Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church hosts a special guest on April 29 at an ‘Evening of Worship and Praise.?
Channel 7 news anchor Frank Turner is the guest preacher whose personal story fits with Celebrate Recovery’s goals of helping people overcome ‘their hurts, habits and hang ups through the healing grace of God.? The event also marks the first anniversary of the Celebrate Recovery ministry.
‘He has a compelling story to share and we felt he’d draw attention to Celebrate Recovery and get the good word out about the ministry and his story, which can help people,? said Calvary’s Pastor Jonathan Heierman.
According to Heierman, Turner’s story of drug and alcohol addiction, depression and anxiety, divorce and bankruptcy and humiliation by being fired from his anchor job with Channel 7 in 1998 will help people understand their own struggles.
Calvary began Celebrate Recovery a year ago, providing a place every Friday night for people suffering from any number of issues including chemical dependency, grief, anger, financial recovery, food addiction, sexual addiction and abuse.
‘It’s something people can count on. They can count on being loved by God and by some other folks that have similar experiences,? said Heierman.
Over the past year, Heierman explained more people began to show up to Celebrate Recovery once word spread.
‘People are really beginning to discover it and we’re seeing a lot of life-changing stories,? said Heierman, who estimated more than 20 people attend a week.
Goals for Celebrate Recovery include expansion and consistency, because the problems addressed persist and can not always be solved in a year, said Heierman. A program for teens and youth also could come in the future.
‘Our goal is to build on the first year and become a ministry that extends into the future as long as we can see,? said Heierman.
An ‘Evening of Worship and Praise,? with guest preacher Frank Turner is scheduled for April 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church. CELC is located at 6805 Bluegrass Drive. For more information call 248-625-3288. Celebrate Recovery meets every Friday at 6 p.m.