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KITTANNING -- What happens when the warm, loving smiles of "I do," turn into a bitter "I wish I never did."

Many divorced people face anger, bitterness, depression and loneliness. Children caught up in a divorce add to the emotional stress. There are often financial hardships and marital property disputes. Anxiety grows.

Holidays can be difficult times, especially for the recently divorced. This holiday season may be the first time they have spent without a former spouse. Some face the prospect of not being able to be with their children during the holidays.

Although the picture may seem dismal, there is hope on the horizon. The Rev. Wes Wright and his wife Brenda, of the First Church of the Nazarene, Kittanning, are sending a loud and clear message: You don't have to go through it alone.

The Wrights are area facilitators of a nationwide program called Divorce Care, a 13-week series of meetings for divorced or separated people.

"We're not here to judge anyone," Wes Wright said. "Divorce care is both a seminar and a support group to help folks with the hurts and troubles associated with separation and divorce. We meet every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the First Church of the Nazarene on the corner of Wilson Avenue and Montieth Street. We provide snacks and also child care. The seminars are free."

Wright said that although the Divorce Care seminars are sponsored by his church, the meetings are nondenominational.

"Divorce care is a nationwide program," he said. "It may be sponsored by any church group of any denomination. Although we encourage people to turn to God and get involved in their respective churches, we don't get into doctrinal issues. We do use scripture, especially the Psalms, to provide answers to common problems. The Bible is our 'Owner's Manual' if you will."

Brenda Wright said that a typical seminar lasts 13 weeks and a different topic is discussed each week. Topics cover such issues as facing anger and depression, forgiveness, single sexuality, being on your own, getting involved in a new relationship, single parenting, budget planning and other topics.

"You don't have to wait until a new series of seminars begins," she said. "The sessions are designed so that you can begin at any point, but we encourage people to attend all 13 in the series. As soon as one 13-week series ends, another begins. Session are designed for men and women alike, but there are times when the group divides. The ladies have a discussion in one room and the men in another."

Wes Wright said that he and his wife are not instructors, or counselors in the usual sense of the words.

"We are simply facilitators," he said. "We don't 'teach' anything. The material and course outline are in a workbook called 'Divorce Care,' published by Divorce Care and Church Initiative, based in Wake Forest, N.C. We also have a number of books related to the divorce, separation and re-marriage in our church's lending library. We show videos too."

Wes Wright said that in the past year some couples have been able to reconcile.

"Not everyone gets back together, of course, but if there's a possibility of a reconciliation, we encourage it," he said. "But overall, I think the program gives people a chance to heal and a hope for the future. We try to get them to see what God can do for their lives. We tell people that God doesn't expect anyone to carry the whole load by themselves, but he uses the church and the people in it to help in the recovery process."

The Wrights said Divorce Care seminars are free and everyone is welcome. For more information or directions to the church readers may call 724-954-6472. The Wrights added that due to the holidays and other factors the meetings have been cancelled for December. He said they are planning to start with week one in February.

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