3 minute read
SUPPORT GROUPS
by Bev Mello (bevm@lordoflife.org)
About a year ago, we would not have touched each other with caring and support as symbolized in this photo—during a lockdown‽ And yet now because of Zoom technology, Lord of Life support groups have been meeting faithfully, not missing a week or month depending on their regular schedules. How has that been going? Glad you asked! Here are summaries from some support group leaders fulfilling a decree of Christ about carrying each other’s burdens. If you know these folks—please offer a word of thanks for their dedication and caring for the body of Christ at Lord of Life.
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Joann Cross & Rachel Ross, Women’s Cancer Support Group— We’re a group that no one plans to join! Pre-pandemic we met in the Prayer Chapel—such a nice setting for an intimate group. With Zoom, at first it was difficult because we are sharing a very tough topic; it can be hard to determine where everyone is at in their journey. But so much good has come from it! We even had one member who had her chemo and wasn’t feeling well . . . she jumped on Zoom from bed which was awesome because she needed our group that day. Our meetings are the same with a devotion, brief messages, then reminding everyone of the format. We touch base with each person and work hard to keep on topic. We know time is valuable but we also know our topic cannot be dictated by time restraints. After updates, we say the Lord’s Prayer together then members jump off when they want. We continue with questions and answers and sometimes simply connecting for fellowship. Post-pandemic, if we have options, we would like to offer both Zoom and in-person support. We feel we have had such value for many but still feel a human connection in person is necessary, especially for our group of women. It would be nice for the days when people don’t feel up for driving to church and for those who need to get out of their house. Having both options would meet the need for all.
—Galatians 6:2 (CEB)
Ethan Yale, Celebrate Recovery— In Celebrate Recovery, our weekly meetings are important to maintain connections and support. It’s not the same as being in person yet overall we’ve seen a small but steady increase of new attendees as well as returning participants since transitioning to Zoom. We have made good use of all that is available online for the large group lessons and testimonies and the small group sessions remain very personal and meaningful. Nothing replaces ‘face-to-face’ small group meetings, yet it’d be interesting after the pandemic is over to consider how to reach out to a greater membership through a hybrid approach.
Gail Blackmon, Scott & Joy Roeglin, GriefShare— GriefShare is such a valuable tool and so badly needed, especially during a pandemic. Broken lives have happened with that as an added layer of grief. And it’s unbelievable that so many have had to suffer alone without family or friends. Many can’t see themselves breaking down or crying in public or talking in groups so end up in the car alone, in the parking lot, or outside a hospital—and with that follows guilt and other layers of pain. The personal aspects of meeting physically are not there such as tears, lowered heads and eyes, yet Zoom has its place because so many people can’t or won’t drive at night or they have social anxiety difficulties. We welcome new members constantly; some are sent from outside physicians or counseling or Lord of Life as well.
Gregg Backstrom, Men’s Cancer Support Group— I facilitate the support group yet the true leaders are the superstars who have become my friends. Zoom has been a blessing. Gathering together (physically) is the preference but we’ve made do. Our group is down a little in numbers but overall we’re in a good place. It was a necessity to learn a new skill set! We discussed post-pandemic recently. I think the consensus is that we’ll be meeting in person when we can—but try to incorporate Zoom as an option. We have added new members over the past year and have a spot open for whomever would wish to join us. If you’re a fella navigating cancer, this is your place for a listening ear, understanding, and support.
