LOSS OF A SPOUSE

by Pastor LisaMarie Doerrmann lisamaried@lordoflife.org

God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. —Psalm 147:3

The LORD is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. —Psalm 34:18

God created us to be in relationship with others, and when we lose a relationship for any reason, we grieve. The loss of a loved one can be a devastating event, and the loss of a spouse can be especially difficult. We are not meant to grieve alone.

On Tuesday, October 17, at 6:30pm, Lord of Life’s GriefShare group will be hosting a one-night seminar focusing on the loss of a spouse. This program will introduce the leaders, Joy and Scott Roeglin, include a video featuring men and women who have lost spouses, and openly address topics such as:

• What to expect following loss

• The effects of grief on your physical, emotional, and spiritual self

• Challenges that a surviving spouse may face

• The possibility for hope and healing in life

After the video, we’ll have a group discussion with others who have lost spouses to consider what the group learned from the video and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Even if you don’t feel like talking, you may learn from listening to the questions and answers of others and you will find support and hope.

This one-night presentation is also an introduction to GriefShare, an ongoing ministry at Lord of Life. The mission of GriefShare is to provide support to those experiencing the loss of a loved one and to foster a community of support to help participants in their grieving process. GriefShare runs on a 13-week cycle, with a new cycle beginning October 24. More information about GriefShare will be available at the meeting.

There is no fee for attending, and pre-registration is not required. We will plan to meet in the Choir Room, but check the monitors on your way in to confirm the location. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Tomlinson at 763.420.5015 x118.

Sent to Serve Sunday on September 24 is an opportunity to learn about the various ministries Lord of Life partners with around the world. Representatives and volunteers will have tables in Fellowship Hall; members are encouraged to ask questions & learn how we are serving people in Africa, the Caribbean, Mexico, Minneapolis, and here in the northwest metro. Where is God calling you to serve?

6 Getting Ready for Confirmation (6:30-8pm)

7 Older Wiser Lutherans (OWLs) Faith, Food & Fellowship, 11:45am

8 Karing Kingdom Preschool Get Acquainted Day

9 Fall Kickoff - Saturday Worship (5:30pm)

10 Fall Kickoff - Sunday Worship (8:30, 9:45, 11am)

Church School (CS) Open House (8:30am-12noon)

10-11 Peace Lutheran Meetings

11 Baptism Class via Zoom

C3 & CS Leader Training Option 1 (5pm)

13 Word for Women begins

C3 & CS Leader Training Option 2 (6:30pm)

14 Ring and Sing begins (9-9:30am)

Children’s Choir begins (5:30-6:30pm)

16 Contemplative Community for Spiritual Transformation begins (9-10:30am)

Watch Party for Bright Stars of Bethlehem Virtual Gala (6:30-8:30pm)

17 Church School begins (8:30, 9:45, and 11am)

C3 Confirmation Family Kickoff (5, 6, 7pm)

18 Monday Men’s Bible Study begins (6-7pm)

19 Tuesday Men’s Bible Study begins (7-8am)

20 C3 Confirmation Family Kickoff (4:30pm)

21 OWLs National Eagle Center, Wabasha, MN

23 Saturday Men’s Bible Study begins (7-8am)

Food Truck Festival (4-7pm)

24 Sent to Serve Sunday (see sidebar)

29-30 Engaged Couples Seminar (Saturday, 4:45-8:30pm, Sunday 8:30-1-pm)

Worship with Lord of Life

Saturdays (5:30pm) with Livestream

Sundays (8:30, 9:45, and 11am) with Livestream

Church School classes begin on September 17

Childcare available for birth - age two during Sunday worship