Published: August 27, 2008 09:50 am            

Mutual understanding

Church plans change, growth for a support-style program

ASHLAND — One woman has struggled with a drinking problem for more than 20 years.

A young mother who is pregnant copes with codependency.

A man, a reformed alcoholic, seeks support as he goes through divorce.

Some regulars at Fairview Baptist Church’s Celebrate Recovery service on Thursday night have problems with anxiety, eating disorders, gambling addiction, financial problems, depression — just about any issue that can be imagined can be found among the congregation. Those who attend love and support one another as they struggle with their problems.

That’s what the program is there for.

Matt Green, coordinator of Celebrate Recovery’s ministry team, which leads the group, said the evening is for anyone with “hurts, hangups or habits,” which includes most everyone.

“Even if you don’t have the same problems, you can share,” Green said. “We can’t fix anybody. We don’t attempt to, but we’re there to try to guide them through the steps and see that they try to get what they need.”

The evening begins with the group, which numbers from 30 to 60, meeting in the basement to share a meal, prepared by Audrey Jackson, Janet Dixon and Ida Bayes.

A church service full of music and message follows. Before each service, the ministry team gathers for prayer, asking for guidance to know what to say and do to minister to the congregation.

After the service, the congregations separates by gender into smaller groups, where those attending are free to talk about their problems in as great detail as they wish, knowing what they say is confidential and discussed in a loving setting, Green said.

This is the third year for Celebrate Recovery at the church, and the ministry team is making a few changes in an effort to grow the program, Green said.

New hours take effect in September. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. with the church service starting at 6:45 p.m.

The group also has a few special dates planned.

‰Celebrate Recovery Sunday will be Aug. 31. The church’s Sunday morning service will be led by those who participate in Celebrate Recovery.

“This will let people in church see what it’s about,” Gree said.

‰High attendance Day will be Sept. 18. Rewards will be given to the person who brings the most guests.

“Anybody who is curious about it or has somebody in the family that needs it, come and check it out,” Green said.

In addition to Green, members of the ministr team are Mike Gideon and Stan Sammons, training coaches; Paula Thornbury, encouragement coach; Christy Adkins, greeter; Karen Sammons, records and publicity; Lori Robinson, worship leader.

Minister of the church is Michael Rice. The church provides child care and transportation.

LEE WARD can be reached at lward@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2661.

        

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