November 14, 2019
Spiritual Growth

Denise Welsh, M. Div., MBA
“There comes a point when we are faced with the reality that we or a loved one isn’t going to regain health. So now, while we are able, we have an amazing opportunity to grow spiritually, to prepare for the coming days of declining health.” Denise Welsh
The Reverend Welsh is the former chaplain for Women and Children’s Services, Oncology, at Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York City. Her warm and approachable manner is reflected in the recording of the sermon she delivered the Sunday following her presentation. Points she made are:
- Creating a healing experience
- Living the losses: turning mourning into dance
- Believing that we do not die alone
Listen to her November 17th, 2019 sermon.
Celebrating Life! Funerals and Memorial Services


Joanne Swenson, Th.D. and Ken Feske, M. Div., Ministers, Church in the Forest, Pebble Beach, California
Funeral? Memorial service? Reverend Swenson reviewed the difference. She and Reverend Feske shared stories that underscore the importance of telling our families exactly what we want as a celebration of our lives. Examples of funeral programs encouraged attendees to consider what we want.
Reverend Swenson offered to meet individually with congregants to discuss funeral plans. She can be reached at 831-624-1374 or joanne@churchintheforest.org