By PASTOR JEAN NEWELL
Guest Writer
Silently, tears streamed down her face. “I miss him so much,” she said softly. “I don’t know what to do with myself these days.”
Sometimes the death of a loved one comes after an extended illness; sometimes death comes suddenly and unexpectedly. Either way, for those who grieve a loved one’s passing, grief becomes a journey, a journey for which no one can really prepare or understand until they are in the midst of it.
Some days the pain of loss can be overwhelming; while at other times, you are simply numb to what life brings.
Some days grief can cause a normally organized person to feel confused and at a loss as to what to do. Simple, everyday tasks become stark reminders of the loved one that is gone, and the pain seems unbearable.
If you have lost a loved one recently or years ago and you are struggling to cope with the pain of grief that is affecting what seems to be all of life, consider attending GriefShare, an 11-week class that meets Wednesday afternoons.
It began May 1 and runs from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Road. GriefShare features nationally recognized experts on grief recovery topics.
The initial session began with a video about the issue “Is this normal?” followed by other sessions that will have the topics “Challenges of Grief,” “Guilt and Anger,” “Stuck in Grief” and “Why?” Each lesson of this non-denominational seminar and support group is self-contained, so if you are not able to attend every class, you are welcome to come as often as you can.
The class registration fee of $15 covers the cost of the workbook/study guide. Register online at sunlakesumc.org or at the church office. Information: 480-895-8766.
Alpha begins May 5
Sun Lakes United Methodist Church will host an introduction class to Alpha from 10:20 a.m. to noon on May 5 in Room 4 of the Education Building. Alpha is a 10-week course sprinkled with humor, offering a kinder, gentler chance to explore the Christian faith, ask questions and share your point of view.
It was originally designed for non-believers, but it soon became apparent that it is an excellent review for life-long Christians. The full Alpha course (no fee) will start May 19, from 10:20 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact the church office at 480-802-8766. The church is located at 9248 E. Riggs Road, (west of Robson Library).
‘Tuesday Nights Together’
Sun Lakes United Methodist Church (SLUMC) located at 9248 E. Riggs Road will host Tuesday Nights Together (TNT), a series of free summer programs on Tuesday evenings in June, July and August (no program July 2). Topics vary from light and entertaining to more serious and informing.
Everyone is welcome and admission is free. Each Tuesday event will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Lindsay Hall at the church. The programs last about an hour and reservations are not required.
Cris and Bart Evans June 4
Cris and Bart Evans will share their amazing talents with some Broadway tunes, easily recognizable popular songs and wonderful hymns we can all sing along too.
Cris is music director at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church as well as the director of the Sun Lakes Chorale and Bart is the conductor of the concert choir and men’s chorus at Arizona State University. He also serves as the Performance Coordinator of the Sun Lakes Chorale.
June 11: The Arizona Railway Museum
The Arizona Railway Museum, dedicated to railways of Arizona and the Southwest, was founded and incorporated in 1983 as a non-profit, educational and historical organization. The Arizona Railway Museum is a community effort toward the acquisition, restoration, preservation and display of railway equipment, artifacts and mementos.
Join Bart Barton for an exciting evening about this museum right here in Chandler.
The remaining lineup of the Tuesday Nights Together series to be held in July and August will be published in future issues of the SPLASH. If you have any questions about the 2019 series, please contact Bev Tarpley at the church office at 480-895-8766.
