Ministries and Groups

Community Care | All Ministries and Groups

It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about your future right now.  If you've experienced the death of a loved one - a spouse, a child, a family member or friend, you've probably found that there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel.

That's the reason for GriefShare, a special seminar and support group for people grieving the loss of someone close.  This group is sponsored by people who have gone through the experience themselves, and who understand what you are experiencing and want to offer you comfort and encouragement during this difficult time.

Each GriefShare session includes a video seminar and group discussion.  A GriefShare workbook can assist you with note taking, journaling and grief study.  The videos feature top experts on grief recovery, dramatic reenactments about living with grief and real-life stories of people who have experienced losses like yours.

GriefShare is a nondenominational group for members of our church and the community.  It features biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics.  Please join us for GriefShare.  There are 13 sessions; and we will be meeting weekly in the church library at 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays, February 11- May 13.  Each session lasts about 2 hours.  Each session is self-contained, so if you miss one you can take it later.  It is not too late to join us. 

CURRENT CLASSES:

If you have had a loved one die (recently or in the past), and you are not coping very well with this loss, GriefShare can help you.  GriefShare is continuing on Thursday evenings in the church library at 7:00 p.m.  We try to finish by 9:00 p.m.  This program is for both men and women; and we are being led by Russ Elmy.  Each session is self-contained so it is not too late to participate.  You can catch up on the sessions you have missed later on.  There are 13 sessions in total.  This series will end on May 13.

Beginning March 22, Sue McGrath will be leading a small GriefShare group, for women only, in her home on Mondays at 10:00 a.m.

Both of these GriefShare programs use a set of 13 instructional DVD's and accompanying workbooks (You can obtain these workbooks at the sessions for $10 - scholarships are available if you cannot afford one.).   GriefShare also offers prayer and peer support from people just like you who have experienced a loss in their life.  We do everything we can to make you feel at ease, show you Christ's love and bring you peace.  If you are in need of this particular ministry, please join us for one of these programs.

For more information contact:

Sue McGrath at 941-341-0700 (dwsmcgrath@verizon.net)
Russ Elmy at 941-358-8359 (russ_elmy@yahoo.com)

MANNA MINISTRY

Sarasota Christian Church became involved with Manna Ministry over six years ago.  Our Church was contacted by Lorraine Smith, the founder, and asked if we would consider using our facilities as one of  several distribution centers in the Sarasota area.  Pastor Lee, Roy Stapleton and the board supported the idea and it wasn't long before other individuals joined in their efforts to provide a viable service to our community.  The ministry has grown and has impacted many families in our community and in our Church congregation.  There is no cost and no forms to fill out.  Currently, runs are made to area Publix and Sweet Bay grocery stores as well as Panera Bread on Friday and Saturday evenings and early Saturday and Sunday mornings.  We continue to be blessed with a variety of breads and pastries and are constantly reminded of the wonderful ways that God provides.  We distribute the food on Saturday mornings from 8:30 am to 10:30 am and Sunday mornings from 8:00 am to 9:00 am.  We provide coffee and doughnuts to all who enter our doors and encourage each of them to share a loaf of bread with a family member, a neighbor or a stranger.  Anyone interested in becoming involved or volunteering an hour a week is encouraged to contact Roy Stapleton.

Proverbs 3:27

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.

Thank you for visiting Sarasota Christian Church's Community Care Ministries.