon pulled aside the crotch of her damp panties, positioned himself to her entrance, and pushed himself into her. The soft lips between her legs parted, and she threw her head back in sudden ecstasy as the organist began thrusting himself in and out of her warm body, slowly at first, then building in speed. Outside, a black 4 by 4 had just pulled up in the church car park. John Norris got out of the driver's side and furiously slammed the door shut. "John please, don't do this!" his wife pleaded. "Not in the church!" "Look Patricia, I want to get to the bottom of this. First Gordon angrily accuses me of spreading lies on Facebook. He called me "the biggest shit-stirrer in this church" to my face! Now the chaps at the Rotary Club have frozen me out. They said I've been making sexist jokes and racist comments about Ukrainians! I ask you, when have I ever made a racist comment? I haven't a racist bone in my body! And I've never signed up to Facebook either. Someone is trying to smear my name. If you ask me, Gordon's the one behind it all! Well, we'll see what he has to say, man-to-man." A look of horror swept Mrs. Norris' face. "You can't go in there! I can hear the organ - the choir are in there!" "I don't care if the whole bloody town is in there!" John yelled, a display of anger that was most unlike him. "This has gone too far. I can't believe Gordon could be so vindictive. He'd a bad-tempered sod, but I never thought he'd do this. Libel is a serious offence." He stormed into the church and marched down the aisle, his panicking wife rushing after him. "Alright alright, it wasn't Gordon. It was me!" She grabbed his arm. He halted. "What?" "I did it." John shook his head. "Why are you trying to protect him? Do you fancy him or something? Is there more to this?" "No! No of course I don't! Look, I signed up to Facebook so I could access the church page but I used your name. I know I shouldn't have but, well surely you must know how members of this church treat me? I'd have been blocked immediately!" John's face had gone through several shades of red and was now the color of raw steak. "You, Did what? You've been spreading lies and racist comments using an account with my name? What the hell am I married to?" He walked round the side of the organ. "Bloody hell!" Mrs. Norris shoved him aside, wondering what had shocked him. "That's her! She's the one who's caused all this! The little tart! She's bringing filth and depravity to this church!" John glared at his wife. "I'd say your own venom has done that already, Patricia." He turned and stormed off. "I'm going home. To pack a few things. I'm going to stay at my brother's for a bit. And you, well you can go to Hell." "Gordon, do you hear somebody shouting?" Jenna sighed as she felt his warm cum fill her. "Probably just a bit of rowdy teen behavior outside," Gordon replied with a smirk. To be continued. By Blacksheep, for Literotica.

Thank you Patrons for supporting me! I hope you enjoy this bonus episode just for you! The Welkin was an interesting (and very pretty) aircraft in my opinion that few of us have ever heard of. If you are not a Patreon supporter, you will only get a a sample, but I hope you will join me over at Patreon and help to help this podcast running! patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds

When it comes to a difficult-to-define concept like psychedelia in music, it's subjective. It's not all hippies with sitars and lava lamps and bongs…but that's not wrong either. With a little help from author Michael Hicks and his parameters for what makes music psychedelic, we pose the question: “What is Psychedelic Music?” and offer the Radical Research answer. Note I: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note II: Our friend Tom Hailey counts Stupid Dream as his favorite and only truly loved Porcupine Tree album. That's fine. We love it too. But we love many other Porcupine Tree albums. So, when Hunter said “I've gotta be honest with you, I've gone full Tom Hailey, there's really only one Porcupine Tree record that I really love anymore,” it blew Jeff's gaskets. And then it appeared Hunter said that one album was Signify (“and maybe Sky Moves Sideways”). The whole thing became maddening. After listening back to this torrid exchange (starting at the 1:03:25 mark), Hunter wants to clarify: “Stupid Dream is my favorite Porcupine Tree album, and like I said, I like all ‘90s Porcupine Tree.“ He was being oblique in the recording and it all got a bit out of hand. This is the sort of first-world relationship problem that Radical Research can occasionally suffer. And the world keeps turning! Note III: All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff's Peter Steele and Fates Warning books…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org Music cited in order of appearance: Can – “Halleluwah” (Tago Mago, 1971) Miles Davis – “Rated X” (Get Up With It, 1974) Steve Hillage – “Meditation of the Snake” (Fish Rising, 1975) Joy Division – “Decades” (Closer, 1980) Seefeel – “Time to Find Me (AFX Slow Mix)” (Pure, Impure, 1993) Beherit – “Summerlands” (Drawing Down the Moon, 1993) Emperor – “The Loss and Curse of Reverence” (Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk, 1997) Coil – “The Dreamer is Still Asleep“ (Musick to Play in the Dark Vol. 1, 1999) Portal – “The Endmills” (Seepia, 2003) Steven Wilson – “Significant Other” (Insurgentes, 2008) Melvins – “The Bunk Up” (Hold it In, 2014) Arcturus – “Crashland” (Arcturian, 2015) Cynic – “Mythical Serpents” (Ascension Codes, 2021) ep. 117 preview: Crispy Ambulance – “Are You Ready?” (The Plateau Phase, 1982) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

We delve into the gripping world of "Welkin," a powerful theatre production set in rural Suffolk, 1759 . The cast of the play discussed the intense dynamics of the story and it's all about justice, mystery and truth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hoda and Jenna give their opinions on some of the hottest debates dividing the internet right now. Also, Sandra Oh on the recent series she starred in, “The Sympathizer,” and her return to the stage in the off-Broadway play “The Welkin.” Plus, actor and comedian Joel Kim Booster discusses his new Netflix documentary, “Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution.” 

Seth takes a closer look at Trump being found guilty on all 34 counts in his hush money criminal trial.Then, Sandra Oh talks about how she preps for her role in the play The Welkin, the play receiving funding from a monk who won the lottery and her drama series The Sympathizer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sandra Oh to Return to New York Stage in ‘The Welkin,’ Netflix to Produce ‘Patriots’ on Broadway, Kit Harington in ‘Slave Play’ “Today on Broadway” is a daily, Monday through Friday, podcast hitting the top theatre headlines of the day. Any and all feedback is appreciated:Grace Aki: grace@broadwayradio.com | @ItsGraceAkiMatt read more The post Today on Broadway: Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 appeared first on BroadwayRadio.

Rev. Jacob Yohannan preaching, -Hark- How all the Welkin Rings--- from Luke 2-8-20

Rev. Jacob Yohannan preaching, -Hark- How all the Welkin Rings--- from Luke 2-8-20

