Gathering For Tea and Encouragment
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
– Helen Keller
Recognizing the need for community and stepping out in faith was a calling that Beth Anger couldn’t ignore. Inviting a group of women into her home several years ago began this journey.
In this Missional Moment, we talk to Compass Point community member Beth Anger, who tells us about a very special group of women who gather together to support one another and walk through the grief of losing someone.
“The ladies have something in common (their widowhood) and it is important for them to have the opportunity to talk about their shared loss and how the Lord is enabling them to carry on in His strength and how to live for His glory.”
Gathering For Tea and Encouragement
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
– Helen Keller
Recognizing the need for community and stepping out in faith was a calling that Beth Anger couldn’t ignore. Inviting a group of women into her home several years ago began this journey.
In this Missional Moment, we talk to volunteer and Compass Point member Beth Anger, who tells us about a very special group of women who gather together to support one another and walk through the grief of losing someone.
“The ladies have something in common (their widowhood) and it is important for them to have the opportunity to talk about their shared loss and how the Lord is enabling them to carry on in His strength and how to live for His glory.”
Can you tell us how you got started with the Widow group and what you do in the group?
About 7 years ago, I was invited (along with my widowed mom) to a Widows’ “High Tea” held in “The Commons” and organized by Bruni Filter and her friend Yvonne. My mom won the prize for being the oldest present. The prize was for Bruni and Yvonne to serve high tea for 6 at my home at a date suitable to all. Afterwards, we talked about the need to encourage widowed ladies in our church.
When I offered to assist, it was not long before a group of 5 ladies was formed to meet once a month in my home. Several more have been added over the years to our present group of 7. (8 before mom, Mary Barber’s passing). Mom really looked forward to our monthly meetings when she could no longer get out to the church services. I’m so glad God burdened my heart for this ministry!
What does a meeting look like, and how often do you meet?
We meet once a month on the second Tuesday. The ladies first gather in the living room circle for “catch-up” chatter and writing their praise or prayer request on a theme-shaped card. The cards are exchanged so each lady can pray a short sentence prayer in the group and take their card home as a reminder to keep on praying!
We then sit around the table for a time of refreshments where we remain for the ‘themed’ program of information, inspiration (scripture and singing). They take home their challenge (homework packet of further reading and thematic word searches etc.)
The themes can be seasonal (Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas, Easter) or miscellaneous (Shells, Feathers, Spring Flowers, Butterflies, Birds, Snow, Sunflowers), but always themes that I can tie in with scripture and song. We have also studied widows in the Bible and read passages from stories about widows (Elisabeth Elliot).
Even during the Covid shutdown, we kept in touch by phone to chat and pray together. When possible, I would take mom on little drives to each lady’s home to deliver a homework package. They would usually come out to the car window to say Hi. What an encouragement to us all!!
Why do you think a group like this is important?
The ladies have something in common (their widowhood) and it is important for them to have the opportunity to talk about their shared loss and how the Lord is enabling them to carry on in His strength and how to live for His glory. They encourage each other and often meet with each other in other settings. Our Widows’ Connection has a verse: “Let us consider how we can encourage one another.” Hebrews 10:24
What are some of the things you have learned by being part of this group?
I have learned that in blessing others, the Lord blesses me! I am using the gifts He gave me (music, teaching, decorating, hospitality) and this group enables me to give my gifts back to Him for His glory!
What do you hope those who attend will walk away feeling after being together?
I want them to have their feelings of loneliness and loss minimized and their love for the Lord and each other to be maximized!! I want them to feel a closeness to the Lord and each other through prayer.
I want them to be inspired and challenged to use their gifts for the Lord in their own sphere of influence.
Do you have any suggestions or advice for those who have recently lost a loved one?
Having just recently lost my dear mom, I know everyone grieves in their own way and it takes time! The coming year of “firsts” will be so difficult and things will need to be done differently. It’s alright not to want to attend large group gatherings until you are ready. Try to meet individually with friends and family members often to talk and do things together.
It’s also a comfort to know that the Lord grieves along with us and grants us His love, peace and comfort as we learn to “lean on His everlasting arms” going forward. Take time to pray and “listen”.