September 15, 2021 – December 1, 2021

Wednesdays at 6:30 pm

Grief Support: Finding Meaning

Group Description:

The past 18 months have been difficult for all of us. We have experienced multiple and myriad losses. The loss of in-person worship. The loss of communion in both kinds. The loss of warm embraces during the “passing of the peace.” And so many have lost so much more. Lost jobs, deaths of loved ones. Funeral services and memorials abbreviated, delayed, or abandoned altogether. This 12-week Faith Formation offering at St. Ambrose is an opportunity for intentional reflection around grief. Together we will explore the ways that grief and loss impact each of us. As we pass through the stages of grief and move toward “acceptance” of all that has happened, how can we continue to find “meaning” in the here-and-now? To ground and structure our weekly discussions, we will use David Kessler’s book Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief (2019) as a resource and guide. (Note: The book is available paperback, audiobook, and Kindle.)

Group Covenant:

• Confidentiality- What’s said in group stays in group
• Each week, each person will be prepared to have one quote (or theme, image, or personal connection) from the reading to add to the discussion
• Unless speaking keep on mute, As the Spirit leads, “unmute” to participate in the conversation
• Speak from the first-person (A.K.A.- use “I language”)
• Listen deeply and well to what others say
• Respect each person’s vulnerability & strength, pain & loss
• Honor each person’s unique grief journey
• It’s okay to cry, not to cry… (it’s okay to laugh too!)