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A painting of Bill Grimbol by Jay Gorcoff. COURTESY THE CHURCH
When you look at the world today, what do you see and what do you hope for? What is your human story amidst technology and consumptive appetites? Bill Grimbol wants to know. On Friday, November 17, at 6 p.m., join The Church for “Our Stories Matter” as Grimbol, a gifted storyteller, devoted public servant, and humbled writer and painter, outlines ways to identify and utilize hope to cope and grieve.
Grimbol will explore why we need to address our culture’s need to reclaim its soul, to learn our own stories, and to hold space for others’ stories. By claiming our stories and creating spirit and perspective we can carve out an enduring faith in community that can be celebrated by both the devotional and the secular. Though centered in spirituality, “Our Stories Matter” is not a religious talk and contains no dogma or doctrine of any kind.
A pastor for Shelter Island Presbyterian Church and director of the congregation’s youth programming for more than two decades, Grimbol has gained a deep understanding and appreciation of sincerity and community. He has seen the power of mentorship. He has endured loss and found care surrounded by family and friends. He says, “Hope, in today’s chaotic and often crazy world, will not come easily. It cannot be about success, and how much stuff we might own. Hope will not come cheap. It will require real commitment. It will present great challenges for change. It will need all of us to seek to be mature.”
Bill Grimbol lives in Westminster, Vermont, with his son, Justin, Justin’s wife, Heather, and grandson, James. They live in an old rambling farmhouse, loaded with wood and books. Grimbol is retired, but continues to preach and teach, and is fully engaged in his writing, watercolor painting, photography and devouring great novels. Cartoons and cookies with James remain the highlight of most days. Grimbol has purposefully moved away from most everything religious, and has no need for that which is dogma, doctrine, rule or regulation. He simply enjoys discussing that which matters to us, our ultimate concerns, our values and sense of worth. He loves the rich diversity of faith, and sees faith as a verb, a unique experience for each of us.
Tickets to “Our Stories Matter” are $10 (free for members) at thechurchsagharbor.org. The Church is at 48 Madison Street in Sag Harbor.
Staff Writer on Nov 9, 2023