Edmond church offers help for men facing crises in life
EDMOND — A recent spate of layoffs and other economical woes in Oklahoma has spurred a local church to offer an outreach aimed at helping men facing a crisis in their lives.
First Presbyterian Church of Edmond’s new “Pain to Peace” men’s group will be offered each Friday through April 29 at the church, 1001 S Rankin.
The first session, set for 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Friday, will be led by the series facilitator, Marty Loberg. The sessions are free and open to men of all ages.
A licensed professional counselor with a master’s of divinity, Loberg said the emphasis of the meetings will be helping men face the assorted challenges that come with unemployment.
In the current oil industry downturn, the education crisis and other economic woes facing Oklahomans, the timing of the series is intentional.
“An economic downturn like this and unemployment can be devastating to a person’s sense of well-being and identity. It can put people in a real tailspin as they wait to see what new opportunities present themselves,” Loberg said.
He said he hopes to offer attendees several ways to to successfully cope with the crises in their lives.
For starters, he said finding support and developing a support network that may include family, a counselor or pastor, is key. He said it is also important to think in terms of reinventing oneself.
“Sometimes, you need to take a look at your skill set and not get so pigeonholed in one particular direction. For a season or time, you might have to think outside the box
AT A GLANCE
No registration is required for the fourweek series “Pain to Peace.”
For more information, call Jim Bower at 820-2925 or email bowersafe@gmail. com. or work outside the box in trying to re-adapt and adjust to this particular season of life,” he said.
Loberg said other life events that cause pain also will be addressed in the sessions, including family estrangement and divorce, medical diagnoses, grief and depression.
He said people may incorporate aspects of their faith to aid them in these critical times.
“At the heart of faith, it really helps us find who we are and whose we are,” Loberg said.