Yesterday afternoon, my husband and I went to set up the altar for church this morning. Since we’ve been out of town all week, this was the first time we’ve seen the building with the construction fence up. The protective scaffolding was up to make sure the churchyards (burial grounds), on each side of the church are safe. We could still see the front door of the church as the gate wasn’t installed yet. Though we knew what we’d find when we arrived, it was still bittersweet.
We made our way to the parish hall and set up our sanctuary space for today’s services. It took a little longer than usual because we had to walk through the service to make sure we had things in convenient places for everyone. We all know we’re going to have to be a little flexible over the coming weeks until we get into a routine for our services.
As we got ready to leave, we stood by the front door of our parish hall. From there, you have a clear view of the church. Hanging on the wall in the parish hall, just to the left of its front door, is a large photograph from about 73 years ago. It’s a black-and-white photo of the church just after it was built (the photo below).
My husband stood looking at that picture, then looked across the street at the church, surrounded by the construction fence. He asked me if I had noticed that you could see both images. It hadn’t struck me before. As I think about it this morning, though, I think that was Father reminding us we’d been here before.
The next month or so will be the most difficult as the physical structure comes down. Once the land is cleared, we’ll look at the old photograph in the parish hall and know that the church will rise again. I look forward to watching it happen. And…taking a picture to hang alongside that old black and white.
Have a good day, friends.
Matthew 16:18
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
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