GriefShare

Grief Share is a seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life after the death of a loved one. It’s led by people who understand your hurt and want to help you find comfort and encouragement.

IPC's Grief Share group begins in January and meets for 13 weeks on Wednesday nights, from 6:00-7:30 p.m., in Room 233. (Our Grief Share group is for women, but we'll help men find a Grief Share group at another church.)

Each session includes a video featuring experts in grief recovery, then a discussion with your small group. GriefShare group members often develop close relationships and become supportive friends.

For more information about Grief Share at Independent Presbyterian Church, contact Dixie Power at jamesmoorep83 [at] bellsouth [dot] net or (901) 652-2030.

Read more about Grief Share at griefshare.org.

Session 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

Session 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

Session 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

Session 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

Session 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

Session 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

Session 7: Guilt and Anger

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

Mar. 18 | Session 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

Session 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

Session 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

Session 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

Session 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

Session 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