Q & A

We want to provide a cancer support group in our congregation and need a resource for guiding the conversation. What do you suggest?

 
I am using, Confronting Death: a Christian Response to the end of Life with my Stephen Ministries. It is the new Walt Wangerin DVD and tells the story of his journey with cancer. It would work well with a support group. This DVD is available for $59.95 from Paraclete Press at: www.paracletepress.com or 800-451-5006.

Carol Hughes, Chambersburg Congregational Resource Services Center, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
I would include An Odyssey Through Cancer by the Rev. Wibert J. Fields. It discribes Dr. Fields’ struggle with terminal cancer and is intended for individuals and families facing cancer. This book is available through Wheat Ridge Ministries, www.wheatridge.org, or by phone at 800-762-6748 or 630-766-9066 for $5.00 (includes shipping and handling).

I also suggest:

Julie K. Aageson, director, Eastern North Dakota Synod Resource Center, Fargo, North Dakota.
I suggest the DVD Reflections on Psalm 23 for People with Cancer by Ken Curtis. It explores coping with advanced stages of cancer from personal experience. After he learned his diagnosis, Curtis pursued a combination of traditional and alternative medicine with a firm spiritual foundation and a prayer support team. The 23rd Psalm was a vital part of the spiritual component. The DVD was produced by Gateway Films. To order for $19.99 go to www.visionvideo.com where you can also download the free study guide. The DVD is also available from Ecufilm at 615/242-6277.

I also suggest When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty by Joni Erickson Tada. Published by Zondervan, list price $12.99. Available online at: www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and www.borders.com or at the Christian bookstore near you.

Karen Harthan, director, The Resource Center, Clear Lake, Iowa.
I recommend the Augsburg Fortress book When you are Diagnosed With a Life-Threatening Illness by Jan Ansorge. The author speaks about her own experience from diagnosis through treatment. This 48-page booklet can be ordered at www.augbsurgfortress.org for the online price of $5.59. For phone orders, at the regular price of $6.99, call: 800-328-4648.

Catherine Fink, director, Heilig Resource Center, North Carolina Synod, Salisbury, North Carolina.