This weekend, in Sfumato, part III, we begin to examine the gripping emotion, grief. Grief comes with losses large and small. While some of us are prone to wallow in it, others try to put it aside and put on a happy face. Neither way is emotionally or spiritually healthy. This weeks message explains why grief is actually good.

Grief helps us to deal with the pain of loss and begin the process of healing and growth. Grief can powerfully enlarge our hearts and make us more attuned and compassionate to the pain of those around us. But above all, grief is where we can actually meet God in our affliction. In grief we can finally we recognize we are not self-dependent. Far from it! We need God! We also have an opportunity to discover that we are not alone in our suffering. God is with us, knows our pain, and sustains us

In Lent, especially during Holy Week, we focus on Christs suffering, which redeemed us. We share in his sorrow so that we can also share in his glory. After all, grief is not the end; we can travel with Jesus through grief into joy.

Its been an exceptional week at Nativity: there have been four funerals in the past eight days. That means Sharon and Don Imwold have been serving many hours recently to care for families in distress. They are always prepared for a call; Its not something you can plan. We just have to be ready. Sharon and Don are two exceptionally flexible, dedicated ministers.

Don and Sharon have been helping families at Nativity deal with the loss of loved ones since 2004. They bring God into the grief by helping families select the readings, prayers, and music for the funeral. They help families work out the details of the Mass to create a beautiful remembrance that honors God and commends the soul of the departed.

Sharon, especially, has a terrific gift of listening. She knows how important it is for the bereaved to talk through their grief. Families find great comfort in relating the final moments of their loved one, talking about what theyve been through, or sharing the special memories that define a life. A planning session for a funeral might take well over an hour, "but we never rush them, says Don.

The Imwolds work hard to make each funeral a comforting, beautiful occasion. This constant proximity to grief makes them very kind and compassionate. Amid the emotional turmoil they are calm and soothing, helping families begin to walk through their grief with Jesus at their side.

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We welcome the following members First Serving this week! If you notice anyone wearing a green First Serve namebadge this weekend, be sure to wish them your best.

• Bobby Baird, OPS Team
• Kerry Ferguson, Café Vista
• Leslie Franklin, Ascent
• Shannon Hession*, Information Desk
• Cindy MacSherry*, Information Desk
• Julie McEntee, Host Team
• Emily Miller, Host Team
• Tom Parshley, OPS Team
• Anne Randisi, Prayer Team

* First Served in February.