Thoughts from Rev. John Branson

The April 18^th Sunday New York Times included a section: Transformation; How the Pandemic Birthed An Awakening For Many Americans. Its two writers (Elizabeth Dias and Aura D.S. Burch) interviewed a diverse group of Americans asking them how their values have been reshaped due to the year’s-long COVID crisis. Those responses--coupled with the images of four photographers responding to the pandemic--offer provoking images and words to this year of loss, lock-down and anxiety.

Were you asked; have your values changed though the course of this year? What’s different about you? What matters more in your life today than a year ago? One woman responded to the question saying: My church has been paying for my rent, utilities and food while I am living with no paycheck.This year has stripped me from so much, but also allowed me to focus on and evaluate the big picture of my life.What kind of legacy to I want to leave behind?

As Emmanuel prepares to worship together again this summer, we shall be asking ourselves the question of what has changed, what is new about ourselves, this community and congregation? What new sense and awareness do you bring to the communal life of Emmanuel? What legacy, in light of this year’s loss and lock-down, will you leave behind?

Sunrise Photo taken from summit of Mt. Monadnock