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 Spring 2025 Series

will take place from March 27 through May 15, 2025, and will be held at:

Woodlake Lutheran Church
2120 West 76th Street
Richfield, MN 55423
Church contact: Muriel8253@gmail.com

Topics and speakers are: 

March 27: "Soul Work" by Bob Bartlett

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

April 3: “Intimacy" by Bob Bartlett

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

April 10: "Grieving Through Grief and Multiple Loss" by Julie Ditzler

Julie is a former nurse, has had a sibling loss, and speaks about multiple loss. 

April 17: Holy Thursday - NO SESSION

April 24: "How Families Grieve" by Mary Anne Kelly-Wright

Mary Anne is a grief counselor and pastoral minister from Richfield. 

May 1: " The Teeter Totter of Grief and Hope" by Ted Bowman

Ted is an educator, consultant, trainer, and speaker to many groups in Minnesota , across the U.S, and the United Kingdom.

May 8: "The Courage to Ask: Embracing Help On the Path to Healing" by Dr. Rene Garpestad

Dr. Garpestad is a speaker and writer who inspires hope and belief that “ANYTHING’S POSSIBLE”.

May 15: “Sibling Loss” by Maggie Bauer

2025 Schedule

Winter 2025: January 2 - February 20 at Peace Lutheran Church, Bloomington

Spring 2025: March 27 - May 15 at Woodlake Lutheran Church, Richfield

Summer 2025: July 3 - August 21 at Transfiguration Lutheran Church, Blooomington

Fall 2025: September 18 - November 6 at Nativity of Mary Catholic 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