Hand in Hand: Understanding Grief and Loss

Both lay and clergy are invited to this program to develop the ability to identify grief, understand the ways in which it affects our lives and learn appropriate responses of a pastoral care visitor or provider.

Caring for and supporting those within our lives, whether personal, volunteer or professional, who are experiencing major life transitions; such as, illness, aging, family caregiving and death can be a challenge. We often feel inadequate to the task. This program is designed for anyone who wants to increase their skill and comfort level in this area. Through focused conversations, reflection and small group sharing, participants will enhance their ability to provide supportive care to others.

Leadership:
Rev. Dr. Anne Simmonds, adjunct faculty at Emmanuel College, Toronto, teaches courses in Death, Dying and Grieving and Prayer. She teaches in Emmanuel’s continuing education for clergy and parish nursing programs. Anne is a Voluntary Associate Minister at Metropolitan United Church in Toronto where she has also served as a supply minister. Anne offers spiritual direction, counselling, workshops and retreats. She is a gifted speaker and facilitator who draws on her extensive experience in congregational ministry, hospital chaplaincy and nursing, www.annesimmonds.ca

Members of the Hand in Hand Planning Team will also be contributing to the leadership of this program.

Please note that the program begins with supper on Wednesday and ends with lunch on Friday.