Grief Support Group

Churches in the Bloomington-Richfield area are working together to provide free support and education for adults who are grieving the death of a loved one. You can start any series at any time. There is no commitment on attendance and no cost. You may also only attend the speaker portion of the session, or stay for support group. Group meetings are held on Thursdays, 4:30-6:00 PM.  Each session includes:

Education presentation 4:30-5:00 PM: Understanding the grief process and the many emotions involved in working through one's grief makes the journey less frightening. Guest speakers share their own experiences and professional knowledge on grief and loss.

Support 5:00-6:00 PM: Small groups will be formed where the participants will have the opportunity to share their feelings and concerns with others who are also working through the grief process.

See brgriefcoalition.com for additional information. 

The Winter 2025 Series

will take place from January 2 through February 20, 2025, and will be held at:

Peace Lutheran Church
8600 East Bush Lake Road
Bloomington, MN 55438
(952) 944-6510

Topics and speakers are: 

January 2: “Losing A Spouse” by Margarita Alvarez

Margarita experienced the loss of her husband who was only 44.

January 9: “Healing From Loss” by Norine Larson

Norine was in charge of the Trust Grief Group in the south Minneapolis area for many years.

January 16: “The Puzzle Called Grief” by Donna Mathiowetz

Donna is a grief speaker from Hastings, Minnesota who talks about her own grief experience.

January 23: “Resilience” by Brenda DeMotte

Brenda is a grief therapist with over 35 years of private practice experience as a grief therapist preceded by a career in funeral service. She was the founder and director of Professional Counseling & Grief Services and most recently authored a book entitled, “Grief Demystified”.

January 30: “Principles of Grief” by Brenda DeMotte

Brenda is a grief therapist with over 35 years of private practice experience as a grief therapist preceded by a career in funeral service. She was the founder and director of Professional Counseling & Grief Services and most recently authored a book entitled, “Grief Demystified”.

February 6: “Moving Forward with Hope” Jay Hillestad

Jay is a chaplain and CPE educator with Spiritual Health Services at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina.

February 13: “Understanding Grief” Mary Marcoux

Mary is a hospice chaplain in Bloomington, is a bereavement coordinator, a certified thanatologist, and gives a good overview of grief.

February 20: “Staying in Your Story” by Annie Lumbar Bendson

Annie has experienced child loss, parent loss, and spouse loss.

2025 Schedule

Winter 2025: January 2 - February 20 at Peace Lutheran Church, Bloomington

Spring 2025: March 27 - May 15 at Woodlake Lutheran Church, Richfield

Summer 2025: July 3 - August 21 at Transfiguration Lutheran Church, Blooomington

Fall 2025: September 18 - November 6 at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, Bloomington

Questions? Contact Beth Gaetz at (952) 881-8671 extension 8070 or Pastor Otis Borup, Vice President of BRGSC at (612) 735-2839 or otis.borup@nhumc.net