The First Congregational Church of Greenwich (FCCOG) will once again be planting white flags on its campus in memory of the lives lost to COVID-19 in the State of Connecticut during the past year.
The church invites the larger community to join and actively participate in this memorial ritual because the church shares the belief that sharing in grief in such a way is an important step in the healing process.
Flags and markers will be made available each day from 9:00am-7:00pm beginning Monday, March 29, 2021 and ending Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.
One year ago, the world began to feel the stinging pain of isolation and loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unable to grieve in traditional and comfortable ways, everyone was forced to find new ways to come together and share in collective grief. It was out of that pain and desire to offer a space for the community to grieve that FCCOG started its flag memorial for the lives lost in the State of Connecticut.
“We now stand on the cusp of a new day, of a brighter future where we can look forward to sharing a hug with a neighbor or a grandparent,” said Reverend Patrick Collins, Senior Pastor of First Congregational Church of Greenwich. “We can now see a future brimming with hope and possibility for what could be. As we lean into this bright and hopeful future, we need to remind ourselves how we got to this place. We need to remember that the hope we feel for the next thing came at a significantly devastating cost.
“The grief, sorrow, and pain of the community still runs deep. It did not heal on its own over time. In order to truly feel the hope of the days ahead, we as human beings and as communities, we must find ways to grieve and lament. As important as it is to share a joyful embrace, it will be equally as important to share a good cry together.”
To learn more about the COVID-19 community flag memorial at the First Congregational Church of Greenwich, or to speak with Pastor Patrick, please contact Stephen Lucin at 203.637.1791 x824 or via email [email protected].
The First Congregational Church of Greenwich (FCCOG) was established in 1665 and declares itself open and affirming to all for participation, membership, leadership and employment. The church’s mission is to proclaim the gospel to all people and to work for the promotion of justice, the reign of peace, and the search for human understanding in all our relationships. The FCCOG historical building features a bell tower with 12 copper and block tin bells, various cornerstones dating back to 1895, and renovated stained-glass windows that date back to 1896. It is surrounded by the beautiful grounds of the Tomac Historic Burying Ground and the Sound Beach Avenue Cemetery.