The Rev. Noelle York-Simmons has written about leaving her Episcopal parish in Atlanta and traveling around the country taking these photographs in a reflection and sermon. She asked each person: “What is the most important thing you do with your hands?”
Dot
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Norfolk, Va.
Well I never did what I thought I was going to do. I thought I was going to be a missionary… And towards the end of senior year [in college], I met a man who changed my mind completely. I was married in the fall. I had two children.
I have always worked at a church doing something volunteer. I’ve been doing Sunday School for about six years here and I love it. Oh! I love children. I’ve done so many things along life’s path. I was a den mother, I was teacher, mother, all the things that wives do. I was president-elect of the Junior League of the South. All that stuff. But Godly Play with the kids is the most important thing that I do right now.
Petero
The Episcopal Church Center
New York City
The most important thing I do with my hands is pass the peace. That is the best part of the whole worship service.
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop
The Episcopal Church Center
New York City
I think the most important thing I am called to do with my hands is to bless, both liturgically but also welcoming, receiving, encouraging people to come and be part, welcoming them in.
John
The Episcopal Church Center
New York City
The most important thing I do with my hands is hug the other, the other person, to hold them. I’m Puerto Rican, that’s what we do! The hands are important because they hold and comfort.
Allison
St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral
Jacksonville, Fla.
I cut hair. So I make people feel good by having a haircut and shampoo.
Jim
Trinity Episcopal Church
St. Augustine, Fla.
Praise and prayer. Amen.
Sandy
Holy Comforter Episcopal Church
Atlanta, Ga.
I wash my hands to keep them clean.
Dwight
Holy Comforter Episcopal Church
Atlanta, Ga.
I help out at the personal care home.
Eli
All Saints’ Episcopal Church
Atlanta, Ga.
I like to fold up my hands to pray. That’s important. Oh! And ride my bike, too.
Ellie
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Abingdon, Va.
The most important thing I do with my hands is to touch people, to lay hands on them. I touch people on their hands and feet and bodies to be a reminder to them that they are not alone when they are ill or dying, especially when they are dying. It is a holy moment to be with people in death.
Jim
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
Bristol, Va.
What do I do with my hands? You mean besides cooking and taking care of myself?
I live alone in a cabin just below the Appalachian Trail. I do all the maintenance on my motor vehicles and on my motor home and when I can’t buy something, I make it. … And you see those candles behind you? I made those. I recycle them. There’s a sermon there: you can take a whole lot of little stubs that won’t burn very bright very long and combine them and make a whole new light. Think about that.
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