Posted on August 22, 2025 by Rev. Jason Rensner
Grief & Loss
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How many of you remember a television show that ran from 1998–2000 called Sports Night? It was about a fictional daily sports news program and the cast of characters that produced and anchored the show. It was probably based off a show like SportsCenter on ESPN. Why do I ask? Back at that time TV Guide called it “The Best Show You’re Not Watching.” After just a couple years on the air, many critics called it “cancelled too soon.”
If you were not familiar with the show, you missed something very clever and very entertaining. Most of America didn’t recognize the quality program right in front of them until it was too late. Each month since August of 2024, Dr. Mark Vande Braak from Lutheran Family Service has presented monthly interactive webinar topics on issues of grief, aptly named Dr. Mark’s Grief Support Series.
These presentations are both informative and engaging as the participants are encouraged to ask questions and share their own experiences with the grief topic at hand. Some of the topics have been loss of a parent, sibling, grandparent, child, or spouse, miscarriage and stillbirth, and suicide or voluntary death.
To draw the connection to SportsNight, if you’re not tuning into Dr. Mark’s monthly sessions on grief and loss, you’re missing out. Plain and simple. I truly believe it’s “The Best Show You’re Not Watching.” Of the 13 topics on the schedule, there are only three “episodes” left. Take advantage of what Dr. Mark is offering while it’s here. Learn more here.
As someone who has had the privilege of being involved in each of the topics and plans on being involved in the rest to come, I can assure you that if you have not yet taken advantage of this opportunity you are missing out on something very valuable and more than worth the time. Even if you have not experienced the topic of loss presented, it gives you guidance to minister to the people that have. You can learn more or register for sessions through Lutheran Family Service’s support group page.
Dr. Mark brings over 30 years of experience and a unique approach that blends education, faith, and short-term support to the issue of grief. He is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, but offers telehealth nationwide. He is ready to walk with you through whatever grief you are experiencing.
Along with the issue of grief, Lutheran Family Service offers a wide range of counseling services from a Christian and Lutheran perspective that are invaluable and highly recommended. I have known many people who have been blessed with the counseling offered through Lutheran Family Service. They are ready and willing to walk with you!
Jason Rensner
Associate Pastor – Faith Lutheran
Sioux Falls, SD
To register for upcoming support groups in Dr. Mark’s Grief Support Series, visit https://lutheranfamilyservice.org/drmarkseries/.
Rev. Jason Rensner holds a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary St. Louis and currently serves as the Associate Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Rensner was born in Park Ridge, IL and attended Valparaiso University in Indiana, earning degrees in Political Science and History. Following his time at the Seminary, Pastor Rensner served churches in Missouri, Texas, Florida, and Illinois. He, his wife Kris, and their children, reside in Sioux Falls.
If you or someone you know would benefit from Christ-centered mental health counseling, refer to or contact us today.
Lutheran Family Service walks with those experiencing difficult times through mental health counseling, marriage counseling, crisis pregnancy counseling, and adoption services.
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