An autographed hardback edition of Michael E. Landon's new book, Grieving Hearts in Worship: A Ministry Resource

A new way of seeing grief and the healing power of worship

Grieving Hearts in Worship “goes where relatively few books have gone by examining how grief can influence Christian worship,” according to Kirkus Indie Review. Through the use of stories, poetry, creative worship services and thought-provoking discussions, Landon shares his unique understanding of our need for rituals in worship as a beneficial part of our journey toward healing. By exploring major thoughts and writings on grief, he identifies common threads, weaving together a living tapestry that expresses the depth of personal and communal experiences of grief. Reading this contemplative approach to discussing grief and its place in worship will open your eyes to a new way of seeing God’s love for the grieving. “An enlightening...take on a universal subject.” The book’s practical suggestions offer church leaders and members a blend of topics, worship services, and reflection questions that include:

• Attitudes About Death and Grief


• Annual Remembrance Services


• Finding Hope in Brokenness


• Anger and Vulnerability in Worship


• Rediscovering Joy


• Walking the Labyrinth


• When A Church Dies

The Reverend Dr. Michael E. Landon holds a Bachelor of Arts, in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Welfare from California State University, Northridge; a Master of Divinity, from McCormick Theological Seminary; a Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction and a Doctor of Ministry, from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Prior to entering the ministry, he worked as a psychiatric social worker with the homeless and the homeless mentally ill. As an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Michael has served in several different capacities. He has been both solo pastor and associate pastor, serving small rural congregations, intercity and suburban congregations. Michael has also served as a hospice chaplain and bereavement coordinator. For a number of years he has offered spiritual direction, and has served as a facilitator for a spiritual direction training program at the Benedict Inn, Beech Grove, Indiana. As a trained labyrinth facilitator, he has offered labyrinth retreats and workshops. He has been a popular speaker and retreat leader on topics of grief, spirituality and dementia, forgiveness, prayer, and various aspects of living with chronic disease. Michael is working on his next book, Finding Your New Balance: Reflections on Faith and Living with Chronic Disease – sharing his own journey of living with chronic disease and finding God’s deep abiding presence within.  Michael is also working on a collection of poems, Shades of Grief - samples can be found on his website, www.grieving-hearts-in-worship.com where he also has an on-going blog; he is also working on a children's book (with adult intentions) Dancing With The Wind: A Tale of Three Colors - Purple, Blue, and Orange.