Small Group Counseling at Saint Stephen's

Dear friends in Christ,

I write this morning with an update about counseling services offered at our church for our Saint Stephen’s family. As we have moved from a space of immediate trauma in the days surrounding the violence and loss at our church this summer, there are continued effects that move through our community, like ripples in the water. 

Prayers continue for us from across the country. Green bows still wave in the breeze, bringing comfort as one drives through neighborhoods near and far away. There are other positive and life-giving shifts happening: we are welcoming new members; we are evaluating our property for areas of safety improvement; and we are plugging people into ministries where hearts and hands are needed. It doesn’t take away the sense of loss and struggle, and yet, it is good to have others around us in this season of our parish’s life. 

It’s important to remember that healing is a process, and it takes time. Each of us is on a different trajectory. There may be some of us who need a bit of help in this healing, to work through the pain of the events this summer, and to reconcile the losses. If it feels hard for you to move forward emotionally in the wake of this trauma, perhaps this new offering will provide a source of support for you.

Through work with Michael Yancey, Senior Warden, the Rev. John Burruss, and the consultants specializing in crisis response, we have secured services to provide trauma-informed therapists for our congregation. These sessions will be conducted in small, support group formats, welcoming up to eight parishioners per gathering, so that there is time for sharing and guidance in an intimate setting. The therapists will set a safe space for confidentiality to be observed as well. The hope is that these counselors will assist those who are struggling with moving forward and those who are longing to process the hardship experienced in the wake of violence at our church.

These groups are geared toward adults, rather than children or teens. They are also intended for those who were not onsite at the Boomers event during the tragedy, as other means of support and counseling are being offered to that population.

These support groups will begin this weekend and run through early November. Sessions will be offered at different times and days during the week to accommodate a variety of schedules. Each date will have six sessions. In this group counseling model, people may come to just one session or attend all of them. As there are limits to the number who can attend, I ask that you sign up to attend a support group session through this link. 

Upon registering, I will send you a confirmation and more details about where to go for the session. Please note that there is no cost to you for participating in these services. 

Each member of our parish continues to be covered in prayer from people near and far. What a blessing that our community has come together to support one another. I pray that this source of guidance and help can continue to nurture us in our healing process as individuals and as the Body of Christ.

With God’s help,

The Rev. Katherine Harper

Associate Rector for Pastoral Care and Liturgy