Celebrate Recovery Rome is turning ONE and would love for you to join in the festivities! Celebrate Recovery Rome commonly known as CR is led by Bryan and Stacy Clark and many other faithful volunteers. CR’s goal is to see those trapped in addiction, negative thoughts, trauma, etc. set free and begin their own healing journey through Jesus. Bryan and Stacy speak openly and share about their own struggle with how drug addiction, denial and codependency left a painful path of destruction in their lives for many years.
Bryan began his struggle with pain pills and alcohol as a young adult. He enjoyed how the substances made him feel, and he was able to keep it under control for quite a while. As the drugs started to take control of him, Stacy began to see noticeable differences in Bryan. She would try to confront him, but he would assure her that he is fine and will stop. Days turned into months and then to years as the family secret grew deeper and more painful. Neither of them knew what to do or where to turn for help. Stacy stayed in denial and isolation about the addiction for years. She simply made excuses as to why Bryan was tired or not able to join in family or other events. Bryan continued to work hard at his job and pick up overtime shifts in order to support his family and his expensive drug addiction. It was not an easy road for either of them or their family and friends. The addiction would finally take their marriage of 25 years, Bryan’s job of almost 20 years and his relationship with his children. It would also end up costing him two 28-day inpatient hospitalizations in Chattanooga, Tennessee and many months of outpatient rehabilitation.
During the first rehab stay, Stacy heard about CR in Adairsville and visited. She was surprised at how the stories she heard all sounded so familiar. It was refreshing to hear people talking so openly about something that had been such a terrible secret, without any hope for so long. While Bryan and Stacy were on their journey to healing, they were faithful members of Redemption Church. They were both ecstatic when their pastor, Nick Jones, announced that God had placed a special ministry on his heart and that Redemption would be beginning a CR. Bryan and Stacy talked and prayed together, and they knew they wanted to volunteer to serve in this impactful ministry. CR is not just for drug addiction/alcoholism. It is for those who struggle with codependency, anger, resentment, past trauma or anything else that controls and negatively affects lives.
CR Rome had its first meeting on Monday, September 12, 2022 with 47 people in attendance, mostly members of Redemption Church. Since that first night, CR has grown and has averaged about 85 people per night. We have members from many different local churches attend and others who do not attend church at all. We believe recovery is a community need, and it will take community support. We have been blessed to have several different churches offer support through leading worship at CR including The Church at Rome, Renovation Church, Bellwether Worship and Tim Bias from North Rome Church of God. Each Monday night begins with worship at 7:00 pm and then alternates between a lesson on the 12 steps or a testimony from one of our members. After service, small groups begin at 8:00. There are four groups offered at this time:
- Women’s addiction
- Men’s addiction
- Women’s codependency/life issues
- Men’s codependency/life issues
CR also offers a free meal on the first Monday of each month beginning at 6:00 pm. Childcare is available for ages 6 weeks to 5th grade only, at this time. Beginning on September 18, the children will begin the CR children curriculum, Celebration Place, led by Jeff and Julie Payne. This curriculum will follow the lessons that the adults will be going through and even gives the children topics to take home to discuss with his/her parents in order to facilitate communication and healing within the family. CR Rome is excited to continue to serve this community and has plans to work toward offering meals every Monday night and expanding the small groups that are offered, including a group for teens.
CR is extremely excited to be celebrating a full year of ministry and hope that you will join us on Monday, September 11 at 6:00 pm for dinner and service at 7:00 pm. We want you to hear how God is healing hearts and changing lives through CR Rome and find out how you can get involved in this powerful and growing outreach.
