Ministry Outreach: Caring Ministries

Grief Share Ministry

Healing from a loss is not easy. The Grief Share group is designed to help you recover from the deep hurt that comes with the loss of someone close to you.

Your Grief Share experience includes three key elements to help you in the healing process:

• VIDEO
  At each session you will view a video on an issue related to grief and loss. These videos feature top experts on a variety of subjects important to the grief recovery process. On each video, you’ll also hear the personal stories of people like you who have been through grieving experiences.
• SUPPORT GROUP
  After the video, you will become part of a small support group. Your group will discuss what was seen on the video and what is going on in your lives. It is very likely that you will begin to see the people in your group as “family.” In addition to discussing the video we will take time to “catch up” on the trials, problems and successes experienced by group members between each session.
• BETWEEN SESSIONS
  You’ll have the opportunity to work through the "On Your Own" section of a workbook. It will lead you to some relevant and practical sections of the Bible and guide you through a personal evaluation of how these verses apply directly to your situation. This material can make a real difference in your recovery, and we encourage you to spend a little time each day on it.

FOUNDATION FOR HEALING
Throughout the Grief Share videos, you will hear people talking about the importance of a relationship with Jesus Christ in healing from the deep pain of grief. In fact, you will hear it said that you cannot fully heal from grief without the power of Christ in your life.

WHEN DO THE GRIEF SHARE GROUPS MEET?
We meet at St. Luke's church in room 102 of
the Schneider Education Center on Thursdays at
10:00 AM. If you or someone you know could benefit from this class, or if you desire more information, please call Deacon Jim Johnston at 423-5990.

Divorce Care Recovery Support Group

Learn how to deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life. Divorce Care features biblical teaching for recovering from divorce and separation.

Marriages within our churches are breaking up, leaving a trail of hurting families and congregations that struggle to find the right response. People hurting from divorce and separation are showing up at churches, seeking help and healing from their pain.
We, at St. Luke's, are inviting you to Divorce Care. Divorce Care emphasizes that real healing from the intense pain of divorce must begin with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Divorce Care meets every Tuesday from 6:30 - 8:30 PM in Room 102 of the Schneider Education Center.

Caregivers Support Group

This group provides much needed support and encouragement for the person giving care to another.
Meets on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. - noon.

If you are interested in receiving additional information on this group, please call 423-5990.

Surviving the Holidays - Grief Seminar

I don’t think I can make it through the holidays. I need help!

St. Luke’s is offering a Surviving the Holidays seminar to assist persons experiencing grief over
the loss of a loved one in coping through the upcoming holiday season.

Facing a holiday after the death of a loved one can be more difficult that your friends and even family members may realize. This seminar will not only help you survive the holidays, but to find strength, healing, and tools to move forward in your daily walk through the deep pain of grief.

Participants will learn about:
Emotions that may surprise you over the holidays.
How to find the strength to keep going forward.
Preparing for the coming holidays.
Focusing on the true meaning of the season.
How to use the holidays to heal from grief.

Deacon Jim Johnston will be facilitating the Surviving the Holidays Seminar. Deacon Jim has a
long history of counseling and has developed the syndicated curriculum for the Care Ministry
at St. Luke’s. In addition to this seminar, he facilitates GriefShare, DivorceCare and a Caretaker
Support Group, all of which are open to the public.

When: Thursday, November 17 at 10 AM

Place: St. Luke’s Fellowship Hall

A light meal will be served following. Members and the public are welcome to attend. This
seminar is provided at no cost as a ministry outreach. If you feel you could find healing and
encouragement from any of these groups, please contact the church office.

For reservations, please call (715) 423-5990.

Survivors of Suicide Support Group

The Survivors of Suicide Support Group provides support for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Those left in the aftermath of suicide — family, friends, classmates, co-workers are called survivors of suicide.

Suicide is a traumatic loss—shocking, painful, unexpected. Suicide takes the lives of about
32,000 Americans each year. It is estimated that every suicide leaves at least six people
deeply affected by the death. The grief that follows suicide is extremely difficult. It is magnified,
complicated, and isolating. The survivor must grieve not only the loss, but also the choice that
caused the loss. If you have lost a loved one to suicide, you are a survivor of suicide.
You are not alone.

The Survivors of Suicide Support Group will provide you with the opportunity to:

-- Meet and talk with (or just listen to, if you prefer) people who are in your shoes

-- openly express your feelings and experiences with a group of caring individuals who will never judge you, rebuff you, or make you feel awkward

-- share common problems and reactions

-- receive assistance in coping with the different stages of the grieving process and with the
feelings that are particularly intense in the aftermath of suicide

Call the church office @ 715-423-5990 if this program can be
of benefit to you or someone you love.