About Sue Bouder,
Master of Divinity

In sync with the burgeoning COVID-19 pandemic, with its call to “shelter in place”, was my uncle’s dying in a hospice in Lancaster County, PA. Just six months after his sister’s (my mother’s) passing in that same facility, my uncle took his final breath.

My extended family was unable to travel to give thanks to our uncle, for his life with us, to say our goodbyes, to offer comfort – physical and emotional – to our aunt, to assist with the myriad end-of-life decisions, to gather with family for comfort & celebration.

I immediately became aware of my own need to, in some way, “gather” with extended family. I reached out first to my aunt and then to others and they agreed that some readings, prayers, and music now would be supportive. How could we simply wait, from March to July, for the comfort of ritual?

I set up a Zoom gathering and found it to be comforting and joyful - with its combination of informal chatting, spiritual readings, music, and sharing of memories.

So now, in a spirit of solidarity, I offer the same creative, comforting opportunities for your family and friends.