FACING TOMORROW AFTER LOSS… Not a day goes by without people opening a newspaper, listening to the radio, watching news on TV, or talking with a friend, and hearing about the tragic death of someone. Nothing prepares people for the impact that the death of someone close has on their lives. It is so final and deeply emotional. People fresh in grief are numb; they operate in a survival mode; have difficulty in facing their tomorrows and do not feel optimistic about the future. Even a loss that is not recent can leave people feeling stuck in grief and not knowing what to do about the deep pain of loss that they feel. Handling the grief that comes with the death of a loved one is a journey, and it is different for every person.
People from all walks of life, who have a faith or who have no faith, and who have experienced the death of a family member or friend are invited to register for the GriefShare support group which is held at Benoni Central Methodist Church. The series consists of 13 weekly sessions and people are welcome to begin attending at any session during the series as each session is self-contained. The cost of the 13 week series is R300 which includes a valuable manual. Alternatively donations are welcome or sponsorships available.
This non-denominational support group features biblical teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The DVD seminar features internationally respected grief leaders and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about what was seen on the DVD. The group is led by trained leaders who have personal experience with the grief and mourning that accompanies the death of a loved one. Those facilitating receive ongoing training through Church Initiative’s International Facilitator Training events.
Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing at a time when family or friends have returned to their daily life routines. Past participants of GriefShare have related how helpful the information and follow-up discussion were :
“It helped me to focus on healing instead of the pain, on moving forward and learning to find joy again.” Carol
“It allowed me to grow, develop and explore my feelings; as well as acknowledging the uniqueness of grief and respecting the feelings of others”. Kerry
"I personally feel a lot better than at the beginning of my grief journey. I realize I need to go back to church and read my bible more and now I have the confidence to do so.” Vic
Your bereavement experience may be recent or not so recent. You will find encouragement, comfort and help in grieving the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, other family member or friend. No matter what the cause of your loved one’s death, this is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling. You will learn how to recognize the symptoms of being stuck in grief. You will learn valuable information about facing your tomorrows, your new normal in life and renewing your hope for the future.
The GriefShare ministry has run regular groups at Benoni Central Methodist Church since 2005. For information on when the next series begins kindly call:
the church office on 011 845 2953
or contact Denise Heatlie on 084 487 8266 / email: denise@bcmc.org.za
or learn more on www.griefshare.org
Denise Heatlie
Benoni Central Methodist Church GriefShare Leader
Cnr Cranbourne Avenue & Bunyan
