Try this thought experiment. What moments in your life do you consider pivotal? A big trip, a school graduation, wedding, the birth of a child. These are formative or core moments that are worthy of celebration, joy and happiness. On the other hand, there are formative moments that are linked to incredibly heavy moments. The death of a loved one, loss of career or health, destruction and loss of important relationships.

In Ruth’s story, we find loss in the opening chapters of the book. Loss of family structure, security and a future, identity and culture - all lost within a few paragraphs. The book of Ruth can feel like our own experiences read out before us. Loss can consume our thoughts. Loss can make us feel isolated and alone. Loss can lead to grief. In this broken world, where love is central to our existence, grief is inevitable. So, where does faith fit into these inevitable, pivotal moments? We want to ask this question, and truly consider this deeply personal and unquestionably universal experience - grief.

Despite how grief can make us feel, we want you to know that you are not alone. So, we are choosing to lean into this necessary, sometimes uncomfortable, conversation. For four weeks we are studying Ruth, joining together as a community and considering what it is to live in the midst of grief.