Death of Another Kind

"The crisis of death in a family forces sudden, complicated and far-reaching decisions on those who are now responsible for arrangements. We are faced with a bewildering array of options at a time when we may be least capable of making appropriate decisions. Sometimes differences of opinion arise within the family that, although understandable, add an extra burden to the already difficult situation." (Faithful Living, Faithful Dying, p. 132)

The above quote was written in reference to the death of a beloved family member, but it very well could have applied to the bishop's staff as of late. Recently we have been reeling from two losses of another kind - death of congregations. Of course these deaths took place while the bishop was on vacation. Our staff has navigated the waters as best we could, and has done a fine job, but it certainly is true that death forces a crisis. Sudden, complicated and far-reaching decisions must be made and the decision-makers are not always the best equipped to make them, just by nature of the shock. 

One congregation's passing was well expected. We had discussed it time and again during executive council sessions. In fact the sale of its property was on a list of goals for the year.  Just this week the paperwork has been signed and the deal, and death, is final. Far from feeling celebratory, most feel the weight of this decision as sadness, and the end of an era. 

Two members of our staff attended a secularization service at the property, along with about six members of that congregation. They said the grief of the church members was tangible. We are an incarnational people. Places have meaning. We gather weekly in the same location to worship, pray, and be together. We raise our children in these sacred walls, and we celebrate the high and low points of our lives in church buildings. Of course their sale brings incredible sadness and feelings of loss. 

A second congregation's death was not completely unexpected, but its timing certainly was. In a swift move, the clergy person led a group, albeit small, away from the Episcopal Church to a splinter group. While certainly within the right of the church members to depart, it is painful nonetheless. It placed the diocesan staff in a bit of a tizzy. Decisions had to be made about Sunday services, property care, the removal of ashes from the columbarium, working with the remnant, listing the property for sale and paying the bills until then. This work has been greatly assisted by trusted and trustworthy clergy members who reside nearby. Without them, the work of the bishop's office would have been tripled, if not quadrupled. We are so fortunate to work with so many great people who understand our role as caretakers of dying traditions. Perhaps not dying, but changing. Church as it was is certainly not a viable option for today. 

All in all, the staff has pulled together with volunteers outside the office to manage these two coinciding deaths. We have had our challenges and minor conflicts, but we are emerging on the other side, looking ever forward to the future and what God has in store. And we have hope because we know that God's plan is unfolding, as we each play our small part.