The Unbroken Circle: A Toolkit for Congregations Around Illness End of Life and Grief
"If we can honestly and openly share the ways death visits us all, the greatest blessing is not what we learn about dying, but what we learn about ourselves, one another - and how to live deeply and well. In this toolkit, author James Brooks offers us a precious gift, harvested from his good heart and a life of deep listening and authentic, compassionate presence. We owe him our gratitude for this elegantly simple, wise, and precious jewel." --Wayne Muller, Ordained Minister; Founder of Bread for the Journey; Author of Sabbath: How, Then, Shall We Live?"In caring for one another, we participate in the creation of community. This primary social compact is not a contract, it is a covenant. The Unbroken Circle is an essential resource that assists congregations in fulfilling this covenant." --Ira Byock, M.D.,Director of Palliative Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center; Author of Dying Well and The Four Things That Matter Most"Faith communities are an integral partner in the care of someone with a life-limiting illness and their family caregivers. The Unbroken Circle demystifies illness, end of life and grief and offers faith communities a road map for providing support during those seasons of life." --J. Donald Schumacher, Psy.D., President and CEO, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization"Pastors and congregations seeking to be compassionate and sustaining communities of healing and support will find in The Unbroken Circle a treasure chest of practical tools and a reservoir of inspiration and motivation. This is more than a toolkit; it is an invitation to lovingly accompany people on the journey toward wholeness -- especially through the valleys of sickness and death."   --Kenneth L. Carder, United Methodist Bishop; Williams Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry, Duke Divinity School