GriefShare
What is GriefShare
Led by Brenda Heinrich, GriefShare is a support group for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Those who attend gain access to valuable GriefShare resources to help them recover from loss and look forward to rebuilding their lives.
If you or someone you know might benefit from the caring and understanding of our GriefShare group, please join. Meetings take place Thursdays at 1 PM in the Prayer Chapel. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Brenda Heinrich at (805) 279-4235.
To find a group in another community or state, go to www.GriefShare.org and insert a zip code.
How GriefShare Works
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 there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before.
GriefShare groups meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. Each GriefShare session has three distinct elements:
Video Seminar with Experts
Each week your GriefShare group will watch a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects. These videos are produced in an interesting-to-watch television magazine format featuring expert interviews, real-life case studies, dramatic reenactments and on-location video.
Support Group Discussion with Focus
After viewing the video, you and the other group members will spend time as a support group, discussing what was presented in that week’s video seminar and what is going on in your lives.
Workbook-Based Personal Study and Reflection
During the week you will have the opportunity to use your workbook for further personal study of the grieving process and to help sort out your emotions through journaling. Your group will spend time discussing questions and comments from the workbook study. The workbook is $15.
When to Join a GriefShare Group
You are welcome to begin attending the GriefShare group any week. Each session is “self-contained,” so you do not have to attend in sequence. You will find encouragement and help whenever you begin. You will be able to continue with GriefShare through the next 13-week cycle and view any of the videos you have not seen.
Who Should Come . . . Who Should Not
GriefShare is for people grieving the death of a loved one. Many other life situations bring deep grief, such as separation and divorce, a loved one who is dying, estrangement, loss of a loved one to a cult, loss of custody of a child through divorce and more. If you are struggling with a loss not due to a death, GriefShare is not designed to meet your grief needs for healing. We encourage you to ask your pastor or a church leader for guidance in finding a support group or counselor.