Service of Remembrance
This is the time of year that is believed to be a thin time, a liminal space, when the veil between this world and the next is most transparent. Cultural celebrations such as All Souls Day, All Saints Day, Dia de los Muertos, Samhain, and others all happen at the end of October or beginning of November. In this shift of seasons, this service offers an opportunity to do something rare and a bit rebellious to mainstream culture– publicly grieve and celebrate ancestors and name that which we all experience but is often taboo: death. Minister Stacy Craig will share a reflection on a life complete and lead a service of remembrance, where everyone is invited to share names of ancestors they would like to honor. Ancestor Altar: Poet Alice Waters writes, “To acknowledge our ancestors means we are aware that we did not make ourselves.” Ancestors can include physical ancestors, spiritual ancestors, ancestors of the land where you live, and anyone who has passed who had a significant impact on you. Everyone attending in person is invited to bring items to help create a collective ancestor altar. Bring photographs or mementos of loved ones who have passed, harvest foods, and decorations—anything that you feel honors those you wish to remember on this day.