This season is so difficult
For people in your church and community who are experiencing a marriage breakup, the impending holidays can provoke feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and pain. This season will remind them of all that’s been lost:
“It’s almost Christmas. I feel so isolated and lonely.” Jean
“I’m feeling totally miserable, alone, and brokenhearted.” Jim
“I’ll be by myself for the holidays. I don’t know what to do.” Derrick
“This will be the first Christmas my 6-year-old son will not wake up in my house with me. I am really struggling.” Kati
Some people will power through the holidays for the sake of their family and friends, wearing a smile while silently crying out inside. Others will isolate themselves or numb the pain, hoping to fast-forward until January.
However, what individuals going through a separation or divorce have in common this season is this: They need emotional support and encouragement to make it through. Your church can help offer comfort and strength by hosting DivorceCare Surviving the Holidays.
Offer help and comfort with Surviving the Holidays
Surviving the Holidays is a lay-led, two-hour event that gives hurting people in your community a safe place to find compassionate support, helpful insights, and practical strategies this season. By hosting this event, your church can be known as a local lighthouse for weathering the storms of this season after a separation or divorce.
Surviving the Holidays has 3 main parts
- Purposeful video: Full of honest, inspiring personal stories and wisdom from trusted experts, the video helps people feel understood and prepared to navigate the season.
- Powerful group discussion: Healing happens together; attendees will have time to share their stories or simply hear from others who can encourage and lift them up.
- Survival Guide: This personal workbook includes guidance on how to deal with difficult emotions, survive social events, come up with a flexible plan, and look ahead with hope.
People will know your church cares
This event serves as an invaluable outreach tool, as people in your community who wouldn’t otherwise step foot in a church are willing to do so to find help this season.
“We held Surviving the Holidays on Sunday, and it was a real community outreach. Of the 45 who attended, many did not know the Lord.” JoNancy, Surviving the Holidays facilitator
Support for church members
Surviving the Holidays also provides essential close-to-home support for your church congregants and current DivorceCare members.
“I really didn’t realize there were so many other people feeling the same way.” Surviving the Holidays attendee
Survival tools for hurting people
The video and Survival Guide feature expert counsel and personal stories to help people navigate the season’s challenges. All attendees can access these tools during and after the event.
“Surviving the Holidays provided coping mechanisms. It reinforced that I’m not alone.” Surviving the Holidays attendee
An inroads to your DivorceCare group
If you’re currently running a 13-week DivorceCare cycle, Surviving the Holidays is an important opportunity to introduce people to DivorceCare and bring them into your group.
“Surviving the Holidays has been a wonderful tool of outreach and advertising for our DivorceCare groups.” Jan, Surviving the Holidays & DivorceCare facilitator
A way to strengthen community bonds
Hosting a Surviving the Holidays event will enable your church to strengthen its ties to the community and demonstrate God’s love during a time when people so desperately need it.
“Surviving the Holidays for our community offers a safe place for hope and support where they can feel wanted and loved.” Surviving the Holidays facilitator
Minister to multiple people at once
Churches have the opportunity to care well for multiple people at once through this supportive, Christ-centered group event.
“The personal contact with so many interesting and courageous people was a blessing.” Surviving the Holidays attendee
Turnkey & easy to host
The holidays are a busy time for churches, and Surviving the Holidays was created with this in mind. As a turnkey event, Surviving the Holidays comes with everything a lay leader needs to prepare, promote, and host a successful event.
3 steps to hosting an event
- Schedule your event – Be sure to list it on our Find an Event online search tool
- Prepare to host your event – Find helpful resources for hosting an event on the LeaderZone (login required)
The hurting need the support now more than ever
The holidays are almost here, and the hurting people in your community need to know that they have a safe place to seek support this season. Be the light in the storm and comfort them with the love of Christ by hosting Surviving the Holidays.
Quick links for getting started
- Order kit and supplies
- Order journal for gifting
- Create your event
- Surviving the Holidays free resources (login required)
- Holiday Help Center
- DivorceCare 13-week program
- Contact a coach for help
