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 Summer 2026 Series

will take place from July 9 through August 27, 2026, and will be held at:

Oak Grove Presbyterian Church

2200 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431

Church contact: ogpc@oakgrv.org

Our Summer topics and speakers are: 

July 9: "Grief - A Natual Disaster of the Heart" by Kris Linner

Kris works for Fairview Homecare and Hospice.

July 16: "Sibling Loss" by Maggie Bauer

July 23: "How Grief Changes" by Dr. Lizz LeVang

Liz is a speaker and grief therapist who works with families and individuals who experience the death of a loved one.  

July 30: "'A Grief Postponed': A Memoir/How To" by Jacqueline Werket

Jaqueline is a retired Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner and is also a Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist.  

August 6: "The Power of Your Story" by Annie Lumbar Bendson

Annie has experienced the loss of a child, spouse and her parents.  

August 13: "Missing Our Son" by Chris and Bob Lewis

Chris is a grief therapist and her's and Bob's son died in a car accident in 1989.  

August 20: "Lessons Learned from Grief" by Linda Pleissner

Linda is a former substance abuse counselor and shares grief lessons learned as she has navigated the loss of her spouse and family members.  

August 27: "What Do I Do Now? by Nancy Jo Sullivan

Nancy is a writer and speaker who lost her daughter.  

2026 Schedule

Winter 2026: January 8 - February 26 at St. Richard Catholic Church, Richfield

Spring 2026: April 9 - May 28 at Peace Lutheran Church, Bloomington

Summer 2026: July 9 - August 27 at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, Blooomington

Fall 2026: September 24 - November 12 at Christ the King Lutheran 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