This group was started a few years ago when a number of the congregation, who had been recently widowed, got together to share their grief. The group met monthly and on a few occasions had Joy Hunter, Chaplain at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, come to speak. these meetings were open to anyone and Joy, in her own quiet way, encouraged participation and pent-up feelings would come pouring out from folk who didn't always realize they had bottled up so much . There is no doubt it was a healing process. Gradually the group found that monthly meetings were not necessary. It isn't always helpful to keep going over the same hurting feelings -- one has to move on. More recently we have met a few times a year for a pot luck lunch at the home of one of our members. We find this a good way to keep in touch and we find out what has been happening in our lives and how we have been learning new coping skills.
Newly bereaved members of the congregation are helped with phone calls, visits and sometimes just going out for a meal. They are given materials to encourage them. The books, Journeying Through Grief, by Kenneth C. Haugk are particularly helpful. The leaders of the group always make themselves available to offer a listening ear at any time.
The next meeting of this group is Tuesday, April 24 in the Ross Lounge. Linda Cliff, a retired hospice nurse will give a talk, "Grief 101." She will cover the many stages of grief as well as discuss the different kinds of grief, such as grief for loss of health or a major life change. Anticipatory grief and delayed grief are often unrecognized but have profound effects on a person's well being.
The meeting is from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and all are welcome.
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