Photo Essay. St John’s Church in Lockdown

a hush, a whisper, a memory, a hope.

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During a required visit at the start of lockdown 2020, I was struck by the light in the church. There was a strong sense of, not so much absence, more of waiting, longing and yearning within the bricks and chairs and candles. But the light seemed to be saying something further. There was something like a presence of life; something which drew together years of prayers, sacrament, art and community. The light seemed to speak of insistance, of a whispered hope. I wanted to share the photos with you all.

by Revd Gary Collins

Kneeling by R. S. Thomas

Moments of great calm,
Kneeling before an altar
Of wood in a stone church
In summer, waiting for the God
To speak; the air a staircase
For silence; the sun’s light
Ringing me, as though I acted
A great role. And the audiences
Still; all that close throng
Of spirits waiting, as I,
For the message.
Prompt me, God;
But not yet. When I speak,
Though it be you who speak
Through me, something is lost.
The meaning is in the waiting.

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