Pastor Andy Davis traces the angelic worship of Christ throughout the whole of scripture. - SERMON TRANSCRIPT- On May 21st, 1738, Charles Wesley lay seriously ill in bed fearing for his life. But as he lay there fearing for his life, he feared more for his eternal soul because at that point he had no assurance of salvation. He and his brother John, had been pursuing a religion of Christianized good works and morality. They were part of a group called the Oxford Holy Club, and they sought to earn their salvation by good works, by mission trips, by other things, but they had no assurance of salvation. They only had ever-increasing anxiety about eternal hell and destruction. For almost two years they sought this assurance. John and Charles Wesley had been on a mission trip to the New World and on the way back, they were in a serious storm with a group of Moravian believers. They saw the supernatural joy and peace and confidence even in the midst of that storm that those Moravians had. They had absolutely no fear of death, but that could not characterize the Wesleys at that point, so they began to study the religion of the Moravians who often spoke of the testimony of the Holy Spirit to the soul of a genuinely converted person. The Wesleys had seen that supernatural peace during that storm, and they longed to know it, a total freedom from death. The Moravians linked that sense of assurance to the promise in Romans 8:16, the Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children, but they had not experienced that testimony, that assurance at all. If anything, things just seemed to get worse and worse for them until that day, May 21st, 1738 for Charles Wesley, ironically, Pentecost Sunday, Pentecost Sunday commemorating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the church. Charles Wesley had been fighting for his life against his illness, but also pleading with God for assurance of salvation. As he lay alone in his bed between visits by his brother John and doctors and well-meaning friends, Charles had a personal encounter with God through the out-poured Holy Spirit that changed his life forever. Assurance flooded into his soul. He felt strange palpitations in his heart, and he cried aloud, "I believe, I believe." He wrote in his journal that day, "I have now found myself at peace with God and rejoiced in the hope of loving Christ." Now his more famous brother John Wesley would soon have his own conversion experience at a prayer meeting on Aldersgate Street there in London. Though John Wesley would become the leader and driving force of the movement known as Methodism, Charles Wesley would become the movement's poet and hymn writer. He wrote over 6,000 hymns seeking to put the theology of Christianity in lyrics that illiterate people could understand easily. Seven months after his conversion, Charles Wesley was walking through the streets of London on Christmas day. The bells were ringing, celebrating the birth of Christ. He hurried home and wrote the poem that would become arguably the most celebrated Christmas song of all time, now known as Hark, the Herald Angels Sing. The original poem that Charles wrote was, "Hark! How all the welkin rings. Glory to the King of Kings." Welkin means “heavens.” A number of years later in 1753, the greatest Methodist preacher of them all, George Whitfield changed the lyrics to what we know today, "Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn king. Peace on earth and mercy mile God and sinners reconciled.” That improvement is well appreciated. It's already a challenge to have one obscure word, hark meaning “listen,” and even more obscure archaic word, “welkin,” would probably have sunk him for good. The heavens were indeed ringing with the praise of angelic army the night that Jesus was born. We can obey the word “hark" to listen to their celebration only by faith. Faith in the word of God. There is a listening of the soul with the ears of faith that we must do to be able to listen to them celebrating. There's a seeing to see the incarnate Christ laying there. There's a seeing we can only do by faith, faith in the word of God. I. Angelic Worship of Christ The call to listen to the angelic praise is a doorway into my Christmas meditation with you today. I want to trace out over all of redemptive history, even before history began, angelic worship of Christ. Angelic worship of Christ. My purpose is not that we will merely hark to angelic worship of Christ, but join with them in understanding the greatness in the majesty of Jesus Christ and that God's will may be done on earth as it is in heaven through that worship. Hebrews 1 makes it plain. When God brought his son into the world, He wanted the angels to worship him. Hebrews 1:6 says, "When God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, ‘Let all God's angels worship him.’" This is an amazing statement if you think about it. It's an open claim to God of God concerning the deity of his son. The scripture makes it plain that God commands all worshiping beings, angels and humans to worship him and serve him only. Worship is reserved for God, and yet here's God calling on the angels to worship his son when He brings him into the world. That is proof that the Son of God, the birth of Jesus is a matter for worship. This is deity coming into the world, and the angels complied. "The scripture makes it plain that God commands all worshiping beings, angels and humans to worship him and serve him only. Worship is reserved for God, and yet here's God calling on the angels to worship his son when He brings him into the world. " I want to trace out more fully the history of angelic worship of the second person of the Trinity and follow it in historical order in nine steps. First, angels worship the pre-incarnate Christ. Second, angels announced the coming Christ. Third, angels celebrated the birth of Christ. Fourth, angels protected the newborn Christ. Fifth, angels strengthened Christ in his weakness. Sixth, angels announced the resurrected Christ. Seventh, angels celebrated the heavenly ascension of Christ. Eighth, angels assisted in the spread of the gospel of Christ's kingdom. And then ninth, angels will celebrate Christ's glory for all eternity. II. Angels Worship the Pre-Incarnate Christ First, angels worship the pre-incarnate Christ. Christ alone of all human beings that's ever lived, made a voluntary choice, a willing choice to enter the world as a human being. He's the only one that that is true of. He made this assertion to Pontius Pilate when He was on trial before Pilate in John 18, “Jesus said to Pilate, ‘You are right in saying that I'm a king. In fact, for this reason I was born and for this, I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’" In other words, "I chose to enter the world and I chose to enter the world to build a kingdom based on truth and to invite people into that kingdom of truth." That was a choice that Jesus made. He's the only human being that ever was pre-existent before He took on a human body and chose to enter the world, and that is to build a kingdom of truth. So also this statement in John 6, Jesus said, "I have come down from heaven not to do my own will, but to do the will of Him who sent me. And this is the will of Him who sent me that I shall lose none of all that He has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life and I will raise Him up at the last day." It is the same thing. "I chose to enter the world not to do my will, but to do the will of the Father. And this is the Father's will that I save all the elect that He has given me." Philippians 2 makes it plain that Jesus shared eternal glory with God on a heavenly throne of glory before He entered the world. He had equality with God, a radiant glory with Him. That's what Charles Wesley meant when he said, "Mild he lays his glory down, born that man no more may die." Before Jesus was born, the angels saw that glory and they worshiped him in his glory. Two key passages show this in the Old Testament, Isaiah 6 and Ezekiel 1. First, Isaiah 6:1-3 says, "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs. Seraphs each with six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another. 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty. The whole earth is full of his glory.'" The Lord the seraphim worshiped was Jesus. John 12:41 makes it plain that Isaiah saw Jesus' glory and spoke about him. The seraphs are angels, an order of angels, the spirit beings of the word. The Hebrew word literally means “burning ones.” They're like on fire. They're brilliant, they're bright. This lines up with the statement made of them in Hebrews 1:7 in speaking of his angels, he says, "He makes his angels winds as servants, flames of fire." The seraphim are burning ones, they're on fire, a holy fire. This fiery terminology also lines up with the vision in Ezekiel 1 of cherubim, fiery beings that could almost defy description and who move mysteriously below a throne of glory. Ezekiel 1 says this, "I looked and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north, an immense cloud with flashing lightning surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, and in that fire was what looked like four living creatures." Picture a cloud that is radiant and bright and in the center of it, it's on fire, a fiery cloud. In the center of that are these four living creatures called cherubim. These cherubim have four faces and two sets of wings, and there are these high mighty, awesome glorious wheels under them. Wheels sparkling like diamonds and the cherubim move like lightning with fire flashing back and forth among them. Ezekiel 1:13-14, “The appearance of the living creatures were like burning coals of"fire or like torches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures. It was bright and lightning flashed out of it." The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning. It's energetic, crackling with energy, crackling with light and fire, and that the cherub had moved north, south, east, and west with lightning speed and whatever direction the spirit moves them. High above those cherubim sat the enthroned pre-incarnate Christ. Ezekiel 1:22 and following, "Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was what looked like an expanse, sparkling like ice and awesome like a barrier, like a ceiling. And under the expanse, their wings were stretched out, one toward the other and each had two wings covering its body. And when the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings, like the roar of rushing waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings. Then there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood with lowered wings." This is awesome. They stood quiet under the voice of the one seated on the throne. There's a reverence that they have and a quietness. They lower their wings and they wait to hear him speak. They're ready to do His will. They're motionless, they're reverent. They're waiting on the voice of the pre-incarnate Christ. This is the description of that glorious throne, Ezekiel 1:26-28, "Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up, he looked like glowing metal as if full of fire. And that from there down he looked like fire. And brilliant lights surrounded him like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day so was the radiance around him." This was the appearance of the likeness, of the glory of the Lord. ‘And when I saw it,’ says Ezekiel, ‘I fell face down.'" You have this angelic activity moving wheels within wheels that just defies description, and brightness and loud noise and power and then a barrier and then high above that a throne and one seated on it. That barrier represents the infinite gap between creator and creature. It's an infinite gap between God and the highest archangel and all creatures below. That gap represents that difference, the holiness of God, God, the creator over all creation. They recognize it, and they're quiet under it. Ezekiel the prophet was granted this vision of the pre-incarnate Christ on the throne of heavenly glory. This is the glory that Jesus laid aside when He entered the world and was born of the virgin and was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. This is the glory laid by, this is the glory you wanted back at the end of his ministry. When He said in John 17:5, "And now Father glorify me with the glory I had with you before the creation of the world,” it's a glory He deserves. A radiant display of his greatness, which He laid by. Before Christ was even born, the angels in various orders of various types worshiped and served him. III. Angels Announced the Coming Christ Secondly, the angels announced the coming Christ. The word “angel “is just a transliteration of a Greek word, which means “messenger.” Those that are dispatched with a message from God to earth. God regularly in the Old Testament dispatched angels to bring messages from God. At the time of Christ being conceived, the angel Gabriel was dispatched. The angel Gabriel told in his encounter with John the Baptist’s father, Zechariah, he said "I'm Gabriel and I stand in the presence of God." He has the honor of proximity, of closeness to the throne of God. That's Gabriel. He was sent also to the Virgin Mary with the most amazing message that any angel has ever carried to any human being. In Luke 1, he said to Mary, “'Do not be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. You'll be with child and give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end.’ ‘How will this be’, Mary asked the angel, ‘since I'm a virgin?’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the most high wall overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.’" This is a message that Gabriel spoke to Mary, the deepest theology ever communicated in the pages of scripture. “Mary, you'll have a baby and the baby will have no human Father. He'll be conceived miraculously by the power of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit will overshadow your body and that's where this baby is going to come from. This baby will be the Son of David. He'll have a genealogy through you and also through Joseph, and he will be rightly called the Son of David. He'll be human because he is your baby and also descendant of David of the house and lineage of David. But he will also be divine because he's called the Son of God.” This is the mystery of the incarnation, the mystery of the virgin birth. It's central to our faith. Jesus Christ was born in the normal way, looked like any other human baby that was born, but He was conceived by the supernatural power of God on a virgin's body. And so this doctrine of the incarnation of Jesus as being fully God, fully man is central to the Christian faith, was initially announced by an angel, announced by an angel to Mary. The angel was also dispatched in a dream to Joseph, the guardian of that Holy Family to give him a different version of the same message. Matthew 1, “Joseph, Son of David, ‘Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She'll give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet. The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel, which means God with us.” The angelic message to Joseph concerning this baby's mission is a little bit different, but easily harmonizeable to Mary.’s The child born is going to reign on a throne forever. To Joseph, He's going to save His people from their sins and we know that that's by His death, His bloody death on the cross, but the theology of the essential nature of who this baby is is the same. I mean fully God, fully man is wrapped up in the word Emmanuel, “God with us”, conceived in a human mother by the power of the Holy Spirit. The angels were dispatched to carry this message and the theology of Jesus Christ to Mary into Joseph. IV. Angels Celebrate the Birth of Christ Third, angels celebrated when this baby was born, they were there to celebrate the birth of Christ. This is the most famous angelic involvement. Angels were sent to Bethlehem the night that Jesus was born, and they were sent to worship Him. This is the direct and obvious fulfillment of God's command in Hebrews 1:6, when God brings his firstborn into the world, He says, "Let all God's angels worship Him." They came to do that in direct obedience to the command of God. First an angel, a single angel, is dispatched to the shepherds on the hills outside Bethlehem, as we’ve already heard. “There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks. At night, an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. And this will be as sign to you. You'll find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Again, angels are given a role of dispensing theology to human beings. But this time it's simple working-class shepherds who are just out there at night watching over their flocks in the hills surrounding Bethlehem. Suddenly an angel comes with heavenly glory, a radiant display. This is one of the key texts for me. Understand that glory involves sometimes physical light, a radiant display. And so it is. This angel came with the glory of the Lord that shone around there at night, and it caused instant terror. The angel gives the message that Christ the Lord is born in Bethlehem. He is Christ, He is Lord, He's Savior. These terms are initially understandable. They immediately take root in the heart of any believer, but they will take all eternity to unpack in their fullness. The shepherds understood these words. The simple proof of the angel's words was the oddity of seeing a baby wrapped and laid in a feeding trough for animals. That's highly unusual. So when you go down and you see this baby wrapped up in swaddling clothes, that will be a sign that our words are true. “Then suddenly a huge multitude of the heavenly host appears. A great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace to men on whom his favor rests." This must have been what Charles Wesley and George Whitfield had in mind when they wrote, “Hark, the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn King." God told them to do it. It says, "Let all God's angels worship Him,” and they did it with gladness and with powerful voices. I want you to understand a word that is easy to misunderstand and that is the word “host.” I asked some people earlier this week, "What is a heavenly host?" And they said, "Well, when you host somebody, you're opening up your home, you're welcoming them." Friends, that is not what host means here. It's not like the angels are saying, "Hey, you all come." I know I'll never say it like you guys do, "Y'all come," saying, "I want you to come and enjoy." That's not what's going on. It's not what the Greek word means. The Greek word is “stratia”, which is a military term. This is an army, a huge army. Imagine how that would've looked to us rebels against heaven to have a heavenly army arrayed in military weaponry surrounding us. It really would be terrifying. It's not a choir of angels, it's an army of angels. If you want to see the kind of damage they can wreak on planet Earth, read the Book of Revelation. The kind of damage that they wreak gladly when God tells them to do it, pouring out wrath on the ecology and on the people of Earth before the Second Coming of Christ. It's an heavenly invasion. But not that night, though they could have done that kind of damage because we all deserved it. We're all rebels against the throne of God. They were there to celebrate the birth, effectively, of our and God's champion who came to fight on our behalf. They're there to celebrate as He went forth, as David did in the day when he defeated Goliath. He is the representative of heaven and of us, the people of God to fight our battle for us. They're there to celebrate, and there's lots of them. It's not a little, it's a huge army. They're not there to invade rebellious Earth and destroy it like we all deserve, but they're there to proclaim, "Glory to God and peace from God to those on whom his grace or his favor rests." That's the message. This is the same army of angels that will be dispatched in waves in Revelation to destroy all sinners at the end of the world. But at this point they're there to celebrate the birth of the Savior forth. V. Angels Protected the Newborn Christ God also dispatched an angel to warn Joseph in a dream to flee the murderous King Herod and his killing soldiers. Matthew 2, “After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the Land of Israel for those who are trying to take the child's life are dead.’ So he got up and took the child's mother and went to the Land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judean places, his father Herod, he was afraid to go there having been warned in a dream. He withdrew to the district of Galilee and went and lived in a town called Nazareth.” An angel was dispatched to Joseph in a dream to say, "Get up and take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you." They escaped just in time before the soldiers came and killed all the boy babies two years old and under. Then later, once Herod was dead and the danger had passed, the angel came and told Joseph to bring the child back. Certainly angels protected Joseph and Mary and baby Jesus at that point, but I'm certain that angels protected Jesus throughout the 30 years that He was growing up. The demons knew who He was. Satan knew who He was, and yet He lived a normal upbringing. He grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God. When He grew up, He was a carpenter. When the time came, He was revealed out of obscurity by John the Baptist. But in all of that, there must have been a wall, an angelic wall of protection, around Jesus as He was growing up. Revelation 12 depicts the devil as a dragon ready to devour the male child who will rule over all the world the moment it was born, but he couldn't do it. VI. Angels Strengthened Christ in his Weakness Fifthly, during Jesus' life on earth, He was subjected to all the same weakness that we are— pain, weariness, hunger, thirst. At two key moments in Jesus' weakness, his physical bodily weakness, angels were dispatched to strengthen the King of angels. First, after his temptation by the devil in the desert. In Mark 1:13 it says, "He was in the desert forty days being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals and angels attended him." It's an amazing thing how Jesus, the infinite King of glory, was so weakened by his fasting that God had to send angels to keep him alive and to feed him out in the desert. Second, in his agony in Gethsemane, in Luke 22 it says, "An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him and being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." We cannot fully understand what was happening in Gethsemane as Jesus was fully aware that He was about to drink the cup of God's wrath in our place on the cross and to shed His blood in our place. God, I believe, mysteriously revealed to Jesus' human mind what it would be like to be under the wrath of God and it just about killed Him, dropping Him to the ground, and He was growing faint. An angel was dispatched in some mysterious way to strengthen Him to survive that moment in Gethsemane as great drops of blood were pouring from His face. It is a marvelous and an amazing thing that this infinite King of glory needed help, physical help from angels at those two times. VII. Angels Announced the resurrected Christ After Jesus' death on the cross and his resurrection from the dead, angels were sent from heaven to tell his followers that Christ had risen just as He had predicted. In Matthew, an angel came down and rolled back the stone and sat on it. I've always loved that picture. He's very comfortable in the presence of Roman soldiers. He's not afraid of them at all. They're terrified of him and he just easily rolls a massive boulder and sits on it. It's just a beautiful picture. But he's there announcing the resurrection. The same thing in John's Gospel. You have two men dressed in white sitting in the empty tomb where Jesus' body had been. One at the head, the other at the feet. In Luke's gospel, the same thing as women went to finish the burial rituals that had been hurried because the Passover was coming. It says in Luke 24, "Suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright, the women bowed down with their faces to the ground. But the men said to them, 'Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here. He has risen just as he said.'" Angels are not usually dispatched to proclaim the facts of the gospel of Christ's death and his burial and his resurrection, though they would do an amazing job, ordinarily not. But here at the very beginning of the spread of the Gospel, after the resurrection of Christ from the dead, angels are dispatched to tell his immediate inner circle of followers what had happened. VIII. Angels Celebrated the Heavenly Ascension of Christ Seventhly, angels celebrated the heavenly ascension of Christ. After Christ rose from the dead, He spent forty days with His disciples, giving them many convincing proofs that He was alive.He was training them and teaching them and getting them ready for the spread of the Gospel worldwide to the ends of the Earth. After that, after He had given all of that proof, at the end of that time, forth days, He ascended from the surface of the Earth up through the sky, through the clouds, and ultimately into the heavenly realms. The Book of Hebrews tells us that He passed through the heavens, plural, through circles of heavens, so higher and higher. First, the atmosphere, and then beyond all the physical realms of heaven, what we call sky and outer space and beyond that into the circles of heaven, the heavenly spheres of existence in the spiritual realm. He passed through all that. The author of Hebrews gives us the language of passing through, and the scripture reveals that as He did, the angels celebrated his passing as a triumphant conqueror. In Psalm 47, it says, "God has ascended amid shouts of joy and the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets, sing praises to God, sing praises, sing praises to our King, sing praises." It's a marvelous picture we get of the angels celebrating the accomplishment of the life, the death, and the resurrection of Christ. I also think it's interesting the angels were dispatched to tell the disciples to move along now and get on with their lives as they're standing there outside Jerusalem with their heads craning up, looking and waiting for the Second Coming of Christ 2000 years ago. God sent two angels to say, "Time to move along." “They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going when suddenly, two men dressed in white stood beside them. Men of Galilee, they said, ‘Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven will come back in the same way you've seen Him go into heaven.’” IX. Angels Assisted the Spread of Christ's Kingdom Eighth, as I just said, Scripture does not assign to angels the work of evangelism and missions. The ministry of reconciliation has been entrusted to us, the followers of Christ. That's our job. It is our work to go to the ends of the earth and to proclaim the gospel. As the scripture says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?" But it's not angels that do it. However, angels have consistently assisted that spread as they were dispatched from heaven to do. For example, in Acts 8, an angel working along with the Holy Spirit told Philip the Evangelist where to go so he could proclaim the Gospel to an Ethiopian eunuch. We can see angels dispatched to guide evangelism and missions in Acts 8. So also God dispatched an angel to rescue Peter and the Apostles from prison in Acts 5, and also Peter from prison in Acts 12, causing chains to fall off and making the twelve soldiers guarding him to fall into a deep sleep. Also an angel is dispatched to Cornelius the centurion, to tell him to send men to Joppa to find a man named Peter who would bring a message by which he and all his household would be saved. The angel was not dispatched to give the message. He could easily have done it, but instead to send messengers to get Peter to come and do it. So it was angels that did that. "The ministry of reconciliation has been entrusted to us, the followers of Christ. That's our job. It is our work to go to the ends of the earth and to proclaim the gospel." In heaven, we're going to find out throughout thousands of years of redemptive history, how active the angels have been in the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem through Judea and Samaria to the ends of the earth. As the author of Hebrews says in Hebrews 1:14, "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" They have helped the spread of the gospel for 2000 years. X. Angels Will Celebrate Chris’s Glory for All Eternity Ninth and finally, angels will celebrate Christ's glory for all eternity. As I said before Christ was born, angels worshiped and celebrated all along. As redemptive history has unfolded, we are told that angels were learning. "They long to look into these things," Peter tells us. 1 Peter 1:12, “Even angels long to look into these things.” They weren't omniscient. They didn't know where all this was heading. They were learning as events were unfolding. As we see for example in Daniel 12, one angel asks another angel about timing and timetable. They don't know when the timing is going to be for all of these things. They're eager to learn, and they are learning as events unfold on planet Earth. As those events unfold, they celebrate them, like the birth of Christ. They're celebrating. It's not like they didn't know it was coming, but now it's broken into history and they are celebrating. They're tracking events unfolding, and they're learning and they're celebrating with pure hearts. I believe that they're going to celebrate when all is said and done for all eternity. They're going to celebrate what was done to rescue a multitude of sinners from every tribe and language and people and nation. They're going to celebrate what God has done through the second and the third person of the Trinity. By the working of Jesus' bloodshed on the cross, by His resurrection and by the outpouring Holy Spirit on the people of God, the spread of the Gospel, the angels are going to celebrate every detail of what happened for all eternity. In Revelation 5:11-12, it says, "Then I looked and I heard the voice of many angels numbering thousands upon thousands and 10,000 times 10,000, 100 million angels. They encircle the throne and the living creatures and the elders. And in a loud voice they sang, ‘Worthy is the lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.’" So there's 100 million angels celebrating the Slain Lamb, who by his blood rescued people for God. Just as it said earlier, "You are worthy because you were slain and with your blood, you purchase people for God from every tribe, language, people and nation." You're going to celebrate that, that radiant glory for all eternity they're going to celebrate. We wouldn't even know about it except that God had dispatched an angel to John to write the Book of Revelation. As it says in Revelation 1, "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John." An angel was entrusted with the Book of Revelation to bring down to John and the island of Patmos. Then He says, at the end of Revelation 22:16, “I, Jesus have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and I'm the bright and morning star." Angels will be worshiping and celebrating Christ's victory at the cross for all eternity. Revelation 7 says, "After this, I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count from every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne and in front of the lamb. They're wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands and they cried out in a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne to the lamb.'" The next verse, "All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, they fell down on their faces before the throne. And they worship God saying, 'Amen. Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen.'" The angels are celebrating a redemption they didn't need. It wasn't for them that Christ became incarnate. Surely it is not angel He helped but the sons of Abraham, us, flesh and blood, and yet the angels are celebrating with every bit as much joy as if it had been them. They're going to celebrate it for all eternity. So what about you friends? What about you? We here at First Baptist Church do not believe in a secular Christmas. We believe in Christ at the center of it. We want to join in that angelic worship and celebration. We want to see who this child is, this incarnate son of God, and we want to join the angels in celebrating. What about you? What about you? I understand at Christmas time it's a time for people to go to church maybe with family and friends. My desire is that there'd be no person listening to my words today, who would be in a lost, dying state. All you have to do is hear all of this truth that you've been listening to of who Jesus is, of why He came. Of what He did at the cross and of how God raised him from the dead, and understand it is by simple faith in that story that you will be forgiven of your sins. There is no reason for anyone in this room to end up perishing eternally. To be terrified when that army does invade and punishes the rebels who never would yield to God and to Christ. There's no reason for that. All you need to do is cross over from death to life is simply listen and hear like, "Hark, the herald angels sing." What are they singing? "Glory to the newborn King." See this incarnate deity laying there. See in that, your own salvation. If you are already a Christian, I want to wish you all a wonderful merry Christmas. You're going to enjoy time with your family tomorrow, but as you do so, let's bring Christ right into the center of that time. I don't know what your traditions are, what your habits are, but in our family, we love to read scripture as part of our celebration, to talk about the actual facts of the birth of Christ, of the gospel. Choose some Scripture and read it together with the people that you're with. Make Christ the center of your celebration. Close with me now in prayer. Father, we thank you for this time of year in which we get to focus on a vital detail of our Christian faith, and that is the incarnation of Christ, the giving of the God man, the birth of Jesus as the savior of the world. We needed Christ. It was a rescue mission. As the angel said to Joseph, "You'll give him the name Jesus, because he will save His people from their sins." Lord, we need that. We thank you. I pray, oh Lord, that you would be working deeply in the hearts of people who hear this message that they would believe and trust and follow you. And for all of us who years ago did, Lord pray that you'd renew our faith and help us to celebrate as the angels did In Jesus' name, Amen.

