July 22
Chalice Circle Service on Death and Loss

Many times we tend to avoid thinking about death and its aftermath, simply because we don’t fully appreciate the opportunities and choices that could be facilitated with more knowledge and some advance planning. Many in our Chalice Circle have had recent bereavement experiences. While sharing our stories with each other we were struck with the differences that can occur when a loss is experienced. Each of us has the opportunity to make decisions about our death and to decide whether to do advanced planning or not. We think sharing our own experiences dealing with death and loss will resonate. Our goal is to do this in a caring, supportive framework which will allow our congregation to consider their thoughts on preparing for this eventuality.

“Poetry is Not a Luxury,” wrote author Audre Lorde, “Poetry is the way we help give name to the nameless so it can be thought.” Poetry inspires, uplifts and challenges us. It soothes us and calls us to action. Indeed, poetry is not a luxury, it is a necessity and can be a tool of sacred resistance. This Sunday will be dedicated to the experience of poetry, both spoken and set to music, with Rev. Lissa Gundlach and vocalist Carla Jamie Perez.