In an effort to assist families affected by divorce and separation, St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church will offer a free 13-week divorce support program starting Sept. 10. Classes for adults and children age 5-12 will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the church.

Lauren Bedevian, director of Christian education, said the church is offering the program because it has seen an increase in families suffering while trying to cope with a divorce or separation. She said the church’s goal is to reach out to people struggling with the issue and help them through it.

“We see the hurt it’s causing adults and especially their children,” Bedevian said. “We understand it’s not a decision they come to lightly. We want to help them through it and walk through that journey with them.”

Bedevian said the program is Christian based, and topics include anger, depression, loneliness, new relationships, financial survival and forgiveness. She said adults and children are in separate classes, but the weekly topics for both groups are aligned so that parents can talk to their children after each session.

“This way they can talk about what they learned and work together to find hope and healing as a family unit,” Bedevian said. “Many times, divorced people who have children are not sure how to approach the subject with their child. We want the children and parents to know that they are not alone.”

According to Bedevian, the Rev. Jack O’Dell, lead pastor, will facilitate the program, along with a professional counselor. All workbooks and materials will be provided by the church.

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For more information, call 474-1500 or visit www.stlukesimpson.org.(MGNonline)