Celebrate recovery celebrating 1-year anniversary

Celebrate Recovery of Brighton is marking it's anniversary of hosting weekly meetings to support anyone struggling with any hurts, habits and hang-ups. The local chapter of this international organization was initiated by Pastor Rick Zickefoose of the Brighton Community Church in response to the many needs for a Christ-centered, 12-step recovery program he has seen over decades of ministry.

'I had carried around information for starting a local CR group for years!” said Zickefoose. 'I need recovery support for myself as well as the needs of others. We often see someone go to a center for help, then return to the same routines with the same exposures and it's not long before they relapse. CR provides local ongoing recovery support.

Only one-third of the 3.5 million participants who have been through the program have a chemical addiction. Many are recovering from some form of abuse or depression. Everyone can use this program because as co-founder Dr. Rick Warren says, ‘you are either in recovery or you're in denial!'”

Started in 1991 at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, Celebrate Recovery has spread to over 35,000 churches around the world as well as community settings like Brighton. Specialized initiatives for it are also found in prisons, veterans' groups, Native American communities, mental health facilities, and other at-risk populations.

The DNA of Celebrate Recovery is based upon the Beatitudes; Jesus' Biblical instructions on how to live a healthy, productive life (Matthew 5:1-25). For people with various forms of addiction, codependent behavior, wounded relationships and other battles, CR is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that affect our lives.

The location church for Celebrate Recovery Brighton is the Church of God. Weekly meetings are held at the 403 S. Mechanic St. Church of God hall every Thursday evening. They begin with a free meal at 6 p.m., followed by a time of praise and worship music, then a featured testimony or lesson about recovery. Men and women then break into 'open-share” groups where each attendee is invited (though not required) to share. Free child care throughout the evening has just begun to be provided.

Hope Lutheran Church, located in Germanville, serves as the sponsor church. There is a core leadership team including local pastors (Pastor Ryan Dexter and Pastor Dave Watson, in addition to Zickefoose) and others experienced with Celebrate Recovery That team is exploring transportation options for those from other communities who would like to attend the weekly Brighton meetings. They also have considered expanding to offer a program for children of those dealing with hurts, habits or hang-ups called Celebration Place. Questions can be directed to Zickefoose at 319.548.0073. There is also a Facebook page at Celebrate Recovery Brighton.

No preregistration is required to attend any Thursday night meeting and one can benefit from Celebrate Recovery no matter what recovery step is being discussed at any given meeting. All are welcome.