People who are hurting, in any form, from the sting of divorce/separation are urged to find refuge in DivorceCare, an educational support and discussion group offered at First United Methodist Church, 200 Market St., from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday evenings.

Divorce has become commonplace in our society, even in Christian circles. Satan has targeted marriage and the family as his first priority in spiritual warfare. He knows that if he can break up a marriage, he can impact the next generation.

Our churches today can be a great source of encouragement and love by taking an active role in the lives of those who have been affected by divorce. Personal encouragement, ministry programs and support groups can provide a place for healing and hope. But perhaps the most important way to encourage is to take time personally to love a broken family and show them the power of having a bold faith. Ask God to allow you to provide hope, help and healing for someone who is experiencing the pain of divorce. Be an encouragement to those who need it, when they need it most, and show them that God is not finished with their lives yet.

We believe First Church has become that place of healing and hope through the DivorceCare ministry, which began in 2003. The program has provided hope, help and healing for those experiencing the pain of divorce.

DivorceCare offers stability during a time that divorced men and women feel their foundations crumbling. The 13 sessions are offered in succession, so participants can attend at any time.

Meetings are generally attended by fewer than 10 people, offering an intimate setting in which to discuss the materials each week. Participants range in age from mid-20s to elderly, are male and female, and are involved in the ends of marriages that lasted anywhere from a short time to many decades. Some have even attended that have or are contemplating divorce.

DivorceCare offers a daily Bible study, which is optional for participants. Session information is offered in the form of workbooks and videos on topics such as healing, anger, depression, loneliness, etc.

We will also be offering DC4K (DivorceCare 4 Kids), a program for children (ages 5-12) of families experiencing divorce and separation, which will run concurrently with the adult program.

DC4K features fun games and activities along with DVD dramas about real-life situations of children in divorce and points children to the Bible and Jesus Christ as their source of healing.

Topics include learning about what is happening to my family; facing my anger; how to deal with my sadness; who’s to blame; dealing with loneliness; talking to my parents and moving on, growing up and growing closer to God.

DivorceCare and DC4K Meetings will be held at 200 Market Street on Thursday evenings beginning January 12th, 2017 from 6-8 p.m.

For more information, call Heidi Ketzko through the church office at 723-4930.