Our Stephen’s Ministry team has been talking a lot about grief and loss the past few weeks. And looking at prayer requests and listening to people’s stories, I am reminded that there are a lot of losses within our congregation, city and world. There are many types of losses - loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of an opportunity, loss of freedom, loss of a marriage, loss of relationships, loss of independence, loss of health and the list goes on. It is important that we acknowledge our losses, that we grieve them, name them and in time learn to let them go.
Grief has been described as an unwelcomed house guest. We didn’t invite the pain (loss) into our life but we are left trying to process it. Grief is unpredictable - one part of the day can feel ok but later in the same day we are hit by the ‘wave of grief’. Grief is tricky - we all grieve differently, there is no one-size fits all, there is no time frame and there is no ‘right way’. Grief is messy - there are many emotions to grief - sadness, guilt, anger, fear, anxiety, relief to name a few.
If you are grieving or know someone who is, remember to:
- Practice self-care - be kind to yourself, get enough rest, exercise, eat properly, socialise and do fun things
- Share your story and your feelings with a healing friend
- Practice spiritual - care - pray, meditate, read/listen to God’s word
- Recite and recall God’s promises – you are not alone
- Get help - sometimes we need extra support and care
At Union Church we have trained Stephen’s Ministers, men and women, who have been trained in pastoral care who would be very happy to meet with you. Once assigned a Stephen’s Minister, they will meet with you one hour per week to listen, support, encourage and pray. Be assured this is men to men and women to women. This regular confidential relationship is available to everyone - those who attend Union Church and those who do not. We believe that everyone deserves support, love and care and that as a community we are committed to ‘building one another up and spurring one another on to love and good deeds.’ Our Stephen’s Ministers make themselves available to their Care Receivers for a variety of concerns - health issues, employment, loneliness, relationships, parenting, death/dying, fertility, marriage, etc. If you are interested in learning more about Stephen’s Ministry, please let me know. I would love to get you connected.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – sometimes that rest and reprieve can be found through the support of another person.
Blessings, Pastor Michele