Rev. Maureen McElligott

Burnout? We thought things were getting better. Numbers of cases and deaths were slowing down, and more people were being vaccinated. There was a month, more or less, where it actually seemed like the pande…

I belong to a women's writing group. We meet Fridays for two hours and take turns giving prompts. The only instructions are to write as fast as you can without editing and stop when the timer goes off. The prompt this time had to do with dreams of traveling after the COVID pandemic. I started out: "I dream of traveling, though it still seems so far away....

2021 Dreams I belong to a women’s writing group. We meet Fridays for two hours and take turns giving prompts. The only instructions are to write as fast as you can without editing and stop when the timer…

I listened to Michael Gott singing this song tonight on a live broadcast, and it filled me with joy. Even the virtual event (Big Sky Retreat) didn't faze me - I was just so happy to see the people I usually see there and listen to some dynamic speakers. The words of the song reminded me of the potential of each one of us. [ 255 more words ]

You Can Do Amazing Things I listened to Michael Gott singing this song tonight on a live broadcast, and it filled me with joy. Even the virtual event (Big Sky Retreat) didn’t faze me – I was just so happy to see…

I shouldn't be surprised by the depth of my sadness following the death of my dog today, and yet, I have a hollow hole in the center of my being, a gaping wound. Maybe it's the fact of living along in the midst of the pandemic. "Thank heavens I have my Rusty to talk to," I've said on many occasions. … [ 232 more words ]

Losing Rusty I shouldn’t be surprised by the depth of my sadness following the death of my dog today, and yet, I have a hollow hole in the center of my being, a gaping wound. Maybe it’s the fact of …

Who knew we’d still be socially isolating in mid-July? I’ve recommitted to staying home as much as possible. And, at the same time, I’m receiving requests that require human contact while being cautious. I accept them because it’s what I do. A beautiful memorial service outside, an upcoming wedding outdoors in my mountain town, and two home visits with patients and their families at or near the time of death. [ 145 more words ]

Human Contact! Who knew we’d still be socially isolating in mid-July? I’ve recommitted to staying home as much as possible. And, at the same time, I’m receiving requests that require human contact while being cau…

I was honored to be asked to speak at the memorial service for one of our hospice patients. It was an outdoor graveside service on a very warm day. When I arrived, three Navy officers also showed up. It tuned out that Bill was being buried with military honors. Taps was placed on the trumpet, followed by the flag which had draped the casket being expertly folded and presented to Bill’s son. [ 147 more words ]

A Life Well Lived I was honored to be asked to speak at the memorial service for one of our hospice patients. It was an outdoor graveside service on a very warm day. When I arrived, three Navy officers also showed u…

I was thinking about changing the photo at the top of this page. After all, it's not fall! But, then I remembered that the beauty of the leaves changing colors in the fall comes from the fact that they are dying, getting ready to fall to the ground. As my main ministry deals with hospice chaplaincy, being with people at the end of their lives, I think this photo is still pertinent. There is beauty at the end.