Congregational Care

CONGREGATIONAL CARE MINISTRY

We respond pastorally to needs as they arise in the church and community through foundational principles made clear in the gospel. In hopes of moving people along a strategic pathway to peace, we support the church with resources and classes designed to facilitate hope and healing.

As the Lord sends people battling with the complexities of the human struggle, we meet them at their point of need and walk with them in hopes that they, through the healing process, become workers of the gospel. This is the meaning of our theme: “Hope, Healing, and Harvest.”

Being restored to the Father’s will for our lives is when we step into our calling and co-labor for His kingdom with humble hearts, giving God the glory in all things.

Classes | Opportunity for spritual growth and development • For additional offerings and to register online, visit apostles.org/care.

Class

CrossCurrent: Beyond Brokenness

8 Weeks

Info

Tuesdays 6:30–9:00 p.m. January 17–March 7 Cost: $10

Description

A safe, confidential, Christ-centered, no judgement zone, for those seeking truth and grace in their relationship struggles, sexual integrity issues, or past hurts. Each evening includes worship, teaching, testimony, and same-gender small groups. Come and experience the hope and joy of overcoming strongholds and addictions, healing relationships, and renewing intimacy with God. The registration fee of $10 includes the course book.

DivorceCare Tuesdays

6:00–8:00 p.m. January 10–April 4 Room 231 Cost: $20

GriefShare Tuesdays

6:00–8:00 p.m. January 10–April 4 Room 201 Cost: $20 Most people will tell you that separation and divorce are the most painful and stressful experiences they’ve ever faced. It’s a confusing time when you feel isolated and have lots of questions about issues you’ve never faced before. DivorceCare is a 13-week course designed to assist, comfort and support individuals as they go through this most difficult time. Class will meet on Tuesday evenings with video, teaching, and small group discussion. The cost is $20.

Grieving the loss of a loved one, whether recently or in the past, is one of the most emotionally wrenching experiences one can go through. If one tries to deal with the varying waves of emotion on their own, the grief experience becomes even more distressing. GriefShare is a video and small group discussion course designed to assist, comfort and support individuals as they go through this most difficult time. The cost is $20.

Classes continued...

Class

Women’s Class: Defeating the Darkness of Depression Info

Thursdays

7:00–8:30 p.m. January 12–March 2 Room 237 Cost: $5

Women’s Class: Ending the War with Myself

Tuesdays

7:00–9:00 p.m. April 4–May 30 Room 244 Cost: $15

Description

In the spring of 1989, I began a fearful and devastating time in my life. It was a season in which I began a downward spiral into a deep and dark depression. Since childhood I had a vulnerability to melancholy, as well as a family history, but this was far beyond mere sadness. I could sense a growing weariness from overextending myself, but, as most of us do, I just pressed on in my overloaded schedule. My best description is that I felt “bone tired” and fragmented.

We will take a look at seven lessons in vulnerability that are the fruit of that journey. May they serve as a caution and an encouragement, but most especially, as a reminder that “nothing is wasted” by our loving and faithful God.

Ending the War with Myself begins where many of us struggle: in an internal war with the person I really don’t like: myself. We neglect an essential aspect of our faith because we don’t know how to find a loving relationship with ourselves. This ingredient is critical for Christian growth and furthering the kingdom of God. This class will be facilitated by Fran Wiggins and include a copy of Micky Land’s book Ending the War with Myself.

If life has become unmanageable and you feel alone or overwhelmed, let me invite you to consider engaging the heart of the Father in the context of His church. We tend to struggle and suffer alone, but the Lord desires that we be in relationship with Him, ourselves, and others. We would like to help you grow spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and then offer support and teaching specific to Hope and Healing with the end goal of connecting you deeper into the life of the church as a “worker” of the gospel of peace. Our church mission is to Reach, Equip, and Work. We welcome you to join us in the process as we all attempt to live into the fullness of God’s plan for our lives.

For more information, visit apostles.org/care or contact the Director of Congregational Care, Rand Eberhard, at 404-591-2475 or reberhard@apostles.org.

Care Ministries

The Congregational Care ministry offers areas of support for the person searching for hope and healing. Together, we invest in the sowing and harvesting of good seeds through biblical teaching and works of compassion. We hope that you will find your place to humbly co-labor with us in service to Jesus Christ, His church, and the community in which we live.

Ministry Learn More Description

Stephen Ministry

apostles.org/stephenministry

Stephen Ministry is a unique, one-to-one, Christ-centered caring ministry. Trained lay ministers in our congregation are available to meet, pray, and walk alongside those experiencing struggles, hurts, or overwhelming circumstances within a supportive, caring relationship. Stephen Ministers have completed training to best support people and meet regularly with individuals to provide confidential, personalized care. This ministry is designed to journey with you as you begin to experience hope and healing in Christ.

