Grieving With Hope

" . . . that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope." 1 Thessalonians 4:13b

Are you dealing with the death of a loved one?

While grief is the natural human response to loss, we live in a world that hasn’t taught us how to process the overwhelming thoughts and emotions that suddenly confront us after our loved one dies.

If this sounds all too familiar, WELCOME to Grieving With Hope, a community of compassionate individuals offering support and hope to each other as we begin to find our way after our loved ones have departed this world.

Whether you're struggling to understand your emotions or seeking comfort in the company of others who’ve been there, our group is here to help you heal and find hope.

Join us, and discover a place where tears are welcome, people will witness your grief, and no one will ask if you’re “over it” yet.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

Peer-To-Peer Support

While our facilitators are not professional counselors, they have all experienced the death of a loved one. As a result of their lived experiences, they desire to hold space for others who are dealing with grief.

In peer-to-peer support, we are "able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:4

Meeting Format

Because we do not follow a particular curriculum, there is great flexibility in discussing topics that meet the unique needs of the group.

Generally, however, each meeting begins with a time of introductions or updates, followed by a short reading, a song, or a biblical text focused on a particular theme.

The facilitator will introduce a topic and invite participants to share their thoughts, feelings, and/or experiences related to that topic. While grief education will be woven into the meetings, our main focus is in having conversations around our Individual grief journeys.

Types of Losses

Death of a sibling? A spouse? A child? A parent? A family member? Regardless of how they died, If you have lost a loved one, you are welcome to attend.

Some of our losses occurred years ago; some are more recent. Grief does not have a set timeline.

While other losses like divorce, career changes, and the death of our beloved pets also launch us into seasons of grief, our focus in this group is on the death of a person.

How faith shapes our grief

Our faith in God gives us hope that we will see our loved ones again. It is also in our faith that we can find strength to endure such heartbreaking loss.

And yet, our hope does not mean we should not grieve or that we should just be happy that our loved ones are "in a better place."

Just as Jesus wept at the death of His dear friend Lazarus, we too weep and grieve the death of our loved ones. Indeed, Jesus taught that "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4