GriefShare
September 7–November 30 | Oak Brook
September 8–December 1 | Oak Brook
GriefShare Fall Support Groups
Tuesdays | September 7–November 30 | 7:00–8:30 p.m. | Oak Room | Oak Brook
Wednesdays | September 8–December 1 | 1:00–2:30 p.m. | Room 262 | Oak Brook
GriefShare support groups offer help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend. This includes a special weekly seminar designed to help you rebuild your life after losing a loved one. Our group is led by caring people who have experienced grief and want to help you through the difficult days ahead.
Weekly sessions include a video seminar and group discussions. GriefShare workbooks are helpful for note-taking, journaling and study. They are available for $15.00 and may be purchased at class.
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Stephen Ministry
Available trained Stephen Ministers
Are you Lonely? Experiencing a Difficult Time?
Are you stressed? Discouraged? Feeling down? You don’t have to go through difficult times alone. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide you with confidential, one-to-one, Christian care and support to help you get through a tough time. So don’t keep it all inside and struggle alone. Our Stephen Ministers are there to care.
Every other Saturday beginning February 12, 2022 through June 18, 2022 | 8:30 –12:30 p.m. | Oak Brook
Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members, of any age, trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, but they all share a passion for bringing Christ's love and care to people during a time of need.
To help you discern if the Lord is calling you to this vital ministry, you will need to meet with Rev. Dave Bianchin to discuss your faith journey, your gifts, and your sense of call.
Training involves a commitment to complete a 40–hour training program over the course of several months and availability to serve as a Stephen Minister in the life of our congregation. Training is held every other Saturday beginning September 11.
The Upper Room
1st and 3rd Tuesdays | 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Oak Brook
Do you feel God calling you into deeper intentional prayer with brothers and sisters in the Christian Faith? Do you seek refuge from the noise of our culture where you can come and sit in silence before Christ our Shepherd? Maybe The Upper Room of prayer might be your personal invitation. Twice a month for just one hour we will assemble to worship our God, call on His Name, awaken to His presence, and be transformed in our souls.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Meets the First Wednesday of the Month | 11:00 a.m. | Oak Brook | The Commons
Are you interested in knitting or crocheting a prayer shawl or sewing a prayer blanket to be given to someone experiencing a special joy or a difficult challenge in life? Join our Circle of Prayer and Creativity as we gather together to pray for those in our lives and encourage one another in our creative interests.
What is a Prayer Shawl?
The prayer shawls/prayer blankets are given as a visual and tangible expression and reminder of the love of God and the love of his people. Those who received the prayer shawls are invited to wrap themselves in God's love during times of prayer and Bible reading, during times of joy and celebration, and during times of pain and discernment when perhaps they are even unable to pray themselves. As you knit, crochet, or sew a prayer shawl you are encouraged to pray for all who are facing difficulties and specifically for the person (known or unknown) who will receive your prayer shawl.
If you are interested in starting a Prayer Shawl group at another time, we would love to help!
Beginning Tuesday, August 17, 2021, A. A. and Al-Anon groups will meet each week to provide support for those impacted by alcohol abuse.
A.A. New Hope Support Group | Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. | Student Center, Rooms 158B, 164-165 | Oak Brook
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem. For more information visit: www.alcoholicsanonymous.com
Al-Anon Circle of Serenity Support Group | Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. | Room 264 | Oak Brook
Al-Anon members are people, just like you, who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. For more information visit: www.al-anon.org
NAMI Ask the Expert welcomes Dr. Christine Yu Moutier who will discuss several science-informed, evidence-based strategies to reduce suicide risk, both through a public health approach for an entire population as well as clinical interventions for patient care. As the science of suicide and prevention has grown rapidly over the past two decades, it has become more important than ever to share these prevention strategies and targeted ways to better identify risk.
After the presentation, NAMI’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ken Duckworth will moderate a Q&A session.
NAMI Basics On-Demand Education Class
Are you a parent, caregiver, or another family member who provides care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms? NAMI Basics is a free 6-session self-paced On-Demand education course designed to help you navigate the journey. For more information and registration visit the link below.
Coming in January Family Mental Health Support The Family Mental Health Support group is for family members, friends, and support persons of anyone 18 and older who are living with a mental health condition or suspected mental health condition. Your loved one does not need to have a diagnosis to attend. Facilitated by NAMI trained peer support group facilitators.
