GriefShare program begins February 16
Mourning the loss of a loved one is something that everyone experiences – death is a common denominator for all humankind.
Thankfully, so is life.
Working through feelings of sadness after the death of spouse, child, family member or friend is the focus of GriefShare, a grief recovery support group that helps individuals move through sorrow and gain a sense of optimism for the future.
Retired Pastor George Brinley and his wife, Sue, are facilitating GriefShare, a new grief recovery support group at St. Johns Lutheran Church. Janet Smalldon (back, left) and Yvonne Flegler are coordinating the program under the guidance of the Rev. Dr. Bryan Salminen.
Area residents have an opportunity to participate in GriefShare as part of a grief recovery support group hosted by St. Johns Lutheran Church. The initial session is set for Thursday, Feb. 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the church, located on the corner of Sturgis Street and BR-127 in St. Johns.
“One of the greatest benefits of the GriefShare program is its use of a support model that brings individuals together who are in a similar situation – grieving the loss of a loved one,” says the Rev. Dr. Bryan Salminen, pastor of St. Johns Lutheran Church and a licensed psychologist who has used GriefShare during his many years of service at congregations in Michigan and the Midwest. “That sense of sharing and support is enormously helpful in moving individuals through the grieving process.”
Each of GriefShare’s 13sessions includes a video, group discussion and a workbook for note-taking, journaling and grief study. The program is non-denominational, featuring faith-based Bible teachings on the topics of grief and recovery.
Retired St. Johns Lutheran Church Pastor George Brinley and his wife, Sue, are facilitating the GriefShare sessions. The couple have a unique perspective and understanding for the GriefShare program and its benefits. Their eight-year-old son died in 1980 after being hit by a car.
“It was an extremely difficult and painful experience for our entire family,” Pastor Brinley recalls of the tragic event that occurred during his tenure at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sterling Heights. “Not long after our son died, the school principal and another close friend also lost sons.”
The Brinley’s began a home-based grief support group at that time which they found to be “extremely helpful for all of us,” Sue says.
“We all needed support. Being together with other people who were experiencing the same loss helped ease the pain. We shared our sorrow and learned from one another.”
That’s the philosophy behind GriefShare.
“Individuals who attend GriefShare may be a bit guarded at first, but they soon feel safe being with others like themselves and are able to open up and share their own personal experience – that sense of support and understanding brings hope,” Pastor Salminen says.
While the entire program spans 13 weeks, each session is self-contained and attendance at every meeting is not mandatory, says Yvonne Flegler who is coordinating the program along with fellow St. Johns’ member, Janet Smalldon.
“People can come to any or all of the sessions – it’s not necessary to attend every one. And, individuals who take part in this cycle of GriefShare can also participate in another cycle of sessions that we hope to offer later in 2012.”
The topic of the opening session Feb. 16 is “Living with Grief.” Among the topics of subsequent sessions are “The Effects of Grief,” “The Uniqueness of Grief,” “Top 20 Lessons of Grief” and “Heaven.” Each session runs approximately 90 minutes; coffee and beverages will be provided.
Detailed information on the GriefShare support group is available at the church office or by calling St. Johns Lutheran Church, (989) 224-6796.