WS Chronicle

In above photo: DivorceCare Facilitator and Stephen Minister Carlton Ray discusses program outcomes with Stephen Ministry Leader Cornelious Flood. (File photo)

Special to The Chronicle

After months of planning, preparation and training, the Stephen Ministry at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church (UMMBC) is offering its third, 13-week DivorceCare seminar next week.

A broad range of topics were covered during the seminar, including how to face anger, loneliness and depression, developing new relationships, financial survival and single sexuality, reconciliation and forgiveness, moving on and growing closer with God.

The UMMBC Stephen Ministry DivorceCare program provides help and healing for those hurt from separation and divorce.

The next seminar starts on Monday, Aug. 3, and ends on Monday, Nov. 2 (find complete meeting schedule www.divorcecare.org/groups/43363.)

Here is a testimonial from one of the participants in the seminar last year:

“Thank you, Stephen Ministry. Thank you DivorceCare! When the worst happened, when my vows were trampled and ‘Tiill Death do Us Part’ turned into ‘I’m Out of Here!,’ you were there for me and for my children. Thank you! For much of the past 5+ years, I’ve felt trapped in a life between a horror movie and a Tyler Perry screenplay. Just when I thought I couldn’t take it and wouldn’t make it any longer, DivorceCare was introduced to me. (Further evidence of an On Time God.)

“Out of desperation, my initial hesitation of ‘not wanting everyone to know,’ turned into a yearning to have others intercede for me. From the videos that showed all too familiar real-life scenarios letting us know that we weren’t the only ones experiencing such an excruciating existence, to scripture and verse we internalized for strength, and, in group sessions where we vented and shared, cried and eventually laughed without fear of judgment or ridicule, DivorceCare was there for me. Uplifting, Healing, Encouraging, and a Motivational source of Hope. That’s what DivorceCare has been for me. Everyone was awesome! Thank you to everyone from registration to Session Leaders and the closing prayer.

“You’ve all played a very valuable part in my recovery and the rebuilding of my family. You are priceless to me. Thank You!”

Separated or divorced people who would like to join the 13-week program should complete the online registration form.

Someone will be in contact with you, the church says. For child care, respond to the question on the registration form at beyondthesanctuary.wordpress.com.

A few facts about DivorceCare DivorceCare is a comprehensive, Christ-centered divorce recovery ministry.

It is a tested and proven program dating back to 1993 in Wake Forest, N.C. Over 15, 000 churches are involved worldwide.

It is a ministry providing support for individuals who are separated or divorced. The 13-week program holds meetins once per week for two hours. Group facilitators have been trained and all have experienced divorce.

There is a nominal registration fee of $15 to cover participant workbooks.

“DivorceCare helps you find hope, help and healing,” the church says in a statement.

Learn more at www.divorcecare.org. For more information about Stephen Ministry, visit http://www.stephenministries.org. For additional information, contact the church office at church@unitedmetropolitan.org or call 336-761-1358.