Introduction
This track explores some of the feelings of injustice, pain and emptiness lead singer Lukas Forchhammer has experienced, following the death of his father. This session could be used to talk about issues surrounding grief and bereavement at any time, but may also be helpful in the case of a particular bereavement.
The session
The circumstances surrounding your group at the time you choose to run this session will affect the way you choose to carry it out, and how you introduce the session. Explain to the group that throughout this session, you are creating a safe space where they can explore some of their feelings and the questions they may have.
Track: You’re not there
Introduce the song, perhaps playing the music video. Invite the group to share their initial thoughts after hearing the song, and discuss any issues raised, as appropriate.
Provide Bibles and ask someone to read each of the following passages aloud, perhaps taking turns to volunteer:
- Psalm 73:26
- Psalm 147:3
- Matthew 5:4
- Romans 8:28
- Revelation 21:4.
As appropriate, invite your group to share their thoughts, discussing any questions. You may find it helpful to use one or more of the following reflective activities to create time and space for the young people to explore grief safely:
Invite the group to bring photographs of loved ones who have passed away and create a memory wall, where young people
can display their photographs together.
- Provide tea lights and a safe area where young people can light a candle in memory of their loved one.
- Set up a graffiti wall, and give total freedom to encourage your young people to write their thoughts, questions and messages to God about their grief and their feelings about their loss.
- Provide paper and pens and invite the young people to write a letter to their loved one. Provide envelopes for young people to seal their letter privately.
- Create a prayer tree, where young people can write their prayers on paper leaves, before hanging them on an artificial tree.
Throughout the session, ensure that young people are given the opportunity to opt in and out as they wish, and ensure that you follow the lead of the young people. As you draw the session to a close, it may be appropriate to signpost your group to further sources of support, such as a local bereavement counselling service. Pray for your young people, that God would comfort those who mourn.
