Support Groups at First Pres

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.

CANCARE READY TO SERVE CANCER PATIENTS
CanCare at First Presbyterian Church is ready to begin its local ministry of providing hope and encouragement for cancer patients and caregivers from both inside and outside the church.  Thirty-nine volunteers, who themselves are either cancer survivors or have been a caregiver, successfully completed a CanCare training session in April.

The CanCare volunteers are now prepared to support patients who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

The ministry will begin immediately connecting those volunteers with patients who are experiencing cancer.  The caregivers will walk alongside assigned cancer patients and their caregivers during the difficult stages of diagnosis and treatment.

HOW TO BE MATCHED WITH A CANCARE VOLUNTEER
“We can do two kinds of matches,” said Dorothy Abbott, a cancer survivor and leader along with her husband, Ed, in the First Pres lay committee overseeing the launch of this ministry. 

  •  “We can match patients with volunteers who have experienced a similar type of cancer by using the CanCare national data base, and/or,
  • "We can make a match locally.  In the case of a local match, a volunteer might not have experienced the same type of cancer as the patient, but the patient knows that the volunteer is a cancer survivor and the two can share the bonds of fellowship.”

Call 719.884.6145 to be matched with a CanCare volunteer.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer or know of someone who has, contact Gladeen Ragland at the First Pres Caring Ministry office to begin the connection process. 

If you are an individual interested in learning more about this new ministry, serving as a committee member or providing administrative support, email Dorothy Abbott at leadada@comcast.net.

As a new member of the CanCare network of churches, First Pres will share the Houston-based cancer support ministry’s purposes, values and goals—the primary aim being one-on-one emotional support of cancer patients and their families from a trained volunteer who has survived a similar type of cancer.  Volunteers will help patients cope with a cancer diagnosis, give support during treatment and enable patients and family members to move forward with Hope.

To find out more about the CanCare national organization, go to cancare.org.

The CanCare ministry will not provide medical advice or take the place of support patients receive from healthcare professionals, according to Dorothy Abbott.  “But the hope we will provide is every bit as critical to the well-being of each patient we serve.”

SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE 
First Presbyterian Church is offering support groups for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.  Groups will be on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. over 10 weeks.  Contact the Caring Ministries office for more information, 884-6145.

Groups will be facilitated by trained psychotherapists ready to walk beside you with God's love on your journey towards hope and freedom.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS/OTHER ADDICTIONS
Alcoholics Anonymous is an on-going group and meets over the noon hour each weekday in Room 030.  AA is a self-help group for people who have problems with drinking or other substances and want to quit.

HIGH NOON AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP MEETINGS
Al-Anon Family Group Meetings convene on 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 CARE GIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Meets 3rd Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in Room 205

The Alzheimer's Care Givers 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.  

This is a confidential meeting where caregivers often form a lasting bond with those going through the same daily problems associated with this disease and other forms of dementia which can cause the same symptoms.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR FAMILIES OF GAYS AND LESBIANS
Meetings on the first Tuesday of each month and is 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.”

H.O.P.E - Hearts of Peace for Eternity:  A Bible Study for Recovering Women
This group offers HOPE to women struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, through accepting, confidential, and loving support in a safe and caring environment.  Please join us as we recover from addiction and develop a personal relationship with God.  
Contact Bonnie at 471-0686 for more information.

INFERTILITY SUPPORT GROUP FOR WOMEN

First Presbyterian welcomes you to spend time with other women who are experienceing infertility.  We seek to provide a place of hope, encouragement, information and Christian support.  Participants will be surrounded with the love, care and concern they need on this journey to start their family.

Monthly meetings are held at the home of Julie Batura. 

 

For more information about these programs call the Caring Ministries office at 719.884.6145 or e-mail  care@first-pres.org 

 

Hospital Equipment


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 Caring Ministries, call 719.884.6145 or e-mail care@first-pres.org.