There are a lot of widows groups out there, and here's where you can now begin to find out about them, share ideas, and maybe even start your own. So hang with me for the next several months as I get a directory going. And, why not send me a casual photo and note about your group too? Here's the info to include:
- Name of group (if you have a name):
- How often you meet:
- What you do:
- And, if you are a church sponsored group and would like to list the church contact information please send me that too.
This is for any Christian widows group, not only the ones who are using my book. We need to know about other good books and resources too! Please email me with your group info and photo today WCplace@gmail.com
♥ ferree
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| Widows' Might -- South Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
Hi Ferree,
Attached is a picture of our group. We are named Widows' Might. (I thought of that name before learning there is a national group called Widows' Might. 'Hope we're not in trouble!) (No need to worry, Chris, that's a very popular name for widow groups, articles and books too! You chose well! fbh) We meet every Saturday afternoon, and after having light refreshments and announcements/updates, we dive into one chapter of Postcards From the Widows' Path, enjoying lively, meaningful discussion as we take turns reading the chapter out loud. Prayer requests are always addressed. We end our session with a 10-minute discussion of one of the widow-related topics in our "Hot Topics" candy dish. Very fun!! love, ChrisHere's more Chris had to say after a recent group meeting.
....We had a great meeting this afternoon and enjoyed discussing Postcard #9. Friendships grow and change throughout our lives, but nothing changes them as dramatically as death and grief. We discussed how some friendships have all but fallen off the radar screen altogether, but our hope--and our heartfelt prayer at the end of the meeting--is that we will expect, recognize, and receive new friends as the Lord brings them to us. Thank you for the revolving door illustration. Exit. Enter. Got it!
I thought you might enjoy reading a list of some of the Hot Topics we have in our candy dish. They include:
- What to Do When I'm Lonely
- Making Decisions
- What Do I Do Next?
- Hugging Men
- Ways to Say "Goodbye"
- Guidelines for Activities With Married Couples
- Widow's Brain
- Boundaries With Adult Children
- Handling In-law Issues
- Attending Funerals
- Weddings, & Other Occasions...
I love the idea of Hot Topics! Great job, ladies!
ReplyDeleteI just started a Widow's luncheon at my church. This gives me ideas for my group. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear about your luncheon, and that this gave you some ideas. Check out this weeks' post too for a good getting to know each other survey. Just copy and paste and tailor it for your unique use. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteI want to start a widow group at my church 🙂
ReplyDeleteHow do you keep it light and not heavy?
Thank you for this great question! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised to see that when you start your group most of the women will want to keep it light and not add to the burden they already carry. The one thing they want to walk away with each week is HOPE. God has an unlimited supply and He freely gives. :) Always keep in mind that widows ministry is very exciting because you get to see women "come back to life." ---it does take a while so there might be some "heavy" group times but God can help you carry that burden and turn it around as you let the group members minister to each other. Another thing is to set good boundaries---you start and finish on time, you decide if you'll meet weekly (which is a bit too much for many unless its a short-term commitment of 4 - 6 weeks), or monthly or every other week. Have support people for yourself such as a men's group in the church who help with home and auto repairs, or a counselor or mentor to help with personal issues. One person cannot address the full spectrum of widows needs. I prefer "light" rather than "heavy" too and one way to do that is to simply meet to share a meal each month. Either at a restaurant or home, or now during Covid days eat outdoors at a park. Start out with a cute and fun Icebreaker or read a joke and end with a devotional reading and asking for prayer requests. What I find is that the ladies minister to each other during and after these times. That's really what it's all about--providing a safe place for them to be accepted and know that they are not alone. For more ideas click on the Support Group Ideas in the side column of this blog under "2.Or Search The Labels". Also email me at WCplace@gmail.com and pass along your mailing address and I will send you a free discussion guide for my book. Even is you don't use my book it has some group guidelines and icebreakers. Bottom line though is that most widows want to keep it light too---they don't need to get dragged under with more sad times. They do need to tell their stories but you can lead them in positive ways to share them. As the group leader you set the tone---compassionate of course, but also hopeful and always looking for the ways God will show up in each of their lives. He will!
ReplyDeleteHello, I lost my husband 4 years ago, and I recently started a Widow's group as a way to help the widows at my church cope with the loss of their loved ones. We meet every other Thursday for 1 hour via Zoom. Leading a Group is new to me, and I am finding it a bit challenging finding things to do/discuss via Zoom. Some weeks we play Bible Trivia, and sometimes we take turns discussing the Women of the Bible. Am wondering if you can give me some suggestions or guidelines of things we can do to keep the Ladies engaged and entertained. There are currently 9 of us in the group. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you🙏🏾
DeletePsula
Hi my Pastor has asked me direct our newly formed Widows/Widowers group. We are unique in that there is a wide range in our church. Widows who have been widowed for over 30 years and another 6 months. I appreciate the suggestions. I am not a widow but I know God has called me to do this. I have a heart for widows and widowers. May God richly bless you.
DeleteDear Anonymous, I'm so pleased to hear that your pastor wants you to direct a widows group! God will abundantly bless both the widows and the church through this. Even though you're not a widow, God has called you, and you're not alone. There are others who do this too! :)
DeleteI hope you find that the tips posted here are very helpful for you. Please feel free to email me too at wcplace@gmail.com
I'm sorry I never did get a directory done like I had mentioned at the top of this post. I eventually found out I simply didn't have the capacity to keep it updated. Especially now that so many groups are starting up!
Also please go to my new website, and there you can download a free discussion guide. Even though it's for using my book with a group, you'll find some tips and questions that you could use at any time. POSTCARDS DISCUSSION GUIDE.pdf at https://widowschristianpath.com/STARTING-POINT
Hi Paula, Good for you! It sounds like the ladies are loving the Zoom group you've formed! Fellowship fills an important and valid need for widows but here are a few more ideas to keep the variety rolling.
ReplyDelete*Try discussing a short book for widows: "The Empty Chair - Handling Grief on Holidays & Special Occasions" or "Grace for the Widow" by Joyce Rogers (whichever seems more tuned in to your particular group). Each lady would have her own copy and read an assigned chapter before the group meets, coming with comments and questions to have a group discussion about. If you don't want to buy books, you could find blog posts here on Widows Christian Place, and you have my permission to copy them and discuss them.
*Another idea is to visit the www.widowslink.org
Here you will find a virtual widows conference! If you can figure out how to get it on your zoom screen you can all watch one of the speakers together (about 15-20 minute) and discuss. OR, watch the Wednesday Word for Widows Facebook link and put that on your zoom screen. There are a variety of topics to choose from and relate to.
I hope these will help get you off to a good start Paula, although you are already off to a good start. Also visit the blogs in my Blog Roll and you'll find other good topics and widows journeys that your group might enjoy discussing and viewing together.
OH! And another thing would be to have each member show a photo of her family, wedding, anniversary, or a hobby she does. And once the pandemic is over I hope you will all be able to meet in person and celebrate your friendships and God's grace on your journey!