In our Unbinding Grief worship series, we are taking time each week to look at the story of the Raising of Lazarus in John 11:1-44 from the perspective of various characters in the story. We are considering how they experience this significant moment of grief and the miracle that follows.
This week we focus in on the sisters, Mary and Martha, and their experience as we find it described in verses 17-27. Rev. Stephanie Tunison, a retired ordained Deacon in the UMC and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, will be sharing the message “Grieving Sisters” with us.
Often when we read this passage we focus in on the words of Jesus, words that we most often hear at funerals, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die” (v. 25-26). While these are faith filled and comforting words, if we rush to them too quickly, we miss a significant step in the grieving process.
Grief impacts every part of our being. It takes time. It cannot be rushed and it includes lament. Martha goes out to meet Jesus and immediately shares her lament. It is in response to her lament that Jesus shares these words of comfort and hope.
When it comes to our experiences of grief, it is important to give it time and space and to share our lament with God and a trusted friend or counselor. Even as we let it out, naming our lament, it makes room for us to hear and receive the words of faith from Jesus that become a lifeline as we heal and find new ways to be present to the next chapter in life.
It is also important to give this same time and space to friends, family, and colleagues as they grieve.
If you or someone you know need support in the journey of lament and grief, please reach out to one of the pastors or to Sarah Knapton, our Congregational Care Director at sknapton@hpcumc.org.
We would like to help connect you to one of our many resources including:
Stephen Ministry—Stephen Ministers can provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty. They are congregation members who go through 50 hours of training to help walk alongside someone who is hurting as a Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages them.
Grief Resource Booklet—“Living with Grief and Loss” includes all kinds of resources for understanding and living with grief and loss and is available in the hallway outside the Social Hall. Don’t miss the “Checklist for Friends of the Bereaved.”
Caring Meals—Grief makes everything harder. We would like to offer care and support by taking care of cooking a few meals for you.
Pastoral Visit—Grief and lament often include questions of faith. Our pastors are here to meet with you for prayer and to explore questions of faith that arise during difficult times.
Referrals—We would be glad to help you connect with community resources in order to find the counselor, grief support group, or other support you need during a difficult time.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Suzanne