Care Ministries continued

Ministry Learn More Description

Biblical Guidance

Learn more about our counselors at

apostles.org/

counseling. If you are in a place where your life has become unmanageable, consider speaking with one of our pastoral counselors. We offer biblical guidance, premarital and marital counseling, as well as skillful advice as you search out your calling. Personal appointments are available upon request by contacting our office.

Volunteer Ministries

Prayer Ministry

Our Prayer Ministry involves the expansion of God’s Kingdom through intercession for others. Prayer Intercessors may come to the church during the week and pray for requests or they may receive requests via email at home. For more information on becoming an intercessor, please contact prayer@apostles.org. Submit Prayer Requests at apostles.org/care/intake or 404-591-2480.

Ushers If you are a member of the church, we invite you to serve! Volunteers are needed once a month during the 9:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. service. This includes passing out special bulletins, helping people get seated, assisting with communion, and helping with the offering. For more information, please contact James Saxon at jsaxon@apostles.org.

Recovery Ministries — apostles.org/bridge

Ministry Info

Clarity to Confusion:

Substance Abuse Seminar

Thursday, February 16, 2023

6:00–7:00 p.m. The Commons

Family & Friends of Prodigals

Early Recovery Fellowship

First & Third Tuesdays

6:00–7:00 p.m. Room 611 Begins January 17

First, Second, & Third Wednesdays

6:00–7:30 p.m. Room 250 Begins January 11

Description

Join us for an evening where we bring clarity to the confusion surrounding addictive substances and their use both in our community and our families. This event is designed for those who are curious about the challenges of substance use disorder. It is also designed to equip friends and families to make informed decisions about next steps for loved ones and to help bring order to their disordered lives. We would invite you to join us for this judgment-free presentation of information and resources led by Todd Stumbo and hosted by Randy Eberhard.

When our lives feel incomplete because someone has chosen to alienate themselves from their family and fellowship, it leaves a void and questions that seem to have no good answer. Join us any week for our open support group for the family and friends of prodigals on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. We will work through a book written by the founder of Celebrate Recovery, John Baker’s Life’s Healing Choices.

The road to restoration and wholeness can feel like an impossible hill to climb, but you don’t have to go it alone. If you’re working through the early stages of substance recovery, this support group will offer encouragement, community, and advice for your journey. It meets the first three Wednesdays of every month and we’d love for you to join us as often as you can.

OASIS - Older Adults Sharing in Service - is a ministry platform where faith and love grow together as we build community and cultivate hearts for Christ. With an emphasis on Dr. Youssef’s Ten-Year Vision “to reach the next generation with the whole gospel of Jesus Christ,” we desire to create spaces for fellowship, local service work, missions, discipleship, worship, and resources to foster intergenerational worship and life together.

For more information, contact the Congregational Care and Database Coordinator, Robin Loebach, at 404-564-3149 or rloebach@apostles.org.

Prayers Opportunities

Grandparents @ Prayer

Wednesdays

10:00–11:00 a.m.

Room 244 There is no greater gift we can give to our grandchildren and no stronger weapon we can wield on their behalf than our prayers. Long ago, Esther stood in the gap for her people, the Jews. Today, during this trying cultural time, let us stand in the gap for our grandchildren.

We welcome you to join us as often as you can as we intentionally pray for our grandchildren.

Volunteer Opportunities

Contact Robyn Smith at robynsbird@gmail.com.

GraceTouch Meals

Share the grace and love of our Lord by providing a meal and a personal contact to those in our midst in need of refreshment, care, and encouragement. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to help cook meals to be taken to families who have a need or help deliver meals to families.

Shut-In Care Look to the interests of others by fellowshipping with those who can no longer attend church regularly due to illness or infirmity. Connecting with homebound members can be done over the phone or through in-person visitations.

Upcoming Events

Grandparenting Matters Seminar

January 28, 2023

9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Cost: $10

OASIS Anniversary Luncheon

February 26, 2023

12:15–2:00 p.m. Cost: $10 Join us as we watch and discuss a virtual seminar presented by Larry Fowler, the founder of Legacy Coalition, as we discover how to become an Intentional Christian Grandparent. Be inspired and equipped to have a greater spiritual impact on your grandchildren. Overcome grandparenting obstacles and be enlightened to your powerful influence of being a grandparent on purpose.

Includes workbook and lunch.

Join us as we celebrate the first anniversary of our OASIS ministry. We’ll fellowship over lunch and explore ways to live out our mission as “Older Adults Sharing in Service.”

HOW TO CONTACT US

The Church of The Apostles 3585 Northside Parkway Atlanta, GA 30327 P: 404.842.0200 E: apostles@apostles.org W: apostles.org

WORSHIP

SUNDAY The Gathering of the Body: 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY Midweek Dinner: 5:00 p.m. Midweek Prayer: 6:15 p.m.

DISCIPLESHIP

Sunday: 9:00 a.m.

LEADING THE WAY with Dr. Michael Youssef

PO Box 20100 | Atlanta, GA 30325 P: 404.841.0100 Order: 1.800.337.5323

W: LTW.org