By Lori Berkey, Contributing Writer
Grafton – During this crisis many people are turning to their places of worship. With in-person services being banned, many congregations are finding creative ways to offer support. The Unitarian Universalist Society of Grafton and Upton, sent word out in their bulletin March 20, that they are inviting people to Worship this Sunday, March 22, at 10 a.m. on Facebook Live! Participants will need a personal Facebook account to access that page and its contents and can participate at www.facebook.com/UUSGU/. Rev. Daniel is making himself available at [email protected] or 508-887-0662 for questions about this service.
Their bulletin also offered the following suggestions to cope with social distancing:
How to alter your daily activities:
- Avoid public places where crowds may gather or poorly ventilated buildings where the risk of transmission is higher.
- Restrict your time in public and limit close contact.
- Older adults should still exercise and eat right, just as they would at any other time of the year.
How to maintain social connections with our beloved community:
- Call your friends regularly on the phone and see how they are.
- Create WhatsApp groups with friends. Share how you’re feeling and ask other people how they are.
- Use Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date and keep in touch.
- Offer to help with shopping or running errands. You could see if your neighbors need assistance. If you’re worried about transmitting the virus you can leave the bags on the doorstep.
Other ways The Unitarian Universalist Society of Grafton and Upton is offering help is through their Pastoral Care Team that offers support to those who are adjusting to change, loss, illness or death, offering compassionate care and encouraging a sense of belonging and connection. They are coordinating a range the following short term help for their members in need:
- Meal preparation and delivery
- Transportation to medical appointments or church
- Grocery/medication pickup and delivery
- Sending cards in the event of sickness, death or need for encouragement
- Pet care/pet walking in case of personal incapacitation
- Listening and assisting with talking through grief related to death or other significant loss.
- Light household repair
They offered anyone who is in need or knows someone in need to contact Nancy Lapelle at [email protected] or – 508-662-8789 or April Craft at [email protected] or 774- 573-3399 to arrange for these services to be provided. Members in need of financial support via the Dignity Fund may contact Rev. Daniel at [email protected].
Those with the ability to help serve on the pastoral care team may offer assistance.
