GriefShare Small Group Ministry

We are currently in the process of putting together another 13 week series of GriefShare small group meetings.

If you are interested in the next session, please email Pastor Randy at rwilliams@northridge.org and he'll keep you posted on the next time and place.

Visit http://www.griefshare.com for more information on the curriculum used in the sessions.  Scroll down below for a list of the weekly sessions.

What is it?

It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you've lost a spouse, child, family member or friend, you‘ve probably found that there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. That’s the reason for GriefShare, a special support group for people grieving the loss of someone close. This group is sponsored by people who understand what you are experiencing and want to offer you for comfort and encouragement during this difficult time   Each GriefShare session includes a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects. These videos also include on-location settings and the real-life stories of people who have experienced losses like yours After viewing the video, you’ll participate in a small group discussion about what you’ve seen on the tape. You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with others who have experienced a recent loss, learn about their experiences and have the opportunity to share your own. GriefShare is a non-denominational group and features biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics. Please feel welcome to join a group near you. You'll be glad you did   You are welcome to begin attending the GriefShare group at any point during the 13-week session. Each is “self-contained,” so that you do not have to attend in sequence. You will find encouragement and help whenever you begin. You will be able to continue with GriefShare through the next 13-week session and to view any of the videos you have not seen   Your GriefShare group will begin each session by viewing a special seminar video designed to provide you with the information you need on your journey to healing. These intereresting-to-watch videos feature interviews with top experts on grief recovery subjects, profiles of people who are experiencing grief and on-location settings

GriefShare Sessions SESSION 1- When Your Dreams Fall Apart An overview of the GriefShare program; the first steps to understanding your grief and the losses which accompany it; sharing your hurt with others. SESSION 2- Seasons Of Grief What to expect during your "season" of grief; how grief can "ambush" you; how men and women respond differently to grief issues. SESSION 3- Emotions Of Grief (1) Facing the flood of emotions which accompany grief; examining shock, anger, denial, blame and regret; feeling out of control and helpless; avoiding self-destructive solutions to easing the pain. SESSION 4- Emotions Of Grief (2) Avoiding emotional ruts; avoiding traps of self-pity, fear of the future and bitterness; discovering the freedom of forgiveness. SESSION 5- When Your Spouse Dies Why the death of a spouse is unique and an especially deep loss; how to respond when you feel like you've "lost your identity;" how to deal with feelings that you will "never feel normal again;" discovering how the Lord can fill the gap left by your mate's death. SESSION 6- Your Family And Grief Coping with the loss of a child or parent; the stresses such a death can bring to a family; coping with suicide; how to help children grieve. SESSION 7- Where Is God? Why did God allow this death to happen?; what do I do with unanswerable questions confronting me?; how to trust God and grow closer to Him even when you don't have all the answers. SESSION 8- Your Greatest Resource How to draw upon your relationship with Christ for strength as you face grief; how to find Christ if you've never known Him; how He can guide and comfort you through this difficult time in a way nobody else can. SESSION 9- Stuck In Grief Or Moving On Understanding false guilt; identifying hidden grief; confronting actions and attitudes which cause you to become "stuck;" steps you can take to move forward through the grieving process. SESSION 10- Growing Through Grief Becoming "bitter or better" through your grief experience; experiencing unparalleled spiritual growth; reaching out to others to help them in their time of grief. SESSION 11- Grief Recovery Toolkit Claiming God's joy and hope for the future in your life; using practical tools such as a journal, conversations with friends, helping others, prayer, Bible study and praise to assist you in recovering from your grief. SESSION 12- God’s Spiritual Hospital This important session shows how the church can serve as “extended family” and assist you in the healing process. You will also see how to use your own experiences in ministry to others. SESSION 13- Longing for Heaven Can a person really recover from the hurt and pain that comes during the grieving process? Will there ever be a time when all sorrow and pain are gone forever? This final session is filled with good news as you see how one day the Lord will wipe away every tear and there will be no more sorrow or pain.