Mary’s fear of flying prevents her from visiting an aging grandmother; Ted’s compulsive spending threatens to destroy his marriage; Sarah hasn’t left home since her husband died; Scott’s lack of confidence keeps him in unemployment lines.

Although their names are fictitious, their problems are real. They’re among countless Apex area residents struggling with an assortment of hurts, habits and hang-ups—significant emotional pain that inhibits the ability to live life to its fullest.

Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 9, they’ll be confronting their challenges through “Celebrate Recovery”, an outreach program sponsored by Apex United Methodist Church .

“Though we provide extensive support to individuals battling addiction this is not a group exclusively serving alcoholics and drug addicts,” explains Kevin O’Brien, director of AUMC’s Recovery Ministries.

“Our program attempts to reach folks facing all forms of emotional pain—from codependent relationships, to physical abuse, eating disorders to anger management.”

O’Brien, a recovering alcoholic with 13 years of sobriety, has spent the last year developing a church-based ministry that responds to “the multitude of problems that limit our ability to live happy, productive lives.”

“Celebrate Recovery”, created by Pastor John Baker and noted author and pastor Rick Warren, works in conjunction—not in competition—with established 12-step programs like Alcoholics, Overeaters and Narcotics Anonymous. The key difference: “Celebrate” incorporates Christian faith in its approach to healing.

Weekly programs include light refreshments, music, themed presentations, member testimonials and gender-specific open discussion groups guided by trained facilitators. Group discussions, O’Brien stresses, “focus on specific life challenges and are strictly confidential. Most important is the fact that the groups are open to anyone, not just practicing Christians.”

Celebrate Recovery holds its inaugural meeting at 6:30 p.m.Wednesday, Sept. 9, in the AUMC Christian Life Center, 100 S. Hughes St.

Further information is available by calling O’Brien at 244-9770 or emailing kevin.obrien@apexumc.org.