Newly-formed Divorce Support Group will offer spiritual, as well as clinical guidance
NORWICH – With divorce rates increasingly high across the state, the Broad Street United Methodist Church has formed a of a one-of-a-kind Divorce Support Group that organizers hope will aid those who have been through a divorce or are in the process of getting one.
Said Broad Street United Methodist Pastor Nancy Hale, who along with Martha Sichta will lead the weekly support group, “I believe this is the only support group of its kind in Norwich.”
Divorce, stated Hale, is an emotional and complicated issue for most people, and in turn brings with it an emotional response. Add to that the variability in the circumstances of each and every divorce, and it is seldom an easy decision or process, she added. According to the United States Census Bureau, there were approximately 120,000 marriages in 2009, offset by nearly 50,000 divorces in New York State. In 2000, there were 162,000 marriages and approximately 70,000 divorces statewide. In 1990, there were 155,000 marriages and nearly 58,000 divorces across the state.
Said Hale, “For those who experience divorce in their own lives, the meaning is compounded in ways that are highly personal.”
In addition to the loss and disruption of relationships, social identity and material security, marriage based on a religious commitment also deals with the breaking of a promise or covenant, noted Hale, and divorce can be a spiritual crisis as well as an emotional one. Because of this, Hale and Sichta decided the church should get involved, hosting the support group from 7 to 8:15 p.m. on a weekly basis, beginning tonight with additional meetings scheduled for Nov. 8, Nov. 15 and Nov. 29 in the church lounge.
The group will be co-led by Sichta, a licensed clinical social worker who Hale said brings “many years of experience in working with individuals and families,” while Hale will provide spiritual guidance.
“This will be an opportunity to speak about your own experience, to benefit from the perspectives of the facilitators and group members, and to share the journey toward healing with others,” she added.
Everyone is welcome, whether they are a church goer or not, and if November’s scheduled meetings generate enough interest, the group will continue to meet on a regular basis. Childcare will be available, as well, and refreshments will be served. And while there is no charge for attending meetings, donations will be accepted. For more information contact the Broad Street United Methodist Church at 334-2895 or via e-mail at bsumc8@frontiernet.net.
Said Broad Street United Methodist Pastor Nancy Hale, who along with Martha Sichta will lead the weekly support group, “I believe this is the only support group of its kind in Norwich.”
Divorce, stated Hale, is an emotional and complicated issue for most people, and in turn brings with it an emotional response. Add to that the variability in the circumstances of each and every divorce, and it is seldom an easy decision or process, she added. According to the United States Census Bureau, there were approximately 120,000 marriages in 2009, offset by nearly 50,000 divorces in New York State. In 2000, there were 162,000 marriages and approximately 70,000 divorces statewide. In 1990, there were 155,000 marriages and nearly 58,000 divorces across the state.
Said Hale, “For those who experience divorce in their own lives, the meaning is compounded in ways that are highly personal.”
In addition to the loss and disruption of relationships, social identity and material security, marriage based on a religious commitment also deals with the breaking of a promise or covenant, noted Hale, and divorce can be a spiritual crisis as well as an emotional one. Because of this, Hale and Sichta decided the church should get involved, hosting the support group from 7 to 8:15 p.m. on a weekly basis, beginning tonight with additional meetings scheduled for Nov. 8, Nov. 15 and Nov. 29 in the church lounge.
The group will be co-led by Sichta, a licensed clinical social worker who Hale said brings “many years of experience in working with individuals and families,” while Hale will provide spiritual guidance.
“This will be an opportunity to speak about your own experience, to benefit from the perspectives of the facilitators and group members, and to share the journey toward healing with others,” she added.
Everyone is welcome, whether they are a church goer or not, and if November’s scheduled meetings generate enough interest, the group will continue to meet on a regular basis. Childcare will be available, as well, and refreshments will be served. And while there is no charge for attending meetings, donations will be accepted. For more information contact the Broad Street United Methodist Church at 334-2895 or via e-mail at bsumc8@frontiernet.net.
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