Children of Divorce Class at High Point Church

One of the most devastating consequences of divorce is the effect on the lives and spiritual foundations of children. All too often, children in divorce situations find themselves caught in the middle of a battle between their parents. With their lives suddenly being ripped apart, many find themselves torn from their familiar surroundings and friends due to the trauma of having to relocate under less than ideal circumstances. With both of their parents often being overwhelmed by their own emotional turmoil, many children find themselves lost in a violent storm with no safe place to turn to for help with the shock, pain and confusion they are experiencing. Many blame themselves for the breakup of their parents, and feel it is their responsibility to “fix” their parents’ marriage. Many experience deep depression, some becoming so depressed that they feel ending their own life will some how make things better. Many become very angry with God, not understanding how God could allow this to happen to them.

Divorce Care for Kids, also known as DC4K, meets in conjunction with Divorce Care every Wednesday night from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at High Point Church.

DC4K is appropriate for kids ages 5 through 12 whose parents have divorced or separated, and who are trying to learn how to cope with and understand what’s happening in their life. Since kids in this age range can’t bring themselves, the parent who is divorced, separated or in the process of a divorce, should bring their child or children to DC4K while they are going through the adult Divorce Care group.

DC4K is not counseling or therapy, is not Sunday School, and is not a babysitting service. It is an interactive time with multiple individual and group activities designed to provide a safe, confidential, comforting and fun environment for children whose lives are impacted by divorce. It is designed to empower children. Children are taught how much God loves them, that He will never forsake them, and that He loves them no matter what. They learn they are not alone in their circumstances by not only interacting with other children in the group, but also through videos designed to show children in similar situations. They are also taught how to recognize and begin to deal more effectively with some of the many emotions they are experiencing. It is a place where children can feel safe to express their overwhelming feelings without fear of rejection.

The facilitators of this ministry are Frank Pekovich, one of High Point’s Deacons who has been actively involved in Kids’ Celebration for many years, and Debi Hemmer, who has been trained in Stephen Ministry and involved with DC4K since its early inception at High Point. Both are very familiar with the effects divorce can have on children, and both have a strong passion for and dedication to helping children of divorce. As one of our former DC4K leaders has said, “It’s all about the kids. ‘Let the little children come to me,’ Jesus said. He has so much compassion for children period. Think how His heart breaks for children in pain from emotional wounds. How can we not see this as important?”

Divorce Care is a 13-week caring ministry program for adults, which also meets every Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. at High Point Church. Divorce Care is not just for those who are in the middle of a separation or divorce. If you’ve been divorced even for many years and are still suffering any emotional wounds from the breakup of your marriage, Divorce Care can be extremely helpful to you finding complete healing. I would encourage not only those who are in the early phases of separation or divorce, but also anyone who has been through a divorce and not participated in any type of support group to come and see if Divorce Care is right for you.

Divorce Care and DC4K began their 13-week cycle on Wednesday, September 19, 2007. Enrollment is open at all times so feel free to join at any time during the 13 weeks. Please contact either Rick Messman at 239-6530 or Rebecca Witherspoon-Messman at 320-1443 to find out more details  on Divorce Care and/or DC4K.