A
Service of Healing, Remembrance, Advocacy and Hope*
created
by The Healing Exchange BRAIN INJURY TRUST ©2000-2008
We
would be grateful if you would please acknowledge T.H.E. BRAIN TRUST
when you use this service we created. We wish you courage, peace and blessings.
We send our appreciation for your participation in this special community.
I. Introduction
As we gather together in support of those
who need healing, and in remembrance of those who are no longer here, let us
join our thoughts and prayers. Our presence as a community strengthens those
who are healing, and our words reach out to comfort those who are grieving. May
all who are here today be blessed with health and strength, and may all who are
mourning find serenity and peace.
II. Responsive reading – a prayer of remembrance
READER: In the rising of the sun and in
its going down, we remember them.
TOGETHER: In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
we remember them.
READER: In the opening of buds and in the
rebirth of Spring, we remember them.
TOGETHER: In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer,
we remember them.
READER: In the rustling of the leaves and
in the beauty of Autumn, we remember them.
TOGETHER: In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we
remember them.
READER: When we are weary and in need of
strength, we remember them.
TOGETHER: When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember them.
READER: When we have joys we yearn to
share, we remember them.
TOGETHER: So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are
now a part of us, as we remember them.
_
III.
Reading of Names
READER: At this time, we remember and honor those who
have been diagnosed with brain tumors. Some of these people are no longer
living, but their memories continue within us. Others are living their lives as
brain tumor survivors, with all of the challenges that surviving may involve
for themselves and their loved ones. We send out hope and healing to each of
these gentle spirits and to their families and loved ones.
[Read any names you have collected]
In addition to those names read aloud, we invite
anyone here to come forward and speak a name or names, including their own.
Each of us can also silently acknowledge loved ones and friends that have been
affected.
[at conclusion of reading of names]
READER: Out of
the glaring darkness of life's chaos,
we
must struggle for the words
that
will bring light and understanding.
May
we be blessed with clarity of thought,
mindfulness
of the blessings that surround us,
and
a vision of peace.
Life
is eternal, love is immortal, and death is only a horizon.
A
horizon is but the limit of our sight.
IV.
Hope and Healing – a prayer for renewed health
READER: Let us send healing thoughts and
prayers to everyone diagnosed with a brain tumor. Research shows that prayer
can help in healing. Our gathering is powerful.
TOGETHER: Let us focus our loving attention on everyone in our
community in need of healing. May they be restored to renewed health.
READER: Each of us can silently
acknowledge loved ones and friends, both present and absent ones who are in
need of our prayers.
[A moment of silence is observed]
READER: May all who are ill or suffering
find peace and comfort.
TOGETHER: May all who encounter challenges – physical or emotional
– find their strength and courage increasing each day.
READER: Grant to all who are in need of
healing, the consolation of hope.
IV-ii. REFLECTIONS (At this time in the
service, gathered members may be asked for additional reflections on healing.
Poems, songs or any thoughts are welcomed. This section may be included as time
permits)
V. A Prayer for Our Community
(with opening REFLECTIONS if time permits)
READER: May all who are living with brain
tumors find compassion, comfort and support from our community
TOGETHER: May everyone in a position to make important
contributions to brain tumor research, treatment, and prevention be empowered
to do so.
READER: May all people affected by brain
tumors, their families, friends, and their lay and professional caregivers, be
blessed with courage and hope.
TOGETHER: Allow us to find new meaning in the challenges we
encounter.
READER: Grant everyone affected by a brain
tumor the blessings and strength of a caring, supportive community like the one
we have gathered today.
TOGETHER: Grant us the vision to understand how we can work
together.
READER: May all whose lives have been
changed by a brain tumor find inspiration to adapt to new ways of living.
TOGETHER: May all of us find comfort knowing that we are not
alone, as we encourage one another and share our experiences together.
READER: May we all be blessed with health
and strength, as we continue our efforts on behalf of the global brain tumor
community.
TOGETHER: Amen
VI. Closing Prayers
READER: Eternal
source of life,
You have called us into life
and set us in the middle of purposes
we cannot measure or understand.
TOGETHER: Yet we are
thankful for the good we know,
for the life we have,
and for the beautiful gifts that are part of our life each day.
Fill us with hope knowing
that
what is good and lovely
does not perish.
ALL: May we go forth
renewed in courage and hope. So may it be.
VII. Conclusion and Announcements
__________
*Editorial note: the prayers in this ecumenical service have been
gathered from a number of sources including prayer books from different faiths.
Original text by Nancy Conn-Levin and Samantha Scolamiero, founder of T.H.E. BRAIN TRUST, is also included in the
service.
© The Healing Exchange BRAIN TRUST, Inc.
I (Douglas Winslow Cooper) have been excerpting, weekly, material from this almost-final version of the fine book by Janet Johnson Schliff, M.S. Ed., which she wrote over a three-year period with some coaching and editing help from me, through my business, Write Your Book with Me.
Her memoir is now available in paperback and ebook formats from Outskirts Press and amazon.com:
###
BOOK TALKS AND SIGNINGS
More talks are being planned for the spring of 2019… she can be contacted at 845.336.7506 (home) or 845.399.1500 (cell).
