Good Grief: Support for the Grieving

Grief is a strange companion. It arrives uninvited, lingers longer than expected, and can feel like a weight that never ends. Whether your loss is recent or long past, sudden or after a long goodbye, grief rarely follows a neat timeline. That’s why this support group, Good Grief, exists.

We meet every Sunday at 4:00 p.m. in Disciple's Hall Room 421 with a Zoom option available as needed for those who prefer to join from home. This is a welcoming, open support group for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. There’s no sign-up, no “right way” to participate, and no expectation that you should be over it by now. Each session stands on its own, and you’re welcome to join whenever you feel ready.

The support group is led by Gary Uremovich and Viveca Yoshikawa, authors of "Good Grief," a practical, hope-filled guide to wholeness after loss. As a married couple and members of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, they bring both compassion and lived experience to the group. Both have walked through widowhood and draw from six years of facilitating grief support groups, with a steady conviction that grieving done intentionally and in community can lead to healing, connection, and even unexpected growth.

As Gary often says, “Grief is painful, but how we grieve matters. Done in community, grief can lead us back to wholeness. That’s what we mean by Good Grief.” Each gathering is interactive and gentle, making space for honest sharing, listening, and mutual support. You are welcome to talk, listen, or simply be present. No pressure. No need to perform.

Beyond Sundays, we also stay connected throughout the week with simple points of contact that offer encouragement and fellowship, because support is often needed between meetings, not just during them.

Gary and Viveca also host Thursday Night Together at their home in Brandon from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. It’s a relaxed, welcoming dinner with no cost and no agenda, just community. Feel free to bring a friend or family member.

For questions, Zoom details, or to RSVP, contact Gary at 813-727-7078.

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