Walking the Mourner’s Path, a Grief Support
Ministry of Fayetteville Central United Methodist Church
Walking the Mourner’s Path is a Fayetteville Central UMC ministry of grief support available to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one—Central members, other UMC members, members of other churches, and non-church affiliated individuals. This program addresses challenges that occur at least six months after a death. A workbook guides us through the weekly workshops as we walk the Mourner’s Path, a ministry centered in the healing power of Jesus' love. Homework assignments help prepare participants for each workshop. Central members Louise Fox, a retired hospital social worker, and Larry Pearce, a retired physician and ordained United Methodist minister, are the certified facilitators. Louise received a BA in elementary education from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, and a MSW from UALR. Larry received a BA from Hendrix, an MDiv from Vanderbilt, and an MD from UAMS.
Beginning Sunday February 9 and ending Sunday March 30, the group will meet for eight two hour sessions from 3 pm to 5 pm, in the church library on the third floor of the Wesley Building, just east of the sanctuary on Dickson Street. Participants will be asked to commit to attend all eight sessions without an interruption. To better serve the needs of all attending, only one individual per family will be allowed. While this restriction may seem harsh, experience has shown that this restriction best serves the needs of all attending the program.
Each person desiring to participate will be asked to text or call Larry at 479 883 0797 or email him at Louise or Larry will then contact that person to inform her/him that this is a Christian-based program, ensure that the participant is ready for the program, establish trust (especially about confidentiality), and reinforce the program schedule and attendance policy. Each participant will be assigned a committed prayer partner, who will pray daily for the participant and maintain confidentiality.
At least six and no more than twelve participants will be required to best minister to those attending. Partial or full scholarships are available for anyone in need.