Religion column: COVID memorial service Wednesday at UU church to feature art installation

“Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see.

Is any sorrow like my sorrow ...

“This is why I weep and my eyes overflow with tears.

No one is near to comfort me, no one to restore my spirit.

— Jeremiah’s Lamentations 1:12, 16 

When  renowned vocal artist Sylvia McNair walks into the local Unitarian-Universalist Church, she finds there now a “beautiful scene to look at as a great work of art.” Having been involved in the project herself for a lengthy period, she can well attest to how it affects and “speaks to me at a soul level.” 

While the nation and local community have tried to move on after two years of pandemic, the UU church has been creating a communal work of art to remember all those who have died of COVID-19 in this country. That has been done by writing numbers representing each person on strips of white paper and then attaching them to the COVID Memorial Installation, which now hangs from the ceiling. 

It is not easy to describe without viewing it, but the effect is awesome and life-changing. As McNair puts it, “Every number represents an individual who died,” and that individual has sacred worth. Pat and Rich Slabach, who also worked on the project, say “It’s been uplifting for us,” especially considering all the families and others affected deeply by the deaths. Pat says “It is overwhelming  to see the result and good to memorialize those lost.” McNair agrees as well on its artistic significance and meaning to viewers. 

The Rev. Emily Manvel Leite, minister of story and ritual, has been organizing this mammoth effort and welcomes the entire community to join the process of writing numbers. It takes 60 to 90 minutes to write 1,000 numbers, which is roughly the number of Americans who have died each day during this pandemic. While writing those numbers, McNair doesn’t do any thing else, as it requires her complete attention. “It has a great impact on you, as you think that each of these represents a human being who lived and died.” If you wish to join in the project, contact Leite at leite@UUbloomington.org

The number of people that have died  in this country is approaching one million, at about 970,000 now. That is only in this country, not counting the global devastation. The installation at the UU church now covers about half that number, and the work of remembrance continues.   

 With the cooperation and support of the Bloomington Area Multifaith Alliance, a service called “A COVID Memorial: We are not alone” will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the sanctuary. A number of people from several religious traditions will speak, including Mennonite Shawn Gerber, chaplain at IU Health Bloomington Hospital. McNair will offer her matchless gift of song, always a blessing and encouragement to those who suffer and mourn. 

Participants will be moved with grief, sorrow, but also the hope that comes from being together and celebrating lives lost, as well as strength in times of weakness. Those present can view awesome art, giving voice to lament as well as peace and hope.  

A Unitarian pastor during divisive Civil War times wrote these words to bring comfort at eventide: 

"Now, our wants and burdens leaving, to our God who cares for all

Cease we fearing! Cease we grieving! Touched by God our burdens fall.

As the darkness deepens o’er us, Lo! Eternal stars arise!

Hope and faith and love rise glorious, shining in the Spirit’s skies."

—  Samuel Longfellow