Our honored servant for July 2007 was Jane McClain, who has dedicated a great deal of her time and energy to FXCC's Divorce Recovery program. The Divorce Recovery Group is a free, religion-neutral support group for people who have recently gone through, or who are currently going through a separation or divorce. Founded in 1987, the program has since served hundreds of people. Jane McClain served as coordinator from 1989-90 until 2005 and was instrumental in helping people rebuild their lives in a safe, non-judgmental, supportive and secure environment. The program uses a variety of books to guide participants in their recovery process. Wherever possible, our support groups are facilitated by former graduates of the program who have also gone through the trauma of divorce and who understand the emotional roller-coaster most participants are experiencing when they come to the program. Participants in the Group furthered this support network by offering a class at FXCC on Sunday mornings that focused on group support and the healing effects of Jesus in their lives after traumatic losses. This Sunday morning class provided a new opportunity to reach others who not only need support, but need Jesus.
When I think about Jane McClain I remember how she knows how to create a warm, welcoming, family atmosphere filled with comfort and always inclusive of all around her, exampled best when we celebrated birthdays: Jane shared with us her family tradition of each person being given a candle and the first person having the match to light the first candle. As each one of us shared our birthday wishes for the birthday guy/gal, before extinguishing our flame, we used our candle to light the next person's candle. Everyone had something to say even if it were only "Happy Birthday" but the point was everyone had a role in the celebration and each person was given the opportunity to think about what the birthday guy/gal meant to you, to share your feelings, remembrances and stories. This celebratory tradition was personal, was inclusive and it was family. Throughout the year you thought about what people said about themselves and the passages read because you knew the day would come when you would be called upon to remember each one of us in a birthday celebration. - Mary
Thoughts about Jane: - Jane gave me hope when I had none.
- She told me my life was going to get better, when I felt it was over.
- She gave me the name and phone number of a lawyer that helped negotiate my divorce and secure my future.
- She looked me in the eyes and smiled when she saw me walk into the church building; when coming to church and facing my people was so hard.
- She planned parties and invited me to socialize--when making new friends was the last thing I had the energy to do.
- She told me I was going to feel better soon.
- She lit a candle at the end of a long, dark tunnel.
- She invited me to sit with her at church when I was alone.
- She modeled a happy, successful, fulfilling, active, Christian, "single-again" life.
- Jane listened when I had a question or problem. She shared her experiences and knowledge.-Jane loved and accepted me when I did not love or accept myself.
- Jane told me my life was going to be so much better, soon.
- Jane was there Monday night after Monday night; after a long day of work and commuting.
- Jane was a rock I clung to during a horrific storm.
- Jane made time; she always answered her phone.
- Jane truly "bore all things, believed all things, hoped all things, and endured all things" for herself and on behalf of those of us going through divorce.
- Jane set her eyes on things above and she took us all up with her.
I thank God for Jane. Words can hardly express what she did for me, my children, and the many others who have come through the doors of divorce recovery.I know Jane's reward will be GREAT in heaven. She is a good and faithful servant of Jesus.I was hungry for forgiveness and she fed me. I was thirsty for wisdom and understanding and she gave me something to drink. I was imprisoned in the tragedy of divorce, and she visited me. Well done good and faithful Janie. With much love and deep appreciation. - Kathy
Jane has been a source of strength and hope to many of us who went through the challenges of divorce. However, I believe we need also to acknowledge her efforts in conceiving and leading (Conceived and led) a divorce recovery support group which, over a twenty year period, provided support to over 750 persons dealing with the consequences of a separation or divorce. Jane's direct influence "showed Jesus" to those individuals--many of whom had been abandoned by their own church homes--some of whom have become members here at FXCC. - Darrell
Jane is not only one of the sweetest, most thoughtful women I know, but I will always be indebted to her for the part she played in who, and where I am today. Because of Jane’s wonderful dedication in helping develop and run the Fairfax divorce recovery ministry I am a happily married woman, and 16 year member of the Fairfax church. Dana and I saw and experience Jane’s faithfulness to God, and endless devotion to helping others for many years while heading up that ministry. I couldn’t begin to tell you the number of people she has inspired. She is a woman who is admired and loved by many, and I feel honored to call her my friend. Proverbs 16:24 says “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Jane’s sweet and gentle words and actions have helped many wounded souls. - Sharlene
My first contact with FXCC was through the Divorce Recovery program. Jane literally welcomed me with open arms and a warm hug. Instantly, she made me feel that I was in a safe and supportive place and that somehow, life would go on. The Divorce Recovery program that she created has helped many survive what is an incredibly painful, destabilizing life event. I was especially touched by her wisdom and concern for the children involved in divorce. She graciously and unselfishly served all, both those from our FXCC family and those in the broader community. She is truly an angel of God. Sharon |
