Legacy 2

With the date of the anniversary of the consecration of our parish fast approaching, I have been thinking about our legacy and what it means to us as a parish and as individuals. The definition according to Google is: “A legacy is money or property left to someone in a will, or a lasting impact, tradition, or piece of technology handed down from the past.” The phrase “ a lasting impact” stands out to me as something seemingly abstract but actually quite tangible to those impacted. My time worshipping at the Church of the Holy Trinity has encouraged me to look around and notice, really notice all the names and dates and reasons that people are memorialized in our space. Whether because ashes were interred, grief was made visible or appreciation for the blessings received was expressed, all these stories are threads in the history and legacy of our lovely old church. They contribute to the furnishings and the worship we enjoy as well as reaffirming the faith that has sustained others before us.  

Parishioners have made gifts or bequests to Holy Trinity in the past and we have benefitted immensely from this. Whether by proceeds from a will or money for particular furnishings donated, the impact of this generosity is felt decades after the gift. Our church exists because of the faith and charity and love of the people that came before us; their belief in God, community and each other gives us the continuing legacy of the Church of the Holy Trinity. These lasting gifts empower our ministry today.

When I sit in the pew beside our family window at Silent Prayer, I feel a tangible connection to my Sephton relatives and a sense of peace. Knowing that this beautiful window will continue to shed light into our church building long after I have died also gives me a sense of peace. I love what all of us have built here over the 70 years since our consecration: a church where God is loved and worshipped and a place where everyone is welcome: our church home.  

Joy 2

     Tonight one of our regular Tuesday night silent prayers shared with us a scripture reading--- John 16:24 "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete." It was a perfect complement to our evening; a perfect reference for prayer and praying. Another one of our regulars brought us a poster for a local event for peace and asked if we could display it. We are becoming a community! Although we meet in the almost dark, with no introductions, no name tags, no conversation even, we are used to coming together in a way that is regular, sacred and therefore joyous.

     There are regulars, people who sit in the usual places, parishioners who would not miss a week and folks who have never been through our door before. The number of people attending has climbed steadily but otherwise nothing has changed. There are a couple of lit candles and Gregorian chant but otherwise it is the same place, same day, same time. What has changed is that we are becoming a community. 

     Have you come to Silent Prayer? For me, it's calm, quiet, undemanding and remarkably fulfilling. Joy, or something like it....