‘Surviving the Holidays’
WAYNESBURG — In his ongoing ministry as pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Waynesburg, Rev. Bill Sukolsky became conscious of the need to help those suffering from the loss of a loved one.
When he discovered GriefShare, a video seminar and discussion group that meets at various locations throughout the nation, he thought the program would be beneficial for this area.
GriefShare is a national, nondenominational ministry with groups all over the nation. It was founded by Dave and Nancy Guthrie of Nashville, Tennessee, who lost two of their three children due to a rare genetic disorder called Zellweger Syndrome. As the Guthries wrestled with their own grief and their Christian faith, they created GriefShare as a way of helping others.
“GriefShare is designed for anyone suffering from grief because of the loss of a parent, child, spouse, friend or relative either recently or sometime in the past,” Rev. Sukolsky said. “I know people who’ve lost someone many, many years ago and can’t stop thinking about their lost loved ones. One of the things GriefShare points out is that people get stuck in grief. If you don’t get past your feeling of grief, you can’t function very well.”
“All of our presenters are Christians who believe that, ultimately, our healing from grief comes when we place our trust in Christ,” he added. “But even if someone who does not profess to have a faith, there are still truths in GriefShare that will prove helpful to their lives and the healing process.”
The church has held several 13-week series of GriefShare sessions over the past two years, and Sukolsky said he feels the program has been successful in its mission to provide not only comfort and understanding to those grieving, but also helpful tools that can be used in the healing process.
In addition to the 13-week sessions, the church is going to present a special version of the GriefShare program that is geared to helping those grieving during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Titled “Surviving the Holidays,” the free program will be held at the church, located at 300 N. Richhill Street in Waynesburg, on Monday, Nov. 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
“For those mourning the loss of a loved one, Thanksgiving and Christmas can be an especially painful time as we attempt to celebrate in the midst of grief,” Rev. Sukolsky said. “Through the use of video and discussion, ‘Surviving the Holidays’ will help those grieving face this time of year by sharing ways to cope with the absence of loved ones even as we celebrate the presence of Jesus.”
The session will be held in a meeting room at the church with the serving of refreshments. People will sit in a circle and watch a video featuring top experts on grief and recovery; the video is produced in an interesting-to-watch, television magazine format featuring expert interviews, real-life case studies, dramatic reenactments and on-location video.
After viewing the video, participants will spend time as a support group, discussing what was presented in the video and what is going on in their lives.
Rev. Sukolsky said he believes participants will find encouragement and help during the program, and they will not be asked to talk if they prefer not to as all of the discussions are completely voluntary.
Rev. Sukolsky said he encourages people who are dealing with grief to try the 13-week session that offered during the year as well as the special program that focuses on the upcoming holidays.
“GriefShare has been a profoundly powerful experience for many people,” Rev. Sukolsky said. “The goal and intent of the ministry is to help people move forward with their lives. The 13-week sessions are really effective, and whether you have participated in GriefShare before or if you are new to the program, the special program on Nov. 23 will be very helpful.”
For more information, call the First Presbyterian Church in Waynesburg at 724-627-6006.