Does God Suffer?

I have to write a paper for Christian Theology and I am going to write it on "does God suffer?" The early church fathers who are called the Patristics (I did learn at least 1 thing last year) claimed (and I am being real base here) that God does not suffer because God does not change. This claim has been debated a lot especially by more recent theologians - some make the statement that God does indeed suffer; in fact our personal God suffers with us in our suffering. I am just starting my serious reading about this so I have no sound opinions one way or the other - but the idea that God suffers with us; a loving God; a loving Father who mourns when we mourn is a very attractive thought especially in my hospice world.
I welcome ALL thoughts on the subject, so don't be shy to post!! What do you think? Does God suffer? Does it make a difference to your beliefs that God suffers / doesn't suffer? Let me know! If you want to just tell me, send me an e-mail.