"Sent for the One": A Regional Reawakening in Franklin, MA
Redeemer Franklin's Regional Reawakening weekend was a truly wonderful event. It began on Friday night with the arrival of Bishop Andrew, along with Sean and Kate Norris and their family, who came to helped facilitate and support the activities of the weekend as well as lead a night of worship, art, and prayer to build into the life of Redeemer. Rev. Kate delivered a moving message and facilitated a church-wide art project to reinforce the evening's theme of the “Sent-ness” of Jesus. Rev. Sean and the Redeemer music team led the congregation with musical worship. The night was filled with great testimonies, heartfelt prayers, and uplifting praise. The Holy Spirit was strongly present as the weekend started on such a remarkable note.
The project Redeemer was slated to host that Saturday was a Harvest Festival on their property which is directly adjacent to the town common. The plan was to throw a big, free, and fun event as an expression of Redeemer’s vision to “Generously love our neighbors.” There were ice cream and shaved ice trucks offering free treats, a bounce house, games, a corn hole tournament, crafts, live music, and a photo wall for all to enjoy. Unfortunately, Saturday also brought plenty of rain.
When the weather didn’t cooperate, Redeemer and the team quickly pivoted to rescheduling the Harvest Festival for the following day, Sunday. This led to a wonderful time of fellowship as everyone pitched in to prepare for the next day’s event. However, Saturday was far from wasted. Despite the rain, a dedicated team, including Sean, Kate, Bishop Andrew, and a hearty group from Redeemer, took to the streets of Franklin to pray over the town and its businesses. It was a blessed time of prayer for the institutions and people of the town, including the police, fire department, post office, library, and local businesses. Many meaningful interactions with townspeople and team members occurred during this time of prayer, making it a deeply rewarding experience. Even drenched to the bone, spirits were high!
Sunday morning arrived, and with some adjustments, Redeemer held a hybrid indoor/outdoor service led by Bishop Andrew. He preached a powerful sermon on “Finding The One,” a message that continues to resonate within the parish. Sean and the Redeemer music team again led the congregation in amazing worship. Halfway through the service, the congregation moved outdoors to the space where the festival was to be held, and Rev. Kate officiated over communion. The parish prayed for the upcoming event and for the people of Franklin and the surrounding towns from which Redeemer’s parishioners come.
Then came the festival! What started as an overcast day soon turned into sunshine, and the event was a tremendous success. People streamed in from all over to participate. Children laughed and played, free treats from the dessert trucks flowed, the corn hole tournament was filled with friendly competition, and many meaningful connections were made. We also are pretty sure we maxed out everyone sugar quota for the week! It was a special and profound ministry opportunity focused on praying for and recognizing “The Ones”—the individuals each of us would meet and engage with throughout the day.
As we reflected together as a parish and as part of the Diocese, we celebrated the goodness of God, His love for us, and His love for our neighbors. We sought to be a light in dark places and to share the generous love of Christ. We were all blessed tremendously as we demonstrated, in small ways, many of the things God values—sharing joy, giving freely, engaging in fellowship, praising Him for His blessings, and extending the invitation to participate in the Kingdom of God.
We are deeply grateful for Bishop Andrew, Sean, Kate, their family, and for the prayers of the Diocese. We are thankful for the opportunity to participate in the reawakening of New England as part of the ADNE!
Canon Dan+
