class curriculum and workbook

It is the goal of this class to offer a community engaged in listening   to your story and your sorrow. This is a place to be honest and to let down your guard, because Jesus is listening to your heart. This is a secure and safe place to be. You will be invited to share your journey with others who also have come to be consoled and heard. Through the interchange of speaking and listening with God and one another, authentic conversation will take place in love and genuine compassion. Below is a synopsis of the class. Any use of material must be with permission of the author.

Lamentation class centers on the workbook which guides the class in the process of recording and sharing our journeys. It is designed as an eight-week class, but can be shortened or lengthened depending on the circumstances and the availability of participants and facilitators.

This is also a place of hope and of hospitality. Hope, in that Jesus grants us life in the midst of pain, and hospitality, in that all who undertake this journey are supported and encouraged. This is a place to experience the love of God in powerful yet gentle and sure ways. Finally, this is the beginning of a journey of courage, challenging all of us to be formed into the image of Jesus, entering ever deeper into His love and mercy. Below is a summary of the class workbook.

The Journey Begins

First Week: Welcome and Introductions

Remembering

Second Week:     Lesson One: Crisis                     Letter #1 Due

Third Week:         Lesson Two: Confusion          Letter #2 Due

Waiting

Fourth Week:       Lesson Three: Community   Letter #3 Due

Fifth Week:           Lesson Four: Compassion (open week)

Hoping

Sixth Week:          Lesson Five: Consolation         Letter #4 Due

Seventh Week:    Lesson Six: Communion           Letter #5 Due

The Journey Continues

Eighth Week:         Endings and Beginnings

Lamentation Class Personal Letters

(These letters are shared by each person in the small group setting)

1. Letter of Perspective Due Week 2

Describe your perspectives and attitudes toward death, dying and/or other losses. Include any questions you have about mourning and grief. Grief has many facets and colors, describe them as best you are able.

2. Letter of Biography Due Week 3

Like a biography, describe who this person was or is. What have you learned about this person since they died, or since this process began? Bring in pictures, mementos, and/or video clips of the one who has died to share with the rest of the group.

3. Letter of Farewell Due Week 4

Describe how you were able to say farewell (good-bye) to the person(s) who died, is dying or left the family. Have you said good-bye? How do you want to say good-bye? Were there things left undone or unfinished that still need to be said? Describe the days surrounding the death as well as the day of the funeral or memorial and the days just after.

4. Letter of Hospitality Due Week 6

In what ways will you open your life more in hospitality to not only the memory of the person who is gone, but also to those who survive this death and/or loss? In what ways do you, your family, and your friends want to welcome back and remember this person in your lives? During family gatherings and family celebrations, how will you remember this person? What areas regarding your family and the mourning process need to be addressed?

5. Letter of Insight Due Week 7

How is God making His insights and consolations known to you? What is He teaching you even though He seems hidden at times? What comfort and hope is He giving you at this point? You may share with the group any cards or letters which were especially helpful and consoling for you.

Note: Letters to Your Family (shared any time)

In time and where appropriate, begin to share these letters with members of your family. This may open a dialogue around how the loss is affecting them and how the family can come to terms with grief.

For more information please contact Dr. Dale Pollard at dale@8thdaycommunity.org. 

(c) Dale Pollard, 2006