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.

“Going to GriefShare feels like having warm arms wrapped around you when you’re shivering.”
 
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
  • Support group discussion with focus
  • Personal study and reflection
The next cycle begins at Worthington Presbyterian Church on Monday, August 14, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm and concludes on November 13, 2023. 
  • This is a free program with the cost underwritten by WPC for the community. 
  • You can begin attending at any time within the cycle. 
  •  Please call the church office (724-297-3820) for more information.
Weekly session topics
Each week your group will watch a video seminar on DVD. The GriefShare videos cover topics essential to your recovery from the hurt of grief and loss. The videos feature interviews with grief recovery experts and real-life stories of people who have experienced the death of a loved one.
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.  
  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.
For more information, log into griefshare.org/about.
 
 
 
 
A special event, Surviving the Holidays, will be held Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 2 pm in the Fellowship Hall. 
Wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Are you dreading these holidays, knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years can’t be recreated?
Our Surviving the Holidays seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one’s death. You’ll learn:
  • How to deal with the many emotions you’ll face during the holidays
  • What to do about traditions and other coming changes
  • Helpful tips for surviving social events
  • How to discover hope for your future 

 
Memorial Remembrance Service
In loving memory, a memorial remembrance with a candle lighting service will be held at Worthington Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 2pm.  You are cordially invited to gather to remember your loved one by lighting a candle and sharing a memory.