“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57
Upcoming Events
First Woodway Care/Support Groups
First Woodway offers care ministry groups that meet throughout the year to offer support to those in our church and community who are hurting, struggling, or seeking to find healing. Explore the groups below and reach out to let us know how we can care for you.
Dementia Support | Ongoing – Every Other Tuesday at 6:00 pm
This group is for the caregiver whose family member has a form of dementia. Topics covered include self-care, dementia-specific issues, grief/loss, etc… Sponsored in part by the Heart of Texas Area Agency on Aging and MCC.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Caregivers of persons with dementia usually report high stress and are at high risk for compassion fatigue. Many feelings are experienced as caregivers, yet they often go unaddressed. Oftentimes, caregivers live in the shadows of their loved ones with different forms of dementia. Join Dr. Natalee Oliver, DSW, MSG, to discover why it is important to take care of yourself without feeling guilty, so you are not the hidden patient. You will also learn about the impact of dementia, how dementia affects the brain, the difference between it and Alzheimer’s, stages, risk factors, as well as some treatments and resources available to help with some symptoms.
SUPPORT GROUP MEETING
Join us to learn facts about long-term stress, discuss feelings and emotions common to caregiving and learn proven ways to better care for yourself and build personal resilience. The class meets on the MCC campus; every other week on Tuesdays, 6:00 – 8:00 pm (September 13, 2022 through November 22, 2022).
CONTACT
Latisha Dixon | ldixon@firstwoodway.org
254.772.9696 ext. 2005
Divorce Care | Ongoing – Monday Nights at 6:30 pm | Room 203
Divorce Care is a safe place where caring people come alongside you as you find healing from the pain of separation or divorce. During this 13-week video-based support program, you’ll find helpful counsel to manage emotional and practical tools for decision-making.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Did you know that among all adults who have been married, one-third of them have experienced a divorce? And currently in the United States, half of all children will witness the ending of a parent’s marriage? This is the unfortunate reality of the world in which we live. If you are dealing with the pain of separation or divorce, we want to invite you to join us. Through this class, you will find helpful counsel to manage the emotional turmoil as well as practical tools for decision-making.
GROUP MEETING
Divorce Care groups at First Woodway meet weekly to help you face challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. All are welcome join us! The Fall 2022 semester begins August 1, but you are welcome to join at any point during the semester. Contact group leaders to learn more.
CONTACT
Leon and Jo Williams I 432.631.5504
GriefShare | Ongoing – Wednesday Evenings at 6:00 pm | Room 211
GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before. GriefShare seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help you find healing. You’ll gain access to valuable GriefShare resources to help you recover from your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life.
SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS
GriefShare groups at First Woodway meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. All are welcome to join us on Wednesday evenings, starting August 17, 2022, at 6:00 pm in room 211. You are always welcome to join at any time during the semester!
CONTACT
Lisa Spitzer | lspitz40@aol.com | 254.744.4616
Dianna Palich | dianna_palich@yahoo.com
Porch Light | Ongoing – Monday Nights at 6:30 pm | Glass Room
Many families in our church share the same private struggle: a child or loved one who has wandered from God and fallen into addiction or a pattern of poor choices. Porch Light, a care group that helps families navigate the chaos, was birthed by Brad and Lisa Hyde out of their own experience as parents of a child who struggles with addiction. Porch Light is a ministry for the loved ones of those struggling with addictions. Whether a child, spouse, sibling, or parent: Porch Light is for any who are suffering along with their addicted loved one.
HOW WE CAN HELP
This 16-week small group provides a community of those who are walking the same road; a safe place to share what you’re experiencing, pray for each other, and gain practical tools and wisdom for the road ahead.
// A place to gather together and pray that God would provide the way home for loved ones, and refuge from the storm of chaos created by the destructive cycle of abuse through community
// Wisdom and discernment for the daily trials of having a loved one engulfed in addictions
// Practical tools to navigate the storm of addictions
SUPPORT GROUP
Join us as we strive to point each other towards the hope of the gospel and remind each other that he will never stop calling his children home. Porch Light meets every week on Monday nights, and you are welcome to join the group at any time.
CONTACT
Brad Hyde | W5BK@live.com | 254.702.7986
Lisa Hyde | lkhyde@hotmail.com | 254.681.7947
Shine Support Group for Nurses | Ongoing – Last Monday of the Month | 6:30 pm
Nurses are some of our most beloved, valuable, and essential workers who oftentimes don’t get the credit or appreciation they deserve for the time and care they put into their jobs. This support group gathers monthly to study the Word, fellowship, and offer a safe space to open up about stresses of the job and daily life with others who are going through the same thing.
This group will meet the last Monday of each month at 6:30 pm in Room 211. Contact Shelli Ellis for more information.
Thrive Mental Wellness | Ongoing – Tuesday Nights at 6:00 pm | MAC Parlor
Thrive is an in-depth, whole-health guide proven to reduce depression, anxiety, etc., improve daily life, and renew your life in Christ. As you are guided through 20 topics regarding physical, mental, spiritual, and relational health topics, you will:
+ Improve your whole-health through helpful insights, tips, and tools
+ Renew your hope and faith with unique, grace-filled comfort and encouragement
+ See life change and build new strength and resiliency by implementing the practical guidance and exercises
Thrive will meet weekly on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 pm in the MAC Parlor starting August 2. It takes 20 weeks to go through every session. We will be repeating Thrive in Spring 2023, so you are welcome to join anytime during the semester and continue until you’ve gone through every topic.
To learn more, we invite you to download a sample of the workbook, or view the Thrive YouTube channel. Please contact the group leader for more information.
CONTACT
Eric Upton | 479.459.0327
Helping Hands
Our Helping Hands special needs ministry is for persons with disabilities (babies through adulthood) and their families. It is our desire that people affected by disabilities and their families come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Just as God showed His great love and compassion, we want to follow our Lord’s example in reaching out to people who have disabilities.
Please take a look at the Helping Hands webpage for all the details.