If you happen to visit St. John’s UCC in Monroe over the next six weeks or so, be prepared for a treat: More than 2,000 paper cranes now hang in the church, in an exhibit called “Folded Faith: A Community in Flight.” In Japan, where paper cranes originated, legend has it that anyone who folds a thousand cranes will be granted either a lifetime of good luck or one wish. The act of folding cranes is associated with prayers for peace and the healing of those who are suffering.
At St. John’s, the project is intended as a powerful statement of unity and shared purpose. Around 40 people gathered for 14 workshops where they carefully folded the paper birds and, more important, shared conversation, told stories and built community. When the cranes come down after All Saints’ Day, the congregation hopes to share them with the wider community as a sign of compassion and connection.
“Many churches see a decline in engagement and attendance during the summer months, so our crane workshops provided a natural and authentic way to continue to build and strengthen our faith community,” said the Rev. Christina Schoenwetter, the congregation’s associate pastor of engagement.
