Aiken Offers Support for the Holidays with Special Programs
As the holiday season approaches, many people find themselves feeling a mix of joy and melancholy. In Aiken, South Carolina, Cedar Creek Church is stepping up to offer a helping hand to those navigating through grief or divorce during this festive time of year. With their Surviving the Holidays program, the church aims to provide comfort and hope to those who might be struggling.
Finding Hope in Difficult Times
Let’s face it, not everyone feels holly jolly when the Christmas lights start to twinkle. For many, the holiday season can amplify feelings of loneliness and pain, especially for those who have recently experienced loss or are facing the challenges of separation. But Cedar Creek Church, under the guidance of its pastor, Phillip Lee, is working diligently to change that narrative.
“Not everybody feels holly jolly at Christmas,” Pastor Lee explains. “Being around a lot of the festivities, even attending a church service, can sometimes feel difficult and isolating. What we’ve created here is a different, gentler approach that meets people exactly where they are.”
Two Key Seminars to Support You
Cedar Creek Church has organized two key seminars to tackle the issues of grief and divorce head-on. The first seminar, focused on grief, is scheduled for Saturday, November 16th from 2 to 4 p.m. and is open to anyone aged 13 and older. The second seminar, dedicated to those dealing with separation and divorce, will be held on Thursday, November 21st from 6 to 8 p.m. and is exclusively for adults.
Both sessions are designed to provide participants with the tools and support they need to get through the holidays. Plus, for those who might worry about childcare, the church offers free childcare during the seminars!
No Affiliation Needed
One important aspect of these seminars is that you don’t have to be a member of Cedar Creek Church, or even have a church affiliation, to attend. This openness is vital, according to Bianca Otterbein, the Director of Care and Counseling at Cedar Creek. “People often come in feeling lost, unsure about how they’re going to get through the holidays,” she shares. “But they leave feeling a little bit better! While we can’t erase their pain, we can provide them with hope for the future.”
A Personal Touch from the Pastor
Pastor Lee deeply understands the importance of these seminars, having experienced the loss of his oldest son in 2018. Despite being the pastor who oversees these programs, he admits that attending grief share for the first time was a tough but healing experience.
“It’s the kind of thing you just hate to confront; you don’t really want to go. But honestly, it was incredibly healing, helpful, and very practical,” says Lee. This personal connection reinforces the genuine care and understanding that both he and the church community offer to attendees.
Ready to Attend?
If you feel that you or someone you know could benefit from these sessions, remember that while you don’t have to sign up in advance, it’s highly encouraged. More details and registration can be found on Cedar Creek Church’s official website.
As we approach this season of festivities, let’s remember that it’s okay to seek help. Aiken is fortunate to have resources like Cedar Creek Church to support those who need a little extra love and care during a time that can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to go through this alone.
