Does anyone not know it's the shortest day? This is when the earth finally starts hauling itself around to Spring again - or Autumn as they call it in the Southern Hemisphere. It's also been a day that started with a lunar eclipse.
So it's somehow fitting then, that this is also the evening when Cheesetown Parish Church holds its service for the dead. Or more specifically the bereaved. The Recently Bereaved are invited to attend a service - and I'm still recently bereaved in their books, because I got an invitation.
That's what I was doing at the church. Attending a service because I've been invited, and it's bad manners not to go.
Right...yeah...being polite - and waiting on a sign.
Didn't get one
That'll teach me to be cynical...
21 December 2010 at 21:49
Ah, but you did get the opportunity for a singsong and a monologue.
And seriously, it shows that they know you don't just switch off grief like a light switch and want to be there if you need them.
[hug]
21 December 2010 at 23:49
I hadn't realised it was the shortest day - I've been too busy looking at the snow - but I heard about the scarlet moon.
I hope the service was not an ordeal.
I send a hug too.
22 December 2010 at 08:50
You mean the scarlet moon wasn't just for you?
I think you'll find it was...
I'm glad your local church remembers the bereaved at this time of year. Grieving at this time of year sucks worse than any other.
22 December 2010 at 11:05
What do you mean we call autumn, spring----we just have the direct oposite season---so we are looking at the longest day and 100d F on Xmas day
I guess the Presbyterian church has to get people though the door some how----.
So, this time of the year, do people go from cheese to Drambuie---surely there is some left at the old factory
22 December 2010 at 14:58
You're attending because it's bad manners not to go. I like it! Seriously though, as Rose says it's good that people are thinking of the grieving as well as the happy and contented.
22 December 2010 at 16:44
Love the distinction between the departed and the bereaved.
:-)
Pearl
22 December 2010 at 18:38
If it's a sign your wanting then one will come....just not when you are expecting or wanting it maybe.
22 December 2010 at 23:48
Sending you a hug through all the grief and snow and darkness...
24 December 2010 at 12:02
Merry Christmas, Macy!
SXXXX
24 December 2010 at 16:23
Mr Musgrove - Yep.. Because a singsong and a DIALOGUE would be weird...
Pat - Thanks. I get the feeling I shouldn't have gone..
Roses - Well it was only me and Ned in a freezing cold snowy field. so in a way we had a wee eclipse to ourselves..
Clyde - You know about the old Cheesetown distillery??? If you're reading an old guide book I better warn you it's been closed for the past decade..The locals have moved on to cider and Buckie..
Nick - You wouldn't belive what I've done in my time from Good Manners. A church service is the least of it.
Pearl - There's a huge difference between the departed and the bereaved... that's the bugger of it..
Libby - Thanks! But I think I'm no good at magical thinking really. If there was ever going to be a sign, it would have been before now..
Barb - Thank you!
Scarlett - Long time no see! Hope this means your blogging muse is in residence again!
24 December 2010 at 18:11
All joshing aside, there's a big bag of virtual hugs heading your way by sleigh. Look after yourself and the cherub. Nobody will be counting the selection boxes.