Care Ministries
Focused on...
GRIEF MINISTRY
“The Hilarious World of
Depression” with John Moe
April 9, 5:45 pm (MPLS)
Depression is an incredibly
common and isolating disease
experienced by millions, yet
often stigmatized by society.
The Hilarious World of
Depression is a podcast with
a series of frank, moving, and,
yes, funny conversations with top comedians who have
dealt with this disease,
hosted by veteran
humorist and public
radio host John Moe. A
light supper is served
at 5:45 pm followed by
the presentation at 6:30
pm. All are welcome to
attend! No registration
necessary.
Bloomington-Richfield Grief Coalition
by Arnold Krueger
Bethlehem Lutheran Church Grief Ministry
For those of us who have experienced a loss, finding our
way through our sadness and pain is a very personal
journey. No one else can grieve for us. There will be times
when we feel like withdrawing from everyone around
us—spending time alone with our thoughts and memories.
This withdrawal is necessary and understandable.
However, we also need support and companionship as
we grieve. The reality is that not everyone has a friend or
family member who is able to give the kind of support we
need. In this situation, a grief support group is so valuable
because it provides a safe, non-judgmental place for us to
share our grief with others and honor our loved ones by
telling stories. One option for us is to attend grief support
meetings offered by the Bloomington-Richfield Grief
Coalition. The upcoming Spring Series meets on Thursdays
at 4:30 pm beginning April 5 through May 24. For more
information go to www.brgriefcoalition.com or contact
Arnold Krueger (952.303.1685). Sharing our grief with
others won’t make it disappear, but it will, over time, make
our pain more bearable and help us heal.
8
Loss, Change, Transition and Hope
by Arnold Krueger
Bethlehem Lutheran Church Grief Ministry
For members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, our lives
are often touched by grief—not only following the death of a
friend or family member, but also occurring because of other
life transitions. Our feelings of sadness and loss during this
time may be one of the most difficult experiences that we
will ever encounter. However, a common misconception is
that we only grieve the physical loss of the person. The reality
is that the death of someone whom we love sets off a chain
reaction—a series of secondary losses that we will discover
during the coming weeks or months. Secondary losses that
become immediately evident may include the loss of your
usual personality, loss of joy and happiness or the loss of
the person who provided your personal or financial security.
Other secondary losses may be more difficult to identify and
may include the loss of your source of emotional or spiritual
support, loss of present and
" ...a common
future hopes, goals, dreams
misconception
is
and plans associated with
that we only grieve
your loved one or even
feelings of loss associated
the physical loss of the
with giving away the personal
person. The reality is
items of the person who
that the death of
died. Feelings associated with
someone
whom we
secondary losses may often
love sets off a chain
appear for no apparent reason
and are difficult to explain.
reaction—a series of
During the past year
secondary losses that
members of our congregation
we will discover during
have experienced loss and
the coming weeks or
transitions as individuals
and also as a congregation.
months. "
As we approach the one-year
anniversary of Pastor Chris Nelson’s death, many of us will
experience feelings associated with secondary loss. I believe
that we need to not only remember his ministry with us but
also recognize and grieve the secondary losses that we may
feel.
Even though this may be an emotional time for many of us,
we can also use this as an opportunity to pause, reflect and be
grateful for what Pastor Chris gave to us throughout his years
as Senior Pastor. Pastor Chris empowered us to encounter
change and move forward into the future with strength,
resilience and the hope of new possibilities. Pastor Mary and
Pastor Ben are providing us with this opportunity.