Pastor David Holling

The death of a loved one, whenever it occurs, is one of life’s most difficult times. We feel grief, loss, sadness, confusion, questions about the future, anger, and a myriad of other feelings. Our circumstances are forever changed, and somehow, in the fog of death, we must find a way to go on into the future. And now we add the isolation and loneliness of the COVID-19 virus, and some of us have had to say “goodbye” from afar. That seems to deepen the sadness and anxiety.

Where do we turn? What can we do to help us on our journey of grief? How do we turn the corner and begin heading towards wholeness and a new normal? Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020, at 1:30 p.m., facilitated by Dr. David Holling, Sun Lakes United Methodist Church located at 9248 E. Riggs Road is once again offering a 13-week program called, “GriefShare—A Journey from Mourning to Joy.” GriefShare meets weekly, and its purpose is to help you on your grief journey. You will find a warm, caring, accepting environment with others experiencing the death of a loved one and who are doing the hard work of moving forward in their lives.

The format includes a video portion on the topic of the week that offers encouraging, information-packed material presented by leading grief recovery experts. Following the video is a group discussion about the content of the video and time for each participant to share what is happening on his/her grief journey. Please note, no one is forced to speak, and much can be gained by listening to others share their story. A workbook ($15) is also utilized for personal journaling and study exercises that reinforce the weekly session topics. Scholarship help is available.

Topics range from “Is this Normal?,” “Grief and Your Relationships,” “Guilt and Anger,” “What Do I Live for Now?,” and many others. Here is what some others have said about GriefShare: “I found out that I was not alone and not crazy in what I was feeling after my spouse passed away suddenly.” Another added: “Everyone grieves differently, and I found out it is okay to feel the way I feel.”

There is hope and healing in your journey. To register or for more information, call the church office at 480-895-8766.