GriefShare - St. Marks Lutheran Church

GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life. We know it hurts, and we want to help.

This program features biblical, Christ-centered teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The DVD seminar features nationally respected grief experts and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about what was viewed.

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 and that you do not need to live in bondage to certain emotions. You will learn valuable information about facing your new normal in life and renewing your hope for the future.

DAY: Tuesday

TIME: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

DATES: September 10, 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19, 26; December 3

LOCATION: Luther Room on St. Mark’s Campus

COST: Free (optional donation)

WHO: Those grieving the loss of a loved one

QUESTIONS? Call 916-961-7891

Click here to find GriefShare opportunities currently being offered in our area and to register

Here is a snapshot of key themes found in each of the 13 GriefShare session videos.

1. Is This Normal?

- You’ll discover why your grief experience is harder than you imagined
- Why the intensity and duration of your emotions are normal and appropriate
- Despite how you feel right now, there is reason for hope

2. Challenges of Grief

- You’ll learn more eye-opening reasons why your pain is so overwhelming
- Some of the overlooked, yet common, effects grief has on your mind, body, and spirit
- How to get things done when you don’t feel like you have any energy

3. The Journey of Grief – Part One

- You’ll learn helpful goals to set on your journey of grief
- How to deal with those who try to rush you through your grief
- How long the journey of grief typically lasts

4. The Journey of Grief – Part Two

- You’ll learn why it’s important to put effort into your healing
- How the events surrounding your loved one’s death affect your grief
- The best ways to deal with your loved one’s belongings

5. Grief and Your Relationships

- You’ll find out how the death of a loved one affects your friendships
- Why solitude can be a blessing and a curse
- How to deal with friends who don’t understand your grief

6. Why?

- This session demonstrates that God wants you to share your feelings with Him
- Why being honest with God is an expression of faith
- What God has to say to you about your “why” questions

7. Guilt and Anger

- You’ll learn how to deal with false guilt
- How to grieve conflicted relationships
- How to handle grief-related anger

8. Complicating Factors

- You’ll begin to see how traumatic experiences affect grief
- How to deal with nightmares and flashbacks
- How your thinking affects your emotions

9. Stuck

- You’ll discover how to prevent getting stuck in grief
- Common misconceptions that hinder healing
- Why your path to healing isn’t always smooth

10. Lessons of Grief – Part One

- You’ll become aware of an often-overlooked reason that grief is so painful
- Why going to church can be so difficult
- The benefits of helping others

11. Lessons of Grief – Part Two

- This session provides a more complete picture of who you are now that your loved one is gone
- Why no one grieves perfectly
- What grief can teach you about relationships

12. Heaven

- Session 12 answers questions about heaven and the afterlife, such as what heaven is like
- Whether you should communicate with your deceased loved one
- Whether near-death experiences are reliable descriptions of heaven
- And many more

13. What Do I Live for Now?

- You’ll learn why moving forward is a necessity
- Why it’s a process
- Why peace and pain will always coexist