Church Town

Trinity Episcopal Church Branford is a centuries-old church on the Branford Green with a storied past and an unfolding story to come. Formerly organized as a congregation in 1784, “Fifty-four families contributed to the construction of a small wooden framed [church], completed in 1786.” Today, Trinity is a diverse, vibrant church that continues to be an integral part of the Branford Community. One parent remarked that their three-year-old child calls church “Church Town.” This young worshiper’s observation speaks of an accurate conflation of the Trinity, the church, and Branford, the town - from organizing the first Pride Parade this summer, hosting its 116th annual fair on the Branford Green, collecting and serving food at the local pantry, and now, fostering organizing efforts through an interfaith community organizing organization. Trinity is truly a church enmeshed in its local community. 

The New Testament Gospels speak of Jesus, a first-century Jewish man preaching a radical message of hope and justice to Jews living in Judea and Israel under Roman Occupation. Jesus, while walking along the Sea of Galilee, encounters some fishermen performing the habitual task of casting nets. He tells them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The text says they left their nets and followed Jesus. I have so many questions: are these Jesus’ only persuasive words; why were the disciples so eager to leave what I reckon was the only life they had; what did the disciples understand Jesus to mean by “fishers of men.” Whatever the case, the two disciples, Simon and Peter, could not have known where their journey with Jesus would take them and what skills as fishermen would apply to the journey ahead. 

This year, at Trinity, I will be serving as the Reimagine Church Facilitator. I feel like the disciples who embark on an uncertain journey with the Reimagine Church group. We come from diverse backgrounds with diverse roles as students, parents, and retirees, as well as professionals who are teachers, actors, news producers, and scientists. Our task of reimagining is uncertain and not well defined, but we have been asked to join the journey. And much to my surprise, this group, like the disciples, is eager to participate in this work of reimagining to see what God might do anew at Trinity Church. We do not know where this work will lead, but you can feel the excitement among the group members. We trust that Jesus will lead this motley crew of Christ followers. May it be!

Image | Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash