Sangha Care

At the heart of our Buddhist practice is friendship. Tending to each other deepens our practice and connection, for both givers and receivers. We all go through times of difficulty, and it's not always easy to ask for help when we need it, just as it's not always easy to know when we could offer help. The Morning Star Sangha Care group has been created as a way of organizing care and support for one another in times of need. This group is a resource for all in our deeply connected community.

The Sangha Care group offers support to anyone who sits with Morning Star Zen Sangha who could benefit from practical assistance or just someone to listen. These are just some examples of what the Sangha Care group can offer:

• Meals or grocery shopping at times of crisis.
• A visit while you are in the hospital or homebound (in person or virtual)
• A ride to practice with Morning Star Sangha or to a sesshin
• Help around the house if needed
• A compassionate, nonjudgmental listener when you're struggling--a friend who can join you in turning toward difficult situations (in person or virtual)

Support is not limited to these scenarios. Please reach out about whatever you might need, and the Sangha Care group will respond to all requests as well as we are able. Please know, however, that we cannot offer licensed psychological care. In the case of a crisis or medical emergency, needs will be better addressed by a trained professional or by dialing 911 or 988 (crisis lifeline).

Our sangha care group will also offer a regular tea, to be held after each week we sit two periods of silent zazen (every three weeks). These teas will offer fellowship and an opportunity to connect with each other and with someone from Sangha Care in a social setting. We hope they will also be an opportunity for informal reflection on our practice and for deepening our relationships.

To Request Sangha Care

Email us at morningstarsanghacare@gmail.com to request support or connection, and someone from the Sangha Care group will respond. You are also welcome to connect directly with Sangha Care group members during our tea sessions. All communications with the Sangha Care group will be kept confidential, and making a request of Sangha Care does not obligate you to volunteer your own services in turn.

To Offer Sangha Care

More help providing support is always welcome. If you are interested in joining the Sangha Care group to offer assistance or connection, please speak with a practice leader or teacher at Morning Star.