By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Celebrate Recovery is described as a Christ-centered recovery program with 12 steps and eight principles and is for anyone with hurts, hang-ups, or habits. The new ministry begins on Thursday, Jan. 23, at the South Campus (224 North State St.) of Geneseo First Methodist Church in Geneseo. John and Jamie Pivovarnik are leading Celebrate Recovery.
The free program is held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays for 52 weeks. The first hour of each meeting is large group time with worship and a teaching or testimony and the second hour is gender-specific small group time.
Celebrate Recovery is open to men and women age 18 and older. For more information contact Yvette Biddle, director of Discipleship at Geneseo First Methodist, 309-944-2793.
There is no cost to attend the program and there is no advance registration, interested people are asked to “just show up and feel free to bring a friend.”
John and Jamie Pivovarnik are leading the new ministry, “Celebrate Recovery,” that begins Thursday, Jan. 23, at the South Campus of Geneseo First Methodist Church in Geneseo. Contributed Photo
The Rev. Dr. Chris Ritter, directing pastor at Geneseo First Methodist, said, “We are thrilled to offer the Geneseo community this Christ-centered ministry that has helped countless thousands find new freedom. Celebrate Recovery is for anyone seeking to overcome hurts, habits, or hang-ups that have kept them form living their best lives.”
The Pivovarnik couple, leaders of the program, said, “We believe Celebrate Recovery is for everyone! It’s a Biblical-based program that can lead to victory in overcoming hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Personally, we have come from a place of trauma, pain, addiction, and self destruction and now with Christ at the center, and the tools Celebrate Recovery has to offer, we are experiencing a life of renewed hope, restoration, and redemption. In addition, our family is also reaping the benefits. Our wish is for all in the community to experience the freedom and joy in living a life of true peace.”
FROM THE CELEBRATERECOVERY.COM WEBSITE:
“Celebrate Recovery was founded in 1991 as a ministry of Saddleback Church by Pastor John and Cheryl Baker. John shared with Senior Pastor Rick Warren a vision God had given him for anew Christ-centered ministry where people could find freedom from their hurts, hang-ups and habits. Over the years, thousands of people have gone through the program at Saddleback Church. Many of them have gone on to serve in Celebrate Recovery and other areas of the church. Thousands of churches have started a Celebrate Recovery ministry around the world, and that number continues to grow. Celebrate Recovery is not just growing in churches, but in recovery houses, rescue missions, universities and prisons around the world. It continues to be a growing global movement.”
FREEDOM FROM THE FOLLOWING IS POSSIBLE THROUGH CELEBRATE RECOVERY:
“Abandonment, abuse, alcohol, anger, anxiety, betrayal, codependency, crucial spirit, depression, divorce, drugs, eating disorders, family problems, fear, gambling, grief/loss, guilt, insecurity, internet, job loss, low self-esteem, need to control, nicotine, overspending, people pleasing, perfectionism, pornography, pride, PTSD, relationship, sexual addition, stealing and stress.”
THINGS CELEBRATE RECOVERY IS:
-A safe place to share.
-A refuge.
-A place of belonging.
-A place to care for others and be cared for.
-A place where respect is given to each member.
-A place where confidentially is highly regarded.
-A place to learn.
-A place to demonstrate genuine love.
-A place to grow and become strong again.
-A place for progress.
-A place where you can take off your mask and allow others to know who you are.
-A place for healthy challenges and healthy risks.
-A possible turning point in your life.
THINGS CELEBRATE RECOVERY IS NOT:
-A place for selfish control.
-Therapy.
-A place for secrets.
-A place to look for dating relationships.
-A place to be rescued by others.
-A place for perfection.
-A place to judge others.
-A quick fix.