A recent study published in the
“Journal of the American Medical Association” discussed one of
the major problems facing Americans today: depression. One in six
adults – more than 32 million people – experience severe depression
in their lifetime. Perhaps one solution for South County residents
suffering from this conditio
n is Growing Through Depression, a recovery group sponsored by
Morgan Hill Bible Church. On a weekly basis people who feel
depression is negatively affecting their lives gather for mutual
support in learning how to manage these destructive feelings.
A recent study published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” discussed one of the major problems facing Americans today: depression. One in six adults – more than 32 million people – experience severe depression in their lifetime.
Perhaps one solution for South County residents suffering from this condition is Growing Through Depression, a recovery group sponsored by Morgan Hill Bible Church. On a weekly basis people who feel depression is negatively affecting their lives gather for mutual support in learning how to manage these destructive feelings.
Growing Through Depression is only one of the many support groups offered by CrossRoads, a special MHBC ministry designed to help people become “spiritually and emotionally healthy.”
Each Thursday as many as 100 adults gather at the church (15055 Monterey Road) to participate in the three parts of the program: a bar-be-cue at 6:15 p.m., an informal worship service at 7 p.m. and breaking into small groups to deal with specific issues at 7:30 p.m.
The cost for all this is negligible: $2 for dinner and the price of whatever book is being studied in a group. Free child care is provided.
The Rev. Larry McElvain, pastor of small groups and counseling, oversees the CrossRoads ministry. A former executive at GTE, he has developed a passion for helping those who are suffering and earned a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at Western Seminary in 1999. One of his roles now is to coordinate the various groups, select leaders and appropriate books and “keep the pulse” of each group.
All groups follow important guidelines like protection of confidentiality, doing the required reading, regular attendance and avoiding the offering of advice while focusing on one’s own experiences.
There is an amazing range of small groups currently available and more can be created as need arises:
• Mastering Anxiety: Some 23 million people suffer from panic and anxiety. This group learns causes and effective ways of eliminating these stressers.
• Pure Desire: This men’s group overcomes impure sexual thoughts and behavior.
• Making Anger Your Ally: This men’s group learns to control anger and use it in positive ways.
• Boundaries with Kids: Participants learn how to help children learn self-control, respect, and healthy values.
• Kid’s Hope: This workshop is for children who have suffered broken relationships through divorce or deal of a parent, learning to deal with special pressures they face.
• Healthy Relationships teaches how to escape from unhealthy relationships and establish good ones.
• Broken Promises is for people who are separated or divorced.
• Breaking Free: This women’s group draws on the parallels between the captive Israelites and today’s believers.
“Everyone is gladly accepted at CrossRoads, no matter what their faith, race or sexual orientation.” Pastor McElvain invites anyone to “Come and feel cared for; work out your issues in a safe environment where you will be accepted, not judged. You can feel good about not going through your problems alone.”
Details: 778-5583.
Chuck Flagg teaches English at Mt. Madonna High School in Gilroy. He lives in Morgan Hill with his wife and two sons. For correspondence, write him at The Times, 30 E. Third St., Morgan Hill, 95037.
