At First United Methodist Church we believe that everyone is recovering from something.  We have all been hurt, and we have all hurt someone.  Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered program which is based on the Bible, takes place every Thursday evening in the Main Building.  Our schedule is

• 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Fellowship and a light meal are offered in the reception area.
• 6:30-7:30 p.m - Worship follows in the Main Chapel.
• 7:30-8:30 p.m. - We have Newcomers Group for first time attendees and Open Share Groups for those who have previously attended a Newcomers Group. 
• After the Open Share Groups we again gather for fellowship with light refreshments.
• 6:30-8:30 p.m. - Celebration Station is available for children 1^st through 6^th grade in the A&E Building, and child care is also provided for infants through Kindergarten.

Reverend Caesar Rentie, Celebrate Recovery Pastor, teaches the lesson or brings the message at our Celebrate Recovery large group worship.  A typical evening of worship might include either a lesson or a person sharing his or her testimony and how God is at work bringing His healing in a life where there is brokenness.  Another feature each week in the powerful worship hour is the beautiful contemporary music led by Karen McGough, Celebrate Recovery Worship Music Leader.

Thursday nights at Celebrate Recovery are a welcoming, safe place for all who are hurting.  The Open Share groups are gender specific and issue specific.  Trained Celebrate Recovery leaders are available each Thursday to assist you in locating the issue specific group you wish to attend.  New groups are added as specific issues are identified and group leaders are trained and in place.   

A key ingredient of Celebrate Recovery is Step Studies which utilize the 12 Steps and the 8 Principles based on the teachings of Jesus in the Beatitudes as found in the fifth chapter of the book of Matthew.  Using the four Celebrate Recovery Participant Guides, each group participant embarks on a personal journey in community with other participants in the group.  Working through the 12 Steps in a gender specific Step Study group is a process of dealing with one’s own hurts, habits, and hang-ups.  Step Study groups meet on a night other than Thursday.  It generally takes anywhere from several months up to one year to complete a Step Study.

If you would like more information or if you have questions about our Celebrate Recovery Ministry, contact , Director of Care Ministries.