On Wednesday, I met with my clergy coach, Larry Peers, who has been helping me be a better minister (I hope) since I started at First Parish. He is full of wisdom, both his own and what he learns from other colleagues. I shared with him my concern about keeping the congregation together when we can’t meet in person. The longer this pandemic goes on, the wearier and more frayed around the edges we can become. I am grateful that technology allows us to gather in virtual community but I know that it is not for everyone and it certainly does not replace being together in the same room. It requires more effort and intention. He shared with me something that my colleague the Rev. Nathan Detering has been saying to his congregation in Sherborn, even before all this: “We show up at church for ourselves. We stay for one another.” New people are showing up, looking for a spiritual and religious home for themselves. I know it can be hard but I trust that we will find ways to stay for them and for one another through this. While it may be for awhile, it won’t be forever.

In keeping with the commitment in our First Parish covenant to care and be present to one another in our joys and sorrows, Rev. Ellen and the Pastoral Care Team offer this grief and loss group on the second and fourth Mondays of the month for virtual check-ins via Zoom to nurture and hold a sacred space to share stories, experiences, and emotions around love, loss and grief in a spirit of mutual care and deep listening. This is an ongoing group that folks in our First Parish community can join during the year, while maintaining it as a confidential and supportive space. The Zoom session will last only as long as needed for people to check in and get support if needed.
If you are interested on joining, please contact Rev. Ellen