ELANCO CR Celebrates Four Years Of Recovery Support

Karl Stoltzfus, one of the leaders of ELANCO Celebrate Recovery (CR), is clear about the heart of the ministry. "No one comes into recovery on a winning streak," said Stoltzfus. "We are all here admitting that we are broken and we need connection and we need God. There's no shaming in that, and I think that comes across in what we do here."

ELANCO CR celebrated its four-year anniversary in September. The 12-step, Christ-centered discipleship recovery program meets from 6:30 to 9 p.m. each Thursday at Petra Church, 565 Airport Road, New Holland, in the Student Life Center. A hot meal is served beginning at 6:15 p.m. Participation is not limited to those struggling with substance abuse, but it is also open to people experiencing a number of issues, including codependency, eating disorders, and anger. CR features worship, which usually includes a message or testimony, followed by small group meetings, which are divided by gender. On the second Thursday of each month, a live worship band, made up mostly of CR participants, takes part.

Carol Musser, who leads the CR group with Stoltzfus, noted that the specific restrictions and situations related to the COVID-19 pandemic have affected participants but have not changed the dynamics of the group. "I see a ramp-up in anxiety in the culture," said Musser, who noted that depression is on the rise as well. "It's hard getting back to normal," she added. "There's fear plugged into places that used to be precaution, and people who are in fear mode have a hard time connecting with others."

Mixing those issues with a divisive culture can intensify the struggle for those dealing with issues of addiction, codependency, and eating disorders, but Musser noted that ELANCO CR offers a place of acceptance rather than judgment. "As divisive as everything is, it hasn't happened here, which has been a blessing," said Musser. "(Participants) check their opinions at the door because they want the connection."

With attendance ranging from 30 to 50 weekly participants, some journeying from Chester County, where CRs are not yet open, the small groups are currently divided into men's recovery, men's life issues and women's recovery/life issues. "We wanted more robust discussions in our groups," said Musser.

During the next year, Musser and Stoltzfus hope to see more area residents help with the weekly meetings. "We would love to have more volunteers from the community that would want to help on a regular basis," said Musser, who noted that help is needed to facilitate, set up, tear down, and work with the audiovisual and sound components. "What we really need is people who love Jesus and love people and have a heart to serve," she said.

Readers who would like to know more about ELANCO CR may call 717-587-2202, email elancocelebraterecovery@gmail.com, or search for "ELANCO Celebrate Recovery" on Facebook.