During this hard time of compounded and collective grief, the First Parish staff team invites the congregation to come together in mourning to give and receive love and support.
First, the UU Trauma Response Ministry is sending trained ministers to offer grief processing and healing circles. On Wednesday November 2nd at 8 pm, the Rev. Dr. Madelyn Campbell and Rev. Catie will offer a Zoom-based grief circle. On Saturday November 5th at 10 am, Rev. Aaron Payson and Darrah will offer an on-site grief circle in the Parlor.
Second, Sara Elizabeth has created a communal altar space on the upper floor of the Lincoln Street entry way. All are invited to write a message on one of the slips of paper and leave it in the box on the altar. Perhaps you want to leave a message for one of those who has passed, a joyful memory of one of the deceased, a poem, etc. Feel free to sign your name or not, knowing that all are also invited to look through this box of messages.
Third, we have scheduled four upcoming memorial services, which will all be held in the sanctuary and live streamed. Please save the dates in your calendars to attend in the building or online:
Saturday November 5th at 2 pm for Jeanette Anderson (read her obituary here)
Saturday November 12th at 3 pm for Debbi Heller (read her obituary here)
Saturday November 19th at 10:30 am for Kay Taylor
Saturday December 10th at 3 pm for Jim Sargent
And lastly, remember that your ministers and our Pastoral Care team are here for you for pastoral support; you can email the Pastoral Care team at pastoralcare@uuneedham.org. Our Pastoral Care team members Janet Klein and Helen Lane also offer a monthly Grief and Loss Support Group on Zoom and its next gathering is Sunday November 13th at 12:30 pm.
Take care of your body, mind, and spirit during this challenging time, and remember that you are not alone.