Sacred Sorrow is a new research-informed pilot grief support and education program for rural clergy and congregations in the North Carolina United Methodist Church. Rural church pastors and laity hold wisdom and insight that has the capacity to shape next steps. 

The North Carolina Institute for Spiritual Direction and Formation received a grant from The Duke Endowment to create Sacred Sorrow for rural clergy and congregations in the NC United Methodist Church. The pilot program seeks to better understand the ways rural clergy and laity in The United Methodist Church experience loss and grief and discover how these rural churches can better care for one another and their communities during these times. Pastors and laity from rural churches are invited to take part in a one-time focus group or interview. This research will inform the curriculum for our 2026-2027 retreat-based grief support education program. 

How to Get Involved

NC UMC clergy and laity fill out a short interest form if you would be willing to participate in a virtual focus group or interview. Research participants will be eligible to apply to our free, retreat-based pilot program in the fall of 2026. Clergy and laity will be in separate groups as they discuss their own experiences and viewpoints. We will follow up with more details on how to get involved. 

Am I a Good Candidate for the Focus Groups or Interview?

Loss touches every one of us. Sometimes it’s personal and visible; other times, it’s quieter, harder to name, like the shared grief of a community, or the kind of loss that isn’t easily recognized. These experiences can shape how we serve, live, and lead, yet they are not always easy to talk about or understand. If you have experienced grief and loss of any kind at any time (e.g., losing a job, loss of loved ones, health issues, unexpected life changes, empty nest, collective disillusionment about disaffiliation, political polarization, injustice and inequality, natural disasters, COVID-19, etc.), please know that you hold wisdom and insight that has the capacity to help others.  

Reach out to Sacred Sorrow Co-Project Managers, Sarah Lancaster and Susan Graebe, with questions and thoughts at SacredSorrow@ncisdf.org.

Learn more about the North Carolina Institute for Spiritual Direction and Formation and its Upcoming Formation Programs.

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