From Mourning to Joy
It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, you’ve probably found that there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel.That’s the reason for GriefShare, a special seminar and support group for people grieving the loss of someone close. This group is sponsored by people who understand what you are experiencing and want to offer you comfort and encouragement during this difficult time.Each GriefShare session includes a video seminar and group discussion. A GriefShare workbook assists you with note taking, journaling and grief study. The videos feature top experts on grief recovery, dramatic reenactments about living with grief and real-life stories of people who have experienced losses like yours.During the small group discussion time, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with others who have experienced a recent loss, learn about their experiences and share your own.
GriefShare is helpful for those who are grieving the death of a loved one – a family member or friend.
In order to attend GriefShare, you must be grieving (either past or presently) the loss of a person by death. We have other ministries available, such as Celebrate Recovery that can help you as you cope with these other losses.
During a meeting we review the past week’s devotions in the workbook by sharing our observations and questions. After that, we watch the current week’s video, then discuss some highlights from it. Every session is also enveloped in prayer.
No. No one is forced to talk. You are welcome to join the conversation whenever you feel comfortable doing so. While you don’t have to talk, you’ll find that when you do, you will notice a measurable progression in your healing process.
Writing in the workbook is not required, but we encourage you to make use of it by at least taking notes in the outline section during the video. Each lesson is outlined in the workbook with plenty of room to record your thoughts. You’ll find your notes to be very helpful when you refer back to the lessons. And like talking during a meeting, note-taking will help you on the path to healing. Remember, the more you put into your healing journey, the more healing will occur.
No. GriefShare is not counseling. Facilitators are there to engage conversation by introducing topics, encouraging participation, and managing the dynamics of the group. If you are currently seeing a counselor, we encourage you to continue. You’ll be amazed at the healing that takes place by sharing experiences with people in situations similar to yours!
At each meeting we stress the fact that confidentiality is very important. Names of others in the group are not to be shared outside the group. The only time that confidentiality may knowingly be set aside is if the leadership feels that someone may be in danger.
No. GriefShare is not counseling. Facilitators are there to engage conversation by introducing topics, encouraging participation, and managing the dynamics of the group. If you are currently seeing a counselor, we encourage you to continue. You’ll be amazed at the healing that takes place by sharing experiences with people in situations similar to yours!
Another important rule is respect. You are asked to be respectful of others in the group: contribute as well as remembering that others will want to contribute too. We do not allow cross-talk which is offering solutions to try to “fix” another participant’s situation. We also remind you not to compare your grief to one another’s. All of us have unique experiences of grief.
There is a one-time registration fee of $20 which covers the cost of your workbook and all other supplies for the 13 sessions. If this is a hindrance for you, please contact us about payment options and possible scholarships. We do not want the cost to keep you from the blessings that GriefShare offers.
Yes – there is loving childcare for babies through preschool aged children and Celebration Station for your older children. We just ask that you touch base with us to make sure there are enough caregivers.
If you know ahead of time that you can’t attend, please let your facilitator know via email. If you’re going to be late to a session, just come on ahead, and join in when you arrive. It’s okay to miss a session since each lesson is independent of the others, but you will get the most benefit by attending all sessions.
Absolutely! Once you have attended, you will be put on the list of alumni and will be notified when the next 13-week cycle is scheduled. Many people find that they hear things they missed the first time through because they are in a different place emotionally.
