The death of a family member or friend is a traumatic event that disrupts every aspect of our lives. In my experience as a pastor, I often see tremendous outpourings of love and support to bereaved families during the first few days after the death of a loved one. But this support sometimes goes away soon thereafter. It is not that our friends and extended family members no longer care; it is more a matter of them going back to their lives. You, however, can never go back to the life you once knew because that life will never be the same again. It is during this time that grief begins to truly set in. As the year of "firsts" commences (first holiday, first birthday, first anniversary without our loved one) the grief can become more pronounced. Processing this grief, in order that we not be consumed by it, becomes extremely important.

At Davidson United Methodist Church, we have a tremendous ministry that offers a safe place to learn and journey through your grief with others who are in similar circumstances. Our Grief Care Support Group will begin meeting Monday, October 13, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., in the Congregational Care House (We will take off a couple of weeks for the Christmas and New Years holidays). Mr. Morgan Temple has led this ministry for many years and will once again be the facilitator. Morgan, assisted by Mrs. Mary Susan Rivers and Rev. Jim Humphries, will lead the group through the book and journal Understanding Your Grief, Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart, by Alan D. Wolfelt Ph.D.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss, and our invitation to join our Grief Care Support Group this year. If you are interested in being part of the group, please register through our website at www.davidsonumc.org/event-registrations/ or call Gail Spach, 704-892-8277, ext. 239. And feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the group (jhumphries@davidsonumc.org).

Be encouraged, for you are not alone in your journey.