Need a Support Program to Help You Navigate Your Grief Journey? Try GriefShare

grief Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

OVERVIEW OF THE GRIEFSHARE MINISTRY

I'll never forget one of the coldest days of my life while I was attending seminary. The daytime temperature was negative six degrees, and the wind made it feel even colder than that.

A classmate and I were trying to catch a shuttle to the University of Kentucky Hospital for our chaplaincy training course. We had some trouble finding the shuttle stop.

And...I guess you could say, I wasn't fully dressed for the occasion. In the back of my mind, I knew that if a body part isn't properly covered when you are in extreme cold for a long time, frostbite was a distinct possibility.

However, even though I needed a scarf and gloves, I didn't come prepared. I felt that frostbite was indeed starting to set in with my face and hands going numb.

My classmate handed me his gloves and a scarf, as he saw that I struggled during what seemed like an endless walk. I expressed gratitude for his support.

Reflecting on that experience got me thinking...

Helping someone keep warm in the midst of extreme cold is a lot like what GriefShare is all about---helping bring warmth to people in the coldness of their grief. One of the ways that GriefShare does this is through daily emails called, "A Season of Grief:"

You can subscribe for free on their site at the following link to get that comforting and encouraging support...

GriefShare Daily Emails

GriefShare also offers a structured program for a grief support group that includes video presentations involving grief experts, workbooks for journaling and reflection, as well as GriefShare support group meetings, which can be done either at a specified on-site location or online.

In addition to the support group program and daily encouraging emails, GriefShare offers other uplifting materials as well including information specifically for widows and widowers. This ministry  also offers a seminar on how to survive the holidays in the midst of grief:

GriefShare Home Page

So, I encourage you to check it out and feel the warmth, as in this person's GriefShare experience:

“Going to GriefShare feels like having warm arms wrapped around you when you’re shivering. At GriefShare, you are safe.” ---Vickie

Also, on the GriefShare home page above,  you'll find at the top of the page a search box to find information on GriefShare grief support groups in your area. GriefShare is connected with churches that offer group meetings locally, regionally, nationally and worldwide. 

Each video is a stand-alone session, so even if you aren't able to attend the first meeting, you can visit or join a group anytime and attend as many times as you want. 

Grief is a common human experience. Therefore, GriefShare, though Christian-based, offers encouragement to people who are affiliated with other religions/denominations or do not attend church.

Even if the Christian faith is something you haven't embraced, you'll still find a number of principles and insights that can inspire and motivate you to move forward in your grief journey.

FOR CHURCHES INTERESTED IN HOLDING GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUPS

For churches that want to begin or just started offering GriefShare support groups, the way to connect with the community is though LeaderZone. You'll find that link here...

LeaderZone Dashboard - GriefShare LeaderZone

If you then go to the MyChurch link at the top--MyChurch - GriefShare LeaderZone--you'll come to a page where you fill out a form answering questions and providing details on the place of the meeting, and so forth. 

You'll then enter meeting dates and times. If the group meets weekly at the same times, you'll see an auto-fill button, which allows you to set up the information much more quickly and easily.

After filling in the information, you'll need to send participants the registration link. Type in their email addresses and click send. Once they register, access to the GriefShare group online will give them the flexibility to view the videos anytime including weeks they are unable to attend the meeting.

The video sessions feature a number of experts and testimonies, a time of sharing and discussion afterwards, as well as a workbook for journaling and taking notes from the videos. The book includes other valuable sources and information as well.

The interaction afterwards takes place in an emotionally safe place and is confidential. GriefShare encourages participants to share, but you don't have to if you aren't ready. Feel free to come and listen and just...take it all in, or if you feel the need to talk things out, others are there with a compassionate presence to listen.

Image of the GriefShare workbook

GriefShare's ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE SCRIPTURES

GriefShare attendees receive a workbook that goes along with the videos. In the back of the book, care cards include comforting Bible verses. As you watch the videos, allow God to speak to you through the encouraging messages and Scripture passages presented.

griefshare contact information

P.O. Box 1739

Wake Forest, NC 27588

Phone: 800-395-5755

International: 919-562-2112

facebook.com/griefshare

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To learn more about another ministry and grief support service---Stephen Ministry--click here:

https://www.encouragementscriptures.com/help-with-grief.html