For the fourth consecutive year, the local in-person GriefShare support group, led by Debbie Ruebush and Terri Gilliland, will offer help, guidance and friendship to Macombarea residents who have the experienced the loss of a loved one. The first class of the 13-week Fall 2026 cohort, 'Is this Normal,' will be held from 10-11:30 a.m.
(Maple Avenue Christian Church), as well as from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 19 (The Crossing Church).
The class will meet every Wednesday through Nov. 11 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Maple Avenue Christian Church, led by Gilliand, and 6-8 p.m. at The Crossing, led by Ruebush, with the exception of Aug. 26 and Sept. 2, which will be held at Maple Avenue. Gilliland and Ruebush both lost their husbands in Spring 2021, and established the nationally-known program locally in 2022. Before the Macomb group was formed, the closest GriefShare at the time was in Quincy.
GriefShare's parent ministry, Church Initiative, is a nondenominational, nonprofit ministry serving more than 20,000 churches worldwide. The organization creates and publishes curricula to help people experiencing life crises, like the loss of the loved one.
The following topics will be covered during the 13-weeks: Your Grief Journey, Loneliness & Sadness, Self-Care, Fearful & Overwhelmed, Anger, Regrets, Grief & Your Household, Grief & Friendships, Questions for God, Stuck in Grief, Hope & Resilience and What Do I Live for Now?
