Walking the Mourner’s Path is a new ministry of Central for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. This program addresses challenges that occur at least six months after a death. Central members Louise Fox, a retired hospital social worker, and Larry Pearce, a retired physician and ordained United Methodist elder, are the facilitators. Larry and Louise Fox were certified at Pulaski Heights UMC in February 2024 to facilitate groups using the Walking the Mourner’s Path program.
The eight 1.5-hour programs are scheduled to meet on Wednesdays from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, beginning June 5 and ending July 24. Participants will be asked to commit to attending all eight programs without gaps or interruptions. The group will meet in the Church Library on the second floor of the Wesley Building. To better serve the needs of all attending, only one individual per family will be allowed. While this restriction may seem harsh, experienced facilitators have found that this restriction best serves the needs of all attending the program.
Each person desiring to participate will be asked to contact the office at Central UMC (479-442-4237). Either Louise or Larry will contact that person. That conversation is intended to make potential participants aware that this is a Christian-based program, ensure that participants are ready for the program, establish trust—especially about confidentiality—and reinforce the program schedule and attendance policy. At least six and no more than twelve participants will be required in order to best minister to those attending.
Each participant will be assigned a committed prayer partner who will pray daily for the partner and maintain confidentiality. The cost of the Walking the Mourner’s Path Workbook is $60. Once you have paid to participate, you will be registered for the program. Scholarships are available.
Bio Louise Fox
Louise Fox moved to Fayetteville, AR, in 2023. Prior to joining Central United Methodist Church, she was active at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, serving in the sanctuary choir, United Methodist Women, Sunday School, food pantry, and the Society of St. Stephen.
Mrs. Fox received her Elementary Education degree at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, and a master's degree in social work at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Her work history includes case management at Jefferson Regional Medical Central Rehab Unit, Baptist Health-Little Rock and Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute, Baptist Health Home Health, and Hospice. Duties included assessments, discharge planning, patient therapy groups, and family support and education groups.
Bio Larry Pearce
Larry and his wife moved to Fayetteville in 2015 after retirement. They have two sons and three grandsons. He holds a BA from Hendrix College and an MDiv from Vanderbilt Divinity School. After graduating from UAMS, he did a residency in obstetrics and gynecology and practiced OB/GYN before becoming Vice President for Medical Affairs at Mercy Hospital. He is a retired elder of the Arkansas Conference and a member of the Central UMC charge conference.
Larry holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Bioethics and Health Policy from the Graduate School of Loyola University and has done Clinical Pastoral Education training at Washington Regional. He served as an ethics consultor at Mercy Hospital, medical director for the Hamilton House Child Safety Center, and medical director for women’s health at Northside Clinic in Fort Smith. Larry is a lifetime member of the Arkansas Canoe Club and has served on the boards of Hendrix College, the Salvation Army, Good Samaritan Clinic, and Mercy Crest Assisted Living Facility.