We care a great deal about our family being healthy: spiritually, mentally, and physically. Below is a list of support groups, counseling ministries, and benevolent ministries. If you need help in any of these areas, please check out what we have to offer. We're all broken people and believe that seeking Christ-centered help is the best way to reconnect with God.

• Divorce

  
  Will life ever return to 'normal' since the divorce? How do I help my kids through this difficult time when I am dealing with so much myself? Is there anyone out there who understands?

  If you find yourself asking questions like these, Rebuilders is for you. It's a special support group for adults dealing with separation or divorce. It's a place where you can be around others who understand what you're going through. It's a place where you can hear valuable information about ways to heal from the hurt of divorce.

  Rebuilders meets at River Oaks every Tuesday evening at 6:30pm. This group is open to anyone in our community. For more information about Rebuilders please contact leaders Terry & Teri Miller.

• Marriage

  Can your relationship use a special friend to help you over the marital bumps you're navigating right now? Perhaps, in a moment of raw honesty, a more accurate analogy would describe your marriage as having "hit the wall." And, frankly, you don't know where to turn. If so, a trained, dedicated married couple from River Oaks is waiting to meet you and walk alongside you and your spouse.

  Right now, more than at any other time, you could use that kind of friend - not a marriage expert, but a mature, Christian couple who's been there. They understand your needs and care about your marriage. There is hope and help is available. Please take advantage of the River Oaks Marriage Mentor Ministry and meet caring friends along the way! Contact Scott Tilley for more information.

• Counseling

  Although River Oaks does not provide long-term counseling, we do offer initial care and counsel for members and attendees. If you are in need of perspective, objectivity, or simply someone to come alongside you on your life journey, please contact Scott Tilley, our Adult Ministries Pastor, at (574) 875-1152 ext. 108 or stilley@riveroaks.org.

• Caring for the Caregiver

  Do you ever feel tired and weary while caring for a loved one? Do you sometimes have thoughts or questions that leave you feeling guilty? Questions such as: What about my life, my plans and my dreams? Where are my other family members and why aren’t they helping? Do you ever feel alone on this journey? Bill and Jo Ellen Smith, who are experienced caregivers currently caring for loved ones, will be facilitating this group—a group where you, the caregiver, can find support and inspiration. Meets each Sunday in Room 303 at 9:00am.

• Benevolence

  We are all confronted at some time with a need that requires special assistance. River Oaks has organized various benevolent ministries which allow people from within our body to share their gifts of service, care, and finance with others who may have need. These ministries are developed to draw people to Christ by the physical expression of Christian love.

  What are our specific Benevolent ministries?

  Loving Hands

  If you have a heart of encouraging those in need, and you enjoy cooking, this might be a ministry for you! This ministry provides meals for those within River Oaks who need some added assistance due to a surgery, a new baby, a tragedy in their home, etc.

  Loving Words

  Like Loving Hands, this is also a ministry of encouragement. However, rather than providing food, this ministry provides notes of encouragement to those in our body who may be going through a difficult time or celebrating a special event in their lives.

  River Oaks Health Team

  Once a month, Nurses from within the River Oaks body organize an area in the lobby of the church on Sunday mornings. Visit our volunteer nurses in order to gain greater knowledge and awareness of different health issues with a variety of materials and information available each month. The nurses are also willing to answer any basic health questions.

  Funeral Meals

  When a loved one dies, the family is often left with a variety of decisions to be made in a short amount of time. The last thing they may have time to give thought to is preparing food for the family and friends that will be gathering for the funeral. River Oaks has a team of individuals who have volunteered to prepare a meal for the family, following the funeral service.

  Financial Assistance Team

  When the financial burden is simply too much to carry any longer, the church family can sometimes be a source of help and direction. With a team of discerning and caring individuals, Scott Tilley accepts and reviews Benevolence Applications to support individuals during times of financial stress and crisis. Trained lay-financial counselors are also available through the church to assist with budget planning and prioritizing.

  GriefShare

  It's not easy to grieve the loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, during these difficult seasons of life, we often feel alone. GriefShare is one way to help support and guide you through your grief, in a safe, Christian environment. Through professional and thoughtful DVD-led information, and caring small group discussions, you will find the strength you need to turn your mourning into joy. This support group meets on Sundays at 6:00pm at River Oaks in Room 303. Facilitated by Bill and JoEllen Smith. Anyone is welcome to attend

  Al-Anon

  This worldwide organization offers a program of recovery for the families and friends of alcoholics whether or not the alcoholic is seeking help or even recognizes the extent of their problem. Members give and receive comfort and understanding through a mutual exchange of experiences, strength, and hope. Sharing similar challenges, amidst an atmosphere of anonymity, encourages individuals to continue to step forward one day at a time. This group meets at River Oaks on Mondays at 7:00pm in Small Group Room Two.

  If you are in need of assistance in one of these areas, please notify the church office, or call (574) 875-1152.

You might also be interested in our other small groups here at River Oaks.

• Care Groups
• Ministry Teams
• Service Groups