Hymns And Pies

The planning began after the creativity conference.
Someone had the brilliant idea to host events across the country.
The events would continue what was started in the fall.
The events would support what was close to many of our hearts.

The creativity conference was called HUTCHMOOT.
Those of us who are part of the community are affectionately known as Rabbits.
We are lovers of books, art, poetry, and music.
We are lovers of God.

The community is called, The Rabbit Room.
It was named after Andrew Peterson, singer, songwriter, and author, had visited a special place.
Andrew visited The Eagle and Child in Oxford, England.
He saw the room where CS Lewis, Tolkien, and the rest of the Inklings met and talked.

The Inklings actually discussed their work and encouraged each other in their writing.
Andrew was moved by the fact that such great work happened in community.
That same type of community was something he wanted to begin here in the States.
The domain name was purchased; The Rabbit Room community was born.

What began as an online community and blog soon became much more.
Each year, in the fall, HUTCHMOOT happens, which allows the community to meet face to face.
In a decade, the Rabbit Room community has grown as the Lord allows.
Rabbit Room Press publishes wonderful books, putting beautiful things into the world.

It was discussed at this year’s HUTCHMOOT that a physical place was needed.
The Rabbit Room is operating out of an old historic farmhouse on four acres of land.
The farmhouse, called North Wind Manor, is in need of extensive repair.
When looking for a location for the expanding Rabbit Room, this place was the choice.

By renovating North Wind Manor, the story of this place goes on.
Renovation is good stewardship.
The history is not lost and the story will continue.
So many prayers are being lifted up for the funding of this project.

We were told about the plans at the conference in October.
North Wind Manor would be a physical hub for Bible studies and concerts.
It will be a place where visiting musicians and theologians can come and share their gifts.
It will house an extensive library so that visitors can sit and read on the front porch.

Soon after we all returned home, a HYMNMOOT was suggested as a way to support this project.
Gatherings across the country would take place on the last day of November.
We would gather together, sing hymns, and eat pies as any Hobbit would do.
The idea caught on; the excitement was palpable.

I asked a question on our Facebook group.
I wanted to know if there was any HYMNMOOT in my area.
A sweet young girl messaged me.
She was planning an event in the place of Amish buggies.

She needed help, so a team was born.
She did much of the hands on work since she lives in that place.
I found a location and the musicians for the evening; I was a sounding board along the way.
The little cafe could not have been more perfect.

The Rabbit & the Dragonfly is located in Lancaster’s Central Market.
Everything that the Rabbit Room community loves is found in this wonderful cafe.
Books are everywhere; one can read, buy, or borrow a book from the many shelves.
Pictures of CS Lewis and Tolkien are on the walls as is a map of Middle Earth.

As soon as you walk in the door, you can imagine you are walking into the Wardrobe.
A mural of Mr. Tumnus and Lucy walking in Narnia is painted on the wall.
There is an actual Lamppost as well.
There is a corner dedicated to the Inklings; you can imagine them sitting at the table.

We gathered there on the last night of November.
People arrived carrying their pies.
The musicians set up ready to accompany us as we sang.
Printed songbooks were handed out.

We sang.
The singing was so sweet.
The staff in the kitchen of the cafe came out to join us as well.
They grabbed a songbook and sang, wearing their hair nets and aprons.

One man in particular touched my heart.
He came from the kitchen in an apron that appeared to be an X-ray of his bones.
He was wearing a Santa hat and a Christmas sweater under the apron.
And he sang.

He sang from his heart.
He sang with his eyes closed.
He sang and orchestrated some imaginary choir.
He lifted his hands and seemed to be leading some unseen chorus.

I was so moved by his abandon.
To him, there was no one else in the room.
That’s how it should be.
We simply disappeared; only the man and the Lord were there.

I looked away so as not to intrude.
We were family though we had been strangers before that evening.
We were strangers no more.
We were connected through the things we love so much.

When the evening was over and the songbooks were closed, I went up to the man.
I am so glad you were able to join us, I said to him and meant it.
So am I! So am I! He said with enthusiasm.
If you only knew the past two days I’ve had... he said, his voice trailing off as he spoke.

How many others had difficult days before they came to sing?
How many others laid down burdens and worries and picked up a songbook instead?
North Wind Manor will be a physical place to meet, outside of Nashville.
Smaller MOOTS (meeting places) will pop up over the country to encourage and support.

We were all so blessed that evening.
The owner of the cafe asked if we could all gather again.
I would like this to be a regular thing, he said.
A regular thing.

Wouldn’t that be lovely?

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture
(Psalm 100:2-5)

THE RABBIT AND THE DRAGONFLY
51 N Market St, Lancaster, PA 17603