Come join our Interim Ministers and Search Committee as we remember the ministers of First Church whose ghosts still inhabit these halls and shape the fate of ministries yet to come. This First Forum topic grew out of a sermon comment that we should hold "memorial services" when our ministers leave so that we can appropriately grieve our loss. Each ministry means something different to each person. Often the minister who was present when we joined remains our personal minister (to whom no other minister can favorably compare). Some ministries have left specific scars or particular expectations which haunt each new ministry. Today, Dennis and Sydney will conduct a "memorial interview" asking each of us to remember the ministries that have shaped us for good or ill. What do we miss? What do we yearn for? What do we fear? How do we deal with the anger at our loss of the days gone by? This exercise may begin to answer the question, "Why can’t we keep our ministers?"

December 13th: "A Christmas Clinic"

The holiday season can be one of the most emotionally difficult times of the year. It is a time when we miss the people who used to celebrate with us. It is a time of high expectations. It is a time of added pressure— too little money, too little time, too much family ... It may be the wrong tradition. If the thought of Santa, carols, or Aunt Myrtle is more than you can bear, then this forum is for you! Join Dennis and Sydney in exploring ways of coping with—even enjoying—the pressures of the holidays.