GriefShare - Grief recovery support group

It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you've lost a spouse, child, family member or firend, 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 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 assists 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.

During the small group discussion time, you'll have the opportunity to interact with others who have experienced a recent loss, learn about their experiences and share your own.

WHEN TO BEGIN

At the Vine Centre our GriefShare programme will be starting on Monday 23rd March at 7:30pm for 14 weeks.

You are welcome to begin attending the GriefShare group at any session. Each is "self-contained", so you do not have to attend in sequence. You will find encouragement and help whenever you begin.

If you require anymore information, please conact David Surgenor on 90351020

March Prayer Points

Each month we will be publishing praise and prayer points for you to consider. If you would like more information on any of the points please contact David Surgenor (Pastoral Support Worker) on 90351020.

Praise Points

• Those who have volunteered to help with the GriefShare programme.


• New contacts that have recently been made.


• Positive development that has been made regarding the Home Start programme.

Pray for

• Need of funding for Trevor's position of director.


• Ian Thomas as he attends hospital for another scan at the beginning of April.


• Joel (American volunteer) and his family during this time as they are seperated from each other.


• That God would be preparing the heartsof people as they would consider taking part in the GriefShare programme.

Just a reminder that the next Community Prayer meeting is on Wednesday 25th March from 1pm to 2pm in the Vine Centre.

Burns Day Celebrations at the Vine Centre

Every Thursday afternoon is filled with laughter and conversation. These are not the sounds of children coming home from school but rather the sounds of our Pensioner's lunch club. the pensioners gather at 1pm for a meal and stay until 3pm for a varied programme. The meal includes a main course, dessert and tea/coffee all for £3.

Recently the pensioners had a great time celebrating the 250th snniversary of Robbie Burns' birth. The day kicked off with the traditional piping in of the Haggis followed by a spirited address to the Haggis provided by the Rev. Jack Lamb. After a meal of Scottish dishes and music, Rev. Lamb and Guilford Smith regaled the pensioners with toasts.

But, if ye wish her gratefu' prayer Gie her a haggis!

His knife see rustic Labour dight,
An' cut you up wi' ready sleight

A Man's a Man for a' that: For a' that, and a' that

Sad Farewell

Bill Whitley, the manager of the Vine Centre’s Advice Service, passed away on Thursday 12 February after a brief illness, at the age of 64.

Over the past decade, Bill had helped hundreds of local people each year with a wide range of problems, and was always known for his attention to detail and his determination to get the best possible result for his clients.

Although he had lived in Lisburn for most of his adult life, Bill was originally from the Shankill area, having been brought up in Rutherglen Street. He had been involved in advice work for thirty five years, initially as a volunteer with Lisburn Citizens Advice Bureau. After leaving lecturing in the mid 1990’s he continued that interest in a paid capacity with the Lisburn Welfare Rights Group, and then in London with the Quaker ‘Open Door’ Project, before coming to the Vine as Advice Manager in June 1998. By his own admission he was not entirely keen on the idea when the job was first offered to him, but he took it nonetheless – perhaps because it gave him a chance to return to an area he had been very familiar with as a boy.

Trevor Cummings, the Director of the Vine Centre, said: ‘Staff at the Vine Centre have been struck over the last few days by the number of former clients of Bill’s who have got in touch to express their sympathies. It’s clear that they didn’t just appreciate the work he did on their behalf, but also his attentiveness to them and his genuine interest in helping them through their problems. They weren’t just clients to Bill – they were people, and they deserved and got his best efforts at all times.’

Away from work, Bill’s main interest in life was cricket, specifically Derriaghy Cricket Club where he had served as Club President for many years. He also liked horse and greyhound racing – though he was always evasive when asked if he ever risked a few pounds on a flutter. For reasons best know to himself, he was also one of the few people outside Cowdenbeath to take an active interest in Cowdenbeath Football Club.

His funeral was held at Kilmakee Presbyterian church in Dunmurry, followed by committal at Roselawn Cemetery.

FUNDING CRISIS!

Please pray for the Vine Centre especially at this time. We are having a major funding crisis which could meaning losing 3 vital positions at the Vine. This would have a devasting effect on the work that we do. Pray that we hear soon as to what our situation is going to be and that we are able to carry on helping people in this community. Thanks

Community Prayer Meeting

On the last Wednesday of every month from 1pm - 2pm a Community Prayer Meeting is held in the Vine Centre. It is an opportunity for Christians in the area to come together to pray for the work of the Vine Centre and the whole area.

Dates for the next Community Prayer meetings are

29th October 2008
26th November 2008
There will be no prayer meeting in December

If you would like information about the Community Prayer meetings contact David Surgenor (Pastrol Care Worker) on 90351020 or call into the Vine Centre at 193 Crumlin Road.

Digital Photography for the Over 50's Course

Have you got a digital camera that you are not sure how to use?

The Hammer Community Complex on Agnes Street (beside Malvern Assembly) are running a FREE digital photography class for the 50+ age starting on Thursday 23rd October 2008 from 10:45 to 12:45. The course will run for 10 weeks and Digital Camera's will be provided.

For more information you can contact Tracey or Natalie at 90332860 or call into the Hammer Complex on Agnes Street.