Rev. Jacob Yohannan preaching, "Hark! How all the Welkin Rings?" from Luke 2:8-20

Jason speaks with Evan Welkin (@ewelkin ) about the general theme of displacement and dispossession, and what permaculture (permanent culture) means in contexts of people increasingly being uprooted from their homes for political, climate, financial, ideological, or other reasons and having to move. They discuss his growing up in a rural Oregon town where the forests were being clearcut and toxic chemicals applied, his experience in Palestinian rights activism and the general Israeli / Palestinian conflict involving two peoples who have experienced dispossession throughout their history, their experience in developing a folk school, ecovillage, and regenerative farm at his wife's families place in Italy and the waves of shocks (covid, climate, financial) that might force them to leave, his work with an organization teaching permaculture to refugees all around the world, and much more

If you've been following the podcast for a little while now, you might have heard me mention Welkin Memorials a time or two. I'm thrilled to share that Welkin's founder, Kate Anderson is joining us to talk about her story, grief journey, and Welkin Memorials urns, of course! She gives a beautiful perspective on finding gains from your losses, and I love the story of how she came to create truly the most aesthetically pleasing urns you will ever see in your life. Kate has some really amazing insights on grief and loss and how to cope with this, especially after going through her own journey of losing her dad two weeks before she turned 22. To say she is the epitome of turning losses into gains is an understatement! I just had to have her on the podcast for that and so many other reasons, and I'm so grateful that she agreed to chat with us. Where to find Kate & Welkin Memorials: https://welkinmemorials.com/ Instagram: @welkinmemorials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegainspodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainspodcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainspodcast Website: https://lossesbecomegains.com/ Grief Becomes Gains Online Course: https://lossesbecomegains.com/courses Don't forget Welkin Memorials is giving you 10% off any urn with code LBG10 at checkout! Click here for more: Tara's Faves Discover Help Texts and receive a special price when you sign up, or gift it to someone who needs it! Learn more here and be sure to use code LBG at checkout! https://helptexts.com/LBG By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Tara Accardo, or used by Tara Accardo with permission. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including—without limitation—reproduction, retransmission or editing of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of Tara Accardo, which may be requested by contacting lossesbecomegains@gmail.com. This podcast is for educational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any necessary therapy or counseling to address deeper, past-focused traumas. We don't attempt to give answers, fix, diagnose, or treat grief. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.  

