We invite you into groups where hope and transformation are at the heart of our gatherings.
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GriefShare Support Groups
Tuesdays | 7:00–8:30 p.m. | Oak Brook
Wednesdays | 1:00–2:30 p.m. | Oak Brook
GriefShare
Tuesdays | May 2–July 25 | 7:00–8:30 p.m. | Oak Brook | Oak Room
Wednesdays | May 3–July 26 | 1:00–2:30 p.m. | Oak Brook | Room 262
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 $20.00 and may be purchased at class.
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Stephen Ministry Training
Every other Saturday starting September 10
8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Oak Brook
Stephen Ministry Training Beginning Sunday, September 10 | 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Stephen Ministers are laymen and women, of any age, called and gifted by God, and trained to become a Caring Christian Friend to those experiencing a difficult season of life.
To help you discern if the Lord is calling you to this vital Ministry, you will need to meet with Rev. Mark Carlsson 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 Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. beginning September 10.
Are you feeling alone? Facing a difficult decision? Have you experienced the loss of a loved one? Facing a family crisis? Are you overwhelmed at home? Feeling unfulfilled at work?
Everyone goes through difficult times. It can help to have someone to journey with - praying and pulling for you. Stephen Ministers are there to talk with and support you during those seasons of struggle and hardship.
To learn more about how we can help, contact Jean Blidy at: jblidy@ChristChurch.us or 630.321.3936.
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NAMI Family Mental Health Support Group
NAMI Family Mental Health Support Group
First and Third Mondays | 7:00–8:30 p.m. | Room 264 | Oak Brook
This faith-based, drop-in 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.
First Wednesday | 11:00 a.m. | The Commons | Oak Brook
We want people to know that they are seen in their season of struggle and hardship. Prayer shawls and blankets are a tangible expression of the love of God and His people. Our hope is that as people wrap themselves in this gift they will be reminded of His tenderness and care during the highs and lows of life.
Our group gathers monthly to pray while knitting or crocheting prayer shawls, as well as sewing prayer blankets. We enjoy community, praying together and using our creative gifts to serve the people of Christ Church. If you’re interested in joining us or starting a group at another time contact Jean Blidy at jblidy@ChristChurch.us or 630.321.3936.
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The Upper Room
First and Third Tuesdays | 7:00–8:00 p.m. | Zoom
If you feel God calling you into a deeper and intentional prayer experience we invite you to join us as we seek God’s presence through worship and prayer in the hope of being transformed and to invite Him to move in our community and world.
Alcohol Anonymous (A.A.) and Al-Anon groups meet each week to offer support for those impacted by alcohol abuse.
A.A. New Hope Support Group
Tuesdays | 7:30–8:30 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: alcoholicsanonymous.com
Al-Anon Circle of Serenity Support Group
Tuesdays at 7:15–8:30 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: al-anon.org
Caring for a family member or friend with a chronic condition can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. This self-care educational program for family caregivers builds the skills caregivers need to take better care of themselves as they provide care for others.
Caregivers will develop a wealth of self-care tools to reduce personal stress, change negative self-talk, communicate their needs to family and healthcare or service providers, communicate effectively in challenging situations, recognize the messages in their emotions, deal with difficult feelings, and make tough caregiving decisions. Class participants also receive a copy of The Caregiver Helpbook.
Caregivers who benefit from the PTC 6-week class series:
Spouse or partner of an adult with a chronic condition
Adult children of aging parents
Parents of children with special health and behavioral needs
Grandparents raising grandchildren with special needs
Let's face it – all of us get angry at some point in our lives, it's unavoidable–it's one of the many feelings that lie on the human spectrum of emotions. However, anger is unique in that it can be one of the most destructive of emotions–it has the power to destroy relationships both personal and professional as well as poison our bodies and lead to depression and even violence. It doesn't need to be this way!
Aristotle said: “Anybody can become angry–that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way–that is not within everybody's power and is not easy”
Indeed, it is not easy, but we can come close. At its core, anger is simply energy and you have a choice on how to manage that energy, a choice on how you employ it, how you manage it. In other words, you have a choice to either invest or spend that energy. Come learn how you can harness this mysterious yet powerful emotion, minimize or eliminate its havoc on your joy and contentment, and gain skills on how to choose to invest your anger to motivate positive change where it is most needed in your life.
Ed McHugh is a licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of clinical counseling and coaching experience. He is a Level III Certified Anger Management Specialist, Master Trainer, Life and Career Coach.
Registration fee: $15.00
Questions, contact: Jean Blidy at jblidy@ChristChurch.us | 630.321.3936
