Cari Block
The holiday season can be a very difficult time for those who have lost a loved one, whether it has been recent or years in the past. The Surviving the Holidays program is a one session educational video, with a Christian emphasis, that gives the participants tools and life skills that can help smooth the journey through grief. After watching the video, the group will meet in a confidential small group setting for discussion where those who just want to listen and those who wish to share are welcome. A very helpful booklet will be given to each participant to take home and review during the holidays.
Surviving the Holidays is a great introduction to the full GriefShare program which is ongoing and contains encouraging information packed videos featuring leading grief recovery experts. Each session is self-contained with a different topic on the grief journey. So, it is not necessary to attend every session and you can join the group at any point. GriefShare is a network of churches worldwide equipped to offer grief support groups. The program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing from grief. There is much to be gained even for those who are not of the Christian faith. More detail on GriefShare can be found at www.griefshare.org.
Community Church at SaddleBrooke (CCSB) has been sponsoring the GriefShare program since 2015 and many have found it to be helpful in the often confusing and difficult experience of losing a loved one. One participant who started with the Surviving the Holidays program and went on to complete the GriefShare sessions commented:
“After the loss of my husband I struggled with daily tasks and looking toward the future with any positive resolve. I was blessed to find, in our Church bulletin, information about the upcoming group that was Surviving the Holidays. This group and GriefShare ended up being the answer to my prayers. They utilized videos, a workbook and small group discussion that helped me realize that I was not alone and there is hope for the future. Everything is kept very confidential within the group and both the counselors and fellow attendees were extremely supportive.”
The Surviving the Holidays one-session-program will be held Sunday, October 14, at 1:30 p.m. at the Community Church at SaddleBrooke Parish House. There is no charge for the session but a donation of $5 is appreciated to cover the cost of the handbook. Anyone interested is welcome and often those who are not grieving bring a friend who has experienced loss of a loved one. For reservation or information please call or contact Cari Block at 858-243-3747 or [email protected] or Bruce Block at 858-692-5227 or [email protected].