By Carolyn Kimmel
One Saturday a month a group of volunteers from Calvary United Methodist Church in Dillsburg, Pa., are restoring hope to children who have suffered loss, and helping them to realize they will be happy again.
The Children’s Bereavement Art Group, or CBAG, began meeting at the church last fall as a place for children facing loss, due to things like death, divorce or abandonment, to unite over art, fellowship and faith.
“The children come so beaten down, at such a low point because of their loss, but bringing these kids together is so powerful,” said Cathleen Lerew, owner of Under the Horizon art studio in Gettysburg and founder of CBAG. “It helps them know that there is somebody else going through it and that while their journey is unique to them, they are not unique in the spectrum of things.”
And most importantly, she said, children begin to sense that it’s possible to heal from their loss. What better time to share the good news that God cares and wants to walk with them through the healing journey?
The Rev. John Estes, pastor at Calvary United Methodist, said he’s excited about the outreach that CBAG offers to community children. “In Dillsburg, we don’t know what kids are grieving for, with the drug epidemic here; it could be loss of brothers and sisters, divorce. This is an opportunity for kids to get together in a non-hostile environment and meet other kids who are going through the same thing they are,” he said.
Several volunteers from Calvary knew right away they wanted to be involved in the ministry.
“I love kids, and I want to help wherever I can,” said Cindy Estes.
John Allison, a retired school guidance counselor and superintendent, said he got involved as way to continue to pour into the lives of children.
“It’s rewarding to see these youngsters leave us with a smile on their face,” he said.
Volunteer Dusty Knisely said she came to help make a positive impact on the children’s lives, but she finds herself changed as well.
“I am just overwhelmed by how open these kids are to our questions—which are pretty deep about life and loss. They are finding a bigger joy, both they and us,” she said.
Volunteers have been surprised at how openly the children share their hurts, how receptive they are to hearing about hope, and how much they look forward to returning each month.
Lerew is quick to point out that CBAG is not art therapy, but it has a therapeutic benefit.
“The art projects are guided, easy and attach to some type of lesson,” she said. “Instead of saying, ‘here are all the supplies; go at it,’ we provide a lesson tied back to faith.”
For example, a painting of a rainbow after the storms suggests that “Even though you’re in a bunch of junk now, there is something beautiful in your future,” she said. A child’s hand, made from pottery with palm up and a dove etched inside, suggests the idea of being cupped safely in the palm of God’s hand.
The group also attracts volunteers from the community at large, such as Lori Peters, who is working on her master’s degree in counseling from Shippensburg University.
“I like helping people, particularly those suffering from grief because there’s a special need there. Grief kind of gets swept under the rug,” she said. “It’s important to address it.”
For more information visit: www.childrensbereavementartgroup.com