The Curate loses his virginity.By Blacksheep. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.At this Sunday’s service, there was much talk of the upcoming harvest festival. Members of the congregation were encouraged to donate fruit and vegetables, along with non-perishable items for the local foodbank.Jenna had made an effort and brought along a bag of apples. She placed the bag on the side table in the church hall.“I don’t know how a brazen hussy like you has the cheek to set foot in a church.”Jenna remained calm, as she turned to face Mrs. Norris. “Well I’m a Christian, the same as you.”“Huh! Christian my foot. I saw what you and the organist were getting up to and I think it’s disgusting! In the church of all places! And he’s old enough to be your father!”“Well if you clutch those pearls of yours any tighter they’ll crumble to dust. And Gordon and I happen to be consenting adults. Single consenting adults. So there.”“Why you, you, .horrid little slag!” Mrs. Norris fumed, lip quivering. She stormed off.Jenna exhaled and rolled her eyes.“Coffee or tea?” a friendlier voice asked. It was Debbie, the Sunday school teacher, who was volunteering to do today’s hot drinks rota in the hall.“Tea please,” Jenna replied.“You ok?”“Yeah. I don’t think I’ll be on her Christmas card list.”“Don’t let that old bag get to you. She’s a nasty one. She’s horribly ageist. Not to mention xenophobic too. I overheard her mocking Yulia’s English skills last week. I can’t stand her. Her husband’s not that bad, he’s a tedious fusspot, but there’s no malice in him. But her, she’s poison.”“I heard her hubby spreads gossip on Facebook.” Jenna said.“More likely that’s her doing.” Debbie replied. “I’d be surprised if John Norris even knows how to switch on a laptop.”A brief chill ran through Jenna. What if Mrs. Norris were to post some bile about her online? “I don’t use social media anymore,” she said. “Briefly poked my nose into Twitter as a teen, but didn’t like the pile-ons.”“Wise. I’m on Facebook, but only to keep up with church stuff. I never post anything about my private life. I imagine Mrs. Norris would have a stroke if she knew I was dating a woman. A married woman at that. Keep it to yourself. I’m not ready to come out yet.”“Don’t worry, I won’t say a word.”Jenna sipped her tea quietly as she observed the other members of the congregation file into the hall. She was hoping Reverend Morris would soon arrive, but after fifteen minutes, there was still no sign of him. Then there was Gordon; he never came into the hall after a service, and he’d sent her that amusing text message on Friday, about Charles Wesley and his “bulging hymn book.”She headed out of the hall, in search of Gordon, when Josh the curate came staggering in, carrying a massive pile of hymn books. He almost collided with Jenna and dropped a couple of books.“Oh! I’m so sorry!” Josh stammered. “How clumsy of me.”Jenna bent down and picked up the books. “You’re loaded up like a pack horse. Let me give you a hand. Where are you taking all these?”“Um. So kind!” His pale cheeks went pink. “The storeroom at the far end of the hall. These are spare hymn books.”“Ok. Lead the way. By the way, you haven’t seen the vicar have you?”“"Oh, he and the organist are in a meeting. One of the organ pipes has just been repaired.”“Damn,” Jenna muttered under her breath. “Oh dear. How sad. I guess he’ll miss his tea and biscuits.”She followed Josh down to the storeroom. She’d never paid much attention to the curate before, but looking at him now, she realized that he was rather cute. Mid-twenties, tall and stocky with fair hair and a chubby face. There was an endearing innocence about him. Reverend Morris had said he was hoping to complete his ordination next year and become a fully-fledged vicar. He’d been impressed by his devotion to the church - but he needed to come out of his shell a bit and interact more with worshippers. Josh was a shy man and lacking in self-confidence. Remembering this information made Jenna smile.I think this innocent curate needs some other kind of help,The storeroom was vast, and crammed from floor to ceiling with box files, books, old furniture and plastic crates.“Holy sh,, I didn’t know this room existed. And what a lot of stuff for one small church!” Jenna exclaimed.“Heh, yeah.” Josh said, putting the books down. “It’s not just for St Michael’s. We share it with St John’s and the Methodist church on Oakwood Road.”Jenna began putting the books on the shelf.“Um you don’t need to do that,”"Jenna.”Josh blushed again. “Jenna. It’s kind of you to do that but,”"Oh I don’t mind. Why should you have to do all the donkey work? This room is a tip. Besides, a good Christian should help others, right? Especially the vicar’s right-hand man. That’s what a curate is, yes?”Josh relaxed a bit. “Pretty much, yeah. Like Batman and Robin.”“Have you always wanted to be a curate?”Josh sat down on a stool. “In truth, no way. I wasn’t religious at all when I was a kid. I suffered from crippling shyness. I used to dread being asked to read in front of the class. When I was ten, my dad walked out, and that affected me a lot. Haven’t seen him since. Mum turned to drink, I relied on my grandad for support. He became a father figure to me. He used to be a vicar. Thanks to him I survived my teens and passed my exams. I was eighteen when he died. That’s when I decided I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Without him - and God, I fear, well I may have gone down a dark path. Got in with a bad crowd. Taken drugs, self-harmed, maybe ended up in jail.”“Wow.” Jenna replied, realizing how cosseted and safe her upbringing had been. “Well I’m so glad your grandad was there for you.”“There are still days when I doubt myself and I’m in a bad place. I feel useless.”“Don’t put yourself down,” Jenna said, walking towards him. “You’re an amazing role model, especially for younger people.”Josh blinked. “You, think so?”“I do. Plus, you’re really cute. Has a girl ever told you that before?”Josh blushed. “Err, no-one except my Nan. I don’t think she counts.”“Women round here must be blind,” Jenna added, making him squirm with embarrassment. She leant forward and planted a kiss on his lips. He trembled, cheeks turning redder.“J-Jenna, don’t,”"It’s alright Josh. You’re not committing a sin or anything. We’re not inside the church, if that’s you’re worried about.”“N-no, it’s not that. I, um,” The curate sighed. "I,  I’m just scared of, I don’t know if I can, do this.”She already knew he was single and straight, but decided to question him. “Do you have a girlfriend?”“No, but, um, that’s the problem really. I’d like one, but I wouldn’t know how to tell her,”Jenna stroked his arm. "Tell her what?”“I worry she’d laugh at me.”“Josh. Whatever it is, I promise I would never laugh at you. And I will understand.”He looked down. “Shit. I’m twenty-five. And I’m still a virgin! I’ve never gone beyond kissing a girl.”She kissed his cheek again. “Oh Josh. That’s nothing to feel awkward about. In fact I admire you. In this age when we’re bombarded with over-sexualized imagery 24/7 both online and offline, finding someone who’s chosen to wait is pretty awesome in my opinion. I lost mine just days after reaching the age of consent. I couldn’t wait to lose it. But that’s just me,”"Yeah but, I, um,”She pulled him to his feet and gently coaxed the truth out of him. "You want to lose your virginity, yes?”“More than anything. But, dating today is scary. It’s a minefield. Especially after Me Too. I’m afraid. I don’t want to say the wrong thing and come across as some horny creep,”Jenna held back a chuckle. Mrs. Norris probably thinks of me as a horny creep. She thought."I get that. But trust me. I don’t think a sweet, kind-hearted man of God like you could ever be a creep. Horny yes, nothing wrong with that of course.” She winked at him and he gulped. “How about it? I think you’re ready right now.”His eyes widened. “W-what? Here?”“Why not? It’s nice and private, And you’re a really sexy curate!” Her face was just inches from his own, hovering there. Then her lips were on his, dancing there softly for a moment before pulling away.“Jenna,” He was already rock hard, and hoped his cassock had disguised this fact."Shush. You’re very special.” She whispered, barely audible. “You’re warm, caring,  You’re strong. You deserve to be experience the joys of the flesh.” She kissed him again. It’s okay to feel nervous. First time is always a bit nerve-racking. But just relax. You’ll be just fine,”What an adorable lamb to the slaughter, Jenna thought to herself. He’s so scared and unsure. I’ve never seduced a virgin before, so I’d better not go too hard on him. I do love a challenge. With a bit of encouragement, this sweet guy could have real potential.The touch of her lips sent a fire through his body, a jolt that brought a tingle to every micron of his skin. “Oh, Jenna!”“Shhh.” Her lips caressed his own, then his nose, his ear. “Don’t talk just now, okay?”“Mmm?”She kissed him again, gently caressing his upper lip between her own. At last, he responded.“Josh.” Jenna smiled cheekily. “You’re a pretty good kisser, you know that?”“Really?”Just relax. I’m not going anywhere, there’s no rush. All we have to do is discover each other. There’s no hurry. No-one’s going to come in here. I imagine the vicar will be busy for ages.“Jenna ran her hand down the front of his black cassock. "Oh my, you’re more than ready. "Let’s get these buttons unfastened.” She knelt before him, opening the cassock and revealing the black trousers underneath. And another straining crotch bulge.“I’m going to worship you,” she whispered, unbuckling his belt and unzipping his trousers. Josh was wearing plain black briefs underneath. It was fun seeing the different types of undies men wore. First there was Reverend Morris with his “holy boxers,” then Gordon and his sensible white y-fronts, now Josh with smart black tight-fitting briefs.“Everything will be fine. I promise. Close your eyes if it makes you feel better, okay?”The curate hesitated still, but Jenna’s smile was reassuring and gentle. “I promise you’ll like it.” With a shudder, Josh squeezed his eyes tight as his trousers and underwear were lowered, and he could feel the cool air of the room, then Jenna’s warm breath on his manhood.“There we are.”He couldn’t resist a peek, through half-closed eyes. He was painfully stiff, of course, harder than he’d ever been in his life, but he didn’t need his eyes to tell him that. He shivered as Jenna ran her hand through his pubes and stooped to kiss him there. He gasped as her smooth palm encircled him.“Oh my God!”“Mmm. So beautiful. Truly God’s gift to women. Just relax, don’t fight the feeling. Isn’t it nice?” Jenna kissed the very tip of his member, and he gasped and moaned, his muscles tensing. “Don’t fight it now Josh, just let the feelings come. Relax and let it take you. You don’t have to hold it back, just let it come.” With that, she closed her lips around his head, tasted him with her tongue.“Uh! Oh Jesus!” The curate groaned. The crescendo was boiling in him now, wonderful and frightening and exhilarating. Nothing could have prepared him for the warm embrace of a woman’s mouth, the slight roughness of her tongue as she rolled it up and down his length. No porn, no fantasy could have approached the sensation of her lips gently drawing on his cock, coaxing him towards a peak of indescribable pleasure. The fire was in him and around him, consuming him and his thoughts until all that he was became the connection with her, his flesh and her mouth. Her hands cradled his cock gently as he built towards climax, his breathing becoming rapid and shallow.“Oh,”"Let it come.”Josh sighed deeply in relief as Jenna enveloped him again, shuddered as he felt himself swell between her lips, as he released himself to her, surrendered to her, spurting his cum. She lingered over his manhood, slowly coaxing him down from the heights of his ecstasy. She gently licked his shaft and kissed a drop of his essence from the tip, and smiled up at him.“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” She said, standing up. “Did you enjoy your first blowjob?”“Jenna. Fucking hell!”“I’ll take that as a yes?”“Yes!” he gasped.“Oh good. Because we’re not done yet. You don’t get off that easily you know!” Jenna began unfastening her skirt, letting it fall to the floor. Josh’s eyes widened. She wasn’t wearing any panties.An old, battered table was in the middle of the storeroom. Jenna cleared it and reclined on it, spreading her legs and unfastening her blouse. No bra!“Your turn.”Josh crossed himself.“Just trust your instincts.” She whispered, lowering herself onto her back. Josh stared at her for a second, dumbstruck by her beauty and timid as a deer. Her gently smiling face and the flowing red hair that framed it, the round fullness of her breasts, her long legs, and the tantalizing lure of her wet womanhood between,Finding his courage at last, Josh moved close. With a shaky hand he reached out and tentatively cupped her left breast. Tracing the nipple with his thumb, ever so gently.“Mmm nice, Josh. Keep going!”Encouraged, Josh lowered his mouth to her other breast, the memory of the delightful sensations she’d given him earlier fresh in his mind. He felt her run her fingers through his short blonde hair as he tasted her with his tongue, heard her sigh as he closed his lips around her nipple.“Gently now.”“Sorry!”The curate feasted on her breasts for a bit longer, before moving down to her abdomen, planting more kisses, then he paused for a moment. Jenna said nothing, silently urging him to carry on, and he did. Tentatively, he kissed the inside of her thighs, tracing a finger through the trimmed hair above her slit.Josh continued to lovingly kiss her thighs, his nerves beginning to fade. The heady scent of her was overpowering, emboldening him to trail a finger between her cunt lips. The wetness he felt there surprised him, and he glanced up.“You’re doing great, Josh.” Jenna answered in a throaty whisper. “Please don’t stop.”He ran a finger over her clit, causing her to let out a moan. Lowering his head, he caressed her softly with his mouth, tasting her.“Oh Josh,” He suckled gently on her clit and she let out a scream."Jenna?” He pulled away from her, his fear returning. “Did I hurt you?”“No Josh. It was incredible, that’s all. When you licked me down there, wow. You sure know how to thrill a woman. You learn quick! But don’t make me cum just yet. Because I want you inside me when it happens.”Josh’s heart leapt into his throat. “Oh,”"Are you ready?”“Um, but protection, I-I don’t have a condom,”"It’s okay, you don’t need to worry. I’m on the Pill.”“Oh, right. Good,”"Think of this as doing God’s work,” Jenna purred, urging him to get on with it. She was eager to feel that virgin cock inside her.Slowly he positioned himself above her on the creaking table. Jenna took his cock in her hand, guiding him. He felt the head of his organ nestle inside her.“Lord in Heaven!” It was such exquisite torture, fighting the urge to cum as fast as he could. The feel of her cunt as it sheathed him was beyond even the joys he’d felt already.At first, he slipped in and out of her slowly. He buried his face in her neck.“Umm, oh God Josh. Yes! Go harder!”Jenna slowly relaxed her control, allowing him to work his cock in and out of her more forcefully. He thrust in deep, as far as he could, and gasped, savoring the sensation.“Oh Josh, that’s so good!”He speeded up, as she wrapped her legs round him. Soon he was pounding her like a pro.“Jenna!” He could feel his climax coming now, a mighty force of almost Biblical proportions. Just as Jesus drove out many devils, Josh drove out his virginity, casting it aside forever. He’d been freed.“Ugh!” With a roar of release the curate came, filling Jenna’s womanhood with his seed. Josh wasn’t sure how long his orgasm lasted. But he knew that it was wonderful, an epiphany of sensation, and that Jenna writhed and gasped in the throes of her own climax in perfect harmony with his.When they’d both calmed down, Jenna held him close and kissed him. “Are you okay? You were amazing, Josh, do you know that? How are you feeling?”“Just fantastic, absolutely fantastic! I, wow. That was, incredible. Um, do you mind if I say a quick prayer for both of us?”“Not at all. You go ahead.”When he’d finished, he opened his eyes and looked at Jenna, who was smiling broadly. “You are going to become a bloody amazing vicar!” She said.An Erotic Dream & an organ lesson.T'was the Year of Our Lord 1739, and on a road bound for London, weary preacher and hymn writer Charles Wesley had just arrived at a tavern.“Innkeeper! I hath been riding all day and my poor horse be in the great need of water and rest. As am I.” Charles said.“Fear thee not, good fellow, I’ll tend to thine horse!” The innkeeper replied. “If it’s a room for the night you’re looking for, then ye hath come to the right place. Here at the Lamb Inn, there’s always a warm greeting for a weary traveler. I’ll leave ye in the capable hands of my fine wench Jen, who is adept at making gentlemen feel welcome,”"Greetings to you sir!” Jen said, and Charles was a little taken aback by this stunning redheaded wench. “If you’d like to follow me, I’ll lead you to your bedchamber.” She picked up a candle and gave him a seductive smirk.“Gladly, Miss!” Charles replied, following her up the creaking wooden staircase. In the main room, sounds of merriment filled the air as many men supped ale and enjoyed the company of willing wenches.“I see you’re a man of faith, sir,” said Jen as she reached the top of the stairs. “Have you travelled far?”“Aye, all the way from Bristol. I write many hymns. I’m going to visit my older brother John, who’s in London. He’s a preacher too. In fact he,”"Oh gosh, of course! Your brother must be John Wesley, founder of that Methodist movement I keep hearin’ about!”“That’s right! I’m Charles Wesley.”Jen entered the bedchamber. “Here we are, Mr. Wesley. I trust the room is to your liking? This happens to be a new room - never been used before. Bed never slept in, chair never sat on, chamber pot never,”"Ah, glorious!” Charles interrupted her. “It looks most excellent. I am indeed blessed to have been afforded such kindness. God is good!”“Mmm, thanks be to God,” Jen replied, eyeing up Charles. He was young and rather attractive for a man of the cloth. Most of the clergy she’d encountered in her life had been very old men.“There be a fresh jug of water on the table for you, Mr. Wesley. We’re lucky here. The Lamb has a deep well which provides safe, clean water to drink. That’s why we get so many visitors desperate to quench their thirst without worry of getting the flux.”Charles nodded as he put his bag down on the chair and removed his black robe. That four poster bed looked so inviting.“Why don’t you sit on the bed, Mr. Wesley? I cannot help but wonder, after all that riding, do you not grow a little stiff?”“Um, I am a little stiff, yes.”“Then come over here and sit beside me.” Jen said, patting the bed. “I’d be interested to hear about your hymn writing.”Charles bashfully did as she asked. “Well right now, I am working on a "Hymn for Christmas Day.” But I confess I have only written the first verse.“Perchance could I hear this first verse?” Jen replied.Charles nodded.“Hark how all the Welkin ringsGlory to the King of Kings,Peace on Earth, and Mercy mild,God and Sinners reconciled!”“I’d say that’s a marvelous first verse,” said Jen. “Very stirring, very uplifting. It makes one, rise to the occasion.” Her hand had somehow ended up on his thigh.“Oh do you think so? That pleases me greatly, Miss! Now if only I could complete it.”Jen removed her mobcap, revealing long, tumbling red locks. Charles gazed, mesmerized. “By all the saints, you’re a pretty woman, Miss,”"Jen, Mr. Wesley, perhaps I can be of some help to you.” She blew out the candle. “Oh my! Now we’re in the dark. How careless of me! We’ll just have to,”"Oh Miss Jen!” Charles gasped as her hand groped him in an intimate place.“I think you’ve risen to the occasion Mr. Wesley!”A few moments later and the good wench had relieved the dear Mr. Wesley of his breeches and cast off the rest of his apparel, including a periwig. The preacher produced naked, stiff, and erect, a wonderful maypole. Jen put her hands to this fine example of maleness and her actions had the desired effect.“Ah! I think my inspiration is returning!”“I’m filled with joy, Mr. Wesley! Tis an honor to help you!”“Joyful all ye Nations rise,Join the Triumph of the Skies,Universal Nature say"Christ the Lord is born to Day!”“That’s a wonderful second verse!” Jen ran her tongue round the preacher’s erect member, before taking his entire length into her mouth.“Oh Lord in Heaven, I have given in to sin, but if the sin results in a completed hymn, will thou look upon me with mercy?” Charles gasped, as the pleasure overwhelmed him.Jen withdrew. “The Lord will indeed pardon you, Mr. Wesley. Now please relax and enjoy my help!”“Ah, oh my God, thine tongue is divine, it feels so good!”Jen sucked, licked and teased Charles’ cock until he could take no more.“Miss Jen! I’m going to spend! Oh, yes!”“Ahh, I have been anointed by your holy essence, Mr. Wesley!” Jen giggled as she eagerly gobbled up his seed.Charles’ face bore an expression of utter bliss and satisfaction. “Oh Miss Jen. I am so grateful God delivered me to this inn. What sweet pleasures you have afforded me this evening!”A furious knocking on the bedchamber door disturbed the blissful ambience.“Jen! Jen! You need to get up!” a woman shouted.“Is that, the innkeeper’s wife?” Charles wondered, still dazed after his powerful orgasm.Jen licked the remaining cum off the preacher’s softening cock. “Mm, sounds like Mother. But wait, Mother died of smallpox ten years ago, so how, ?”Everything seemed to fade away in a strange haze.“Jen! You’re going to be late for work! Wake up!”Jenna finally awoke. “Huh? What?”“Are you alright?” Her mum shouted. “Answer me or I’m coming in.”“Um yeah. I’m fine Mum!” She rolled over and reached for her smartphone. Squinting, she looked at the clock.“Shit! I overslept!”Breakfast was a rushed affair, with Jenna barely able to drink half a cup of coffee and a piece of toast.“For goodness cake, slow down before you choke on that,” her mum said.“Can’t believe I overslept. I set my phone. I’ve never done that before.” Jenna said.“Hey, we all do it sometimes. Though your exertions at church no doubt kept you up late. Your dad and I noticed how much time you’ve been spending at St. Michael’s. Now feel free to tell me to mind my own business, but what’s with the sudden obsession with church? You’ve never been interested before. You used to laugh at Gran for being in the Mother’s Union.”“I guess the pandemic made me think about things differently,” Jenna lied, trying to think up a good excuse. “I know I never attended church much before, but I never stopped being a believer.”“That’s great, Jen. I’m glad it makes you happy. I just hope you’re not spending all your time with old people, though. It’s good to mix with people your own age.”“Oh there’s a good mix of different ages at St Michael’s. They’re not all boomers, Mum. The curate, Yulia and Debbie aren’t much different to me. And Reverend Morris, .he’s amazing.”“I’m sure he is,” her mum replied, with a wry grin. “You out tonight?”“Yes. Choir practice.” Jenna grabbed her bag and car keys.“By the way, who’s Charles Wesley?”“Um, what?”“You were yelling his name over and over in your sleep. You must’ve been dreaming.”“Oh. Well he’s a guy who wrote a lot of great hymns. He lived in the 18th century. He wrote that famous carol "Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, although the original words were different. Gotta go. Love you. Bye!“Jenna’s mum shook her head. "Charles Wesley? When I was growing up, I used to dream about Brad Pitt.”“I have got to get a place of my own,” Jenna muttered to herself as she headed to the car. “That was cringe.”Jenna had prepared herself for her evening “choir practice” with Gordon, by wearing her best lingerie and a sexy dress that perfectly highlighted her curves and cleavage. The organist himself had also made an effort, by wearing his best suit and tie. With his black robe unfastened, he resembled an old-fashioned headmaster.“Hello there!” Gordon said, grinning from ear to ear. Whoa, she looked drop-dead gorgeous. He was practically drooling like a dog in heat.“Not so bad yourself, Gordon!” Jenna replied. “Love the suit. Now all you need is a cane.”“A cane?”“To punish me with. You see, I’ve been a naughty girl. I forgot to practice that piece of music you mentioned.”“Oh dearie me,” Gordon said, walking over to her. “Whatever am I to do with such a naughty girl? Never mind. I’m sure you can make it up to me some way,”He sat down on the organ stool. "Come sit in my lap, Jenna. We’re going to play a little tune together. I’m sure you can do it.”“Why Gordon, I’m not sure I can play this. It’s a bit of a step up from the piano.”“Just give it a try. I’m sure you’ll learn quick!” He winked. “Try the third manual,” he added, indicating one of the keyboards.Jenna bit her lip and slid onto Gordon’s lap. She deliberated wiggled about a bit, causing him to let out a groan. “This seat is a little, hard!”Jenna began playing the first few notes. “You’re right, Kings and Queens does sound fantastic on a pipe organ. I’d have never guessed you were an Ava Max fan, Gordon.”“Hah, I’m not. Can’t stand modern pop music. But the younger members of the choir are always begging for this song. You’re great at this!”As Jenna continued to play, Gordon began massaging her breasts and kissing her exposed neck.“Oh Gordon,” Jenna sighed.“There’s a part-time job available,” he continued, between kisses. "An assistant choirmaster and pianist at the Sunday school. Three days a week. The school isn’t just open on Sundays anymore. There’s a crèche and breakfast club on Wednesdays. They do after-school sessions for kids who have special needs. It’s not bad money. I know you’ve got all the relevant qualifications. If you’re interested, I could easily pull a few strings and get you in.”Jenna suddenly halted her playing. “Wow, are you serious?”“Of course I am. Look, the young ‘uns think I’m some kind of ogre. And they’re probably right. But you, you’d be such an asset to the school. And tell me honestly, do you truly enjoy working in a call center?”“I hate it. The pay is shit and I hate my boss. Now she’s a real-life ogre.”“Exactly. Your talents are wasted in a dead-end job like that, Jenna. It’s up to you of course, but please give it some thought.”She turned round to face him. Kissing him hard the lips, she slipped her arms round his shoulders. “I’ve given it thought. I accept! Now why don’t you let me thank you properly, Gordon?”Jenna hiked up her dress, and unfastened Gordon’s belt. She unzipped his trousers, pushed down his underpants, and his rock hard erection sprang free from its encumbrance. Unable to contain himself any longer, Gordon pulled aside the crotch of her damp panties, positioned himself to her entrance, and pushed himself into her. The soft lips between her legs parted, and she threw her head back in sudden ecstasy as the organist began thrusting himself in and out of her warm body, slowly at first, then building in speed.Outside, a black 4 by 4 had just pulled up in the church car park. John Norris got out of the driver’s side and furiously slammed the door shut.“John please, don’t do this!” his wife pleaded. “Not in the church!”“Look Patricia, I want to get to the bottom of this. First Gordon angrily accuses me of spreading lies on Facebook. He called me "the biggest shit-stirrer in this church” to my face! Now the chaps at the Rotary Club have frozen me out. They said I’ve been making sexist jokes and racist comments about Ukrainians! I ask you, when have I ever made a racist comment? I haven’t a racist bone in my body! And I’ve never signed up to Facebook either. Someone is trying to smear my name. If you ask me, Gordon’s the one behind it all! Well, we’ll see what he has to say, man-to-man.“A look of horror swept Mrs. Norris’ face. "You can’t go in there! I can hear the organ - the choir are in there!”“I don’t care if the whole bloody town is in there!” John yelled, a display of anger that was most unlike him. “This has gone too far. I can’t believe Gordon could be so vindictive. He’d a bad-tempered sod, but I never thought he’d do this. Libel is a serious offence.”He stormed into the church and marched down the aisle, his panicking wife rushing after him.“Alright alright, it wasn’t Gordon. It was me!” She grabbed his arm. He halted.“What?”“I did it.”John shook his head. “Why are you trying to protect him? Do you fancy him or something? Is there more to this?”“No! No of course I don’t! Look, I signed up to Facebook so I could access the church page but I used your name. I know I shouldn’t have but, well surely you must know how members of this church treat me? I’d have been blocked immediately!”John’s face had gone through several shades of red and was now the color of raw steak.“You, Did what? You’ve been spreading lies and racist comments using an account with my name? What the hell am I married to?” He walked round the side of the organ. “Bloody hell!”Mrs. Norris shoved him aside, wondering what had shocked him. “That’s her! She’s the one who’s caused all this! The little tart! She’s bringing filth and depravity to this church!”John glared at his wife. “I’d say your own venom has done that already, Patricia.” He turned and stormed off. “I’m going home. To pack a few things. I’m going to stay at my brother’s for a bit. And you, well you can go to Hell.”“Gordon, do you hear somebody shouting?” Jenna sighed as she felt his warm cum fill her.“Probably just a bit of rowdy teen behavior outside,” Gordon replied with a smirk.To be continued.By Blacksheep, for Literotica.

