As I think about caring for our congregation and the different seasons we find ourselves in, I am reminded that some of us may be facing a season of grief. Grief is a universal human experience, a journey that none of us wish to undertake. But sooner or later, it becomes a part of our lives. The pain of losing a loved one can be overwhelming, and the road to healing may feel long and lonely.
At Browncroft, we understand the weight of grief and the need for support. If you or someone you know is experiencing grief this season, we would like to invite you to some important events we have planned:
· Monday, October 13th from 7:00 – 9:00pm: Surviving the Loss of a Spouse
· Monday, November 10th from 7:00 – 9:00pm: Surviving Loss During the Holidays
Both of these standalone events will provide practical tips and emotional support to help you face the daily emotions and challenges that can seem too hard to bear. While the October gathering is specifically for those who have suffered the loss of a spouse, the November session is designed for those dealing with the loss of any loved one.
We ask that you register to attend these one-time sessions through our website. You can sign up for the October 13th event right now on our GriefShare page, here. Registration for the November 10th event will open six weeks prior to that date – check back soon.
If you’ve lost someone close to you — be it a spouse, family member, or friend — and are looking for a longer-term group, please consider joining our 13-week GriefShare support group. This group will meet Sundays at 10:30am starting January 4th and will run through March 29th. It will offer a safe and supportive environment for those navigating the road of grief. Each session will consist of a video seminar followed by a group discussion about the video content. Registration for this long-term group will open on our website in late November. If you’d like to learn more in the meantime, click here.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
We understand how difficult it is to grieve the loss of a loved one. But you don’t have to face this journey alone. Let us walk this path with you. Your facilitators and fellow group members will be there to listen, share, and support you through the process. Together, we can find healing and hope in the midst of our grief, knowing that God’s comfort is always there for us.
In their own words, group members describe the GriefShare experience:
“A safety net when my world was literally falling apart.”
“I felt so safe and loved”.
“GriefShare has given me hope”.
“I was able to see that I was not alone”.
“I am a new person ready for the next step in my life”.
If you or someone you know has lost a loved one, we invite you to join us! If you would like to learn more about our GriefShare events, send a note to setsler@browncroft.org.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. It is our prayer that we may support you in any way we can as you go through this difficult season.
