Comfort & Joy
“Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
“Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Reception is the noun form of receiving. Guests are received or welcomed or “taken in.” A funeral or memorial reception was once referred to as a “repast.” Historically, a repast was a meal shared by close friends and family after the funeral or memorial service.
A Repast gathering offers friends and family the opportunity to meet in a calming and loving environment. It gives the mourners the chance to support each other, share stories and memories, and continue to celebrate the life of someone they cared about.
Planning an event can be and often is overwhelming in normal circumstances, but when you add the fact of someone who is mourning a death, it can become not only overwhelming but unmanageable.
University's Comfort and Joy Ministry started 5 years ago, this ministry exists to plan, serve and oversee post-funeral and memorial service receptions. Volunteers become the hands and feet of Christ taking the burden from grieving families. They plan, prepare the food, serve and clean up so that the families and friends can celebrate the life of a loved one. Leaders of this ministry make it so easy for folks to become involved. When a funeral or memorial service is being planned, a SignUpGenius is sent out to those involved with Comfort & Joy. They can choose to sign up to help prepare food, serve, and clean up. Folks sign up for what they are able to do and when they are able. As the staff facilitator, it has been a joy to watch this ministry as they so lovingly serve the families grieving the loss of a loved one.
Linda Brazel, one of Comfort and Joy Lay Leaders said it best, “I can't believe that the Comfort and Joy Ministry has been serving grieving families for five years! What a blessing! Each one who serves brings happy tears to my eyes. It is truly heartwarming.”
If you would like more information or would like to talk to one of the leaders of Comfort and Joy, (Linda Brazel, Phil Miller, Denise and Dennis Rosenberry), a table will be set up in the Atrium on November 6th and in the North Lobby on November 13th in between services.
There will also be a celebration and information luncheon on November 13th at 12:15pm in the John Wesley Room. To RSVP to the luncheon or for more information, email me at .
I look forward to serving with you,
Debra Harris