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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 2026 Series
will take place from April 9 through May 28, 2026, and will be held at:
Peace Lutheran Church
8600 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
Staff Contact: Lori.thomson@peacebloomington.org
Our Spring topics and speakers are:
April 9: "Body, Mind, Spirit Connection” by Lorry Lundborg.
Lorry will share about the death of her husband and her unique way of remembering him.
April 16: "Guilt and Grief ” by Ellen Huffschmidt
Ellen is a chaplain, was a Hospice Bereavement Counselor for 10 years, and has written 2 books on transitions with courage.
April 23: "Myths of Grief” by Brenda DeMotte
Brenda is a uniquely experienced professional with 35+ years of private practice as a grief therapist, preceded by a career in funeral service. She was the founder and director of Professional Grief Services and recently authored her book entitled, “Grief Demystified”.
April 30: "Being the Leader of Your Life" by Brenda DeMotte
Brenda is a uniquely experienced professional with 35+ years of private practice as a grief therapist, preceded by a career in funeral service. She was the founder and director of Professional Grief Services and recently authored her book entitled, “Grief Demystified”.
May 7: "The Puzzle Called Grief” by Donna Mathiowetz
Donna is a speaker and author who experienced the death of two children.
May 14: "Design a Life You Love After Loss" by Erin Hente
Erin worked in financial services, lost her husband, Andy, ten years ago, has three children, and is a life coach.
May 21: "Hope and Resilience” by Brenda DeMotte
Brenda is a uniquely experienced professional with 35+ years of private practice as a grief therapist, preceded by a career in funeral service. She was the founder and director of Professional Grief Services and recently authored her book entitled, “Grief Demystified”.
May 28: "Child Loss” by Mia Ohlhauser
Mia is the former pastoral care minister at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Bloomington and is a Bloomington Police Chaplain.
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