First Baptist to begin GriefShare group

First Baptist Church of Longview is launching a new ministry designed specifically for those who have experienced the death of a loved one.

The Rev. David English, associate pastor of the church, said the class should help people identify and cope with the various stages of the grieving process.

"The purpose is not to provide all the answers, but to give people hope and support through use of the Scriptures and fellowship with others who are dealing with similar situations," English said.

GriefShare is a national program and consists of a 13-week video series with time for discussion and prayer afterwards. It will be led locally by Jane Ann Crowson, a church member and longtime Bible study leader, who lost her husband in 2007 when they were both in their 40s.

"We feel that she's an excellent choice to lead this group, both because of her own experience with the death of a loved one and her proven ability to facilitate classes for people from a wide variety of backgrounds," English said.

There are other grief support groups in the community, he said, but probably not enough to meet all the needs of people in the bereavement process.

The class is open to anyone in the Longview area, not just church members.

Crowson said she's looking forward to helping other people deal with their grief.

"I'm still working through my husband's death," Crowson said. "It's a long, slow process, but the main thing that has helped me cope has been my relationship with Jesus Christ."

The course will take a biblical approach to grief, but will also provide a framework for people to share their feelings, she said.

"Regardless of whether people are dealing with the loss of a spouse, as I am, or the death of a child, parent, sibling or close friend, we think this group will help ease their pain," Crowson said.

If you go

What: GriefShare (bereavement support group)

When: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sundays, beginning June 6

Where: First Baptist Church, 209 E. South St.

Cost: $10 for workbook

Contact: (903) 758-0681