The Curate loses his virginity.By Blacksheep. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.At this Sunday’s service, there was much talk of the upcoming harvest festival. Members of the congregation were encouraged to donate fruit and vegetables, along with non-perishable items for the local foodbank.Jenna had made an effort and brought along a bag of apples. She placed the bag on the side table in the church hall.“I don’t know how a brazen hussy like you has the cheek to set foot in a church.”Jenna remained calm, as she turned to face Mrs. Norris. “Well I’m a Christian, the same as you.”“Huh! Christian my foot. I saw what you and the organist were getting up to and I think it’s disgusting! In the church of all places! And he’s old enough to be your father!”“Well if you clutch those pearls of yours any tighter they’ll crumble to dust. And Gordon and I happen to be consenting adults. Single consenting adults. So there.”“Why you, you, .horrid little slag!” Mrs. Norris fumed, lip quivering. She stormed off.Jenna exhaled and rolled her eyes.“Coffee or tea?” a friendlier voice asked. It was Debbie, the Sunday school teacher, who was volunteering to do today’s hot drinks rota in the hall.“Tea please,” Jenna replied.“You ok?”“Yeah. I don’t think I’ll be on her Christmas card list.”“Don’t let that old bag get to you. She’s a nasty one. She’s horribly ageist. Not to mention xenophobic too. I overheard her mocking Yulia’s English skills last week. I can’t stand her. Her husband’s not that bad, he’s a tedious fusspot, but there’s no malice in him. But her, she’s poison.”“I heard her hubby spreads gossip on Facebook.” Jenna said.“More likely that’s her doing.” Debbie replied. “I’d be surprised if John Norris even knows how to switch on a laptop.”A brief chill ran through Jenna. What if Mrs. Norris were to post some bile about her online? “I don’t use social media anymore,” she said. “Briefly poked my nose into Twitter as a teen, but didn’t like the pile-ons.”“Wise. I’m on Facebook, but only to keep up with church stuff. I never post anything about my private life. I imagine Mrs. Norris would have a stroke if she knew I was dating a woman. A married woman at that. Keep it to yourself. I’m not ready to come out yet.”“Don’t worry, I won’t say a word.”Jenna sipped her tea quietly as she observed the other members of the congregation file into the hall. She was hoping Reverend Morris would soon arrive, but after fifteen minutes, there was still no sign of him. Then there was Gordon; he never came into the hall after a service, and he’d sent her that amusing text message on Friday, about Charles Wesley and his “bulging hymn book.”She headed out of the hall, in search of Gordon, when Josh the curate came staggering in, carrying a massive pile of hymn books. He almost collided with Jenna and dropped a couple of books.“Oh! I’m so sorry!” Josh stammered. “How clumsy of me.”Jenna bent down and picked up the books. “You’re loaded up like a pack horse. Let me give you a hand. Where are you taking all these?”“Um. So kind!” His pale cheeks went pink. “The storeroom at the far end of the hall. These are spare hymn books.”“Ok. Lead the way. By the way, you haven’t seen the vicar have you?”“"Oh, he and the organist are in a meeting. One of the organ pipes has just been repaired.”“Damn,” Jenna muttered under her breath. “Oh dear. How sad. I guess he’ll miss his tea and biscuits.”She followed Josh down to the storeroom. She’d never paid much attention to the curate before, but looking at him now, she realized that he was rather cute. Mid-twenties, tall and stocky with fair hair and a chubby face. There was an endearing innocence about him. Reverend Morris had said he was hoping to complete his ordination next year and become a fully-fledged vicar. He’d been impressed by his devotion to the church - but he needed to come out of his shell a bit and interact more with worshippers. Josh was a shy man and lacking in self-confidence. Remembering this information made Jenna smile.I think this innocent curate needs some other kind of help,The storeroom was vast, and crammed from floor to ceiling with box files, books, old furniture and plastic crates.“Holy sh,, I didn’t know this room existed. And what a lot of stuff for one small church!” Jenna exclaimed.“Heh, yeah.” Josh said, putting the books down. “It’s not just for St Michael’s. We share it with St John’s and the Methodist church on Oakwood Road.”Jenna began putting the books on the shelf.“Um you don’t need to do that,”"Jenna.”Josh blushed again. “Jenna. It’s kind of you to do that but,”"Oh I don’t mind. Why should you have to do all the donkey work? This room is a tip. Besides, a good Christian should help others, right? Especially the vicar’s right-hand man. That’s what a curate is, yes?”Josh relaxed a bit. “Pretty much, yeah. Like Batman and Robin.”“Have you always wanted to be a curate?”Josh sat down on a stool. “In truth, no way. I wasn’t religious at all when I was a kid. I suffered from crippling shyness. I used to dread being asked to read in front of the class. When I was ten, my dad walked out, and that affected me a lot. Haven’t seen him since. Mum turned to drink, I relied on my grandad for support. He became a father figure to me. He used to be a vicar. Thanks to him I survived my teens and passed my exams. I was eighteen when he died. That’s when I decided I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Without him - and God, I fear, well I may have gone down a dark path. Got in with a bad crowd. Taken drugs, self-harmed, maybe ended up in jail.”“Wow.” Jenna replied, realizing how cosseted and safe her upbringing had been. “Well I’m so glad your grandad was there for you.”“There are still days when I doubt myself and I’m in a bad place. I feel useless.”“Don’t put yourself down,” Jenna said, walking towards him. “You’re an amazing role model, especially for younger people.”Josh blinked. “You, think so?”“I do. Plus, you’re really cute. Has a girl ever told you that before?”Josh blushed. “Err, no-one except my Nan. I don’t think she counts.”“Women round here must be blind,” Jenna added, making him squirm with embarrassment. She leant forward and planted a kiss on his lips. He trembled, cheeks turning redder.“J-Jenna, don’t,”"It’s alright Josh. You’re not committing a sin or anything. We’re not inside the church, if that’s you’re worried about.”“N-no, it’s not that. I, um,” The curate sighed. "I,  I’m just scared of, I don’t know if I can, do this.”She already knew he was single and straight, but decided to question him. “Do you have a girlfriend?”“No, but, um, that’s the problem really. I’d like one, but I wouldn’t know how to tell her,”Jenna stroked his arm. "Tell her what?”“I worry she’d laugh at me.”“Josh. Whatever it is, I promise I would never laugh at you. And I will understand.”He looked down. “Shit. I’m twenty-five. And I’m still a virgin! I’ve never gone beyond kissing a girl.”She kissed his cheek again. “Oh Josh. That’s nothing to feel awkward about. In fact I admire you. In this age when we’re bombarded with over-sexualized imagery 24/7 both online and offline, finding someone who’s chosen to wait is pretty awesome in my opinion. I lost mine just days after reaching the age of consent. I couldn’t wait to lose it. But that’s just me,”"Yeah but, I, um,”She pulled him to his feet and gently coaxed the truth out of him. "You want to lose your virginity, yes?”“More than anything. But, dating today is scary. It’s a minefield. Especially after Me Too. I’m afraid. I don’t want to say the wrong thing and come across as some horny creep,”Jenna held back a chuckle. Mrs. Norris probably thinks of me as a horny creep. She thought."I get that. But trust me. I don’t think a sweet, kind-hearted man of God like you could ever be a creep. Horny yes, nothing wrong with that of course.” She winked at him and he gulped. “How about it? I think you’re ready right now.”His eyes widened. “W-what? Here?”“Why not? It’s nice and private, And you’re a really sexy curate!” Her face was just inches from his own, hovering there. Then her lips were on his, dancing there softly for a moment before pulling away.“Jenna,” He was already rock hard, and hoped his cassock had disguised this fact."Shush. You’re very special.” She whispered, barely audible. “You’re warm, caring,  You’re strong. You deserve to be experience the joys of the flesh.” She kissed him again. It’s okay to feel nervous. First time is always a bit nerve-racking. But just relax. You’ll be just fine,”What an adorable lamb to the slaughter, Jenna thought to herself. He’s so scared and unsure. I’ve never seduced a virgin before, so I’d better not go too hard on him. I do love a challenge. With a bit of encouragement, this sweet guy could have real potential.The touch of her lips sent a fire through his body, a jolt that brought a tingle to every micron of his skin. “Oh, Jenna!”“Shhh.” Her lips caressed his own, then his nose, his ear. “Don’t talk just now, okay?”“Mmm?”She kissed him again, gently caressing his upper lip between her own. At last, he responded.“Josh.” Jenna smiled cheekily. “You’re a pretty good kisser, you know that?”“Really?”Just relax. I’m not going anywhere, there’s no rush. All we have to do is discover each other. There’s no hurry. No-one’s going to come in here. I imagine the vicar will be busy for ages.“Jenna ran her hand down the front of his black cassock. "Oh my, you’re more than ready. "Let’s get these buttons unfastened.” She knelt before him, opening the cassock and revealing the black trousers underneath. And another straining crotch bulge.“I’m going to worship you,” she whispered, unbuckling his belt and unzipping his trousers. Josh was wearing plain black briefs underneath. It was fun seeing the different types of undies men wore. First there was Reverend Morris with his “holy boxers,” then Gordon and his sensible white y-fronts, now Josh with smart black tight-fitting briefs.“Everything will be fine. I promise. Close your eyes if it makes you feel better, okay?”The curate hesitated still, but Jenna’s smile was reassuring and gentle. “I promise you’ll like it.” With a shudder, Josh squeezed his eyes tight as his trousers and underwear were lowered, and he could feel the cool air of the room, then Jenna’s warm breath on his manhood.“There we are.”He couldn’t resist a peek, through half-closed eyes. He was painfully stiff, of course, harder than he’d ever been in his life, but he didn’t need his eyes to tell him that. He shivered as Jenna ran her hand through his pubes and stooped to kiss him there. He gasped as her smooth palm encircled him.“Oh my God!”“Mmm. So beautiful. Truly God’s gift to women. Just relax, don’t fight the feeling. Isn’t it nice?” Jenna kissed the very tip of his member, and he gasped and moaned, his muscles tensing. “Don’t fight it now Josh, just let the feelings come. Relax and let it take you. You don’t have to hold it back, just let it come.” With that, she closed her lips around his head, tasted him with her tongue.“Uh! Oh Jesus!” The curate groaned. The crescendo was boiling in him now, wonderful and frightening and exhilarating. Nothing could have prepared him for the warm embrace of a woman’s mouth, the slight roughness of her tongue as she rolled it up and down his length. No porn, no fantasy could have approached the sensation of her lips gently drawing on his cock, coaxing him towards a peak of indescribable pleasure. The fire was in him and around him, consuming him and his thoughts until all that he was became the connection with her, his flesh and her mouth. Her hands cradled his cock gently as he built towards climax, his breathing becoming rapid and shallow.“Oh,”"Let it come.”Josh sighed deeply in relief as Jenna enveloped him again, shuddered as he felt himself swell between her lips, as he released himself to her, surrendered to her, spurting his cum. She lingered over his manhood, slowly coaxing him down from the heights of his ecstasy. She gently licked his shaft and kissed a drop of his essence from the tip, and smiled up at him.“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” She said, standing up. “Did you enjoy your first blowjob?”“Jenna. Fucking hell!”“I’ll take that as a yes?”“Yes!” he gasped.“Oh good. Because we’re not done yet. You don’t get off that easily you know!” Jenna began unfastening her skirt, letting it fall to the floor. Josh’s eyes widened. She wasn’t wearing any panties.An old, battered table was in the middle of the storeroom. Jenna cleared it and reclined on it, spreading her legs and unfastening her blouse. No bra!“Your turn.”Josh crossed himself.“Just trust your instincts.” She whispered, lowering herself onto her back. Josh stared at her for a second, dumbstruck by her beauty and timid as a deer. Her gently smiling face and the flowing red hair that framed it, the round fullness of her breasts, her long legs, and the tantalizing lure of her wet womanhood between,Finding his courage at last, Josh moved close. With a shaky hand he reached out and tentatively cupped her left breast. Tracing the nipple with his thumb, ever so gently.“Mmm nice, Josh. Keep going!”Encouraged, Josh lowered his mouth to her other breast, the memory of the delightful sensations she’d given him earlier fresh in his mind. He felt her run her fingers through his short blonde hair as he tasted her with his tongue, heard her sigh as he closed his lips around her nipple.“Gently now.”“Sorry!”The curate feasted on her breasts for a bit longer, before moving down to her abdomen, planting more kisses, then he paused for a moment. Jenna said nothing, silently urging him to carry on, and he did. Tentatively, he kissed the inside of her thighs, tracing a finger through the trimmed hair above her slit.Josh continued to lovingly kiss her thighs, his nerves beginning to fade. The heady scent of her was overpowering, emboldening him to trail a finger between her cunt lips. The wetness he felt there surprised him, and he glanced up.“You’re doing great, Josh.” Jenna answered in a throaty whisper. “Please don’t stop.”He ran a finger over her clit, causing her to let out a moan. Lowering his head, he caressed her softly with his mouth, tasting her.“Oh Josh,” He suckled gently on her clit and she let out a scream."Jenna?” He pulled away from her, his fear returning. “Did I hurt you?”“No Josh. It was incredible, that’s all. When you licked me down there, wow. You sure know how to thrill a woman. You learn quick! But don’t make me cum just yet. Because I want you inside me when it happens.”Josh’s heart leapt into his throat. “Oh,”"Are you ready?”“Um, but protection, I-I don’t have a condom,”"It’s okay, you don’t need to worry. I’m on the Pill.”“Oh, right. Good,”"Think of this as doing God’s work,” Jenna purred, urging him to get on with it. She was eager to feel that virgin cock inside her.Slowly he positioned himself above her on the creaking table. Jenna took his cock in her hand, guiding him. He felt the head of his organ nestle inside her.