An Introduction to "Coping with Loss" Groups
As Friends, we seek to accompany one another through the ups and downs of life, listening together for Spirit’s loving guidance. Grief and loss are part of life, but even for those active in Friends communities, too frequently we may deal with that loss isolated from others, perhaps not knowing where or how it is appropriate to share our grief—or, for those wishing to extend care, what we might have to offer those in a season of loss.
We invite any Friends holding a concern for those who grieve within their Friends community to join us for an online workshop introducing one meeting’s approach to grief care, Coping with Loss groups.
Join Joanna Dalin as she shares about Northampton (MA) Meeting’s monthly Coping with Loss structured worship-sharing opportunities. Although Joanna is a therapist in her professional life, she will distinguish what happens in the Coping with Loss group from therapy, exploring how Friends with the gift of presence, regardless of their professional background, can offer meaningful spiritual care even in times of deep pain.
This workshop will be an opportunity not only to hear about this approach and what has “worked” about it for Northampton Friends but also to “try on” this style of worship sharing. The final portion of the workshop will be an opportunity to reflect on how this and other approaches relate to the grief care needs in your own meeting, worship group, or quarter.
We will be joined by New England Friends Aging Resources Consultation and Help (ARCH) Coordinator, Patti Muldoon, who helps Friends and Friends Meetings respond to aging related concerns throughout the year.
This workshop is offered free of charge with thanks to Friends Foundation for the Aging's support for New England Yearly Meeting's ministry.