Special thanks to DRE Loren Crawford for lending me the book, and to Kristi and Trish for preparing the slides.

During the worship service, I shared these words from author Naomi Klein:
We need to fiercely protect some space to dream and plan for a better world. This isn’t an indulgence. It’s an essential part of how we (go forward).

I believe that libraries, churches, and various communal spaces provide this kind of dream space. Let us fiercely safeguard them.

Update re DRE Loren Crawford and her daughter  (5/13)
From Rev. MAM Over two weeks ago, our Director of Religious Exploration texted me on a Monday morning. Her 24 year old daughter had had a stroke during the night. Loren reported last week that while the cause of the stroke is unknown, her rehabilitation has exceeded expectations. While the journey is long, she was released from rehab on Monday. Here’s a note from Loren, who is a full-time Drama Teacher at Walden School here in Louisville.

My daugther is now staying at her Grandmother’s for a couple of days! Wonderful. She is doing really well. She will come home to our house on Thursday when I complete my classes at Walden. She starts outpatient therapy on Friday. I hope to be at church next Sunday for the big luncheon! I am very much looking forward to some quiet days here at home with her very soon.

Saying goodbye and dealing with grief can be a tricky process. As I mentioned on Sunday, I revisited a chapter in the book “In the Interim” that reflects on the second year of an Interim Minister’s journey. It emphasizes the importance of envisioning what a positive farewell might look like for the congregation we serve. Often, when an Interim can create a meaningful  farewell—what we call a good Goodbye—it can significantly ease the healing process for many who carry unresolved farewells from previous ministries. One article even mentioned that a meaningful goodbye is one of the greatest gifts an Interim can provide to a congregation. However, a proper farewell isn’t accomplished by the Interim alone; it’s a collective effort. Therefore, I hope many of you will show up and join us for this  Sunday’s First Farewell Sermon and The Big Farewell Party after.

Yes, there will be a bit of a Star Trek theme but you don’t have to know about Star Trek to enjoy. Trekkies Kristi and Tim are helping with this party!

1. The Farewell Party will begin with a regular monthly luncheon brought to you by our luncheon crew.

4.  After we clean up from lunch together, there will be board games and puzzles in the social hall, games outside in the courtyard (may include pin the visor or the Captain) Also, a special Star Trek episode viewing in the sanctuary. And a MAM Book giveaway, also in the social hall.

5. We will also have the Raffle drawing!

Rev. MAM’s Good Goodbye Journey Dates after Sunday

• Sunday, May 25: I will not be participating in the service featuring member poetry, but I will be around that weekend.
• Sunday, June 1: Our Adult Education Death and Dying Class will present their experience of the year-long class we shared together. ALSO, on a lively note, there will be a luncheon that day after the service.
  The Congregational Meeting is that day after lunch.
• Sunday, June 8: Your new minister, Rev. Liz will be joining me in the pulpit. It will also be Flower Communion Sunday!
• Sunday, June 15:  My, Rev. MAM, Second Farewell day in pulpit. Small party after.

Again, please be mindful of the time we have left. Also, note your own patterns of how you say goodbye or depart a situation, and be mindful not to ignore the feelings or process. We ministers are asked to share our feelings with you during this time. We aren’t asking you to fix anything. Just share with us/me your thoughts and feelings as well. Good goodbyes include truth-speaking, appreciations, forgiveness and love. And, in my humble opinion, food. Lots of food.