We’re not shocked by the stories we hear anymore from participants in Oasis/DivorceCare groups. One of the stories that really stung the whole group was when one woman shared her story:
“I was served my divorce papers the day after Christmas… His lawyer said ‘It’s best not to do this before the holidays.’ ”
Not-so-side-note: does the day after Christmas sound any more merciful a day to serve someone divorce papers?! Can you imagine what it must be like to have your world shaken by divorce or separation around the holidays? Thousands of people can, and have. We’ve seen hundreds of them find hope despite the life-shattering events going on around them.
Holidays are a time known for traditions & family. But, when divorce is a wide, thick cloud that threatens to block out even the light of Christmas, everything’s upside-down, different… dark. So, how do to find a glimmer of hope? Surviving the Holidays answers this question & more.
This year, we’re excited to carry the enthusiasm, comfort and hope we’ve come to know through North Point’s “Oasis” program to Free Chapel’s DivorceCare class. Monday, November 21st, we’re excited to be a part of “Surviving the Holidays”. It’s an event designed to help people think out loud about the complex issues that surround the otherwise normal brightness and joy of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s when they’ve been painted dull, fuzzy gray by divorce or separation.
What’s unique about Free Chapel’s event is that it’s being done at very minimal cost – $10 for participants includes their guides, aftercare devotionals, and the event itself. But even better, that there will be separate programs that same night for kids age 5-12 and teens, focused on how to handle the many confusing matters and questions that arise for children who have no say in the most heart-wrenching season of their lives.
Pass this article on to anyone you know in a 60 minute radius of Free Chapel that’s going through divorce or separation or has gone through it in the past three to four years.
Tonight will be a night that will mark their past and color their future (even their present, for that matter) with hope, clarity, and the direction only Jesus Christ can provide. If that sounds weird, frightening, or too religious to you – I’m going to ask you to do something strange: trust me even if you don’t know me. More importantly, trust the results that thousands of men, women, and children have experienced through Surviving the Holidays events over the past several years. Hope, future, peace, practical steps, and support are all available.
Come to Free Chapel’s North Campus, tonight, November 21st, 2011. Doors will open at 6:40, Surviving the Holidays for Teens (13-18), STHKids (5-12), and nursery care (under 5) will all be available under the same roof.
Or, if you’re in the Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming area, come to North Point Community Church’s “Unwrapping Christmas” event on December 1st, from 7 to 9 PM. (No childcare provided at this event, but childcare reimbursement is available).
Come, get a glimpse of what the holidays can be like once again, even in the midst of pain, confusion, and division.