DivorceCare helps churches restore broken lives.

“There aren’t many people around that understand the pain of their separation or divorce. It is my hope, by continuing DivorceCare at First Church, we will become known as a place where divorced or separated families can get help right away,” said Heidi Ketzko, DivorceCare facilitator. “It is my hope that our church becomes a place where these families can come for support and guidance over several months to work through issues that surround them.”

DivorceCare, a 13-week Christ-centered program, features nationally-recognized experts on divorce and recovery topics from a Christian perspective through DVDs and a participant notebook. Some of the sessions include “Facing My Anger,” “Facing My Loneliness,” “Depression,” “New Relationships,” “Forgiveness,” and “Financial Survival.”

During these sessions, you will meet others facing some of the same issues, who understand what you’re feeling and who will be able to offer encouragement. Much healing can occur during these group discussions, which will help you deal with the pain of the past and to look forward to rebuilding your life and future.

“Our DivorceCare Ministry is ongoing and designed as a weekly format to run on a continuous cycle, which means a person can join anytime,” said Ketzko. “It is hoped that this ministry will become a place where families can gain knowledge and share their feelings within a small group of others that are also experiencing the pain of separation and divorce. As they become more active in this ministry and begin to develop trust, we at First Church will have an opportunity to introduce them to other aspects of church life and opportunities for spiritual growth.

“During the last meeting, I ask for comments about the program,” said Ketzko. “Here are some from our most recent session: ‘I enjoyed and benefitted from hearing feelings and emotions others experienced.’ ‘I loved the program and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be here for it!’ ‘DivorceCare helped me learn about myself and what I need to work on improving.’ ‘It has helped me realize I’m not alone in this.’

“As a person that has gone through divorce, I continue to have a strong passion for this ministry and to be able to help others who are separated and divorced find the Lord’s comfort and healing through DivorceCare ministry.”

The next session for the DivorceCare ministry begins Thursday, Jan. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at First UM Church, 200 Market Street, Warren. For more information, or if you have any questions concerning this program, contact Ketzko through the church office at 723-4930.