Let's dive in to the deep end, shall we, ?

I want to share with you my latest for the Presbyterian Outlook. This article explores politics and grief. 

"As the United States embarks on a presidential election year, churches and their leaders face the reality of congregational life in both a charged political climate and a new era of ministry. National and local power struggles are fostering more polarization through the election cycle. And this year those tensions will continue creeping into congregational life, bringing stress to church relationships and consuming relational energies." 

I believe that we must start by attending to grief in its many forms. I wrote in this article about three griefs every congregation must pay attention to, and how we might do that. 

Holding grief and attending to beauty at the same time feels daunting. May we grow in our pastoral imagination so we can do just that. 

~ Eileen

 Ready to explore more about grief? Vocational grief, grief rituals, ambiguous grief and fertility grief. We have wandered down a journey of grief with many ministers and leaders. Take a look at the ways we have explored the work of grief. 
 

A study for this season of life together 

What will your small group, deacon body, leadership team or Sunday School class learn together next? 

What could a 3-session series offer your group?

We are excited to share the Finding Our Way Study. 

• 3 sessions with engaging activities and interactive lessons
• Reflection prompts and prayer guides 
• A set of cards 
• Video links and a slide deck for each session
• Adaptations for Virtual sessions

This three-session series invites your small group to explore the change, griefs, and hope that you have experienced in the past four years. We are in a new era of ministry. We face unprecedented challenges and a call to renew our communities of faith. As your faith community continues on the ancient and ever-evolving journey of being the people of God, you will need to understand the new terrain and adapt accordingly.

A blessing, from turtle wisdom 

Turtle wisdom. 
Rest on the beach. 
Watch the sunset. 
Put your head on the shoulder of a friend. 
Soak up the beauty of the world. 
Of course it is broken and needs repair. 
Yet for long moments each day, we need to make time for appreciation. 
Deep rest. 
Communion. 
Only then are we restored to do the work we are called to do.

Will you join us at The Writing Table in 2024?

How are your writing goals for 2024? The Writing Table is ready for you will bring. Have a look! 

We notice what you are doing, . We think it is important. We hope that you will have the space you need to attend to griefs and lean into pastoral imagination. You inspire us. 

Blessings and deep peace, 
Eileen