Loss and grief are no small obstacles, and almost every community has experienced some type of tragedy that is felt throughout its foundation. Whether it is an individual experiencing loss or a community mourning as a whole, the journey of healing and growth can be a difficult undertaking. Pequea Church, located at 40 Church Road, Lancaster, will offer an 11-week GriefShare support group program to help those navigating grief. The program will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 23, and run weekly on Tuesdays until the final meeting on Nov. 1.

GriefShare is led by Trina Barr, who first got the project underway in 2003 at Pequea Church. Barr began her own journey with grief after the tragic loss of her younger brother and became involved with Hospice & Community Care's bereavement program. "Because of my brother's death, I knew I wanted to help people," she remarked. "There weren't very many support groups back then." Barr became active in grief recovery efforts and was asked to lead the GriefShare program after tragedy shook the church community.

Over the history of the program, the routine and goal have remained consistent. Each 90-minute session will begin with video presentations on different aspects of dealing with grief, followed by provided refreshments, group discussion and prayer. The program will conclude after 11 weeks with a group dinner and candle-lighting ceremony. Although the vision and course have not changed, the program has welcomed additional leaders since its inception. Barr is now supported by two additional co-leaders, Dave Perry and Sherry Mull.

Barr first came in contact with Perry and Mull after posting a need for additional leaders in the program; both had experienced substantial grief in their own lives and found help and community through GriefShare. Perry began attending after the loss of his wife, Carol, last year and received support from what he now sees as a second family. "Dave has been a real blessing," Barr affirmed. "He has really inspired many in the group. He and Sherry co-lead with me, supporting me through the sessions and driving discussion." Mull similarly found refuge in the program after losing her mother and brother, and she then decided she wanted to help others find the same support she had received in the process of mourning.

"When I was asked to run GriefShare, I was scared. I prayed and prayed about it and God prepared me. I feel truly blessed because of the program," Barr stated. She noted that community support for the program has been tremendous, and an anonymous donor has even volunteered to cover the expenses and workbook costs. To register or obtain more information, call the church office at 717-872-5679 or email Barr at jebarr@frontier.com.