“Lord in Heaven!” It was such exquisite torture, fighting the urge to cum as fast as he could. The feel of her cunt as it sheathed him was beyond even the joys he’d felt already.At first, he slipped in and out of her slowly. He buried his face in her neck.“Umm, oh God Josh. Yes! Go harder!”Jenna slowly relaxed her control, allowing him to work his cock in and out of her more forcefully. He thrust in deep, as far as he could, and gasped, savoring the sensation.“Oh Josh, that’s so good!”He speeded up, as she wrapped her legs round him. Soon he was pounding her like a pro.“Jenna!” He could feel his climax coming now, a mighty force of almost Biblical proportions. Just as Jesus drove out many devils, Josh drove out his virginity, casting it aside forever. He’d been freed.“Ugh!” With a roar of release the curate came, filling Jenna’s womanhood with his seed. Josh wasn’t sure how long his orgasm lasted. But he knew that it was wonderful, an epiphany of sensation, and that Jenna writhed and gasped in the throes of her own climax in perfect harmony with his.When they’d both calmed down, Jenna held him close and kissed him. “Are you okay? You were amazing, Josh, do you know that? How are you feeling?”“Just fantastic, absolutely fantastic! I, wow. That was, incredible. Um, do you mind if I say a quick prayer for both of us?”“Not at all. You go ahead.”When he’d finished, he opened his eyes and looked at Jenna, who was smiling broadly. “You are going to become a bloody amazing vicar!” She said.An Erotic Dream & an organ lesson.T'was the Year of Our Lord 1739, and on a road bound for London, weary preacher and hymn writer Charles Wesley had just arrived at a tavern.“Innkeeper! I hath been riding all day and my poor horse be in the great need of water and rest. As am I.” Charles said.“Fear thee not, good fellow, I’ll tend to thine horse!” The innkeeper replied. “If it’s a room for the night you’re looking for, then ye hath come to the right place. Here at the Lamb Inn, there’s always a warm greeting for a weary traveler. I’ll leave ye in the capable hands of my fine wench Jen, who is adept at making gentlemen feel welcome,”"Greetings to you sir!” Jen said, and Charles was a little taken aback by this stunning redheaded wench. “If you’d like to follow me, I’ll lead you to your bedchamber.” She picked up a candle and gave him a seductive smirk.“Gladly, Miss!” Charles replied, following her up the creaking wooden staircase. In the main room, sounds of merriment filled the air as many men supped ale and enjoyed the company of willing wenches.“I see you’re a man of faith, sir,” said Jen as she reached the top of the stairs. “Have you travelled far?”“Aye, all the way from Bristol. I write many hymns. I’m going to visit my older brother John, who’s in London. He’s a preacher too. In fact he,”"Oh gosh, of course! Your brother must be John Wesley, founder of that Methodist movement I keep hearin’ about!”“That’s right! I’m Charles Wesley.”Jen entered the bedchamber. “Here we are, Mr. Wesley. I trust the room is to your liking? This happens to be a new room - never been used before. Bed never slept in, chair never sat on, chamber pot never,”"Ah, glorious!” Charles interrupted her. “It looks most excellent. I am indeed blessed to have been afforded such kindness. God is good!”“Mmm, thanks be to God,” Jen replied, eyeing up Charles. He was young and rather attractive for a man of the cloth. Most of the clergy she’d encountered in her life had been very old men.“There be a fresh jug of water on the table for you, Mr. Wesley. We’re lucky here. The Lamb has a deep well which provides safe, clean water to drink. That’s why we get so many visitors desperate to quench their thirst without worry of getting the flux.”Charles nodded as he put his bag down on the chair and removed his black robe. That four poster bed looked so inviting.“Why don’t you sit on the bed, Mr. Wesley? I cannot help but wonder, after all that riding, do you not grow a little stiff?”“Um, I am a little stiff, yes.”“Then come over here and sit beside me.” Jen said, patting the bed. “I’d be interested to hear about your hymn writing.”Charles bashfully did as she asked. “Well right now, I am working on a "Hymn for Christmas Day.” But I confess I have only written the first verse.“Perchance could I hear this first verse?” Jen replied.Charles nodded.“Hark how all the Welkin ringsGlory to the King of Kings,Peace on Earth, and Mercy mild,God and Sinners reconciled!”“I’d say that’s a marvelous first verse,” said Jen. “Very stirring, very uplifting. It makes one, rise to the occasion.” Her hand had somehow ended up on his thigh.“Oh do you think so? That pleases me greatly, Miss! Now if only I could complete it.”Jen removed her mobcap, revealing long, tumbling red locks. Charles gazed, mesmerized. “By all the saints, you’re a pretty woman, Miss,”"Jen, Mr. Wesley, perhaps I can be of some help to you.” She blew out the candle. “Oh my! Now we’re in the dark. How careless of me! We’ll just have to,”"Oh Miss Jen!” Charles gasped as her hand groped him in an intimate place.“I think you’ve risen to the occasion Mr. Wesley!”A few moments later and the good wench had relieved the dear Mr. Wesley of his breeches and cast off the rest of his apparel, including a periwig. The preacher produced naked, stiff, and erect, a wonderful maypole. Jen put her hands to this fine example of maleness and her actions had the desired effect.“Ah! I think my inspiration is returning!”“I’m filled with joy, Mr. Wesley! Tis an honor to help you!”“Joyful all ye Nations rise,Join the Triumph of the Skies,Universal Nature say"Christ the Lord is born to Day!”“That’s a wonderful second verse!” Jen ran her tongue round the preacher’s erect member, before taking his entire length into her mouth.“Oh Lord in Heaven, I have given in to sin, but if the sin results in a completed hymn, will thou look upon me with mercy?” Charles gasped, as the pleasure overwhelmed him.Jen withdrew. “The Lord will indeed pardon you, Mr. Wesley. Now please relax and enjoy my help!”“Ah, oh my God, thine tongue is divine, it feels so good!”Jen sucked, licked and teased Charles’ cock until he could take no more.“Miss Jen! I’m going to spend! Oh, yes!”“Ahh, I have been anointed by your holy essence, Mr. Wesley!” Jen giggled as she eagerly gobbled up his seed.Charles’ face bore an expression of utter bliss and satisfaction. “Oh Miss Jen. I am so grateful God delivered me to this inn. What sweet pleasures you have afforded me this evening!”A furious knocking on the bedchamber door disturbed the blissful ambience.“Jen! Jen! You need to get up!” a woman shouted.“Is that, the innkeeper’s wife?” Charles wondered, still dazed after his powerful orgasm.Jen licked the remaining cum off the preacher’s softening cock. “Mm, sounds like Mother. But wait, Mother died of smallpox ten years ago, so how, ?”Everything seemed to fade away in a strange haze.“Jen! You’re going to be late for work! Wake up!”Jenna finally awoke. “Huh? What?”“Are you alright?” Her mum shouted. “Answer me or I’m coming in.”“Um yeah. I’m fine Mum!” She rolled over and reached for her smartphone. Squinting, she looked at the clock.“Shit! I overslept!”Breakfast was a rushed affair, with Jenna barely able to drink half a cup of coffee and a piece of toast.“For goodness cake, slow down before you choke on that,” her mum said.“Can’t believe I overslept. I set my phone. I’ve never done that before.” Jenna said.“Hey, we all do it sometimes. Though your exertions at church no doubt kept you up late. Your dad and I noticed how much time you’ve been spending at St. Michael’s. Now feel free to tell me to mind my own business, but what’s with the sudden obsession with church? You’ve never been interested before. You used to laugh at Gran for being in the Mother’s Union.”“I guess the pandemic made me think about things differently,” Jenna lied, trying to think up a good excuse. “I know I never attended church much before, but I never stopped being a believer.”“That’s great, Jen. I’m glad it makes you happy. I just hope you’re not spending all your time with old people, though. It’s good to mix with people your own age.”“Oh there’s a good mix of different ages at St Michael’s. They’re not all boomers, Mum. The curate, Yulia and Debbie aren’t much different to me. And Reverend Morris, .he’s amazing.”“I’m sure he is,” her mum replied, with a wry grin. “You out tonight?”“Yes. Choir practice.” Jenna grabbed her bag and car keys.“By the way, who’s Charles Wesley?”“Um, what?”“You were yelling his name over and over in your sleep. You must’ve been dreaming.”“Oh. Well he’s a guy who wrote a lot of great hymns. He lived in the 18th century. He wrote that famous carol "Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, although the original words were different. Gotta go. Love you. Bye!“Jenna’s mum shook her head. "Charles Wesley? When I was growing up, I used to dream about Brad Pitt.”“I have got to get a place of my own,” Jenna muttered to herself as she headed to the car. “That was cringe.”Jenna had prepared herself for her evening “choir practice” with Gordon, by wearing her best lingerie and a sexy dress that perfectly highlighted her curves and cleavage. The organist himself had also made an effort, by wearing his best suit and tie. With his black robe unfastened, he resembled an old-fashioned headmaster.“Hello there!” Gordon said, grinning from ear to ear. Whoa, she looked drop-dead gorgeous. He was practically drooling like a dog in heat.“Not so bad yourself, Gordon!” Jenna replied. “Love the suit. Now all you need is a cane.”“A cane?”“To punish me with. You see, I’ve been a naughty girl. I forgot to practice that piece of music you mentioned.”“Oh dearie me,” Gordon said, walking over to her. “Whatever am I to do with such a naughty girl? Never mind. I’m sure you can make it up to me some way,”He sat down on the organ stool. "Come sit in my lap, Jenna. We’re going to play a little tune together. I’m sure you can do it.”“Why Gordon, I’m not sure I can play this. It’s a bit of a step up from the piano.”“Just give it a try. I’m sure you’ll learn quick!” He winked. “Try the third manual,” he added, indicating one of the keyboards.Jenna bit her lip and slid onto Gordon’s lap. She deliberated wiggled about a bit, causing him to let out a groan. “This seat is a little, hard!”Jenna began playing the first few notes. “You’re right, Kings and Queens does sound fantastic on a pipe organ. I’d have never guessed you were an Ava Max fan, Gordon.”“Hah, I’m not. Can’t stand modern pop music. But the younger members of the choir are always begging for this song. You’re great at this!”As Jenna continued to play, Gordon began massaging her breasts and kissing her exposed neck.“Oh Gordon,” Jenna sighed.“There’s a part-time job available,” he continued, between kisses. "An assistant choirmaster and pianist at the Sunday school. Three days a week. The school isn’t just open on Sundays anymore. There’s a crèche and breakfast club on Wednesdays. They do after-school sessions for kids who have special needs. It’s not bad money. I know you’ve got all the relevant qualifications. If you’re interested, I could easily pull a few strings and get you in.”Jenna suddenly halted her playing. “Wow, are you serious?”“Of course I am. Look, the young ‘uns think I’m some kind of ogre. And they’re probably right. But you, you’d be such an asset to the school. And tell me honestly, do you truly enjoy working in a call center?”“I hate it. The pay is shit and I hate my boss. Now she’s a real-life ogre.”“Exactly. Your talents are wasted in a dead-end job like that, Jenna. It’s up to you of course, but please give it some thought.”She turned round to face him. Kissing him hard the lips, she slipped her arms round his shoulders. “I’ve given it thought. I accept! Now why don’t you let me thank you properly, Gordon?”Jenna hiked up her dress, and unfastened Gordon’s belt. She unzipped his trousers, pushed down his underpants, and his rock hard erection sprang free from its encumbrance. Unable to contain himself any longer, Gordon pulled aside the crotch of her damp panties, positioned himself to her entrance, and pushed himself into her. The soft lips between her legs parted, and she threw her head back in sudden ecstasy as the organist began thrusting himself in and out of her warm body, slowly at first, then building in speed.Outside, a black 4 by 4 had just pulled up in the church car park. John Norris got out of the driver’s side and furiously slammed the door shut.“John please, don’t do this!” his wife pleaded. “Not in the church!”“Look Patricia, I want to get to the bottom of this. First Gordon angrily accuses me of spreading lies on Facebook. He called me "the biggest shit-stirrer in this church” to my face! Now the chaps at the Rotary Club have frozen me out. They said I’ve been making sexist jokes and racist comments about Ukrainians! I ask you, when have I ever made a racist comment? I haven’t a racist bone in my body! And I’ve never signed up to Facebook either. Someone is trying to smear my name. If you ask me, Gordon’s the one behind it all! Well, we’ll see what he has to say, man-to-man.“A look of horror swept Mrs. Norris’ face. "You can’t go in there! I can hear the organ - the choir are in there!”“I don’t care if the whole bloody town is in there!” John yelled, a display of anger that was most unlike him. “This has gone too far. I can’t believe Gordon could be so vindictive. He’d a bad-tempered sod, but I never thought he’d do this. Libel is a serious offence.”He stormed into the church and marched down the aisle, his panicking wife rushing after him.“Alright alright, it wasn’t Gordon. It was me!” She grabbed his arm. He halted.“What?”“I did it.”John shook his head. “Why are you trying to protect him? Do you fancy him or something? Is there more to this?”“No! No of course I don’t! Look, I signed up to Facebook so I could access the church page but I used your name. I know I shouldn’t have but, well surely you must know how members of this church treat me? I’d have been blocked immediately!”John’s face had gone through several shades of red and was now the color of raw steak.“You, Did what? You’ve been spreading lies and racist comments using an account with my name? What the hell am I married to?” He walked round the side of the organ. “Bloody hell!”Mrs. Norris shoved him aside, wondering what had shocked him. “That’s her! She’s the one who’s caused all this! The little tart! She’s bringing filth and depravity to this church!”John glared at his wife. “I’d say your own venom has done that already, Patricia.” He turned and stormed off. “I’m going home. To pack a few things. I’m going to stay at my brother’s for a bit. And you, well you can go to Hell.”“Gordon, do you hear somebody shouting?” Jenna sighed as she felt his warm cum fill her.“Probably just a bit of rowdy teen behavior outside,” Gordon replied with a smirk.To be continued.By Blacksheep, for Literotica.

