Grieving is a universal, human experience. While we will all experience grief in our lives, it is also a unique journey each time. Mourning is a sign of love and this wisdom is embodied in Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Sadly, a loved one has died, and the phone calls begin: “What are we going to do about a funeral?” During this pandemic, the logical answer is to postpone it. But that does not take care of emotional needs right now. Fortunately, in our tradition, anyone can conduct a funeral or memorial service. So, there is no right or wrong way to lead them. We do not have a prescribed liturgy for any service so that the leader has the freedom to offer what is needed by the people. Here are some Biblical background and suggestions for making online memorials …
The Office of Christian Formation engaged a group of writers to create a toolkit for faith practices that will be released in summer 2020. The completed toolkit will provide scriptural and theological grounding for each practice, as well as ways to engage for all ages. Here is a sampling from that toolkit to provide ideas of engaging in practices during these times.
This Quicksheet will offer suggestions for ways you might hold Holy Humor Worship with your congregation digitally any time you feel the need to laugh in the face of darkness and celebrate the joy of God’s abiding presence with us. These suggestions focus on fun, improv and group participation which is all intended to encourage joy and spontaneous worship. It is planned with zoom and other on-line platforms in mind. It is meant to be fully intergenerational and inclusive of all ages. You are encouraged to use the following ideas all in one worship service or as ideas to enhance …
This report covers research on the sustainability of new worshiping communities within the 1001 NWC movement.
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Resources
As faith leaders, we can offer something unique in this time of grief and crisis. You don’t have to produce super engaging videos or daily content, just use your gifts to be present and authentic; use this time to focus on connection and community. Let’s face it, you are probably already doing this in some form or another. Here are some ideas to help you be present with your youth even when you are not physically with them.
Whether you are meeting in real time or virtually, when recognizing milestones, it is important to be intentional about the process in order to bring meaning to the event for young people. Here are some suggestions for opportunities to lift up and acknowledge milestones that will be missed this spring.
In this issue…
Because our youth are stuck at home for a while, it’s a great time to inspire them to think about the situations and circumstances of others. With a little guidance and encouragement from their adult leaders, young people can use their extra time and their access to the internet to learn about the obstacles and injustices that other people face in their town, across the country, and around the world. Here are some ideas for getting your youth to take a more avid interest in advocacy.