When it comes to offering comfort and hope, GriefShare leaders continually find creative, heartfelt ways to minister to people—whether meeting in person or online. One leader who’s doing this beautifully is Ronni Chandler from First AME Zion Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Ronni recently wrapped up an entirely online GriefShare group and shared a touching story about how she helped participants close out their time together in a meaningful, memorable way.
As their GriefShare cycle came to a close, Ronni wanted to create a moment of beauty and reflection—one that would honor each participant’s loved one and celebrate how far they’d come.
She invited group members to email her a photo of their loved one and bring a candle—real or battery-powered—to their final online meeting. Then she prepared a PowerPoint presentation titled “Never Forgotten, Forever Loved.”
Each slide displayed a burning candle alongside the name and photo of one participant’s loved one. During their online meeting, Ronni shared her screen and slowly clicked through the slides. As each name appeared, participants shared a favorite memory and how they planned to honor their loved one by living in a way that reflected them.
“They voluntarily added that part themselves after the video,” Ronni said. “It was beautiful.”
To close the evening, Ronni showed one final slide: a picture of the official GriefShare participant certificate, personalized with each group member’s name.
“They were delighted and proud of the work they had done,” Ronni shared.
She encouraged participants to continue using the helpful materials at MyGriefShare, reminding them that healing doesn’t end when the sessions do.
Two members are now speaking with their pastors about starting GriefShare groups in their own churches, continuing the ripple effect of comfort and hope.
Ronni co-facilitates her group with her daughter, and each time they lead, they experience more healing themselves.
“This is our third group since we went through our own GriefShare groups,” she says. “Each time, we heal more deeply. It’s so remarkable to witness the healing love of our Lord.”
If you’ve ever wondered whether online groups can be personal and Spirit-filled, Ronni’s experience offers a resounding yes. Through thoughtful touches like candles, photos, and shared memories, she helped her participants feel connected and seen—even across a screen.
You can bring these same powerful touches to your online or hybrid group. Consider incorporating creative elements that reflect your group’s journey:
Ronni’s story is a beautiful picture of what God can do through a willing heart and a computer screen—a reminder that healing happens wherever His people gather, even online.
Ready to lead with creativity and care? Explore leader tools and seasonal event resources in GriefShare’s LeaderZone.