Category: Classes

GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays

Help and hope as you navigate the Christmas season

November 17, 9–11 a.m. at Church of the Palms

Wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading these holidays, knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years can’t be recreated?

Our Surviving the Holidays seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one’s death. You’ll learn:

How to deal with the many emotions you’ll face during the holidays
What to do about traditions and other coming changes
Helpful tips for surviving social events
How to discover hope for your future

We know the holidays can be a difficult time after the death of a loved one and so we are offering this program to support one another.  If you feel the need and want support during this time, please join us.  Sign up on the sheet in the narthex.

There is no charge for this seminar. Check-in and continental breakfast will start at 8:30. A sign-up sheet is available at the church or you can sign up through GriefShare.org/holidays.

Surviving the Holidays is sponsored by the GriefShare program and affiliated local GriefShare groups. GriefShare is a 13-week grief support group offered by local churches. GriefShare is non denominational and open to people of all faiths, as well as those who do not practice a faith. You do not need to be enrolled in a GriefShare group to attend the Surviving the Holidays group. Everyone is welcome!

Watch an excerpt from the Surviving the Holidays video:

Here’s what happens at a Surviving the Holidays seminar

A Surviving the Holidays event lasts for about two hours. You’ll be welcomed by warm, caring people who understand what you are going through and who want to help. During the seminar, you will:

  1. Watch a 40-minute video, filled with practical holiday survival tips and the real-life stories of people who have navigated the season after their loved one’s death.
  2. Hear other seminar attendees explain how they are dealing with the holidays.
  3. Have the opportunity to share how grief is affecting you. (No pressure—this is optional. We want you to feel comfortable.)
  4. Receive a personal copy of the GriefShare Holiday Survival Guide.

New Member Information Session and Meet & Greet

Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at 3:30 pm in King Hall.

This session includes a brief presentation about The Church of the Palms, where we came from, and, most importantly, where we are going!

A delicious homemade dinner will be served after the presentation.

New members will be welcomed into the church on Sunday, December 2nd during worship.

This invitation is extended by the Evangelism and Growth Board to all visitors (whether new or long-time regular visitors).

The sign-up sheet is now on the opportunity table in the narthex.

Educational and spiritual growth opportunities

The Church of the Palms offers several educational opportunities to assist folks in their spiritual journeys.

SUNDAY MORNING DISCUSSION (8:30 AM -9:30 AM) currently on hiatus.

MONDAY MORNING LIFELONG LEARNING (10 AM – 11:30 AM)

Monday Morning Lifelong Learning began a new class on October 22 which continues through November 19th: “Integral Spirituality” — a class we are repeating for many who were unable to attend during the summer and would like to be a part of this. The class is taught by Kay Klinkenborg.

On November 26 (through January 14 with a break from class on December 24 and 31) Nick Nichols will lead us in discussing the DVD, “The Power of Myth” by Joseph Campbell.

On January 21 we will begin a continuation of the class on “White Privilege” which will take us through April 15.

FELLOWSHIP BREAKFASTS (2ND TUESDAYS)

Continental-style breakfasts follow a speaker and program. Bring a friend or neighbor. Freewill offerings accepted to defray the cost.

November 13, 2018, 8:00 a.m.

Speaker: Robert Sanders, Regional Director for Emergency Services for Lutheran Social Services

“I-HELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program)”

The Social Justice Action Team will present a program that addresses homelessness in the Valley. The program is I-HELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program) and is part of Lutheran Social Services. Robert Sanders, Regional Director for Emergency Services for LSS, will present the program.

I-HELP is temporary shelter for individuals who have lost safe and stable housing. Contributions from hand-working volunteers, host churches, and community partners are the driving force behind. I-HELP. In 2017, 89 volunteers provided over 5700 volunteer hours to make the program possible. On site services include: case management, job search and preparation, health referrals, housing and transportation assistance, etc.” (quote from LSS brochure)

I-HELP is not for the chronic homeless, but for those who need some help through a tough spot as the result of job loss or illness, for example. It is a 90 day program; most participants are on their feet again is half that time.

INCHWORMS (Tuesdays, 10 a.m.)

Led by Mary Whitlock, this group pursues a book discussion.

COSMIC CHRISTIANS (Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

This energetic group reads and discusses progressive theology
and its perspective on contemporary issues; facilitated by Kay Klinkenborg.

We’ve begun a new book, Coming Back to Earth: From gods, to God, to Gaia by Lloyd Geering, on Tuesday, October 23rd. Geering takes us on a journey that explores the evolution of religion and the history of the Christian faith as we encounter new understandings of our faith in the face of the ecological crisis which has been said to be the most important problem humans have ever had to face.

JUMP START (Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m.)

A lively discussion of next Sunday’s Scriptures.

JACK EVANS PRESENTS: The Palms’ monthly film

Check the lineup!

SUNDAY AFTERNOON LIFELONG LEARNING (1:30-3 PM)

(currently on hiatus) October 14—January 20: no afternoon class