Fruits of the Spirit

I am returning from a week’s vacation and so grateful for the time to unplug. What I noticed was how I didn’t know I needed the rest until I stopped. I bet some of you can relate to what I am saying. I haven’t returned filled with new ideas and programs to implement because, quite frankly, I didn’t think of work. Yay for me! This is new behavior and I like it.

A shout out to Matt Purinton, Kim Cowperthwaite and the rest of the team that made my vacation possible. Matt’s talk was called “The Fruits of the Spirit.” You can view it above.

Rev. Todd Glacy

I do want to draw your attention to a new workshop, “The Gift of Grief,” facilitated by Rev. Todd Glacy. Todd is no stranger to us; he is a member of the community as well as a performer and speaker from time to time. In this workshop we will see another side of Todd. This workshop is to give us the opportunity to mourn the losses we have and are experiencing as a result of the pandemic.

Common reactions to grief include shock, disbelief, denial, anxiety, anger, sadness and loss of sleep or appetite. Are you noticing any one or a combination of these feelings? Identifying grief is often the first step. When we name it, we will have a sense of relief and we can put it into context. So, register today and invite a friend to register as well.

A reminder: This Thursday is the Spiritual Exploration Zoom call at 6:30 p.m. It is a time to explore racism, white privilege, and allyship. Join in the conversation to expand your understanding and to bring your thoughts and ideas forward.

This Sunday I am starting a new series based on the work of Paul K. Chappell and his teachings of peace literacy. The series is “A New Peace Paradigm: Our Human Needs and The Tangles of Trauma.” We will be exploring the nine non-physical needs of us as humans. This week will be the first, our need for purpose and meaning.

You are a blessing in my life.
Rev. Patricia Bessey