ST. JOHN - The parish of St. John the Evangelist will once again host and facilitate the two nationally recognized programs of Grief Share and Divorce Care.
Over the past twenty-five years, these two programs have helped well over one million people cope with and recover from some of life’s biggest setbacks: death of a loved one (Grief Share) and marital divorce (Divorce Care).
The journey of grief is unique for each individual. It can become overwhelmingly painful, and leave one feeling lost, lonely and confused. The Grief Share program provides a forum to help one unravel these feelings and better understand the grieving process. It offers scriptural insight into the subject of human death and also provides a safe place for small group discussions for those in the middle of one of life’s most tragic storms.
When participants interact with others who are sharing the same experience, they soon recognize that they are not alone in what they are feeling. This makes it easier to walk this road with others by their side.
Similarly, divorce or separation can also be a devastating and traumatic event. Oftentimes, divorce can leave an individual feeling disoriented, hopeless and alone. Mutual friendships, relations with in-laws, and even relationships with their children have been disrupted.
Divorce Care is a lifeline program intended to minister to those who are dealing with those situations. It offers Christ-centered instruction as well as practical advice on how to deal with these painful experiences and the difficult emotional struggles often associated with divorce. Other topics such as finances, relationships with God, forgiveness and reconciliation are also included in the agenda.
The sessions allow attendees the opportunity to express their emotions and put them into words. This often brings clarity to their situations and sheds light on the new realities of their life. The program is designed to ultimately lead individuals to develop a clear and meaningful path forward.
The two programs will run simultaneously but are separate and independent of each other. The programs offer a weekly video, which provides advice from professional counselors, pastors and ministers, as well as experienced former attendees. Small group discussions follow the video presentations, allowing participants to talk about their specific and unique situations. Additionally, a participant booklet is provided for use during the week.
The program is Christian-based but is open to people of any or no denomination. Because the hope of the Church for struggling marriages is always for reconciliation between husband and wife, only people who have already filed for or are already divorced should attend the Divorce Care program. The Church doesn’t want anything said or heard that might incline an individual toward divorce if there is still time to reconcile.
Sessions begin on Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Sept. 3 at St. John the Evangelist, located at 10701 Olcott Ave. in St. John. They will continue to meet consecutively at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays for the next 13 weeks. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration in advance is preferred by either calling Deacon Ed Bodley (219-730-8312) or by visiting GriefShare.org/findagroup or DivorceCare.org/findagroup, respectively.
“Over the years, I’ve seen these programs help and benefit many of the people who were struggling with these issues,” said Deacon Bodley. “Even people who hadn’t set foot in a church for many years. I’ve also witnessed lasting bonds of friendship and support that were formed and continue beyond the duration of our program.”
He continued, “I smile when I now see them sitting together instead of alone in church. But I smile even more when I see someone in church who wasn’t there before. So, if you or someone you know might benefit from these programs we offer, please contact us.”
