BEYOND ABUSE
Addressing the realities of childhood sexual abuse and healing its impact

For survivors of childhood sexual abuse, their friends and loved ones, professionals and anyone interested in understanding the impact of childhood sexual abuse, Beyond Abuse will provide healing, understanding and direction.  Space is limited for the sessions below, so call 884-6114 for a brochure or information about registering.

Friday, September 19  7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Speaker: Miss America by Day author Marilyn Van Durbur
Cost: $5 if registered before September 15; $10 thereafter and at the door (subject to availability)

Saturday, September 20,  9:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Program: Beyond Abuse seminar, led by Sallie Culbreth
Cost: $30 if registered before September 15; $40 thereafter and at the door (subject to availability)

HELP FOR THE HOLIDAY BLUES
Learning to Hope and Cope in the Midst of Loss

Monday, November 24  6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years . . . times of joy and celebration, closeness with friends and family, gift giving and shared memories.  Yet, when you've suffered a recent loss, the holidays can become a bitter reminder of what is no more and good times can give way to a sense of despair.  There is hope.  In spite of your loss - whether a loved one, a relationship, a job, your health - there are ways to cope.

Just $5 covers speaker, beverages and care for any children through third grade.  Your advance registration/payment will greatly assist us in preparing for this offering.  All childcare registrations and payment must be received by the Help, Hope and Healing Office by Friday, November 14.

Speaker:  Dee Martz
Dee is a licensed professional counselor in private practice in Colorado Springs, specializing in life transitions, coping with illness, loss and grief, depression and anxiety, spiritual growth, parenting and step-parenting, and healing from traumatic experiences.

SUPPORT GROUPS
Support groups provide educational opportunities, information about resources, assistance with problem solving, an opportunity to share feelings and the invaluable support of others in similar situations. Life often can place severe stress on one’s faith and spiritual life; so each group has a strong spiritual context and prayer support component to uplift and undergird those in difficult situations.

HIGH NOON AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP MEETINGS
Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics.

ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP
Evening - meets 2nd Thursday each month at 7:00 P.M. in Room 431
Daytime - meets 3rd Thursday each month at 1:30 p.m.

The Alzheimer's Support Group is a faith-based, caring environment where you can share your concerns, your fears, and the many other issues associated with this heartbreaking disease. You might say that this is a place where you can tell strangers what you can’t tell friends.

It is a safe environment for emotional support and sharing as you make this journey with a loved one.  You'll also find helpful resources for Alzheimer's victims and their caregivers.  Anyone whose life has been touched by the devastating effects of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease can attend.  

The support group features special guests speakers, including medical professionals, offering helpful information and advice about the emotional and physical challenges of dealing with Alzheimer’s.
 

SUPPORT GROUP FOR FAMILIES OF GAYS AND LESBIANS
Meetings on the first Tuesday of each month and are open to the entire community.

Confidentiality is respected as we mutually share, encourage and support healthy efforts of response and relationship to family members who are gay or lesbian.

EXPERIENCE:

• An atmosphere of love, acceptance and helpful encouragement
• Compassion for feelings of grief and confusion regarding homosexuality
• Sharing about social conflicts and concerns
• Relief from the loneliness of isolation
• Strength and healing from a support group
• Reassurance that participation in discussion is voluntary

COMMENTS FROM PARTICIPANTS:
“In this Christian group, I found a safe place to share my fears, confusion and questions.”
“This group has helped me grow in gratitude for all of life's experiences.” 
“I realized life would never be the same, but it could be richer.”
 

HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT
Through the generous support of those in our congregation, certain items of hospital equipment are available for loan to our members.  If you have a temporary need, contact Congregational Support at 719.884.6144 to find out availability of the items.  In order for us to be good stewards of our resources, all equipment must be checked out and returned through this office.
 

For more information about these programs or Help, Hope & Healing, call 719.884.6145 or e-mail care@first-pres.org.