After an absence because of the pandemic, GriefShare sessions will once again be offered for the community at Gateway Church, 160 Cowan Road, Parkesburg. GriefShare, which will be facilitated by Paul and Twila Ranck, is a free support group for those who have experienced the death of a family member or friend.

Meetings will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 6:30 p.m., and they will run every Tuesday through Nov. 7. People can attend GriefShare at any time because each meeting is self-contained; participants do not have to attend in sequence.

The Rancks have been facilitating GriefShare sessions since 2002. "(During the pandemic,) we were in the middle of a session, and (it) ground to a halt," said Twila, noting that a session with limited attendance was offered in 2021. "We are back and ready for a fresh start. It's the same curriculum, but it has been updated."

The nondenominational program features Christ-centered, biblical teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of loved one. At each of the GriefShare sessions, which are designed for people age 15 and older, attendees watch a video that features real-life stories of people who have experienced loss. "The group will then discuss the video together," said Twila.

The topic for the opening meeting on Aug. 15 will be "Is This Normal?" In this session, attendees will be introduced to the GriefShare program. The session will also explain what living with grief is like, why people should not be ashamed of their grief and why they should not rush through the healing process.

Upcoming sessions will include Aug. 22, "Your Grief Journey"; Aug. 29, "Loneliness and Sadness"; and Sept. 5, "Self-Care."

GriefShare is for those who have experienced a recent loss, as well as those who have been grieving for years. Twila noted that some people repeat the entire course or just the sessions that deal with a particular topic. Also, people grieving a recent loss are welcome to attend the program again after some time has passed.

She pointed out that at times, friendships continue outside of the meetings. "Sometimes (participants) form their own support group within the group," Twila noted.

GriefShare attendees should enter through the church's main door and follow the signs to the meeting room. Child care will not be available.

For more information about the GriefShare session at Gateway Church or to register, visit http://www.griefshare.org/groups/170824. Walk-ins will also be welcome. More information about the GriefShare program is available at http://www.griefshare.org.