Gary UMC in Wheaton to offer grief support group

If you’ve experienced grief recently or even years ago, Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton invites you to its grief support group. The Grief Matters support group will meet from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 6 through Feb. 12, at the church, 224 N. Main St.

The group strives to be a safe place where those who grieve can support each other, share experiences and work through faith questions.

Grief is one of those hidden wounds that takes longer to heal than many people, even close friends, expect. Years after someone you love has died, you may find yourself still wondering if you could have done things differently. You may still shed tears or experience deep sadness. When grief is complicated by tragic circumstances, or unresolved relationship issues, it can be especially difficult to return to living joyfully, loving others deeply and trusting God fully.

Led by the Rev. Jane Hawkins and the Rev. Mary Zajac, the support group will use resources from Dr. Bill Webster, a well-known British grief counselor, as well as other sources. Register at garychurch.org/registrations. (No sessions on Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s Day)

The church, founded in 1853, has music, kids, youth and adult ministries, plus opportunities for local, national and global missions. The church offers worship at 9 and 11:11 a.m. Between services, there’s Sunday school for all ages, a coffee fellowship hour, plus the chapel is available for prayer and reflection. For more information, go to garychurch.org or contact the church office at office@garychurch.org.