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GriefShare Weekly Bereavement Support Group Begins March 25

GriefShare, a weekly faith-based bereavement support group, offers help, encouragement, and support after the death of a spouse, child, other family member, or friend. Sponsored by Christ Chapel of Madison, this support group meets on Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m., beginning March 25. The program runs through the end of June (with no meeting on Memorial Day).

The weekly format includes supportive discussion about video content and a journaling workbook reinforcing each week’s topics. Workbooks can be ordered directly through GriefShare when participants register for the group through the www.GriefShare.org Find-A-Group page.

Past and current participants have come from throughout Connecticut. All are welcome.

Christ Chapel’s GriefShare Ministry Coordinator for the past 10 years, Joanne Baker Deal, a master’s-level licensed professional counselor and a certified grief counseling specialist, notes that “time alone does not heal. This is a process that takes both time and hard work.” Deal explained, “We desire that participants leave every session strengthened with tools for his or her unique grief journey. The groups truly become a support system. I’m so gratified when, at the end of our 13-week cycles, participants tell me they have no idea where they would be floundering had it not been for the GriefShare material and the support of others in the group.” The 13 sessions follow a logical progression from initial grief to the process of moving on and finding a “new normal.” If participants miss a session, they can view the video on the www.griefshare.org website or when the 13-week cycle repeats beginning in April.

For more information, call Joanne Baker Deal at 860-304-5695.