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Support Groups

In the midst of hardship or grief, support groups can be a key way to find comfort, understanding, and hope in the company of others who are on a similar journey.

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    GriefShare

    Every Sunday, October 13 – January 12 (except December 22), 11:30 AM, Library

    Every Sunday, October 13 – January 12 (except December 22), 11:30 AM, Library

    Beginning Sunday, October 13, members of the congregation and community are welcome to join us for GriefShare, a 13-week support group for anyone on the journey of grief. Topics include what’s ‘normal’ in grief, how to handle grief-related emotions, and more. GriefShare is led by Second member and retired palliative care physician Dr. Emily Giesel.

    Please visit https://www.griefshare.org/groups/245192 to register. Space is limited.

    Our Healing Under Grief Support (HUGS) group continues to meet on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. HUGS is specifically for those who have experienced the death of a partner or spouse. Contact Ashley McNamara to learn more.

    Contact:
    Ashley McNamara
    Coordinator for Pastoral Care and Funerals
    (317) 726-5413
    AMcNamara@SecondChurch.org

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    Grief Group (H.U.G.S)

    1st & 3rd Sunday, 11:30 AM, Room 312

    1st & 3rd Sunday, 11:30 AM, Room 312

    “Healing Under Grief Support” (HUGS) is specifically for those in our congregation and community who have lost a spouse. This is not a time of counseling or therapy but a time to be companions with others also experiencing the difficult loss of a spouse or soul-mate. The group is led by Marsha Hutchinson, a retired minister from the United Methodist Church, who has been involved with grief groups for most of her ministry.

    This group meets on the first and third Sunday of each month at 11:30 a.m. in Room 312. Please contact Ashley McNamara to inquire about joining the group.

    Contact:
    Ashley McNamara
    Coordinator for Pastoral Care and Funerals
    (317) 726-5413
    AMcNamara@SecondChurch.org

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    Parkinson's Support Group

    1st & 3rd Wednesday, 11 AM, Room 112

    1st & 3rd Wednesday, 11 AM, Room 112

    The Second Presbyterian Parkinson’s group began many years ago, and participants named the group, “Sticks,” because many sticks bundled together are stronger than one! The bundle of companions experiencing Parkinsons, as patients or as caregivers, is key to developing meaningful relationships with others who share the journey. The Sticks group is open to anyone interested in joining a supportive extended family that wants to help normalize life with shared challenges. The group is led by Marsha Hutchinson, a retired minister from the United Methodist Church, who has been involved with support groups for most of her ministry.

    This group meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 11 AM in Room 112.

    Contact:
    Ashley McNamara
    Coordinator for Pastoral Care and Funerals
    (317) 726-5413
    AMcNamara@SecondChurch.org

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    Caring for Aging Parents

    2nd Monday, 6:30 PM, Room 312

    2nd Monday, 6:30 PM, Room 312

    Many of us know the unique challenge of caring for aging parents while also caring for our own children or navigating full-time work or other daily demands. Our Caring for Aging Parents Support Group provides a space for community and solidarity for those who want to gather with others who ‘get it.’ Time will be spent in discussion and mutual support and there will be occasional opportunities to learn from local leaders with expertise in navigating elder care and related challenges. Led by Second member, Ellen Gullett, this group is open to members of the church and the wider Indianapolis community. For those who are not able to attend in person, there is an option to zoom into the group each session.

    For more information or to be put on the email list, please contact Ellen Gullett.

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    Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregiver Support Group

    2nd Wednesday; 1:30-3 PM, Room 112
    3rd Wednesday, 1:30-3 PM, Room 112

    2nd Wednesday; 1:30-3 PM, Room 112
    3rd Wednesdays; 1:30-3 PM, Room 112

    This support group is for caregivers of those affected by Alzheimer's and dementia. Members of the church and the community are welcome to gather for mutual support, accompaniment, and sharing of resources relevant to Alzheimer's and dementia. Further support and resources are available through the Alzheimer's Association and through Second's Care Ministries. 

    This official Alzheimer's Association group is led by Jen Knebel, a member of Second, ordained Presbyterian Elder, and trained Alzheimer's Association group facilitator. Interested individuals may attend at any time. Visit the Alzheimer's Association website for more information.

    To connect with Jen directly or for further information about support available through Second's Care Ministries, please contact Ashley McNamara, coordinator of pastoral care, at (317) 726-5413 or AMcNamara@SecondChurch.org.

    Contact:
    Ashley McNamara
    Coordinator for Pastoral Care and Funerals
    (317) 726-5413
    AMcNamara@SecondChurch.org

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    Fertility, Pregnancy, & Infant Loss Support Group
    4th Tuesdays, 7 – 8:30 PM, Parlor

    *November & December dates differ from normal schedule

    • Thursday, November 21, 7 – 8:30 PM
    • Tuesday, December 17, 7 – 8:30 PM

    4th Tuesdays, 7 PM, Parlor

    *Note our typical meeting date will be different for the months of November and December. Instead of the 4th Tuesday, we will meet:

    • Thursday, November 21, 7 – 8:30 PM
    • Tuesday, December 17, 7 – 8:30 PM

     

    This support group is for anyone experiencing fertility, pregnancy, or child loss, no matter what stage in the journey. Members of the church and the community are welcome to gather for mutual support, prayer, and accompaniment. Further support and resources are available through Second's Care Ministries. This group is facilitated by Rev. Gracie Payne, a member of Second Presbyterian Church’s pastoral staff.

    The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7-8:30 PM in the Parlor. Interested individuals may attend at any time.

    Contact:
    Rev. Gracie Payne
    Director of Young Adult Engagement
    (317) 253-6461
    GPayne@SecondChurch.org