Celebrate Recovery about changing lives

An opportunity for healing from debilitating addictions and feelings is one that not many people can pass up. That is why Greencastle can be thankful for Celebrate Recovery, a program that has come to the community, offering healing from issues like grief, insecurity, depression, anger, chemical addictions, sexual addictions, abuse, gambling and overspending.

Overseen by Donald and Anna Heckman, the meetings are being held at 6:30 p.m. in the Greencastle Church of the Brethren, 36 S. Carlisle St., starting this Thursday, Jan. 10. Meetings will be held weekly on Thursday.

Meetings are free of charge and childcare will be provided for children ages 5 through 14.

Celebrate Recovery is used in over 10,000 churches nationwide and internationally. It is a Christ-centered 12 step recovery program based on the 8 Principles of the Beatitudes found in the Bible, developed by Pastor Rick Warren, the author of The Purpose Driven Life, and Pastor John Baker from the Saddleback church, a former alcoholic who gained victory over his habit through Christ.

The program deals with all forms of emotional upset and addictions.

“Only 30 percent of participants have a chemical dependency,” said Donald Heckman. “Celebrate Recovery helps people face many issues.”

“It’s an outreach,” added Anna. “It’s Christ-centered and unbelievers can get so much out of it.”

Celebrate Recovery meetings begin with uplifting praise and worship music, followed by a 20 minute lesson about various topics, such as denial, hope or forgiveness.

Visitors may offer their first name only and the desire for anonymity is valued. Men are in groups with other men to discuss their issues, just as women are paired with other women. Accountability partners and support are given.

“We accept people for who they are,” said Donald Heckman. “We don’t care how you look or how you dress. Seeing the changed lives makes it worth doing.”

For more information, contact the church office at 717-597-3553.