If the grieving person has lost someone who attended activities with him or her, invite that person to continue attending the activity. People who are grieving can feel lost in relating to others without their loved ones. You may also like to invite them to something new as they begin to redefine their identity. It may be a comfort to share feelings with others who have similar experiences. Home hospice care may offer grief groups in your area.
People can experience the death of a dream, a relationship, a job or other losses.
Sometimes it is more of a challenge to care for people who are grieving the loss of something other than a person known to the congregation. Although the opportunity to attend the funeral or memorial service is missing, the remaining opportunities of ministry are still available. The anniversary of the death of a loved one can accentuate the loss once again. Memories and events are recalled and may cause more grieving. Larraine Frampton works in the Division for Ministry at the ELCA churchwide office.