First, the good news: Kickoff Sunday was a terrific amount of fun, and our Godly Play and Youth Group programs are full to bursting. We had 16 children between the two Godly Play classrooms, and 28 youth meant the Youth Group room was barely big enough to fit us, much less play active games in. I am careful to steer clear of the illusion that bigger is better, and in fact I can already see that we will go through some growing pains as we adjust. But we have reason to rejoice and feel excited as we watch these programs stretch to include new people, so I will lift up a prayer of gratitude to God for these blessings.
Then, my mind turns to another program which started, flapped its wings a bit, but never really took off last year: the Grief and Spirituality Group. As I think of the congregation and our spiritual needs I am aware that we have had many deaths recently in our MPC family. There are also many people, who are dealing with transitions… going into or out of work, or retirement, new homes or old homes, new family, declining health, or perhaps dreams deferred or plans canceled. I am very aware that in our cheerful culture of success and positive thinking, we seldom take enough time to honor our griefs. We seldom get the opportunity to share them with one another or hold them up to God, not trying to fix or medicate away, but just to live with them. But here in our faith community we have the opportunity to live differently, and not to hide or deny the fullness of who we are and all we experience.
So I want to offer something for the benefit of those who need to take time to honor their griefs. But I don’t know who all of you are, nor what would work best. Please let me know what you would be interested in, with a simple online form here: http://goo.gl/Y00AYF (or you can call me directly at the office to share your ideas). I can imagine three different ways it could work: (1) a monthly drop-in group where anyone is welcome… keeping in mind however that we would need “critical mass” to keep this going, about three or four people at a minimum. (2) A covenant group that agrees together on mutually convenient times to meet. I would call the first meeting and would lead it, but would leave scheduling in the hands of the members. (3) A few events each year, for example evening church services where all are welcome, but where the theme is remembering our griefs. Please let me know what you would be willing to help provide for one another.
Every Blessing,
Talitha