Job loss, miscarriage, marital problems, the death of a loved one, illness, or other serious situation being experienced by a loved one or friend often makes people feel at a loss as to what to say or do to show concern and a desire to comfort.

The Village Chapel will host "Crisis Care - Hope for the Hurting," a DVD series by Dr. H. Norman Wright, well-known Christian counselor, on Monday afternoons from 3 to 4 p.m. beginning Monday, July 19.

The series is designed for both those wishing to learn how to "come beside" a person experiencing a crisis situation, and those in a difficult period in their lives. It has been presented to lay persons in over 2,500 churches, colleges and prisons over the past several years.

The series describes the difference between loss and grief; gives characteristics of a crisis, illustrates patterns of pain, provides principles of counseling, stresses the importance of silence as well as when to verbally express concern or offers of help and many other topics.

"One of the sessions deals with exploding myths," says a spokesman. "Most of us don't stop to think that the average times of grief experienced when a loved one dies varies depending on how the person died. For instance, the average time of grief when death comes through natural causes is two years, while accidental death is three years, suicide four years, homicide, five years, and in the case of the death of a child, there often is no real closure.

"The series is designed to help individuals become better equipped as a friend or loved one to help one in crisis, and is not intended to have participants assume the role of a professional counselor. Rather, it will help individuals understand the basic components being experienced as a result of certain crisis situations, and how to show love and concern."

Participants will meet in Chapel Hall. For more information, contact June Vetter at (910) 639-2797 or e-mail jvetter@connectnc.net.