Page 4 - The Friday Flyer • January 12, 2018

A-4 THE FRIDAY FLYER JANUARY 12, 2018 Local church offers 13-week Grief Share classes
This coming Monday, Jan. 15, Pastor Peter Van Dyke will be conducting Grief Share classes in which he reaches out to help those who have lost a loved one. This loss can be as close as a few months away or years since the actual loss.
For the past six years, Canyon Lake Community Church has provided Grief Share: a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside others through one of life’s most difficult experiences. During the many sessions that have been held by Pastor Pete, many relate how being involved in these sessions have helped them to face life once again with hope and a positive attitude.
Grief Share is an international orga- nization formed by Church Initiative located in Wake Forest, North Caroli- na. There are thousands of active Grief Share support groups in the United States, Canada and 10 other countries.
Grief comes in stages. At times, one can find it difficult to cope and move from one stage to another. The 13-week session of classes gives one the tools to walk through the grieving process with trained counselors to help guide them. Along with Pastor Pete is Hal and Juan- ita Adams, who also have much knowl- edge in helping others who have lost a loved one.
Each Grief Share session has three distinct elements. Each week the Grief Share group watches a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recov- ery subjects. After viewing the video, group members spend time as a support group, discussing what was presented in that week’s video seminar and how it can be lived out in their lives.
During the week, participants have the opportunity to use their workbook for further personal study of the grieving
Pastor Pete leads a Grief Share class at Canyon Lake Community Church.
process and to help sort out their emo- tions through journaling.
Several topics will be addressed in class, such as why one’s grief experi- ence is harder than they may have imag- ined. Helpful goals to set on the journey of grief will be discussed. The issue of dealing with those who try to rush one through one’s grief will be discussed along with why the path to healing from grief isn’t always smooth. How to get things done when one does not have the energy is always a popular topic.
Classes are held on 13 consecutive Mondays beginning on Jan. 15. Dupli- cate classes are held at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., which allows participants flexibly
in scheduling each week. Each week is “self-contained,” so one does not have to attend at the beginning of the 13-week session. Participants will find encour- agement and help whenever they begin. Classes held at Canyon Lake Commu- nity Church in Building A (chapel), lo- cated on the first parking lot.
Anyone interested in attending should leave a message on Pastor Pete’s office phone at 951-244-1877 ext. 204 or just show up to the meeting. Reservations are not required.
Participants do not need to be a mem- ber of Canyon Lake Community Church to attend; meetings are open anyone who has a need.
Pastor Peter Van Dyke will be conducting a 13-week Grief Share program at Canyon Lake Community Church beginning Monday.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY PAT VAN DYKE.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY PAT VAN DYKE.