Beloved,

Many of you know that our sister Clare Fearon has been missing since Thursday, November 5. These have been long and anxious days for her husband, Doug, and for everyone who loves her. As the search continues, I ask you to keep Clare, Doug and their family especially close in your prayers.

I found myself feeling disoriented throughout the weekend, thinking about Clare. As I went about the things I needed to do, my thoughts kept returning to her and to Doug. It felt strange to carry on with the ordinary routines of the day while something so frightening remained unresolved. Perhaps some of you have felt that too.

It is hard to know what to say in circumstances like these. We keep checking for news and wishing there were something more we could do. Some of us may be struggling to find words for prayer. Simply saying “Clare” and “Doug” before God is a prayer. So is sitting quietly with the love and concern we carry for them.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you…” (John 14:27). He speaks these words to people who will soon find themselves frightened and unsure of what comes next. His promise gives us something to hold on to as we wait: the presence of Christ, whose love remains with us through every anxious hour. We can bring him our fear, our questions, and our deepest hope that Clare will be found safe.

At church, we speak often about bearing one another’s burdens. In days like these, that means helping to carry the anxiety and uncertainty, remaining present as the waiting continues. Please remember Doug in the ordinary moments of your day. Pray for his strength and rest, and for the people closest to him who are helping him through these hours. We can also care for him by respecting his privacy and allowing him room to receive support without having to respond to every expression of concern.

We are deeply grateful to the police, firefighters, search teams, and all who have given their time and skill to finding Clare. Please pray for their safety, perseverance, and guidance. We can support their work by following police instructions and taking care to share only verified information.

Police have asked residents and businesses to review security camera footage from Thursday, November 5, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Anyone with information or potentially helpful footage should contact Barnstable Police at 508-778-3874. They have also asked people to leave searching in the designated area to the organized teams.

Our prayer remains that Clare will be found safe and brought home. As we wait for news, please keep caring for one another. If these days are bringing up fears or memories you are finding difficult to carry, please reach out to me. You are part of this parish’s care, too.

Merciful God, whose love surrounds us wherever we may be: watch over Clare, shelter her from harm, and guide those who seek her; sustain Doug and all who love her through these anxious hours, and uphold them with your strength and tenderness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Faithfully,