Welkin Memorials founder, Kate Anderson, lost her own father unexpectedly at a young age and was forced to choose the outdated memorial options the industry provides, so she leveraged her experience in product development to design a product that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. To make the tough times a little easier for others, Welkin offers handmade, decorative and discreet urns at a fair price point, designed with kin in mind. Receive 10% off your order at Welkin Memorials by using code GREIFAWAKENINGPOD10 at checkout! https://welkinmemorials.com/ Welkin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welkinmemorials/ Kate's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateanderson1/ Thanks for tuning in to this weeks episode! I'd love to hear from you! Reach out via socials and let me know what you took away from this episode! Don't forget to hit the follow➕ button to never miss another episode!  If you are an energy worker, grief expert, or someone who has a deep spiritual connection with your loved ones in spirit and would like to tell your story, I'd love to hear from you! Please send me an email (below) and let me know you would like to be a future guest! Download for FREE the Reignite Your Connection Meditation here: https://www.intuitivelyalyse.com/products/p/reignite-your-connection-meditation Let's Connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intuitively_alyse/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IntuitivelyAlyse Email:  IntuitivelyAlyse@gmail.com Website:  https://www.intuitivelyalyse.com Book a Coaching or energy work session!: https://app.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=25029542

Pour enchanter vos vacances, on voulait vous laisser avec un bel album, un album racé, sublime, fédérateur. On a pas trouvé alors on a prit Cradle Of Filth. C'est bien aussi. Pour soutenir TROLL IN THE SKY (proposer un minitits, recevoir le bonus mensuel, voter pour la Troll Cup etc) : TIPEE : https://fr.tipeee.com/trollinthesky PATREON : https://www.patreon.com/trollinthesky Réseaux sociaux (oui TITS est désormais partout): Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/trollinthesky/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/trollinthesky Twitter : https://twitter.com/TrollInTheSky1 Liens Sam: Gnôle : https://www.facebook.com/GNOLEband Welcome X (groupe heavy rock/fusion de Sam : https://www.facebook.com/WelcomeXOfficial Son dernier album dispo à la FNAC : https://www.fnac.com/a16007669/Welcome-X-Volume-2-CD-album#omnsearchpos=1 Liens Mathieu: Instagram The Doom Dad (post de vinyles à 99%) : https://www.instagram.com/iro22/ Livre écrit à 3 mains en 2010: https://livre.fnac.com/a3395087/Robin-Ferre-Riff-story Chaine Youtube Children of The Sabbath (consacrée à Sabbath): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmvB4kjhXMuHc90zGlEI4jw/featured Chaine Youtube THE DOOM DAD : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCskm8_PoTCTMl4VxIvuWEcQ

The Metal Exchange Podcast guys discuss Emperor's 1997 release, "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk". Justin's Recommended Track: The Loss and Curse of Reverence Chris' Recommended Track: With Strength I Burn https://www.emperorhorde.com/ https://www.facebook.com/emperorofficial Listen to "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk":  https://open.spotify.com/album/7MOaD3Y4SmevciBliFGqiQ *Other Band Mentions* Dark Side of the Moon: https://www.darksideofficial.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/tdsotmofficial Against Myself: https://www.against-myself.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/againstmyselfofficial Burning Witches: https://www.burningwitches.ch/ & https://www.facebook.com/burningwitches666/ Jason Bieler: https://jasonbieler.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/jasonbielermusic Entering Polaris: https://enteringpolaris.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/EnteringPolaris/ The Reticent: https://www.thereticent.net/ & https://www.facebook.com/thereticentmusic Anthrax: https://www.anthrax.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/anthrax Lacuna Coil: https://www.lacunacoil.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/lacunacoil *Become a Member of our Patreon* https://www.patreon.com/TheMetalExchangePodcast *Join us at The Metal Exchange* https://linktr.ee/MetalExchange https://www.facebook.com/TheMetalExchangePodcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/metalexchanges https://www.instagram.com/themetalexchangepodcast https://twitter.com/MetalExchangePd⁠ https://open.spotify.com/user/4tn81zpim10zdl0qu1azagd8o https://www.reddit.com/r/MetalExchangePodcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themetalexchangepodcast/support

- Conseguí el libro en Jedbangers:  https://shorturl.at/tvx58 || Compralo en Mercadolibre: https://shorturl.at/jnEUZ  - ¿Fuera de Argentina? Escribinos a ventasmetal@gmail.com  - Escuchá en Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VYhWK7r5SFEFo2no6w7qF 00:00. Inicio 02:23. Emperor 03:07. Inicios / Thou Shalt Suffer 05:45. El primer Demo: Wrath of the Tyrant 07:43. Mortiis 10:53. Renegando del pasado 12:34. Los días de Tchort 13:34. 1993: a la conquista del Reino Unido 16:05. Polémicas en el Black Metal (y el Death) 19:12. In the Nightside Eclipse  22:09. Quema de Inglesia y Condena por Asesinato 25:50. Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk 30:00. La época oscura (ok, "mala") 31:40. Zyklon 33:09. La época Matrix 37:15. Separación y glorificación 42:30. El mejor disco 44:20. El peor momento 46:50. La figura de Emperor 48:18. El legado ++REDES++ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nacidos_para_arder/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086634742705

Welkin Memorials founder, Kate Anderson, lost her own father unexpectedly at a young age and was forced to choose between the outdated memorial options the industry provides, so she leveraged her experience in product development to design a product that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. To make the tough times a little easier for others, Welkin offers handmade, decorative and discreet urns at a fair price point, designed with kin in mind. https://welkinmemorials.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=gg&g https://www.instagram.com/welkinmemorials/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateanderson11/ https://www.facebook.com/welkinmemorials/ https://www.pinterest.com/welkinmemorials/ Contact Kendra Rinaldi to be a guest on the podcast: https://www.griefgratitudeandthegrayinbetween.com/

Podcast preview of the new stage production of Lucy Kirkwood's The Welkin,  with cast members Lucy Mabbitt (Sally Poppy)  and Sarah Perkins (Elizabeth (Lizzy) Luke).A murderer's fate lies in the hands of 12 women.  Sally has committed the wickedest of crimes but her claims of pregnancy, perhaps, demand clemency. A panel of Suffolk matrons, pulled from their everyday into the machinations of 1760s justice, must assess if she's telling the truth.Will she escape a hanging, be transported, or will the mob tear her to pieces? Village midwife, Lizzy might be all that stands in the way of Sally's execution. Female wisdom and strange portents spin Kirkwood's incendiary play into a darkly comic theatrical tapestry.The Welkin. By Lucy Kirkwood. Directed by Kim Dyas. Assistant Director - Veronika Wilson 25–29 March 20237.45pm Main Stage, Putney Arts Theatre.Artistic Directors: Barney and Cait Hart Dyke. Podcast Editor and Sound Designer: Nick Wells. Music is 'At the Tropicana' by Chalalatas, license courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Recorded at the Putney Arts Theatre.Full Cast:Lucy Mabbitt: Sally Poppy Sarah Perkins: Elizabeth (Lizzy) Luke Sharon Czudak: Judith Brewer Louisa Pead: Charlotte Grey Kristen Millar: Kitty Givens Lizzie Iredale: Helen Ludlow Lois Savill: Sarah Hollis Zoe Thomas-Webb: Emma Jenkins Angel Witney: Ann Lavender Alexa Adams: Mary Middleton Emily Dixon: Hannah Rusted Carol Hudson: Sarah Smith Megan Good: Peg Carter Richard Seedhouse: Mr Coombes Aleksei Toshev: Frederick Poppy Ian Recordon: Dr Willis The Putney Theatre Company at The South West End! See us online – putneytheatrecompany.org.uk

Playful Musings host, Kristin Post, gives an overview of the play The Welkin by Lucy Kirkwood.

We are gearing up for the Phase II portion of v2.8 as Kazuha's banner comes to a close and we get ever so closer to Sumeru! Which newly shown character are you looking forward to meeting in game? We have a giveaway going on in our server! The Resonance now has a Discord server! Come join and talk with other listeners of the show! - https://discord.me/theresonance Email: HOYOcast@gmail.com Twitter: @HOYOcast 00:00 - Intro 01:45 - Review Reading 05:28 - Hidden Strife Event Gameplay Details 11:46 - v2.8 Phase II Events 18:53 - Break 19:35 - Sumeru Teaser #3 33:40 - Wish of the Week 36:30 - Question of the Week 41:00 - Outro Music Used: Sangonomiya Kokomi Demo Trailer Theme Extended | Epic Version - Cover/Remix by brittle bear https://youtu.be/G2hG-5aF8Ck Shenhe Demo Trailer Theme Extended | Epic Version | "Crane in the Wild" Trailer Soundtrack - Cover/Remix by brittle bear https://youtu.be/20HPqjj6jL4 All Genshin 2.4 Character Music Compilation | 1 Hour OST Mix | Epic Version - Cover/Remix by brittle bear https://youtu.be/9WnTEWWcs64 https://www.twitter.com/brittlebearm https://www.instagram.com/brittlebearmusic/ Original music by Yu-peng Chen and HoYo Mix

BLACK METAL BEACH PARTY - https://linktr.ee/bmbp **Endless Suffer out June 21, 2022!** Pet Sounds to the Welkin at Dusk (2020) - https://open.spotify.com/album/4qWmo1B4AxsuzehBpfOnU4 A Wave in the Western Sea (2016) - https://open.spotify.com/album/7DNR2sJqPuK7L4vO9HGCvs Merch - https://steelresolve.com/band/blackmetalbeachparty/ PODCAST THEM DOWN - https://linktr.ee/pctd https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-them-down/id1553076630 https://open.spotify.com/show/1iLWQaU7M9z18yCgR7dodF https://patreon.com/podcastthemdown BURNING SHADOWS - American Power Metal - http://linktr.ee/bsmetal https://burningshadows.bandcamp.com FADE TO BLACK - Metallica Tribute - https://www.facebook.com/FadeToBlackTributeBand/ http://www.fadetoblacktribute.com/ ISENMOR - Dual-Violin Folk Metal - http://linktr.ee/isenmor https://isenmor.bandcamp.com RECENTLY VACATED GRAVES: TRUE ZOMBIE METAL - http://linktr.ee/rvgtzm https://rvgtzm.bandcamp.com

Summary:In this scene from "Curse of the Onyx Dragon", Kreyvex takes on the most feared bounty hunter in all of Welkin, the Ghost.Written and edited by Omar K. MillsExecutive Producers: Ski-ter Jones, Omar K. Mills

Summary:The Legends of Welkin pray together before facing their greatest challenge, Ursula.Written and edited by Omar K. MillsExecutive Producers: Ski-ter Jones, Omar K. Mills

illfunk chats with one of his all time favorite songwriter's and now Tampa Bay Florida Resident, Adam Kennedy. Adam is currently the drummer for P.M. Tiger and formerly the front man of PDX's The Welkin Dim. We talk about touring, recording, integrating into a new band and a new city in a new state. https://pmtiger.bandcamp.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoCih7IB_AQ https://pmtiger.band/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/6m4HGtUyJi9gtNHJZQmQIB?si=nILHqmBMQMOMGkUeRZiWWA --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dubseven/support

This week Elaine and Louise chat with the incredible Scottish triple threat, will now quadruple threat Dawn Sievewright. We cover everything from getting sober, to pushing ourselves to the importance of your voice and embracing who you are and where you come from. It's another brilliant episode with another brilliant guest. At the end of today's Episode is something a little different We have Dawn and John McLarnon singing one of John's original songs HOPE. Feels like we all need a little hope just now. DAWN SIEVEWRIGHT Dawn is a Scottish award-winning performer and writer. Dawn trained at GSA and then went on to be in productions on the West-End and international tours. Some of her many credits include the Oliver award-winning Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, Legally Blonde, The Welkin, Pinocchio, Quadrophenia, Glasgow Girls, Twelfth Night. During the first Lockdown in 2020 Dawn and her flatmate John McLarnon created The 3M MIXTAPE, in association with Dundee Rep. These mixtapes celebrate the wonderful talent of that Scotland has to offer. Dawn began writing a few years ago and was the runner up in South of the River Pictures and SISTER ScreenShot competition. Dawn and her writing partner Brennan Reece. This has led to a commission from BBC 3 for their story. Dawn is not one for social media so below are links to the 3M Mixtape and ScreenShot. She does very occasionally partake in Instagram WEBSITE 3M MIXTAPE INSTAGRAM @dawnsievewright WEBSITE South of The River Pictures John McLarnon @johnnymcl LINKTREE P&N Linktr PayPal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/persistentandnasty for those who can donate. A million thanks and love. Resources https://www.samaritans.org/?nation=scotland http://www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk/ https://rapecrisisni.org.uk/ https://rapecrisis.org.uk/ https://www.artsminds.co.uk/ https://www.bapam.org.uk/ https://freelancersmaketheatrework.com/sexual-violence-support-services/ Stonewall UK Trevor Project Mermaids UK Switchboard LGBT+ GATE Join our Zoom Coffee Morning every Friday at 11am GMT, email persistentandnasty@gmail.com WeAudition offer: For 25% off your monthly subscription quote: NASTY25 Backstage Offers: Get a free 12 months Actor Subscription: https://join.backstage.com/persistentnasty-uk-12m-free/ Or if you've got a project to cast, you can Post Castings for free: Apply promo code PERSISTENTANDNASTY at the checkout

This episode continues my series on creationism and evolution. I'm excited to talk to a virologist to get the inside scoop on how viruses mingle with our DNA at the molecular level.  This is one of the evidences for evolution and common descent that I referenced in the series opening podcast. Welkin Johnson, Ph.D. is a virologist with a particular interest in paleovirology. Dr. Johnson's research team works on molecular level virus-host interactions, and the impact of these interactions on the evolution of both the viruses and their hosts. A Michigander by birth, he attended UC Berkeley, where he obtained his bachelor's degree in Microbiology & Immunology. After working for a year as a lab tech at UC San Francisco, Welkin moved to Boston, where he obtained his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology & Microbiology from Tufts University School of Medicine. He was a postdoctoral fellow and later faculty in the Dept. of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics at Harvard Medical School. In 2011, he joined the faculty of Boston College, where he currently serves as the Chair of the Biology Department. He also serves on the Board of Scientific Advisors for the National Cancer Institute, and is on the editorial boards of several journals. Follow me at www.therationalview.ca Join the Facebook discussion @TheRationalView Twitter @AlScottRational Instagram @The_Rational_View #therationalview #podcast #evolution #paleovirology #genetics #retrovirus #DNA #commondescent

This week on Eagle Eye, hosts Eamon and Jack interviewed Dr. Welkin Johnson, a professor and department chair member of biology at Boston College and the head of the Johnson Lab, BC's on-campus COVID-19 testing lab. Listen to find out the insides of COVID-19 testing at BC, Dr. Johnson's insights into regulating virus spread with the return of students in the upcoming spring semester, and expectations for BC COVID-19 policy in the future. Thank you for listening! Hosts: Eamon O'Malley, Jack Bergamini Music: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music/track/all-that

Episode 074 - Hark How All the Welkin Rings (25 Dec 2021) by A Production of Main Street Church of Brigham City

