Find Hope and Healing

First Woodway’s Care Ministry seeks to be a sanctuary of hope and healing for the hopeless and hurting. We do this in a variety of ways, including recovery groups, a special needs ministry, a visitation ministry, an annual event called Care Day (designed to promote mental health awareness), and much more. Check out our upcoming events, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, reach out to our staff, and explore our care groups below.

Care Day 2025

Care Day, this February 23, is an annual, community-wide event hosted by First Woodway designed to normalize (and therefore destigmatize) the conversation about mental health in the church. At this free event, you will find helpful, hope-filled learning opportunities that address some of the common emotional and mental health challenges you and your loved ones experience. Sign-up for Care Day and learn more about the session speakers and leaders by visiting the Care Day page!

Mondays  |  6:30 pm  |  Room 204
Led by Leon & Jo Williams

Healing from divorce is not easy. At DivorceCare groups, people in separation and divorce finds tools, teaching, and support to help them deal with their pain and give them hope for the future. If you are facing this, you know it’s a confusing time when you feel isolated and have lots of questions about issues you’ve never encountered before. DivorceCare groups meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. This 13-week Christ-centered program includes three main parts—video, group discussion and personal Bible study. Sign up here for the 2025 Spring semester.

Contact
Leon and Jo Williams  | leonandjo94@gmail.com

Wednesdays  |  6:00 pm  |  Room 217/218
Led by Dianna Palich & Jan Thrower

GriefShare is for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. This weekly Wednesday night program is based on the promises of healing and comfort offered in Scripture and is a place where you will find comfort in Christ and support from others on the journey. Sign-up here for the 2025 Spring semester.

Contact
Alexis Gurley  | agurley@firstwoodway.org

Mondays  |  6:30 pm  |  Glass Room
Led by Brad & Lisa Hyde

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. We meet weekly on Mondays, and you are welcome anytime. No need to sign-up.

Contact
Brad Hyde  |  W5BK@live.com
Lisa Hyde  |  lkhyde@hotmail.com

Mondays  |  6:30 pm  |  The Venue
Led by Jonathan Sibley, Eric Upton, & Melody Carson

Celebrate Recovery is an addiction recovery group for anyone looking to overcome their hurts, hang-ups, and habits. This group will provide an intentional, non-judgmental community committed to honesty, accountability, and hope – all centered around eight principles from the teachings of Jesus. Freedom is possible. All are welcome. No need to sign-up.

Contact
Alexis Gurley  | agurley@firstwoodway.org

Sunday Classes  |  9:15 + 10:45 am  |  HH Suite
Led by Janice Stewart, Sandra Northern, & Melony Cannon

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. 

Contact
Alexis Gurley  | agurley@firstwoodway.org
Janice Stewart  | janice_stewart@baylor.edu

Meet the Staff

Michael Carlson
Michael CarlsonPastor of Congregational Care + Director of Artios
Alexis Gurley
Alexis GurleyCongregational Care Coordinator