Who is this group for? This group is for anyone and everyone who has experienced the death of a loved one. You do not need to be a member of a United Methodist Church or affiliated with any church to participate. All are welcome to join us in a space designed for healing and wholeness.
Why an online grief group? We believe that healing happens in community, through learning about God's love and care for us and through sharing life alongside others who understand. At the same time, we know that in-person grief support groups are not always available or accessible, especially in rural areas and smaller churches where these resources may not currently be offered. This online group was created to fill that gap and to ensure that no one has to walk alone.
Will what I share be kept confidential? Yes. Everything shared within this group will stay within this group. Each participant will commit to honoring the confidentiality of one another, and there will be no record of your participation shared with your pastor or anyone else. Please note that our group leader is a mandatory state reporter, which means that if she becomes aware that you or someone else is in danger of being harmed, she is required by law to report that information to the appropriate authorities.
Who is leading this group? Our group will be led by Pastor Dawn Anderson, who brings decades of experience in grief and pastoral care. Her approach is rooted in and aligned with the theology and values of The United Methodist Church, and she will be a faithful and compassionate guide throughout your journey.
What if I can't attend every week? We completely understand that life happens, and we want you to give yourself grace if something comes up. That said, we do encourage you to make every effort to join each week, as consistent participation is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself in this healing process.
What topics will be covered? Over the six sessions, we will get to know each other and tell our stories. We will learn about the emotions of grief, discuss relationships with friends and family, and talk about self-care and secondary losses. Most importantly, we will look at how grief affects our faith, and share ways to keep our bonds with our loved ones strong as we go forward, grieving with hope.