GriefShare program, Surviving the Holidays, takes place Sunday

Nancy Beard knows first-hand the benefits of the GriefShare course.

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After her husband Brian died in September of 2023, she was looking for a support group that would help her work through the grieving process. And GriefShare fit the bill. She discovered that not everyone grieves the same way and the group discussions offered her great encouragement.

Not only does GriefShare offer practical advice to those who are grieving, “I think it’s the sharing that brings us along the path to healing,” Beard says.

Holidays can pose a special challenge for those who have lost a loved one. To help grievers work through this time of year, four churches in Brantford-Paris area are offering a one-session Surviving the Holidays event on Sunday from 2 to 4 pm at Brant Community Church.

“Facing the Christmas season after the death of a loved one can be daunting,” says Don Bernard, Congregational Care Pastor at Celebration Church. “The loss can feel even more devastating because everyone else seems to be having a good time gathering with friends and family.”

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“While it doesn’t remove the sadness completely, planning ahead and being prepared mentally and emotionally can be a big help,” he adds. “And that’s the kind of encouragement the Surviving the Holidays session is designed to provide.”

As well as being an encouraging session to help people prepare for the upcoming holiday season, Surviving the Holidays is also a good way to introduce people to the GriefShare course, Pastor Bernard says. The full 13-week grievance recovery course is being offered at four Brantford-Paris area churches in the new year.

The Surviving The Holiday event is sponsored by Brant Community Church, Queensway Baptist Church, Celebration Church and Paris Baptist Church. It will include special presentations, a DVD and group discussion.

For information, or to register, call 519-755-2686 or email [email protected].

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