Happy (and sad) Thanksgiving to you. In this moment of the coronavirus spiking worse than ever, it is a Thanksgiving unlike any other. The holiday is defined, for most of us, by getting together with people, especially family gatherings. While some people this year are able to be together with at least a small gathering of family, and many college students are coming home for Thanksgiving, many of us are facing a Thanksgiving (as well as looking ahead to winter holidays) quite alone. Again and again I hear the same message from health officials and civic leaders: don’t travel this Thanksgiving. Stay socially distanced if you do gather with people indoors. Holidays are an especially hard time for those dealing with grief and loss. This is certainly true when the loss is the death of a loved one, who is not at the table for the holiday meal. And the other loss that all of us are experiencing and grieving through the pandemic—the loss of normal routines, the loss of human interaction—can also be felt more keenly at holiday times. Grief and loss, the inability to gather with loved ones, may make this a sad Thanksgiving for you. Sadness is not evil, but is part of this human experience. You also may experience this as a happy Thanksgiving, grateful for the life you have, grateful for loving connections with people (in person or through the computer screen). Both are true for me: I miss the family that I can’t see in person this Thanksgiving, and I’m grateful for a couple of quiet days in my own home with my partner. Feeling the sadness is good for me, instead of avoiding it. And feeling the joy is good for me as well. I wish for you the best Thanksgiving that it can be. May you feel all of your feelings and know that you are not alone. Prayer Spirit of life and love that connects all, be here now. Be with those families who are able to gather, and keep them safe. May our region and our state and our nation be spared from the growing pandemic; may we all find the strength of will to make personal choices for the health of all. May everyone who feels sad, alone, or isolated find another human soul to reach out to; may they find strength and self-love within themselves; and may they be comforted by the mysterious, divine, healing power of love that permeates all things—earth, sky, air, houses and people. May it be so. Blessed Be. Rev. Andrew Frantz |
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Rev. Andrew FrantzUUFCM Minister Summer Hours
Rev. Drew takes six weeks of time off during the summer months, and is also away for a full week at General Assembly. Although regular office hours are suspended for the summer, you may still contact Drew with any urgent Fellowship business if needed, or with significant pastoral care needs. Texting 440-935-0129 is the best way to reach Rev. Drew. [email protected] Phone/text: 440-935-0129 Pastoral Care Concerns
For support with life’s challenges, please contact Drew during his office hours or make an appointment with him. For specific needs such as rides to medical appointments or meals for people recovering from illness or surgery, please contact the Caring Team (formerly Arms Around) via Jen Prout at 989-400-3130 or [email protected]. Every effort will be made to lessen the burden on the individual or family who is dealing with a difficult circumstance. Archives
June 2024
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