When a church seeks to implement a new ministry, it’s often because they’ve sensed a need in the community.

That’s exactly the logic behind the First Methodist Church’s decision to bring the GriefShare program to Warren.

It’s a 13-week program to support those walking through grief and loss. It will start at First Methodist, 200 Market St., Warren, on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.“In the past two years, we’ve seen a lot of loss,” Rev. Dr. Mark Hecht, senior minister at First Methodist, said. “Individuals in people’s families dying, sometimes tragically, sometimes after long illnesses.

“It did seem to be more predominant lately.”

Hecht said that “makes its way into the congregation.

“You feel it when you’re together,” he explained. “People are hurting. People are mourning. Some people have a difficult time getting past those things.”

A “gentle survey” among some of those individuals revealed interest in a program like GriefShare.

At each weekly meeting, individuals will view a video featuring respected counselors, pastors, and healthcare professionals on grief-related topics, plus you’ll hear relatable personal stories of grief.

There will also be a time for small-group discussion to allow people time to talk, share support, and personally apply what they learned on the video.

Hecht said it’s an offering that they couldn’t find replicated elsewhere in the community.

“Here’s a need. We have an opportunity and ability to do something about it,” he said. “The responsible thing to do was to step into this and begin this fall with this new ministry.”

The program is established to provide support for people throughout the various stages of grief.

“The way the program is set up, it acknowledges the fact that some people mourn an immediate loss, a crisis,” he said. “Other persons have lost a loved one a year ago or a decade ago and still can’t get past some of the things.

“There’s a place for both individuals to be a part of this ministry.”

Molly Loughlin and Karen Danielson Gray are set to lead the program which the church wants to open to the entire community.

“It’s not for our church, it’s not meant to be a proselytizing effort,” Hecht stressed. “It’s truly meant to be a ministry that is providing some comfort, healing and encouragement.

“If you help one person, it’s worth it,” he added. “If (we’re) making a difference in one family’s life, we’re doing the right thing.

Individuals can sign up for the GriefShare support group online at griefshare.org or by calling the church office at (814) 723-4930.