• Saturday, September 28: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
  The History of the Presbyterian Church and it's most Distinctive feature
• Saturday October 5: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  visit to Presbyterian College, Montreal (tentative)
  lecture: Distinctives of Presbyterianism
• Tuesday, October 15: 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
  Presbytery of Ottawa
• Monday, October 28: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  Parkwood Session Meeting

Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
October 16 - December 18, 1996

FOR: Women aged 18 years and older who live in the Ottawa area who are struggling with the after-effects of childhood sexual abuse. This is an open group, everyone is welcome.

PURPOSE: The Becomers is a support group to promote emotional and spiritual healing from the life experience of childhood sexual abuse by providing women who have been sexually abused with: a safe and accepting atmosphere in which to share feelings and explore doubts related to childhood sexual abuse; an opportunity to learn they are not alone; to learn what is "normal" when healing from sexual abuse; to share and hear suggestions of healthy ways of coping; to learn how they can actively participate with God in their healing; and to receive support, hope, and encouragement. This is to be an adjunct to, not a replacement for, professional individual counselling.

We are called Becomers because. . . ". . . Now we are children of God, and what we will become has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."

-- 1 John 3:2 (NIV)

Cost: $ 20.00

Mondays 7.30 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.
January 20 - March 3, 1997

The purpose of this course is to provide:

• look at the long-term goals of parenting
• information on how young children think, feel and act
• skills that can increase your enjoyment and effectiveness as a parent
• skills that can develop your child's self-esteem and confidence
• support for yourself as a parent and as a person

Topics include
• Children's development
• Parents' expectations
• Helping children develop positive social skills
• Fostering cooperation
• Understanding how children's lifestyles and belief systems are formed
• Helping children seek and achieve positive goals
  

Thursdays 7.30 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.
October 17 - December 5, 1996

A series of eight presentations, discussions and question periods, given by qualified resource persons from a Christian perspective. This series is for parents whose young people are experiencing problems such as open rebellion, trouble with the law, running away, struggling with sexuality issues, substance abuse (drugs and alcohol), or emotionally or psychologically disturbed youth.

1. What's Going On?
   
   Course Overview and Panel Discussion. Perspectives from the school, police, counsellors and the church;
   
2. Living with Your Youth in Trouble
   
   Knowing and loving your troubled teen, while looking after family needs and caring for self;
   
3. Signs, Symptoms, Consequences and Helpful Reactions of an Adolescent
   
   Chemical Dependency Problem. Signs of trouble and ways of intervening and finding help when dealing with your youth's drug and alcohol problems;
   
4. The Legal System and Youth
   
   Understanding the Law and the way it works in dealing with youth;
   
5. The School and You
   
   How can the family and school work together for the troubled teen;
   
6. Getting Past the Crisis
   
   The Issues of Independence and Responsibility. Sharing the insights of those who have coped with troubled youth;
   
7. Solution-Focused Parenting
   Using the strengths, abilities and resources of parents and teens to bring change and to make solutions;
   
8. Resources for You and Your Family
   
   Addressing Social, Spiritual and Emotional Needs. How can you find help for your kids? What is out there for parents?

Thursdays 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
April 10 - May 29, 1997

• Getting Our Bearings and Beginning the Adventure
• With Christ in the School of Prayer
• When All Else Fails, Follow the Directions
• Pray without Ceasing
• Resources for Praying

Friday, May 2, 1997: 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.,
Saturday, May 3, 1997: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• Communicating Feelings
• Resolving Conflict
• Role Expectations
• Decision Making
• Money and Possessions
• Spiritual Growth
• Sexual Intimacy
• Setting Goals - Contracting for Change

• Financial aspects
• Communication
• Conflict
• Problem solving
• Legal aspects
• Sexual intimacy

• Understanding Your Teenager and Yourself
• Personality Development
• Emotions: A source of Support or Frustration
• Encouragement: Building Your Teen's Self-Esteem
• Communication: Listen
• Expressing Your Feelings and Exploring Alternatives
• Discipline: The Development of Responsibility
• Discipline: Selecting the Appropriate Approach
• The Family Meeting
• Special Challenges

• When It All Collapses
• Stages of Loss
• Hope in the Midst of Pain
• Surviving as a Single Parent
• Dealing with the Other Parent
• Forgiving Others
• Legal Issues
• Making It Work as a Family
• Finding Inner Strength
• Dealing with children about separation and divorce

• Understanding the pitfalls and potential of step-family living
• Strengthening the couple relationship
• Creating effective roles and relationships
• The step-family's journey

Sundays 12.30 - 2.00 p.m.
April 13 - June 29, 1997

Divorce is often a confusing time for children. CHILDREN OF DIVORCE is a group discussionand skill-building program that gives kids the tools and insights they need to work through tough divorce-related problems.

• Strengthen their communication skills
• Learn about feelings and self-control
• Practice problem-solving and deal with anger
• Handle emotionally challenging situations
• Build self-esteem