Providing encouragement, information and comfort to those newly diagnosed with cancer as well as cancer survivors is the goal of the cancer support group that meets at Conestoga Mennonite Church.

Meetings are held year round at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, with the exception of a summer break in June and August.

According to cancer survivor Cheryl Heineman, who leads the group, meetings generally feature a guest speaker or educational program. "The guest speaker is at the beginning of the evening. When the guest speaker is finished, we take a break and come back as a group and share updates and what is going on in our lives. It helps to know where everyone is and how they are feeling," said Cheryl. "If there is no speaker, I have different topics that I know are important to the group. I feel out the group and see where they are."

She said that the group recently experienced the death of one of its members, which had an impact on participants. "When we had the death, we helped the group process it and talk about it," she said.

She said that prior to his passing, the group was able to benefit from the person's experiences. "It was hard for the group, but by the same token, his response (to his circumstances) was an encouragement," she said. "Even though he had this horrible illness, he could still be here, share and have a purpose. He (was able) to share (feelings) that he was dealing with."

"At first, he said cancer would not take him and then he became resolved and he (made) his peace and said that he will be with the Lord," she added.

The meetings, which generally last until 8:30 p.m., end in prayer.

Cheryl started the support group, which is open to people of all ages, in the midst of the pandemic in July of 2020. Her husband, the Rev. David Heineman, who is a board-certified hospice chaplain, offers support and expertise for the group.

The next scheduled cancer support group meeting will be held on Feb. 15. Future meetings dates are March 21, April 18 and May 16.

Conestoga Mennonite Church is located at 2779 Main St. (Route 23), Morgantown. For more information, contact Cheryl at 610-762-0002 or csgcmc@ptd.net.