Bereavement Ministry
Anyone who is in need of consolation after losing a loved one is invited to contact the Parish Office.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE MINISTER?
At a time such as this, people want the minister to share their lives, especially their sorrows. A minister may not always have the words to say but they are here. This ministry to the bereaved lies more in powerlessness than in power; without genuine love and affection, there can be no gesture of solidarity. The bereavement minister is a sign of the love of God for His people and a sign of His presence with them, especially in this time of sorrow.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY?
"Men travel side by side for years, each locked in his own silence or exchanging words which carry little or no fright, until danger comes. Then they stand shoulder to shoulder. They discover that they belong to the same family." (Antoine de Saint Exupery).
Death and calamity bring people together as nothing else. All differences vanish, all barriers fall down. To the bereaved, the involvement of the community is most appropriate, after all as Christians we believe that we have not only a common dignity, but also a common destiny. We are members of the people of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, and are destined for the Father's kingdom: "the life and death of each of us has its influence on others." (Romans 14:7)
The continuing presence of the community is of great support and consolation for the bereaved. There should be a continuing involvement of the community in the weeks and months that follow the loss - when the real grief work has to be done.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE MINISTER?
At a time such as this, people want the minister to share their lives, especially their sorrows. A minister may not always have the words to say but they are here. This ministry to the bereaved lies more in powerlessness than in power; without genuine love and affection, there can be no gesture of solidarity. The bereavement minister is a sign of the love of God for His people and a sign of His presence with them, especially in this time of sorrow.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY?
"Men travel side by side for years, each locked in his own silence or exchanging words which carry little or no fright, until danger comes. Then they stand shoulder to shoulder. They discover that they belong to the same family." (Antoine de Saint Exupery).
Death and calamity bring people together as nothing else. All differences vanish, all barriers fall down. To the bereaved, the involvement of the community is most appropriate, after all as Christians we believe that we have not only a common dignity, but also a common destiny. We are members of the people of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, and are destined for the Father's kingdom: "the life and death of each of us has its influence on others." (Romans 14:7)
The continuing presence of the community is of great support and consolation for the bereaved. There should be a continuing involvement of the community in the weeks and months that follow the loss - when the real grief work has to be done.
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Gabby's Ladder
Gabby's Ladder provides guiding steps and loving support in a safe place to grieving children, teens, adults and families as they move step-by-step through grief and find their way to healing. Gabby's Ladder also extends grief education and support services to schools, churches and the community. |
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