A Center of Grace ministries are designed to provide care and support to create a sense of emotional home for all. As a part of Grace Avenue's Mission to "eradicate homelessness in whatever form it presents itself" we believe that everyone needs and emotional home. Our experience teaches us that loved people love, and hurt people hurt. When people have an emotional home, they thrive in their sense of well-being and purpose.
SHORT-TERM
College Prep Class
3 Weeks: March 24 - April 7 | Tuesdays | 7:00-8:30pm | Edge Room
This three-week course led by Jarred Stewart is designed to help high school students and their parents confidently navigate the college admissions process together. Each session offers practical guidance on preparing mentally for admissions, choosing the right schools, and crafting strong application materials while staying organized along the way. This class creates space for thoughtful conversation, shared learning, and clarity during an often overwhelming season. Childcare available upon request. Contact Rev. Karyl Patredis at karyl@graceavenue.org with questions.
March 24 – Having the Right Mindset for College Admissions
March 31 – Choosing Schools and What They Are Looking For
April 7 – Writing for Admissions and Managing the Process
Grief Support
4 Weeks: April 13 - May 4 | Mondays | 7:00-8:30pm | Room 216
This group is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. In our time together, we will learn about the ongoing journey of grief, how to care for ourselves, ask for what we need and be able to share what we miss the most. The group will be facilitated by Tiffany Ross, MA, LPC. There is a $25 fee for resources, but the church will cover those costs if needed. Childcare available upon request. Contact laura@graceavenue.org with questions.
ONGOING
Journey of Hope provides peer grief support, at no cost, to children and their families who have experienced the death of someone important to them. There are support groups for both Children & Teens and Parents/Adult Caregivers. If you are interested in joining a Journey of Hope support group, head to wccplano.org/joh.
Abundant Life: Support for Living with a Chronic Health Condition
2nd & 4th Mondays | 7:00-8:00pm | Room 218 & Online
Are you looking for a safe and confidential place to journey with others facing the challenges of living with chronic illness? In this support ministry, we will learn about coping strategies and health advocacy and grow from our shared journeys. This group is facilitated by Rev. Handi Jo Dolloff-Holt and Cindy Sill. We will meet in person with a Zoom link for those who need to participate from home. Childcare available upon request. Contact Rev. Handi Jo at handijo@graceavenue.org for more details and to sign up for the Zoom link if you need one.
Caregiver Support Group
2nd & 4th Mondays | 7:00-8:00pm | Room 217 & Online
Are you a caregiver for someone with health challenges? Rev. Judy Brock facilitates this group to provide caregivers a safe and confidential space to talk about the challenges of providing care for a loved one. Join us and find understanding and a supportive community. Childcare available upon request. Contact Rev. Judy Brock for more information at pastorjustjudy@aol.com.
Parents of LGBTQ+ Children
2nd Wednesdays | 6:30pm | Room 219
Join us for this discussion group for parents of LGBTQ+ children. This is a non-judgmental and confidential space where we can learn from and support each other. Childcare available upon request. To register or for questions, email April Walker at alsocow@yahoo.com with subject line: Parent Group.
Fourth Dimension – Alcoholics Anonymous
Saturdays | 12:00pm | EDGE Room
Fourth Dimension is an ongoing open discussion AA group that is always welcome to new members. AA discussion meetings allow all members to participate and share their thoughts on a given subject. Leaders will share first, explaining their reflections on the topic and any related experiences. As an open meeting, anyone from the community can attend and learn more about how AA operates, what the 12 Step recovery model includes, and how they can support a friend or loved one in their alcohol addiction recovery. If you are looking for a place of support in your journey, you’re welcome here. Contact John Michael at johnrmichael@yahoo.com with questions.
Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA)
Saturdays | 10:30am | Prayer Room
EDA is a Twelve-Step fellowship of individuals who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problems and help others to recover from their eating disorders. This is an open meeting with a rotating format with a focus on EDA literature. For more EDA information please visit our website at: www.4EDA.org. In EDA, recovery means living without obsessing on food, weight, and body image. In our eating disorders, we sometimes felt like helpless victims. Recovery means gaining or regaining the power to see our options, to make careful choices in our lives. Recovery means rebuilding trust with ourselves, a gradual process that requires much motivation and support. As we learn and practice careful self-honesty, self-care, and self-expression, we gain authenticity, perspective, peace, and empowerment. Contact PJ Hall at hallpj@yahoo.com with any questions.
CARE MINISTRIES
“In loving and appreciating our neighbor, we’re participating in something sacred.” - Fred Rogers
Care Ministries at Grace Avenue is comprised of members living out our call to love our neighbors during life’s difficult times. We do this by offering to join with and serve both those in our congregation and the community at large through prayer, meals, transportation, connection, conversation, and worship.
Please email laura@graceavenue.org if you would like more information on volunteering with these ministries or if you or someone you know is in need of care.
Care Partners
Serve through committed presence at a Sunday worship service each month where you welcome members and/or visitors who need of prayer or a listening ear.
Prayer Partners
Serve through weekly commitment to praying over all prayer requests presented to the church for those in need.
Visitation Partners
Serve through visiting members of our community who are in long term care or homebound. (This includes Prairie Estates)
Meal Partners
Serve through helping in cooking and/or delivering meals to those in need.
Worship Partners
Serve through assisting a minister in taking elements of worship to those unable to attend services on campus.
Transportation Partners
Serve through providing a ride to those with the ability and desire to attend a service but who are unable to drive themselves.
Prayer Shawl Partners
Serve through making blessing blankets and other items of comfort. Read more about the Prayer Shawl Ministry HERE.
Hospitality Partners
Serve through assisting with all church meals as well as providing comfort in times of grief for families who have lost a loved one by helping with luncheons following funeral services.