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Rev. Michelle's Message October 24, 2024
We are now deep into our October theme of death and dying, this year focusing on the work that an end-of-life doula does and how we can work to create the most peaceful, nontraumatic, sacred death as possible for ourselves and our loved ones.
This year we are exploring Alua Arthur’s book, Briefly, Perfectly Human. I hope you had an opportunity to watch her TED talk, “Why Thinking About Death Helps You Live a Better Life.” If not, here’s the link again: https://youtu.be/IkeuKPZxEhM?si=Ok5O8IbIMAsabDvs
I also wanted to remind you that her website, goingwithgrace.com is a wealth of information about death and the dying process. She also offers a free 7-day mortality exploration challenge, which you can check out at: https://mailchi.mp/2fad6fb3993d/theinvitation. The description for the challenge says, “Every day you live is an opportunity to get closer to the life you want. This 7-day invitation into your mortality will get you closer by asking you to examine your unique ride of life and will create space for you to reflect on what is important and valuable in your life.” This is the perfect time of year to embark on such an exploration!
You are in for a real treat this Sunday with our guest speaker, Laurie Wheeler, End-of-Life Doula. Many of you met her this past Sunday and she is delightful. Incidentally, she grew up in Unity and is hoping to begin attending our church! How usual!
Her talk, “Working Toward a Peaceful Passing,” will offer thoughtful, practical information about what an end-of life doula does and how we can prepare for our own peaceful death or help our loved ones prepare for theirs. She will also have some really useful handouts/freebies, so you won’t want to miss this!
After the service, at 11:30 am, we will be serenaded by the Choral Artists of Carmel, directed by Robin McKee Williams. This choir group uses our sanctuary for their practices and is offering us a free 45-minute concert to say thank you!
Following the concert, we will gather downstairs for a light potluck lunch and informal discussion with our guest speaker. Bring your questions, concerns, and fears about end-of-life planning as this time will surely be rich and meaningful.
Continue to bring in your personal photos or mementos of your loved ones for placement on our communal Day of the Dead altar. Remember, in addition to family and loved ones, we can also honor pets who have passed. They are part of the family after all! This year I will be honoring my beloved kitty Zoe who passed a few months ago at 19 years old.
And don’t forget that next week, Sun. Nov. 3, is our annual Day of the Dead Remembrance Service. We will learn about the vibrant Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead and how it can help us gain a new perspective on death. Then we will light candles to honor and remember our own loved ones. It is always a very meaningful service, so please plan to attend!
Spooky Blessings,
Rev. Michelle
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