“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Psalm 34:18

What is a Peer Grief Support Group?

A peer-run grief support group is a community of people who are living with grief. It is a safe place for people to be honest about their situation and its impact in their lives.  It keeps people from feeling isolated, and helps them to feel cared about. It empowers people to face their grief and helps give validation that they are OK as a person despite their situation. It provides positive role models and encouragement that it is possible to feel better.

The format highlights the Lutheran concept of God’s presence in the midst of our difficulty as God suffers with us.

Confidentiality—What is said in the group stays in the group.

This is a support group, not a therapy group. Group members agree not to fix anyone else’s problems, just be honest about their own.

Logistics

The group will be facilitated by members of this congregation who have experienced the death of a loved one. Oversight of the group will be provided by Pastor Karla Halvorson, however details of the group will remain confidential.

Meeting Time

The group meets two times a month. Our current meeting times are the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 9:30-11:30 am in Luther Hall.

Who Can Join?

The group is open to anyone experiencing grief. To join the group, people need to be able to truthfully say, “I am living with grief.”

One enteres the group by talking to either a facilitator or a pastor to make sure it is appropriate for their situation.  After speaking to one of these people, the person may join the group at the next meeting.

Group members do not have to be members of the congregation.

For further information, please speak with one of the pastors or Friedel Lunnerdal, or contact the church office at 760-727-1509.