Shreve church to host grief support group

After the funeral, when the cards and letters have stopped coming and most people have returned to their normal routine, grief continues for those who have experienced the death of a loved one.

As others prepare for the holidays, those who are grieving are left wondering how they will make it through this season without the one who has been there with them in the past.

When you are grieving a loved one’s death, the holiday season can be especially painful. A GriefShare support group is reaching out to those who are hurting by offering two programs on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Shreve Community Church, 430 N. Main St. in Shreve.

The day will begin with a morning session titled Surviving the Holidays from 10-11:30 a.m. This session addresses how to deal with emotions, how to prepare for the holidays, and practical tips to soften the grief and discover hope for the future.

Following the morning session, lunch will be provided. The second program, Loss of a Spouse, will be offered from 12:30-2 p.m. Loss of a Spouse covers such topics as what to expect in the days ahead, how to handle loneliness and how to find the strength to go on. Everyone who attends this session will receive a booklet with more than 30 short readings on how to live with grief and rebuild one’s life following a loss.

There is no cost for this one-day program. To register or for more information, call 330-567-2051 ext. 117 or visit www.shrevecommunitychurch.org/grief-share/ by Nov. 1.

GriefShare is nondenominational and features biblical concepts for healing from grief. GriefShare materials feature leading Christian authors, counselors, speakers and pastors with years of expertise in grief recovery. The purpose of GriefShare is to invite anyone struggling over the loss of a loved one to come and find encouragement.

During the Christmas season, the church will host a contemplative Christmas service for those who are carrying the pain of loss during the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m.