Read this book before you need it!
“Called to Grieve – One man’s life journey to help others on their journeys through grief, death, and the beyond. A book by Pastor Tom Evans.
The book began as a dream of Pastor Tom’s for many years. Because of a sermon series at Emanuel Lutheran Church, where Tom received an outpouring of feedback from parishioners seeking more guidance on supporting others grieving, he realized the time was now to complete the book. Through the generosity of Emanuel Lutheran Church, allowing him a Sabbatical to write the book, he has seen his dream come true. Tom’s prayer is that this book will help many people through life’s journey!
Called to Grieve was born from a deep passion for guiding others through the most challenging moments of life.
Called to Grieve is more than just a book—it’s a heartfelt guide for anyone navigating the difficult journey of loss. Written by Pastor Tom Evans, this book emerges from his years of experience ministering to those facing the realities of dying, death, and grief.
Throughout the book, Tom draws on his personal and professional experiences, offering wisdom and comfort to those struggling with grief. He acknowledges the pain and challenges that come with loss but also emphasizes the hope and peace found in God’s promises. Called to Grieve is a beacon of light in dark times, reminding readers that they are not alone in their journey.
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What’s in the Book!
Section 1 - My Story.
Chapter 1: The Best of Times, The Worst of Times
Chapter 2: Life with Mom
Chapter 3: The Journey Has Just Begun
Chapter 4: The Best of Times
Chapter 5: Death, the Great Equalizer
Section II - Dying and Death.
Chapter 6: The Roller Coaster of Dying and Death
Chapter 7: Watching a Loved One Pass
Chapter 8: The Physical Death of Our Bodies
Chapter 9: Funerals The Roller Coaster of Dying and Death Watching a Loved One Pass The Physical Death of Our Bodies Funerals
Section III - Heaven.
Chapter 10: The Hope We Have
Chapter 11: Who Will Not Be There?
Chapter 12: Be Prepared!
Chapter 13: What Will We Be Doing?
Chapter 14: The New Heaven and Earth
Chapter 15: Misconceptions of Heaven The Hope We Have Who Will Not Be There? Be Prepared! What Will We Be Doing? The New Heaven and Earth Misconception of Heaven
Section IV - Grief.
Chapter 16: A Story of Grief
Chapter 17: What Is Grief?
Chapter 18: Grieving a Death
Chapter 19: The Gift of Presence
Chapter 20: What Do We Say?
Chapter 21: This Is Not The End A Story of Grief What is Grief? Grieving a Death The Gift of Presence What Do We Say? This Is Not The End
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Book Reviews
David Wedel
In pastoral voice, Tom Evans shares through personal story, touching witness, and scriptural teaching of grief and hope, and reminds us that as “fully embodied” persons created and beloved of God, together we share the journey home to him with all of its pain and promise. Sharing practical insights gained from Tom’s life experience and years in service to his church, community, and family, Called to Grieve provides us a guide through spiritual and emotional “best practices” when dealing with the realities of grief and loss. All are certain to identify with and appreciate this edifying read.
David Wedel
Friend and Witness of Nearly 50 Years
Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, PH.D.
The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen, a Dutch-born Catholic priest, psychologist, professor, and prolific author, is a practical theology text many seminaries use. Nouwen used ordinary life stories to explore spiritual formation and plumb the deep intersections of faith and life. In Called to Grieve, my dear friend Tom Evans takes a similar approach. Tom’s story is far from ordinary, but the topic of this work is. Grief and death are universal. It is not “if” but “when” we experience them and Tom’s book provides a rich resource! Tom has been there from a personal human perspective too many times. Through his many life losses, he has become a wonderful healer who has pointed both the dying and grieving to Jesus Christ, the greatest Healer the world has ever known. Tom shares his story with immense vulnerability so others may do the same. Tom shares his hope in Jesus Christ, the Resurrection, and the Life so that others may have the same. I am grateful that my friend and colleague of nearly fifty years chronicled his wounds and the source of his healing so I and others have an inspiring and valuable resource as we process our grief and prepare for our death.
Mark Wrightsman
When I spoke to Tom and read Called to Grieve, my first and last thoughts were: what is really more important in life, and for eternity, than to know how to deal with the loss of a loved one and how to process what this means for the future? For those of us who have already been through loss, we always recognize the significance of the situation and seek, hopefully through prayer, the right words and actions. Tom’s pastoral experience and more importantly, if possible, his life experiences, give him the unique, sad, hopeful, and complete ability through God’s divinely inspired Word to understand grief. His communication of this experience and deep real messages are something we all need now, one day, and ultimately. I endorse Tom’s book and pray many will have the chance to learn from him, and to apply these learnings to be a friend who can use God’s peace to guide their efforts for others in times of loss.
Mark Wrightsman
Co-founder of Grace in Action and P2G Capital
CEO (Retired) of PaR Systems
Co-author of POISED® for Results
Ministries
At Emanuel Lutheran Church, our vision is to CONNECT, GROW, LIVE, and SHARE in faith. We invite you to join us as we gather in worship and life, build confidence in our faith, live out our Christian values, and reach out to others with the love of Christ. Explore our ministries, engage with our community, and discover how you can be part of this vibrant faith journey.