One of the ministries that offered to families who have experienced a recent death is our Bereavement Support Group.  The group meets monthly and the individuals who attend it changes over time as some people cease coming and new people start to attend.  People attend as long as they feel the group is helping them cope with the death they have faced.  I am not the leader of the group and don’t attend the sessions.  I do hear from attendees who tell me how much they benefit from the group.

Several components that those who attend the group share in common are what give the group the power to be effective as they meet.  They include:

• A chance for everyone to talk and the permission for anyone who chooses to be silent to do so without pressure to speak.
• A chance for members to benefit from hearing from others who have walked the path they are now walking. Knowing that your thoughts and emotions are normal for the situation can be a great comfort.
• The structure of the group is also informal. As a result fellowship that follows is as much a comfort to those who attend as the content of group session.

I am glad that this group exists and thankful for all the good things that each participant brings to the group.