First Lutheran to host grief support group

Beginning on Monday July 22, at 6 p.m., First Lutheran Church will offer a 13-session weekly grief support group called GriefShare.

No matter what the circumstances, grief is a painful, confusing process. A GriefShare group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. At this 13-week support group program, you'll discover what to expect in the days ahead and what's "normal" in grief. Since there are no neat, orderly stages of grief, you'll learn helpful ways of coping with grief, in all its unpredictability – and gain solid support each step of the way.

At each weekly meeting, you will view a video featuring respected counselors, pastors and healthcare professionals on grief-related topics, plus you'll hear relatable personal stories of grief. After that is a small-group discussion to allow people time to talk, share support and personally apply what they learned on the video.

Pastor Amy Kippen led this 13-session series last summer for members of First Lutheran and remarks, "GriefShare is such a blessing to those navigating life without their loved one. Last summer we had someone who had just lost their spouse in recent weeks, and also someone else whose loss was ten years ago. It blessed them and everyone in between." This year, Pastor Amy felt called by God to open the support group to the whole community, "I just guarantee that if you are struggling with loss, these sessions will help you heal your heart, in order to move forward into your future with hope."

In addition to the videos we will watch each week, each participant will receive a book filled with valuable exercises for navigating their personal grieving process in between sessions.

Registration fee is $30. Scholarships are available.

Preregistration is required by July 5 deadline. Register online at griefshare.org or call First Lutheran at (701) 947-2478.