Sir Gawain & The Green Knight Sir Gawain and The Green Knight is the original Christmas Ghost Story. Or technically a supernatural story set at Christmas in the kingdom of Logres ruled by King Arthur. It's pretty gothic. This is a prose translation of a Middle English poem called Sir Gawain and The Green Knight. The translation by Jessie Weston was published in 1898 and though it is certainly not Middle English she has left enough archaic words in to keep that flavour. Jessie Weston herself was born in 1850 in Surrey, England, the daughter of a tea merchant. When she was young the family moved to Bournemouth off England's south coast and she began writing there. She studied in Hildesheim in Germany and in Paris and at the Crystal Palace School of Art in South London.   She was most famous for her studies of Arthurian romances and the Grail legend where she put forth the ideas that the material was actually pre-Christian and pagan in origin. T S Eliot's The Wasteland was influenced by Weston's Arthurian studies.  The Green Knight as it stands was composed no later than the end of the 14th Century (the date of the manuscript) and may be much older. The language is Mercian influenced Middle English, probably from Lancashire. The boundary between Mercian and Northumbrian Old English runs through Lancashire and its dialect is influenced by both, but South Lancashire and Cheshire have Midlands' such as pronouncing the ‘g' in ‘king' and ‘thing'. If you're interested in Old English dialects, check out Simon Roper's Youtube Channel for a real treat.  The poem shows signs of oral storytelling with the rich, detailed descriptions that run in sequences and would probably delight an audience as they were elaborated.  The themes are of honour and courage, as befitted the courtly audience, but also of love and fashion, which traditionally interest ladies. Tricky subject these days, but that was the established view for centuries. Things change. I for one embrace change, while I mourn what it lost. I'm a bit like the VoiceOver by Galadriel at the start of the Fellowship of The Ring movie. There are folkloric features which Weston perhaps emphasis because she was interested in them: He bears a holly bough to symbolise life and rebirth. He pole vaults over water as fairies can't normally cross running water. The bargain is for a year and a day which is in all good fairy tales.  The motif of the talking head appears again and again in Celtic stories: Bran the Blessed, and Bricriu's Feast from the Ulster Cycle where the beheading challenge is seen. Of course the severed head is seen on a platter in the Perceval/Parsifal/Peredur Stories. The old lady in the castle is the famous with Morgana La Fee. “I trow” is “I think” or “I believe” “In sooth” is “truly”, “really” ‘fo sho' “Wit, wot, witen' are 'to know' . So “ I wit” is cognate with the German “Ich weiss” or the Dutch “ek weet” “List” is “like” or “please” “As he may list”  “As he pleases” “Welkin” is sky. “Hearken” is “hear, or listen to” Going through the recording as I edit, it strikes me that perhaps the green lace on the axe is the one that Gawain later gets from the lady and transpires to have been the knight's. It was the magic of this lace that allowed him to survive the blow. Not sure why I didn't figure that before. This is just what a modern author would be: place an item and bury it in detail so its significance isn't grasped until much later. It's mainly showing not telling too. We get some insight into Gawain's thinking, but mostly the situations are simply described and we infer internal motivations and ruminations from what we hear. Described. I also think it's unfair of the Green Knight to chide Gawain for cowardice, comparing his fearlessness when faced with the axe. The Green Knight knew he had a magic item that would protect him, so of course he wasn't scared. Unfair, I say. Unfair. You will note... Support this podcast

How far are we willing to go when it comes to AI and our children? Mahiro Saeki is a Japanese writer living in Chiba. In 2020, she was a finalist in the eleventh Sogen SF Short Story Prize. In the same year, Mahiro won the Readers Award in the first Kaguya SF Contest organized by Virtual Gorilla Plus. "Becoming a Mother" previously appeared in Welkin. https://welkinmag.com/product/spring-2021/ Translated by Toshiya Kamei Fiction Website https://toshiyakameiwrites.wordpress.com/ Translation Services https://toshiyakamei.wordpress.com/bio/ ---- Story Submission ---- Got a short story you'd like to submit? Submission guidelines can be found at TallTaleTV.com ---- About Tall Tale TV ---- My name is Chris Herron, and I narrate audiobooks. In 2015, poor control of my diabetes left me legally blind for the better part of a year. The doctors predicted an 80% chance I would never see again, but I changed the way I was living and through sheer willpower beat the odds. During this time I couldn't read or write. Two things that I had been turning to for comfort since I was a small child. With the sheer amount of stress I was under, this was devastating. My wife took me by the arm, lead me into the local library, and read out titles of audiobooks to me. I chose the audiobook versions of books I had loved such as the Disc World series, Name of the Wind, Harry Potter and more. They brought my favorite stories to life in ways I never thought possible and helped me through the darkest time of my life. Once my vision recovered, I maintained a love for audiobooks. I decided I would turn my focus from being a writer to becoming a narrator. I devised Tall Tale TV as a way to help out all the amazing authors in the writing communities I had come to love before my ordeal. I created Tall Tale TV to help aspiring authors by providing them with a promotional audiobook video. A way to showcase their skills with the written word. They say the strongest form of advertisement is word of mouth, so I provide a video to a platform of readers to help get people talking. Help them spread the word. Click the share button and let the world know about this author. ---- legal ---- All images used in this video are either original or Royalty and Attribution free. Most stock images used are provided by http://www.pixabay.com . Image attribution will be declared only when required by the copyright owner. All stories on Tall Tale TV have been submitted in accordance with the terms of service provided on http://www.talltaletv.com or obtained with permission by the author. Common Affiliates are: Amazon, Smashwords

Episode 023: Footnotes Volume 2 Host: Douglas Schatz Welcome to The Play Podcast where we explore the greatest new and classic plays. Each episode we choose a single play to talk about in depth with our expert guest. We'll discuss the play's origins, its themes, characters, structure and impact. For us the play is the thing. Footnotes Volume 2 is a selection of facts and observations culled from the library of information that we've compiled to accompany each of the plays in the past ten episodes. These include fascinating bits of trivia as well as more extended exploration of specific aspects of the plays. A smorgasbord of dramatic intelligence befitting of the best kind of Footnote. The plays we cover in this episode include: Death of a Salesman, Rockets and Blue Lights, The Father, Oleanna, The Duchess of Malfi, Copenhagen, The Welkin, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, The Glass Menagerie, and Shook.

What cha gonna do brother, when geopolitics runs all over you? This week, Ryan and Damien are joined by Career Day vocalist, Through The Island Co-host and Activist Desmond Zantua to discuss his time in the Long Island music scene, politics in every day life, The Philippines, the Islanders, and much, much more before discussing the Royal Rumble and some of the more notable winners of years past! Social Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @filthyfncasuals Email us at filthyfncasuals1@gmail.com Follow Ryan Doyle on Twitter @doylerulez Follow Damien Ellinghaus on Twitter @badideadames Follow Desmond Zantua on Twitter @whendogsdream Follow Through the Island on Twitter @ttislandpodcast Philippine Human Rights Act: https://humanrightsph.org/take-action Justice Roadmap (NY): https://www.justiceroadmapny.org New York Health Act: https://www.nyhcampaign.org Segments: 0:00:00-0:10:21- Intro, What Are We Drinking 0:10:22-1:17:19- Interview w/Desmond 1:17:20-1:49:51- Discussion on Royal Rumble 1:49:52-1:58:44- What We're Listening To and Legend Killer 1:58:45-2:03:09- Outro Media: Royal Rumble 1999- https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7yy0he Yokozuna vs Hulk Hogan for the WWF Heavyweight Championship (King of The Ring 1993)- https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xrdnw5 What We're Listening To: Career Day- Pride Was Somewhere Else (2020): https://open.spotify.com/album/4lutX1h6PT1iDcfTbCwOrk?si=wwM9WdEPQZ-KaW7L9f8ung Emperor- Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk (1997): https://open.spotify.com/album/0PIidVsFr9Oji1Y79jTV9M?si=qo-EdhSiTTudYdixsNN76g Four Year Strong- Brain Pain (2020): https://open.spotify.com/album/2a4cziYbGCoqvltbbnXxR1?si=3AdRRsiAQOu_HtKS33mCTg Dillinger Four- C I V I L W A R (2008): https://open.spotify.com/album/3qIFEGF5cuip70vU7zatpb?si=qbbPp54yTVeMGrOnPzzB6w Jackson Browne- Running on Empty (1977): https://open.spotify.com/album/24UtAJJRIuHICjdIDqaNhg?si=FJt9lwUmQMOV_JIigBtNVQ What We're Drinking: Desmond- Raspberry (0.0% ABV Sparkling Water Beverage Canned in Monrovia, California on January 2021) by Trader Joes Ryan- Red Rum (6.66Sour aged in Rum Barrels and brewed with Pineapple, Orange, Lemon, Lime and Cherry) by Great South Bay Brewing Company Damien- Campfire Amplifier (8.5% Milk Stout brewed with Graham Crackers, Vanilla Beans, Cinnamon, Marshmallow and Cocoa Powder) by Dogfish Head Brewing Company

Episode 019: The Welkin by Lucy Kirkwood Host: Douglas Schatz Guest: Lucy Kirkwood Welcome to The Play Podcast where we explore the greatest new and classic plays. Each episode we choose a single play to talk about in depth with our expert guest. We'll discuss the play's origins, its themes, characters, structure and impact. For us the play is the thing. It is 1759 in East Anglia. A child has been murdered and a young woman has been convicted to hang for the crime. She ‘pleads her belly' and a jury of matrons must determine if she is truly with child and thus may escape the gallows. Lucy Kirkwood's powerful play The Welkin, is an historical thriller and a tense courtroom drama, as well as a vivid representation of the real burdens that women carry in a patriarchal world of any age. The Welkin premiered at the National Theatre in January 2020 before its run was cruelly cut short by the first Covid lockdown. I'm delighted to be joined by the author herself to talk about her rich new play.

Our group of adventurers continue their journey in the D&D campaign “The Dungeon of Doom” Characters of this campaign include: Brack the Deep Gnome Paladin (Eric), Diana the Aasimar Fighter (Lindsay), Brokkr the Dwarf Cleric (Kyle), Murgatroyd the Kenku Warlock (Stephen), and Luke is our fearless DM. #93 – Welkin Awoken Highlights include:1. Diana theorizes … Continue reading #93 – Welkin Awoken

Advent series: Finding Christmas in the Carols | Mark Miller, speakerWe explore the songs born from our joy that Christ has entered the world as we find Christmas in the carols. The song “Hark! How All the Welkin Rings” (an awful title) was originally put to music from a cantata about the printing press (#boring), but God used these less than stellar things to bring us the carol we know and love today, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." God is always using things of little value or notoriety, ordinary common things (like Mary), to accomplish his purposes. Mary’s song from Luke 1 (The Magnificat) celebrates this theme. Today, God still uses ordinary people like us to glorify Him and accomplish His purposes.

This week we’re discussing Norway’s Emperor. Part of the second wave of Norwegian black metal in the early 90s, Emperor was associated with all of the church burning insanity that the scene is infamous for. However, imprisonment couldn’t stop these guys from putting out some remarkably fun black metal records. Also credited as helping pioneer symphonic black metal, Emperor had a lot of range despite their limited discography. Seriously, this episode has some crazy stories.Closing track: “Inno a Satana” from In the Nightside Eclipse (1994)Check out our episode playlists on Spotify!https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherincJoin our Patreon for bonus episodes, early access to shows, and more!https://www.patreon.com/everyalbumeverInstagram:Follow Mike @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original musicFollow Alex @motherpuncherMike’s Picks:In the Nightside Eclipse (1994) — Best Album, Personal FavoritePrometheus: The Discipline of Fire & Demise (2001) — Worst Album, Least FavoriteAlex’s Picks:In the Nightside Eclipse (1994) — Best Album, Personal FavoriteIX Equilibrium (1999) — Worst Album, Least FavoriteAlbums we discussed this episode…In the Nightside Eclipse (1994)Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk (1997)IX Equilibrium (1999)Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire & Demise (2001)

Deathbear and Hellyoda slap on some corpse paint and immerse themselves in symphonic black metal.

Sky Welkin is a Denver based artist that caught our attention while we were canvassing through downtown Denver. Immediately impressed by his work, we asked him to be on the podcast and what we learned about his journey through the arts was incredibly unique and inspiring.(https://edwardjoiner.com/)Sky's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sky_welkin/Sky's Website: https://www.skywelkin.com/

Jason, Mark and special guest Chris Dick discuss Emperor's landmark album. Emperor- Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk HOF “In Longing Spirit” Reverence 1997 (6:00) Talkset #1 “Alsvartr (The Oath)” Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk 1997 (4:18) “Ye Entrancemperium” Anthems 1997 (5:15) Talkset #2 “Thus Spake the Nightspirit” Anthems 1997 (4:30) “Ensorcelled By Khaos” Anthems 1997 (6:39) Talkset #3 “The Loss and Curse of Reverence” Anthems 1997 (6:10) “The Acclamation of Bonds” Anthems 1997 (5:54) Talkset #4 “With Strength I Burn” Anthems 1997 (8:17) “The Wanderer” Anthem 1997 (2:55) Talkset #5 “A Fine Day to Die” In Conspiracy With Satan- A Tribute to Bathory 1998 (8:29)

Welkin is a noun that refers to ‘the sky’ or ‘the heavens above.’ Having its origin in Old English, our word of the day has been around since the 12th century. It may be used in a Biblical sense to refer to the heavens above or it may simply mean ‘the sky.’ When I heard all that racket outside, I expected angles to descend from the welkin. But all I saw coming from the sky was giant, golf-ball sized hail.

Neste episódio os Hippies of Metal conversam sobre a vertente que é considerada talvez a mais extrema do Heavy Metal: o Black Metal. O foco foi na história e na cena escandinava assim como a apresentação da banda Emperor na edição 2017 do festival Wacken Open Air, tocando o álbum Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk na íntegra. Muita coisa ficou de fora, talvez fique para um outro episódio ;)

Bruke saksofon i black metal? Jepp. Gi ut verdens største samleboks nest etter Kiss? Ja. Lage et notehefte fordi du irriterer deg over alle de feilaktige MIDI-filene på nettet? Selvsagt! Ihsahn og Emperor har gjort det, og Ihsahn forteller. Intervjuet ble gjort i samarbeid med Scream Magazine under Tons Of Rock i 2017. Den gangen feiret Emperor 20-årsjubileumet for "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk" ved å spille hele albumet live. Ihsahn skulle egentlig ha spilt på Infernofestivalen i påsken, mens Emperor opprinnelig toppet plakaten hos Karmøygeddon. Men for å begrense spredningen av koronaviruset er alle konsertarrangementer avlyst frem til minimum 15. juni 2020. Heldigvis er Ihsahn bekreftet til neste års Inferno, og Emperor gjester Karmøygeddon 2021. Du kan høre Ihsahns spilleliste ved å følge Jernverket på Spotify. Spilleliste (tekst) Ghost - Square Hammer Bathory - Call from the Grave Black Sabbath - Disturbing the Priest Emperor - Inno A Satana Iron Maiden - Moonchild Diamanda Galás - Sono L'Antichristo Leprous - The Cloak Judas Priest - Painkiller Ihsahn - The Grave Metallica - Master of Puppets Støtt Jernverket økonomisk via Patreon eller Vipps-nummer 567438. Det er også hyggelig om du legger igjen en anmeldelse på iTunes. NB! Jernverket har byttet publiseringsplattform. Det vil sannsynligvis føre til en del døde lenker i episodebeskrivelsene. Jeg jobber med å få ordnet dette, men si gjerne fra dersom du oppdager noe "rart".