GriefShare
Offered periodically throughout the year ~
Check with Church Office to find out date & time
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.
GriefShare is a 13 week seminar and support group for people grieving the loss of someone close. The group is led by Jan Brenske. She understands what you are experiencing and wants to offer you comfort and encouragement during this difficult time.GriefShare features biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics. Each GriefShare session includes a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects. These videos also include on-location settings and the real-life stories of people who have experienced losses like yours.
After viewing the video, you’ll participate in a small group discussion about what you’ve seen on the tape. You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with others who have experienced a recent loss, learn about their experiences and have the opportunity to share your own.
Here is an overview of the topics we cover:
SESSION 1- When Your Dreams Fall Apart
An overview of the GriefShare program; the first steps to understanding your grief and the losses which accompany it; sharing your hurt with others.
SESSION 2- Seasons Of Grief
What to expect during your "season" of grief; how grief can "ambush" you; how men and women respond differently
to grief issues.
SESSION 3- Emotions Of Grief (1)
Facing the flood of emotions which accompany grief; examining shock, anger, denial, blame and regret; feeling out of control and helpless; avoiding self-destructive solutions to easing the pain.
SESSION 4- Emotions Of Grief (2)
Avoiding emotional ruts; avoiding traps of self-pity, fear of the future and bitterness; discovering the freedom of forgiveness.
SESSION 5- When Your Spouse Dies
Why the death of a spouse is unique and an especially deep loss; how to respond when you feel like you've "lost your identity;" how to deal with feelings that you will "never feel normal again;" discovering how the Lord can fill the gap left by your mate's death.
SESSION 6- Your Family And Grief
Coping with the loss of a child or parent; the stresses such a death can bring to a family; coping with suicide; how to help children grieve.
SESSION 7- Where Is God?
Why did God allow this death to happen?; what do I do with unanswerable questions confronting me?; how to trust God and grow closer to Him even when you don't have all the answers.
SESSION 8- Your Greatest Resource
How to draw upon your relationship with Christ for strength as you face grief; how to find Christ if you've never known Him; how He can guide and comfort you through this difficult time in a way nobody else can.
SESSION 9- Stuck In Grief Or Moving On
Understanding false guilt; identifying hidden grief; confronting actions and attitudes which cause you to become "stuck;" steps you can take to move forward through the grieving process.
SESSION 10- Growing Through Grief
Becoming "bitter or better" through your grief experience; experiencing unparalleled spiritual growth; reaching out to others to help them in their time of grief.
SESSION 11- Grief Recovery Toolkit
Claiming God's joy and hope for the future in your life; using practical tools such as a journal, conversations with friends, helping others, prayer, Bible study and praise to assist you in recovering from your grief.
SESSION 12- God's Spiritual Hospital
This important session shows how the church can serve as "extended family" and assist you in the healing process. You will also see how to use your own experiences in ministry to others.
SESSION 13- Longing for Heaven
Can a person really recover from the hurt and pain that comes during the grieving process? Will there ever be a time when all sorrow and pain are gone forever? This final session is filled with good news as you see how one day the Lord will wipe away every tear and there will be no more sorrow or pain.