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 Fall 2026 Series

will take place from September 24 through November 12, 2026, and will be held at:

Christ the King Lutheran Church

8600 Fremont Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55420

Church contact: bishop@ctk.org

Our Fall topics and speakers are: 

September 24: "Soul Work" by Bob Bartlett

Bob is with Phoenix Process Consultants in Minnetonka and is a speaker, counselor, and family therapist.

October 1: "Intimacy" by Bob Bartlett

Bob is with Phoenix Process Consultants in Minnetonka and is a speaker, counselor, and family therapist.

October 8: "The Characteristics of Grief" by Paul Johnson

Paul is a consultant and trainer on issues relating to loss and grief.

October 15: "Your Journey in Grief" by Melissa Melnick Gonzalez

Melissa has been a pastor since 2014, and currently pastors a largely immigrant church in Richfield. In 2017, she experienced the loss of her son, Christopher, who was 22.  

October 22: "Ambiguous Loss" by Brittany Squillace

Brittany is a licensed marriage and family therapist and grief counselor from Prior Lake, Minnesota.

October 29: "Will I Always Feel This Way?" by Nancy Jo Sullivan

Nancy Jo is a writer and speaks about the death of her daughter. 

November 5: "Navigating Through the Holidays" by Erin Hente

Erin lost her husband, Andy, and has 3 children. She is a board member for Brighter Days Grief Center and is a Certified Life Coach.

November 12: "New Transitions" by Erin Hente

Erin lost her husband, Andy, and has 3 children. She is a board member for Brighter Days Grief Center and is a Certified Life Coach

2026 Schedule

Winter 2026: January 8 - February 26 at St. Richard Catholic Church, Richfield

Spring 2026: April 9 - May 28 at Peace Lutheran Church, Bloomington

Summer 2026: July 9 - August 27 at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, Blooomington

Fall 2026: September 24 - November 12 at Christ the King Lutheran 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