The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning

What does it mean to live our lives with the end in mind – and what does cleaning have to do with it?  This Sunday, we will use the book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson to explore themes of life and legacy through this method of “decluttering.”  Together we will reflect on our mortality with vulnerability and self-love, letting go of what no longer serves us and living our lives to the fullest. 

Rev. Monica Kling-Garcia (they/them) currently serves as the Lead Staff Chaplain and Palliative Care chaplain at UnityPoint-Meriter Hospital in Madison.  As a chaplain, Rev. Monica’s theology is one which emphasizes relationships and storytelling with their patients, especially at the end of life.  When not in the hospital, you can find Rev. Monica enjoying a good movie or video game with their husband Logan and energetic cat Yen.

Share the Plate

  • The Share the Plate for March 19th and 26 is Centro Hispano. Centro Hispano is the leading nonprofit serving Latinx in Dane County WI. Since its beginnings in 1983, Centro Hispano has provided a range of programs  that support Dane County’s Latinx population. Throughout the years, the needs of the Latinx population have changed, and today, our programs focus on youth, families and the community. Centro Hispano now serves over 2,500 families every year through its programs and services. 


Order of Service

  • Gathering Song:  #188 “Come, Come, Whoever You Are”
  • Welcome
  • Prelude: “Simple Gifts” – offered by Kirsten Johnson, Jean Skinner & Heike Saynisch
  • Call to Worship
  • Lighting the Chalice and Musical Response
  • Shared Music:  “Forget Your Perfect Offering” based on the lyrics of Leonard Cohen
  • Time for All Ages:  “Stuff” by Margie Palatini
  • Shared Music:  #396 “I Know This Rose Will Open”
  • Wisdom from the World’s Traditions: “In Blackwater Woods” by Mary Oliver
  • Reflection with Rev. Monica Kling-Garcia
  • Offering: “Learn to Fly” by Mary Grigoli, offered by Kirsten Johnson, Jean Skinner & Heike Saynisch
  • Joys and Sorrows
  • Shared Music:  #128 “For All That Is Our Life”
  • Extinguishing the Chalice and Benediction

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Our Collective Sharing Project continues today in person and online – read about it here

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