A weekly support group recently launched at the Evangelical Free Church on Fifth Street. Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a worldwide program known for its success in providing a safe space for individuals facing emotional struggles, relational issues, addictions or any thoughts and behaviors prohibiting a joyful life.
According to the official CR website, “Many anonymous programs provide help for a single issue; alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling, overeating, etc. Celebrate Recovery deals with the whole person, every kind of issue that keeps people from being who God created them to be.”
Founded by John Baker and Rick Warren in 1991, Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-based recovery group, where participants work through the 12 Steps and Eight Beatitudes. One of the local leaders, Catherine Wilson stated, “We are all inclusive. It’s not mandatory to be a Believer, everyone is welcome.”
Establishing a Celebrate Recovery group in Grand Marais has been a work in progress. According to Wilson, “We tried to get a group started for the last couple of years, but didn’t have enough leaders. Finally, about six months ago, we identified enough people to serve as leaders and could get the group going! To date, we have 9-10 leaders for our local group.”
All meetings are free and consistently held every Thursday, holidays included. Participants may attend the entire night or just for parts that fit their journey. A typical Celebrate Recovery meeting begins with a shared meal for participants, family, and friends at 5:30 p.m. The mealtime was designed to encourage fellowship and sharing. At 6 p.m. participants move into the large group meeting that alternates between teaching or a testimony.
Childcare is provided at 6 p.m. to ensure minimal distractions for group members. Following a brief break, participants are divided by gender into small groups at 7 p.m. Small groups are a time for personal sharing and everyone is given the opportunity to speak about anything weighing on their hearts or minds. Confidentiality is key and according to Wilson, “our local group prides themselves on providing a safe space for participants to express themselves.”
“I strongly believe Celebrate Recovery is for anyone who has ever had hurt, pain, sadness or anything but perfection in their lives. It’s for everybody. I think in a small community, people are embarrassed to come. Maybe feeling like they are admitting something is wrong. Once they give us a chance and attend, people will realize it’s very confidential. They will see that it will stay confidential”.
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