Wade in the Water with Kristofer

Wade in the Water

In this morning’s St. Francis Spiritual Sustenance (SSS) reflection, Kristofer records from the rear of the sanctuary space - one of the places that we gather for worship as a community. Originally designed to resemble a clearing in the woods with artistry that points to God’s presence in creation, this sacred space takes on new meaning for us as we emerge as St. Francis Episcopal Parish & Community Center from the wilderness of pandemic.

Highlighting a recently placed stained-glass window of the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River (from Providence Road), a century old wooden font from the former St. Thomas’, and a blue ceramic baptismal bowl that was gifted to us in the first days of our merger, the video serves to remind us of our baptism and the ministry we are called to through it.

The floor upon which Kristofer stands was repaired a couple weeks ago after decades of wear and tear and the settling of the building that left large cracks in the tiles. Instead of replacing the tiles for the entire space or struggling with the impossible task of matching tiles, the renovation created a powerful symbolic tool, as we are invited to wade through the waters of the Jordan River when we enter and leave the space. God is present with us in all of creation, and it is such a gift to steward a building and grounds that help us remember that Christ is with us in the wilderness of our lives.