EVENT ESSENTIALS: November 19, 2015, at 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary Arborlawn UMC, 5001 Briarhaven Road, 76109
EVENT OVERVIEW:
This service was created to offer inspiration and hope with tangible ways to get through the holidays in spite of loss.
There will be beautiful music, a brief message of inspiration and an opportunity to lay a token / emblem of loss (picture, flower or letter) on the altar. Flowers will be provided for those needing a token.
If you or someone you know is dreading the holiday season, please invite them, offer to pick them up, sit with them as they enjoy the beauty of this service.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
LOGISTICS QUESTIONS
- How long is the service? About 1½ hours.
- Is admission charged or an offering taken? No. Hope for the Holidays is Arborlawn’s gift to the community.
- Is everyone supposed to get a flower? Roses are primarily for those who forgot to bring a memento, but don’t deny anyone.
- May I put my candle / memento on the kneeling rail now, or should I wait? Participants may put items on the kneeling rail before being seated; or they may wait until the designated time during the service.
- May I sit in the balcony? Of course.
- Is there certain seating for those who have lost children? Or for those who are survivors of suicide? Arborlawn has not designated specific seating. However, in the past the survivors of suicide have sat as a group.
- What about transportation? Yes, these services are available for those who make arrangements with the church (817-731-0701) in early November.
- Will anyone be available to talk with me after the service? Yes, pastors will be in the sanctuary for a short time after the service.
- Is a nursery/childcare available? Yes.
- Is the service appropriate for children? What ages? Yes, Grief is a family affair. But most children younger than 7 have difficulty sitting still. If they have attended a funeral, they will have an idea of the solemnity of the evening. There will be flowers for the children to place on the altar in memory of the person who died. Children may want to place tokens on the altar.
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“IN-DEPTH” QUESTIONS
- I’m wondering if I should have come or not. This is normal. Some individuals may be more comfortable sitting in the balcony, the chapel, or the downstairs cry room. Offer to find someone to talk with them (Melissa or pastoral staff).
- How soon after a loss is too soon to attend? Usually less than a month is probably too soon. But we have had those attend with losses in less time.
- Is there a lot of crying? “I don’t mourn in public.” It is not uncommon to hear sniffling, but that’s about it. If you’ve lost someone, tears are one of the best tools for healing. But, the service ALWAYS ends in inspiration and the focus of HOPE. There is always a moment of laughter during the evening.
- How can participants learn more about the grief process? A variety of grief information will be available.
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Need more information? Please call the Arborlawn UMC office, 817-731-0701.