The Sylvan Lake Alliance Community Church wants people suffering from the loss of a loved one to know that they don’t have to be alone as they grieve.
GriefShare meetings, held Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m., are run by trained facilitators who take a listening-based approach to group members as they each deal with grief in their own manner.
“Everybody is on a different journey in their grieving,” said associate pastor Jim Rilling.
The program began on Jan. 12 and has been well attended so far, according to Rilling. Meetings aim to help those who are grieving find support throughout the grieving process.
“It helps people not to go crazy,” Rilling said. “It’s a great opportunity to find some encouragement after the death of a spouse, family member or friend.”
During meetings, the group may watch videos showing examples of different grieving ways, how to grieve and what to expect throughout the grieving process, and explaining that people don’t all grieve in the same way. Although not mandatory, group members also have the opportunity to share how they feel with others in attendance.
“Anger, discouragement, depression, a lot of loneliness - this group helps with all of that, and that’s its purpose,” Rilling said.
The program also offers a 13-week self-study course with a work book that covers the challenges of grieving, the grieving journey, and lessons learned from grief.
A registration fee of $20 covers the cost of video presentations and work books.
“We share our personal stories,” Rilling said. “It’s definitely confidential meetings. People are more than welcome to come and check it out for one time if they would like.”
For more information on the program, contact the Sylvan Lake Alliance Community Church at 403-887-8811, or visit www.sylvanlakealliance.com.