Ortonville- Even though it is estimated that up to half of all marriages end in divorce, Scott Noel says many people who are divorced or separated feel like outcasts.
‘People suffer through divorce? the feelings and emotions they go through are unique to them and a lot of people don’t know how to recover,? said Noel. ‘They think they are alone, but a lot of people are going through the same things.?
He knows firsthand? Noel’s own marriage of seven years ended in divorce. After three years apart, he and his wife Michele reconciled and the couple, who have a 14-year-old son, have been remarried for five years. Scott and Michele Noel will lead the DivorceCare seminar and support group that meets at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Hillside Bible Church, 173 Church St., for the next 12 weeks.
Each session deals with different issues that divorced individuals encounter. A 45-minute video seminar is featured at the start of each meeting, with renowned experts on divorce and recovering speaking on varying topics including loneliness, anger, children, and finances. The video seminars are followed by group discussion.
‘It brings healing to say things out loud and have others identify with you,? Noel said. ‘You tend to realize you’re not alone and others have recovered and are leading normal, healthy lives. We want to show people they can do that, too.?
The program is free and workbooks are provided. Childcare is also available on site from 6:30-8 p.m. Registration is not required and individuals can join at any time.
‘We intend to run this again in the winter, and on a continuing basis,? Noel said. ‘We know there is enough people out there who need it and hope we get participation. Regardless of the number of people who show, if it is two or twenty, we will run this every week.?
Details: 248-627-2513.