Searching for the Light

Matt Boster

Viewed: 4549

Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Oct 14 2014 11:15 AM

Grief and the pain of loss are not restricted to any particular group but can be expected by all of us. People in grief often find themselves in a dark, lonely place and looking for any source of light and hope. When we face that situation, none of us really are prepared and many will need support. And that support is often hard to find. Several organizations are working together to help the entire Wiregrass community by identifying sources of support and facilitating cooperation in order to help all. 

In particular, the Stephen Ministries at Harvest Church and Covenant United Methodist Church are hosting several events this fall to reach out to those in grief. These events include informational seminars and special meetings, as well as support groups for people suffering losses from a variety of sources. Everyone in the community is invited to participate in any of these events. 

Grief Seminars. Covenant United Methodist Church will host a series of four grief seminars each Sunday afternoon, beginning October 5th and continuing through November 2nd. These meetings will be held in room CLC 116 in Covenant’s Christian Life Center, 3610 West Main Street, Dothan, Alabama 36305, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. These seminars focus on providing information about different aspects of grief, and they offer hope and encouragement by explaining what grief entails, what to expect during grief, and how our relationships relate to our grief.

“Surviving the Holidays.” Because the holidays can be particularly difficult for those in grief, Harvest Church will host a special meeting on “Surviving the Holidays.” This meeting will be in the sanctuary at Harvest Church, 2727 Fortner Street, Dothan, Alabama 36305 on Friday November 7th, from 6:30 until 9:00 pm. We will hear from professional counselors regarding what to expect and how to cope with the particular issues of grief in the holidays. The meeting will then provide the opportunity for discussing specific issues associated with various sources of grief, including loss of a loved one, divorce and depression.

Longest Night. Because Christmas can be an especially dark time in our grief, Covenant UMC will host a “Service of the Longest Night” in their sanctuary at 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Sunday December 21st. By the calendar, this is the longest night of the year and provides an

opportune time for this special service of remembrance and healing. We will have a reflective time of prayer, scripture and music, acknowledging God’s presence for those who mourn, for those who struggle, for those who desire God’s light to shine in our darkness.

Support Groups. As a continuing activity throughout the year, Covenant UMC provides a grief support group which meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. The next meeting will be Tuesday, November 11th. We meet in room CLC 110 at 6 pm with a short presentation on a topic connected to grief and then break up into small groups for discussion and sharing. Those discussions generally continue to around 8 pm, but each group meets as long as the members choose. These small groups are focused around people with similar losses: loss of spouse, loss of child and loss of parent or other. These groups provide a safe, confidential, loving and Christ-centered environment for sharing one another’s burdens. Members do not have to say anything, but if and when you wish to share your story, you will find a loving place to do so amongst people who are experiencing the same journey. One of the greatest benefits of the group is simply the realization that you are not alone.

All of these events are being presented through collaboration among the Stephen Ministers from these churches, and in cooperation with hospice organizations and other service agencies, to reach out to all in the Wiregrass. For more information, you may call any of these Stephen Ministers:

Harvest Church: 334-702-6555

You may ask for Staci Spears

Covenant UMC: 334-793-4440

You may leave a message for Sammy Prim, Jim or Leslie Hicks, or Pam Meredeth

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