Welcome to the Rochester Area
Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Grief Conference
FREE conference to provide the opportunity to connect with others & learn techniques to grow through the loss & grief of a child.
Moving Grief Through Connection
Date/Time: Saturday, September 12, 2026 - Ironwood Springs Ranch, 7291 Country Road 6 SW, Stewartville, MN 55976
Join us in person for a FREE, heartfelt gathering where we explore the power of connection to help us move through grief. This event offers a safe, supportive space to share, heal, learn and grow alongside others who understand your journey. Whether you’re seeking comfort or strength, let’s come together and embrace healing through community. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect and find peace. Presented by The Compassionate Friends, Rochester Area Chapter. Find the outline and speaker list below. Agenda subject to change/updates.
Outline for the day
8:30 am
Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00 am
Chapter leaders will provide a opening of the conference with Music by Jane Foote
9:15 am
Jane Foot, singer/songwriter, will sing at approximately 9:00. Jane's songs tell stories and seek truth in everyday experiences that many of us share. Over the years, the music has evolved, just as we all have. She hopes that some of the lyrics and melodies will inspire you to find your own inner minstrel and a little peace in what can often be a busy rush of daily life.
“There are songs in us all that are waiting to be sung, and there are days when I hear them on the breezes. There are times in our lives that we cherish as they pass, but the pass just as surely as the breeze does.”
- Seasons, by Jane Foote.
9:30 am
TBA - Topic: Sibling Grief
10:30 - 10:45
Break - Get some water or coffee and connect with other.
10:45-11:45 am
Music Through Sound Bath
Connie the MSW will lead this Moving Grief through Music/Sound Bath. More into to come.
12:00 pm
Lunch
Lunch is provided. Enjoy in the lunch hall or feel free to eat outside in nature.
1:00 - 1:50 pm
Breakout Session A - Choose
1. Moving Grief by Walking in Nature (outside)
2. Sharing Circles. Sharing Circles are a time to intentionally connect with other families who have lost children within a child's similar age group, regardless of cause. This supports a round table discussion in which families can share about their child, what has helped them, and what continues to challenge them in their grief and loss.
2:00 - 2:50 pm
Breakout Session B - Choose
1. Moving Grief through Breathwork with Jane Foote EdD, MSN, RN, HN-BC. Breath is an essential part of life. The evidence of how breath can positively impact the nervous system and well-being is well known, as is the impact that grief has on well-being.
2. Moving Grief with Gentle Qigong with Penny Pries. Qigong is an ancient form of movement that originated in China over 6,000 year ago. Intended for deep healing, many people practice Qigong for overall well being.
3:00 pm
Final Ceremony of Remembrance / Music
Chapter leaders will lead this ritual of remembrance. Jane Foote will close with music to bring the group to closure.