Betty Williamson: Column

link Betty Williamson

If you are starting 2015 reeling from the death of a loved one, you may be interested to know that a newly formed grief support group begins later this month in Portales, open to anyone who feels the need for it.

Before coming to Portales last summer as the pastor at First United Methodist Church, Keith Wilks worked as a hospital and hospice chaplain. He has facilitated grief support groups since 2007.

Wilks will lead the new group, which will hold its first weekly meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 26, at FUMC. The goal: Help those who attend to “find peace in the wilderness of bereavement and grief.”

Although the group will be meeting in a church, Wilks stressed the gathering is open to anyone who is wrestling with grief, and the material is not religion-centered.

Members of the group will be using a book called “Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart,” by Alan D. Wolfelt. Wilks encourages those who are interested to pick up a copy before the sessions begin. (It’s widely available online for less than $15.)

“The focus of the group is on mutual support, education, and identifying strategies and skills for coping with grief,”

Wilks said. If you’d like to learn more, send an email to: [email protected] You can call him at 575-356-8597.

Betty Williamson is glad to see another much-needed resource coming to Portales. You may reach her at: [email protected]