Finishing November to Remember

Published on November 27, 2019 • Michelle Voelker

The memorial wall in the Gathering Hall will be dismantled as we close the month of November to Remember. The final moments of worship today will be spent outside on the steps of the south entrance, where we will witness the burning of our items that have been displayed on the memorial wall this month. This act symbolizes the final stage of grief – Acceptance – and provides an opportunity for reflection and perhaps some closure.

This does not mean that we have all arrived at acceptance of the idea that the Church of the past has changed, and continues to change. We all move through the stages of grief at our own pace and in our own time. Rather, it is a chance to open our eyes to and focus on the hope Christ gives us as we move through the season of Advent.

Practically speaking, here is what you need to know:

• The grand total of time spent outside on the steps will be 5-10 minutes.
• We will be dismissed by pew to file outside during the Sending Hymn, and will sing the last verse by the fire.

Will it be cold and uncomfortable standing outside on a winter day? Yes. But we invite you to try and set aside feelings of discomfort as the Hope candle lights the fire that will help us release our grief.