Lately I’ve been thinking about some of the contrasts that chase us through life at Emmanuel. They start on Sunday when I walk over the small round disk embossed BOSTON GROUNDWATER TRUST, which is set into the sidewalk in front of the church. It’s one of 800 wells monitoring the groundwater that still covers the 200,000 Maine spruce-tree trunks that were steam-pile driven-in 160 years ago to keep our feet out of the soup below. Sure, I know that part of the motivation for filling the Back Bay was to keep prosperous white Protestants from decamping to the suburbs, and my Irish great-grandfather south of the tracks. But still, there’s no way to get into Emmanuel without at least an unthinking pilgrimage over that magical, invisible, upside-down forest.
Monthly Archives: November 2021
Why I Contribute to Emmanuel Church & Why Others Should, Too
The first word that comes to mind when I think about Emmanuel is open-heartedness. It’s clear from the moment you enter the door that all are welcome here, no questions asked, no conformity to one doctrine, one church tradition, one brand of spirituality required. Yes, of course, it’s a Christian institution. But there’s no requirement to comply with a physical attitude – or for that matter, a spiritual attitude – to feel comfortable here. Kneel or stand at the communion rail, if in fact you take communion at all. Pass the peace to those around you, whether it’s the peace of Christ or simply an expression of good will from one person to another. It’s more than possible at Emmanuel to simply revel in the company of the like-minded – or maybe not-so-like-minded – people around you. Drink in the music, which is what got me here in the first place. Continue reading
Grateful Former Wardens
About 25 years ago we spotted a headline on the front page of the Boston Globe stating, “Historic church in Back Bay is about to close and become a concert hall”. We greeted this semi-accurate and hyperbolic announcement with great joy! It prompted us to investigate and soon to embrace Emmanuel as our church home.
Otherwise
I appreciate the opportunity to share some thoughts on my gratitude for what Emmanuel Church has been for me.
Shortly before her death in 1995, the American poet Jane Kenyon wrote a poem entitled “Otherwise”. Very ill at the time and keenly aware of her imminent passing, Kenyon names with gratitude the simple pleasures of her day, concluding each gratitude with the phrase “it might be otherwise”, until the short poem concludes with “one day, I know it will be otherwise”.
2020 Videos about Giving Time & Talent
Because of the pandemic these “pulpit pitches” were recorded for our YouTube channel. Thanks to Christopher Connors, Nancy Coppelman, Carolyn Beard, and Michael Vimont for their testimonials and witness to our ministry.
Leaving without Saying Goodbye
This week at common art the unexpected departure of one of our beloved community members was announced. We were told that he had found a job and had just moved to start it. It was his wish to leave without telling many people and to leave no contact information. While I have only been at the program now for two months, I felt this loss greatly. He had worked as our barista, our food liaison, if you will. He served the community coffee and meals with a smile and could often be heard laughing.
Pulling in New Participants
This week went smoothly. Monday at the prison, I chose to have the women attending Art & Spirituality share a word they felt drawn to. I spent the evening writing them in script. I am thinking that I may add more words over time to build some kind of collage of them. I think it would be nice to set it up each week for the women to see, especially as it grows with more words.