From The Interim Pastor:
Facing Loss|
|
From The Interim Pastor: Facing Loss |
|
There is nothing like the shock of receiving the phone call to tell us that someone we've known or loved has died. Even if death seems immanent, the news that someone is actually, irrecoverably gone shifts our whole world view. We now have to imagine and inhabit a world that no longer contains this friend or beloved person and that world can only seem lessened by that loss. We can be grateful that somehow our great
Designer allows us to go into a state of numbness upon first hearing
that news. The numbness usually lets us attend to the tasks that have to
be managed immediately following a death, calling the funeral home and
communicating what's happened. But after the initial numbness wears off,
the myriad of details can overwhelm those left behind and questions of
what the deceased would have wanted haunt those left to manage estates
and memorials. In the past several months, we have lost a few
members of our beloved community. In some cases, the deceased had made
their wishes regarding about their estates and memorials very clear and
in other cases, much more was left unknown. Many times, people feel that
contemplating their death and burial arrangements is unlucky, eerie or
uncomfortable. They might be concerned about the profit motives behind
the funeral industry or just feel that no one they know really wants to
hear about their end of life plans. Fortunately, as members of this
church you have another option. At your request, Scott or I will be happy to sit
down with anyone who would like to make his or her end of life plans. We
have a worksheet that will help you plan your memorial and burial
requests and we can maintain that information in our member files. Based
on your desires, we can plan a memorial that is as simple or as grand,
as solemn or as celebratory as you would want for your family and
friends. We'll go through the hymnal together to pick out your favorite
hymns and talk about scripture or other readings you want to have done
or things you want to have said. We can also help you find resources for
estate management and burial planning. End of life planning can actually
be a joyful and comforting experience and it's a ministry we would be
happy to provide. For all those who are grieving losses of friends
and family this time of year, we wish you the Holy Spirit's consolation
and grace. The journey through grief is a long, winding path that
sometimes feels like it doubles back on itself bringing fresh tears and
deeper grief. If you find yourself needing someone to walk with you on
that path, please get in touch with Scott or me or contact a Stephen
Leader. You never have to feel like you are walking that path alone. Just as Spring is a time of renewal in the face of certain Winter yet to come, planning for the end of life makes the days we still walk this earth all the more sweet. In the same way, sharing our needs with each other can open us up to new stirrings of grace in our lives. May the blessings of this season grant you the strength and softness you desire on your continuing journey. Amen. |