LOOKING AHEAD GRACE GROUPS
GriefShare Despite it being part of life, death is never easy. It hurts to lose someone, and it may be hard to feel optimistic about the future. GriefShare is a 13-week class scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 15, which features video seminars with experts, focused group discussions and personal study and reflection that can help you face your challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. GriefShare will be held at College Church this fall. Please email Christy at griefshare@college-church.org for more information, or call (630) 668-0878.
A Word about Grace Groups Are you or a loved one dealing with anxiety or depression or another mental health challenge? Are you concerned about what others will think—those who don’t understand—when you share your struggles or those of child or spouse? Are you looking for a safe and welcoming environment of people who "get it?" Living Grace is a support group for those living with mental health challenges, and Family Grace, for those who support them. Time together is not intended to replace professional assistance when needed, but rather as an arm of the church to come alongside one another to encourage and uplift—to build a biblical and empathetic community of those who have or are living through it. Grace Group is a part of the congregational care ministry at College Church and is open to everyone. Each session allows for personal discovery and relationship building through discussion and practice of the tools learned. Scripture-infused, the Grace Group lessons touch on how God sees the individual in these challenges and gives hope as we share and learn from the
experiences of others. Each session of the 16-week curriculum stands alone, which, if needed, allows you to come and go at any point and choose which topics are most beneficial to your situation and availability. Some of the topics covered in our meetings during the year include: • Mental Health Recovery • God Is Bigger Than Our Weakness • Medication • Whole Health Strength and Renewal • Grieving and Grace • Cycles and Triggers • Life-Giving Community • Staying Resilient This group plans to meet twice a month by Zoom on Mondays at 7 p.m. beginning on September 14. Join us from the comfort and privacy of your home. Registration opens on August 21. The $20 fee includes workbook, or $12.99 for the e-book version. Email Christy at gracegroups@college-church.org, or call (630) 668-0878.
Take advantage of events—some one-time, some ongoing—that are taking place around town this month. Also, keep Connections in mind to promote a community event to the College Church family. Send event information by the following dates to connections@ college-church.org. For the September issue: August 7 | For the October issue: September 7 | For the November issue: October 7 332 E. Seminary, Wheaton, IL 60187 • Phone: (630) 668-0878 • www.college-church.org Connections is a monthly newsletter published for and about the people of College Church. Send news items and suggestions to: connections@college-church.org. Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Eric Channing, pastor of congregational care and family ministries | Cheryce Berg, director of children’s ministries | Julie Clemens, director of disability ministries | Erik Dewar, pastor of worship and music | Zach Fallon, senior high pastor | Dan Hiben, junior high pastor | Tim Hollinger, technology director | Diane Jordan, director of visitation and care | Howard Kern, facilities director | Josh Maurer, pastorial resident | Curt Miller, missions pastor | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Ben Panner, college pastor | Mindy Rynbrandt, director of women’s ministries | John Seward, executive pastor | Nancy Singer, director of administration and finance | Mike Solis, pastoral resident | Josh Stringer, pastor of discipleship | Wil Triggs, director of communications | Michael Walker, pastoral resident| Jacob Warren, pastoral resident Our Council of Elders: David Bea | Howard Costley | Dave Gieser, vice chair | Randy Jahns| Heinrich Johnsen | Dan Lindquist | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Phil Nussbaum | Tom Nussbaum | Jeremy Taylor | Mark Taylor, chair | Tad Williams | Rob Wolgemuth, secretary
27
