By Evie Anderson

John and I were married for 55 years, and that makes 20,000 days! In the three years since his death, I have had to inhabit a new life without him, yet incorporating his spirit and our memories. 

A real lifeline for me–besides our wonderful clergy–has been the Downtown Minneapolis Coalition for Grief Support. It meets every Saturday morning at a nearby church, currently the Cathedral of St. Mark.

Each meeting starts at 10am with a speaker on a grief-related topic. After the 30-minute talk, we break into small groups of those who have lost a spouse, other family and friends, or a son or daughter. We share our stories, laugh, cry, and talk about the issues we now face. Some of us have become fast friends.

If you are interested in this group, there is no need to register. Just come at or before 10am on any Saturday in August.

In September, the Coalition will start meeting at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Hennepin’s turn to host the coalition will be next summer and fall.

For more information on the Coalition, go to > www.mplsgriefsupport.com

If you prefer a bi-weekly meeting, Hennepin Avenue UMC hosts its own grief support group from 4 to 5pm on the first and third Thursdays of the month in the Longfellow Room. You can meet in person or join by Zoom.

August 2025 Schedule | Cathedral of St. Mark | Saturdays at 10am:

August 2: Styles of Grief (Brenda Demotte)

August 9: Grief and PTSD (Chris Lewis)

August 16: Factors Involved In How We Grieve (Nancy Slothower)

August 23: Children and Grief (Nicole Barnes)

August 30: Picture Day! (Participants bring photos or other mementos of their loved one)