ST JOHN – The parish of St. John the Evangelist will once again be hosting and facilitating the two nationally recognized programs of GriefShare and DivorceCare.
Over the past twenty-five years these two programs have helped well over one million people deal with and recover from some of life’s biggest setbacks; death of a loved one (GriefShare) and marital divorce (DivorceCare).
The journey of grief is unique for each individual. It can become overwhelmingly painful and leave one feeling lost, lonely and confused.
The GriefShare 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.
In a similar way, divorce or separation can also be a devastating and traumatic event. Often times divorce can leave an individual feeling disoriented, hopeless and alone. Mutual friendships, relations with in-laws, even relationships with your own children have been disrupted.
DivorceCare 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 like finances and relationships with God, forgiveness and reconciliation are also included in the agenda.
The sessions allow for the opportunity for one to express one’s 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 then ultimately leads the individual toward the development of a clear and meaningful path forward.
The two programs will run simultaneously but are separate and independent of each other. They both offer a weekly video which provides advice from professional counselors, former experienced attendees, as well as various pastors and ministers.
Small group discussions follow the video presentations, allowing participants to talk about their specific and unique situations. Additionally, a participant booklet for support during the week is also included.
The program is Christian-based but is open to people of any or no denomination. But 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 church doesn’t want anything said or heard that might incline an individual toward divorce if there is still time to reconcile.
Our sessions begin on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist church located at 10701 Olcott in St. John. We will continue to meet consecutively at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays for the next 13 weeks.
We do welcome walk-ins but prefer you register in advance by either calling myself (Deacon Eddie) at 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. 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.
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 that wasn’t there before. So, if you or someone you know might benefit from these programs we offer, please contact us.
Deacon Ed Bodley serves the St. John the Evangelist parish community in St. John.
