Monday, Feb. 5, 2024
Connected in story, connected in christ
The Rev. Aaron B. Jenkyn
During the season of Epiphany, we heard Gospel stories that revealed to us who Jesus was and as we turn the corner into Lent we will begin to hear stories about how and where the people of ancient Israel encountered Jesus in unexpected and surprising ways.
Here at St. John’s, as we embark on this next season together, our focus will be on creating the space for you to share your stories, stories about how you have encountered Jesus in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of your lives, of the ways you have come to be part of this community, and the ways you go out to love and serve God in the world around you.
In the telling of our stories, it is our hope that we will learn more about eachother and that we will come to see the ways we are connected through St. John’s and connected in Christ. But more than that, we trust that in the sharing of our stories, in the space between the listening and the telling, God will be there.
It can be intimidating to tell our own stories, but I invite you be brave, to be vulnerable, to generously share your stories, so that others can come to know you, to know themselves, and to know God in beautiful new ways. And I invite you too, to think about the ways we tell stories. Some of us use words, some of us use photographs and images, some are artists, some use paper and pent, others social media, and others still need to gather around table face to face. What a gift to have this diversity in our community - whatever form your storytelling takes, we are eager to hear, see, read, experience or listen to your story.
Below you will find story telling prompts. Our hope is that you will read through them, and find one (or more than one) that sparks a memory, stirs your heart, or that you feel called to share with others in this community. Send in your story by email, snail mail or drop it off in the office, and every Monday in our daily reflection blog we will feature some of the stories, photographs and art work that we have collected. Everyone, without exception, is welcome, whether you have been at St. John’s for 7 days or 70 years, whether you participate in person or online, live near or far, you are invited to be part of this story sharing experiment. And stay tuned for other opportunities to gather in community to tell stories as our 2024 Lent programming is unveiled later this week!
Tell us a Story about....
When have you felt God really alive at St. John’s Church (perhaps in the last year)? Describe that moment.
Recall the story of when you knew this church was yours.
When have you felt really connected to the community, the world, the universe, or something greater than yourself? Share a story about that experience.
Where do you feel closest to God in this world? Share a photograph, write a poem, tell a story, or create a peace of art that tells us about that place.
Our lives are patched together like a quilt, made up of pain and joy. Share an experience when you knew you were loved during one of these seasons.
Does some practice, habit, or discipline link you closely to God or make you feel connected, loving and grounded? Share a story about engaging in that practice.
What individual, group, or place has influenced your faith the most? Share a story about your relationship with the person and how they have influenced your faith.
What organizations, ministries, or volunteer programs are you involved in, or do you contribute to, outside of St. John’s? Tell us about the organization (or work) and why it is meaningful to you? How do you experience and/or encounter God in this work?
To submit a story, photograph or piece of art via email send it to the Rev. Aaron Jenkyn at associate@stjohnsnh.org.