Care and Support Groups

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.

Contact: Jean Blidy | jblidy@ChristChurch.us

Prayer Shawl Ministry beginning September 1 , 2021
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!

Contact:  Jean Blidy | jblidy@christchurch.us | 630.321.3936

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.

Registration coming soon!

Or, if you need assistance please contact Jean Blidy at jblidy@ChristChurch.us or 630.321.3936

STEPHEN MINISTRY TRAINING

Every other Saturday beginning September 11  | 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.

Next Step:
Contact Jean Blidy | jblidy@ChristChurch.us | 630.321.3936 

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.

To find out more about Stephen Ministry: 

Contact: Pastor Dave Bianchin | dbianchin@christchurch.us 

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

Questions? Contact Jean Blidy | Care Ministry Coordinator |  jblidy@christchurch.us

Family Mental Health Support (NAMI) beginning September 20, 2021
1st & 3rd Mondays | 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Room 264 | Oak Brook

NAMI Famly Support is designed for those who are walking alongside a loved one living with the challenges of mental illness.  It is a faith-based, casual, drop-in support group, run by NAMI-trained facilitators, welcoming new members at any time throughout the year.

Jean Blidy | jblidy@christchurch.us | 630.321.3936