Church in Three Parishes– Blessed Trinity!
St. Martin’s, St. Monica’s, St. Stephen’s. In their distinctive way– each church has been found holy. Holy because a Holy God is performing a great work in the midst. I answered the call of this work with a bit of trepidation. What does God want to do with these churches, and what could little ole me do about it? I don’t know and I still don’t, but I am willing to wade the waters. The lay people have begun dreaming about the future of their ministries. The waters of Hartford and Bloomfield may need a little troubling during this reimagining process– but the parishioners have, long before, been wading and leading with God’s help.
These three Episcopal churches within the Diocese of Connecticut have been thirsty for a spirit of renewal. Like many places of worship, post the shutdown caused by COVID-19, the attendance has been low, the sight of children is few and far between, money is a bit funny, and a consistent leader for two of the three churches is absent. At times, parishioners questioned whether God had passed them by while on others that were, too, calling. We are certain God has not.
Currently, St. Martin’s has been worshiping through morning prayer on Sundays with a message for the week given by one of the organists of the church. Twice a month, a supply priest is present to celebrate the Eucharist. The parish has been leaning on their Caribbean roots to maintain a sense of love and fellowship. Parishioners within St. Martin’s have specifically named that they hold onto the faith that has brought them through for over 32 years.
Similarly, St. Stephen’s has been holding morning prayer two Sundays a month, led by the lay persons of the parish. The community has been encouraging each other with song and words, making way for the Holy Spirit to move. On the first and third Sunday, St. Stephen celebrates the Eucharist with a supply priest and organist.
Uniquely, of the three churches, St. Monica’s is the only parish that has a rector. Rev. Tracy Johnson Russell has been the priest- in charge for nearly 10 years. She has been deeply committed to work on the survival of these historic churches– predominantly Black/Caribbean congregations behind the parishioners. Rev. Tracy has been very clear that she has not begun this work, but she has joined the work that the lay people of the three churches initiated.
Engaging with parishes has been quite eye opening. Though I am certain many challenges will arise, I’m grateful to be in the number to see what God is doing and will do through these three churches. I know this is only the being, and there is so much in store!
Image | Miguel Alcântara on Unsplash