Janet Johnson Schliff spoke at the Oblong Books Bookstore in Rhinebeck, NY, on Tuesday, February 6 at 6 p.m.
Janet was on WKNY Radio 1490 in Kingston, NY, on Thursday, March 1 at 9:10 a.m.
Janet spoke at Barnes & Noble in Kingston, NY, on Saturday, March 3 at 1 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Starr Library in Rhinebeck, NY, on March 6 at 7 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Golden Notebook Bookstore in Woodstock, NY, on March 17 at 2 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Morton Library in Rhinecliff, NY, on March 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Janet spoke at RCAL in Kingston, NY, on April 3 at 4 p.m. [They gave her an impromptu book-launch party.]
Janet spoke at the Parkinson's Support Group at the Starr Library in Rhinebeck, NY, on April 4 at 2:30 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Stone Ridge Library in Stone Ridge, NY, on April 27 at 5:30 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Hurley Library in Hurley, NY, on May 4 at 6 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Kingston Library in Kingston, NY, on May 9 at 6 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Staatsburg Library in Staatsburg, NY, on May 14 at 7 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Clinton Community Library in Rhinebeck, NY, on May 31 at 6:30 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Mountain Top Library in Tannersville, NY, on June 9 at noon.
Janet spoke at the Gardiner Library in Gardiner, NY, on June 11 at 7 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Marbletown Community Center in Stone Ridge, NY, on June 20 at 6 p.m.
Janet was interviewed on radio station WTBQ-FM (93.5) on June 29 at 12 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Esopus Library in Port Ewen, NY, on July 13 at 7 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Pine Plains Library in Pine Plains, NY, on July 20 at 6 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Ulster Library in Kingston, NY, on July 23 at 5:30 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Northern Dutchess Bible Church in Red Hook, NY, on August 11 at 1 p.m.
Janet spoke at a writers' group in Rosendale, NY, on August 30 at 2 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Inquiring Minds Bookstore in New Paltz, NY, on September 6 at 7 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Adriance Library in Poughkeepsie, NY, on September 15 at 2:30 p.m.
Janet was interviewed on radio station WRIP-FM (97.9) on September 21 at 8 a.m.
Janet again spoke at the Mountain Top Library in Tannersville, NY, on September 22 at noon.
Janet spoke at the Enchanted Cafe in Red Hook, NY, on September 28 at 7 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Hyde Park Library in Hyde Park, NY, on October 4 at 7 p.m.
Janet participated in an Author Weekend at the Barnes & Noble in Poughkeepsie, NY, on October 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Janet spoke at the Tivoli Library in Tivoli, NY, on October 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Janet’s interview for the TV program Wake Up with Marci on the You Too America Channel aired on Monday, November 5, and Friday, November 9. It can now be found on the Internet.
Janet spoke at the Germantown Library in Germantown, NY, on November 7 at 6:00 p.m.
Janet participated in the Red Hook Middle School's College and Career Cafe in Red Hook, NY, on December 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Janet will speak at the Poughkeepsie Brain Injury Support Group at the Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall in Poughkeepsie, NY, on Saturday, February 23 at noon.
Janet will speak at the Stanford Free Library in Stanfordville, NY, on Saturday, March 9 at 10:00 a.m.
Janet will speak at the Howland Library in Beacon, NY, on Wednesday, March 20 at 1:00 p.m.
Janet will speak at the West Hurley Library in West Hurley, NY, on Saturday, March 23 at 1:00 p.m.
Janet will speak at the East Fishkill Library in Hopewell Junction, NY, on Monday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Janet will speak at the Grinnell Library in Wappingers Falls, NY, on Saturday, March 30 at 10:30 a.m.
Janet will speak at the Dover Plains Library in Wingdale, NY, on Friday, April 5 at 6:00 p.m.
Janet will participate in an Author Talk at the Saugerties Library in Saugerties, NY, on Saturday, April 13 at 1:00 p.m.
Janet will speak at the Red Hook Community Center in Red Hook, NY, on Wednesday, April 24 at 5:00 p.m.
Janet will speak at St. Timothy's Church in Hyde Park, NY, on Sunday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m.
Janet will speak at the Moffat Library in Washingtonville, NY, on Saturday, May 11 at 1:00 p.m.
Janet will speak at the Beekman Library in Hopewell Junction, NY, on Saturday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m.
Janet will speak at the Pleasant
Valley Library in Pleasant Valley, NY, Tuesday, May 28 at 6 p.m.
More talks are being planned for 2019… contact her at 845.336.7506 (h) or 845.399.1500 (c).
More signings will be coming up. A fine feature about Janet by John DeSantos [845 LIFE] appeared in the Middletown Times Herald-Record on Monday, March 12, as part of Brain Injury Awareness Month. An article about her book was just published in the May 2018 Living Rhinebeck Magazine. An article about her book appeared in the May 14 Daily Freeman of Kingston, NY. and another in the Family Life section of the Poughkeepsie Journal on June 8th. The Millerton News published an article on Thursday, August 2, about her talk at the Pine Plains Library.
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