Last night I was privileged to gather with other parents for a special meeting designed just for us.  Craig Blodgett, our Student Ministries Director, organized the meeting to provide space for parents to connect in, share, and process our grief of Thomas Harabedian's death.  Jay Pope, who has a PhD in Clinical Psychology, also shared some great information about suicide, depression, and adolescence (thanks, Jay).  It was really an important time for parents to connect and pray together for the Harabedians, our church, and our families.

     A big part of it was to simply share how each of us is doing.  Have you thought intentionally about that question?  How has Thomas' death impacted you? What emotions have you experienced? What questions has it raised?  Talking with others about my answers to these questions has been a healing experience for me; I hope you will do the same.  And, I hope we can provide some more intentional time for folks to gather for that same purpose in the near future.

     It's hard not to think about Thomas' family as we process these questions.  Please continue to be praying for them. They have a very difficult journey in front of them.  Things will never get back to normal for them.  They'll never get over it; they'll have to move forward with it. Let's make sure that they have our faithful, gracious, and patient support as they do.

Blessings,

Jeremy

P.S. As August draws to a close so does the tenure for Trish Armstrong serving as our Children's Ministry Director.  This Sunday we'll have a chance to corporately say thanks to Trish Armstrong and Michelle Cooper (who served as one of our nursery coordinators for the last several years).  I encourage you to personally thank them as well.  Lori Meadors, our Preschool Ministry Director, has graciously agreed to serve through September (thanks, Lori).