This year, Mother's Day will feel different in every way. For those who are accustomed to taking their mom out on Mother's Day for a special meal or going out to do something fun together, you are probably planning something online or at a distance. For those who have lost their moms or have no relationship with their mom, this might be a year where the pain of that loss is particularly close.

So, during Worship on Sunday, we will be having a special blessing for our mothers or for the motherly figures in our lives. We invite you to bring photos of your mother(s) or motherly figure(s) to the space in which you worship. We will ask you to hold or touch the picture(s) during the blessing -- or, if you prefer, simply close your eyes and draw on your precious memories of your mom. After the blessing, you may wish to lay a flower next to the pictures as a remembrance of this special time.

Think about inviting your mom to share worship with you on Sunday. This might be a unique year you can worship together. Or, take a picture and send it to your mom or motherly figure, if feasible, and let her know your church prayed for her on this special day.