Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church of Richardson, Texas is pleased to announce the launch of the first DFW-area chapter of Hopekeepers®, a division of Rest Ministries. This Christ-centered group supports those dealing with chronic illness and/or pain. "If you have to ask if you qualify to attend a meeting, you do!" says founder and national director Lisa Copen. Spouses or caregivers are also encouraged to attend.  

The first organizational meeting will be held on Sunday, October 6, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church in east Richardson, located at 3901 North Star Road--just north of the intersection of North Star and Renner Roads. All are welcome to attend, including spouses or caregivers. Hopekeepers has over 200 chapters nationwide, but this will be the first serving the DFW Metroplex.

Did you know? Almost half of all Americans will suffer from either a chronic illness or pain that impacts their quality of life sometime during their lifetime--e.g., diabetes, Crohn's, Parkinson's, migraines, asthma, lupus, MS, arthritis, heart disease and lower back pain. Many people assume these are problems found primarily in the elderly, yet most people with chronic illness fall in the 18-64 age group. People who struggle with illness or pain are much more likely to experience financial difficulties or bankruptcy (due to medical bills), depression, family strife, divorce, substance abuse, and suicidal tendencies. Hopekeepers meetings provide practical coping strategies along with prayer and encouragement--proven techniques to mitigate serious health problems.    

The co-facilitators for the group will be Carrol Green and Sarah Riehm, along with Diana Beaudry, a seminary graduate who will be serving as pastoral minister and spiritual director. "We want our meetings to be a safe oasis where people can find hope and yes, even some fun," explained Carrol. "In too many disease-specific support groups I've experienced, you spend all your time talking about your problems and leave in worse shape emotionally than when you arrived. We want to focus on hope and encouragement, and in finding ways that God is at work in our lives." Each meeting will have some time for socializing, prayer, plus a featured outside speaker that will present practical techniques to help people live better lives.

Each Hopekeepers group is different and suited to the needs of the attendees. "At our first organizational meeting, we want to find out exactly what people would like to experience in such a group," says Riehm, "such as program topics and speakers. Please come and be part of the design team at our first meeting!" There is no charge to attend. This nondenominational group is NOT just for Canyon Creek Presbyterian members, so please help spread the word to neighbors and friends. Initially, the group will meet on the first Sunday of every month but that may change based on the needs of the attendees.  

For more information, visit www.restministries.com under the Hopekeepers section. If you have questions, ideas or would like to attend the first meeting, contact Sarah Riehm at (469) 236-0017 or sarah@riehminc.com.