Episode 19: Blue Christmas: making church a safe place for grief, with Odele Harding
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Christmas is often a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings. However, for those who are grieving, it can be a challenging season filled with difficult emotions. Attending traditional Christmas church services can feel jarring and difficult. In this episode, we sit down with Odele Harding from Central Church Edinburgh to explore the concept of a Blue Christmas service—a reflective gathering designed to support those who are grieving.
Odele shares insights into The Bereavement Journey, an eight-session course created by the charity 'At a loss', helping churches to provide bereavement support within the community. Discover how Central Church has embraced a compassionate approach to ministry, creating a safe and welcoming space for those navigating grief during the holiday season.
Join us as we delve into the importance of sensitive engagement with bereavement, the intentional use of language, and the power of offering a supportive community for people at various stages of their grief journey. Whether you're part of a church looking to implement similar initiatives or someone seeking solace during a tough time, this episode provides valuable perspectives and practical advice.
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