RISE ABOVE at Journey of Hope

09/08/2026

In today's world, people are too often carrying heavy burdens that leave them feeling isolated and unseen.

Rise Above, a ministry of Journey of Hope, offers small group support for:
Anxiety / Depression
Caregiver Support
Divorce Care
Grief Support
Life Transitions

These are safe, confidential spaces where you can connect with others who understand, share what you're carrying, and find support without judgment.

Groups meet Mondays at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM) for 10-week sessions at 37W040 Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL.

Visit johumc.org/rise-above to see what's starting this session.

You don't have to navigate it alone.

Life is messy… together we can RISEABOVE Supporting those navigating life’s challenges. Our mission is to create a safe space where people can connect, share their struggles, and find hope through the strength of faith, mutual support, and understanding. Together, we aim to rise above challenges...

04/06/2026

It’s Stress Awareness Month… so let’s check in for a second.

How has stress been showing up for you lately?

• Trouble sleeping
• Overthinking everything
• Feeling overwhelmed by small things
• Constant mental “noise”

Stress doesn’t mean you’re doing life wrong — it usually means you’re carrying a lot.

What’s one small thing that helps you reset when stress builds up?

At Rise Above, we talk about real-life stress like this—and how to navigate it in healthy, sustainable ways.

Come join us Monday evening.

03/24/2026

Loss comes in many forms—and every one of them deserves to be acknowledged with tenderness and care. At Rise Above, we know that grief isn’t limited to the death of a loved one. People grieve the loss of relationships, health, identity, dreams, stability, community, and even the future they imagined.

If you’re carrying a loss—spoken or unspoken, recent or long ago—you’re not alone. Your grief is real. Your story matters. And healing doesn’t have a timeline.

Whether you’re navigating:

the death of someone dear,
the end of a relationship or season of life,
changes in health or ability,
the loss of a job, home, or sense of security,
or the quiet, invisible losses that others may not see…

We’re here to walk with you. You don’t have to rise above it all at once—just one breath, one moment, one step at a time.

Grief involves coping with loss. Learn more about common responses to grief and ways to process your own grief or support a loved one.

03/18/2026

Our spring session starts next week, and registration is officially open. If you’ve been carrying anxiety, stress, grief, overwhelm, or just longing for a safe place to breathe and be supported, this is your invitation.

Rise Above offers a compassionate, faith‑centered space where you can find encouragement, practical tools, and a community that truly understands. You don’t have to walk through hard seasons alone — we’re here to walk with you.

Join us and take a hopeful step forward. Learn more and register today and Rise Above with us. https://www.johumc.org/rise-above

01/26/2026

With this stretch of frigid weather, it’s easy to feel not just cold, but a bit isolated too. Many people notice their mood dip when they’re spending more time indoors, away from sunlight, friends, or routines. You’re not alone if the winter blues, seasonal depression, or feelings of isolation are hitting harder lately.

Doctors and mental health experts recognize Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — sometimes called the “winter blues.” It can show up as low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, or feeling disconnected from people and activities you normally enjoy.

Information about seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression, including signs and symptoms, how SAD is diagnosed, causes, and treatment options.

01/03/2026

As a new year begins, many of us are carrying more than we let on.
Stress. Grief. Anxiety. Big life transitions. Caregiving. Loneliness.

RISE ABOVE begins this Monday and offers a safe, faith-centered space to breathe, reflect, and walk alongside others who understand.

Winter 2026 Support Groups:
• Anxiety & Depression
• Caregiver Support
• Grief Support
• Sliding into Retirement

You don’t need to have everything figured out.
You don’t need to speak if you’re not ready.
You just need to show up.

Registration is open now. Let this be the year you don’t carry it alone. https://subsplash.com/u/-QWRFZ9/forms/d/4f1c5bf2-7bbb-4416-94f5-1a4501cd6774

12/10/2025

At Rise Above, we’re committed to creating a space where hope, healing, and faith meet in the midst of life’s challenges. Our mission is to offer encouragement, understanding, and practical support for anyone navigating mental health struggles.

You can watch messages of hope here: https://journeyofhopeumc.subspla.sh/gkw6xf7

Let’s walk this journey together—rooted in faith, supported by community, and strengthened by God’s love.

09/22/2025

We believe hope grows in community.

At RiseAbove, we’re committed to creating safe spaces where hard conversations—like those around su***de and mental health—can happen with compassion and courage. Every voice matters. Every story matters. You are not alone. Explore SAMHSA’s Su***de Prevention Awareness Month toolkit for resources, support, and ways to help break the stigma.


***dePreventionMonth

September marks National Su***de Prevention Month – a month to remember the lives lost to su***de, the millions of people who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and acknowledge the individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted.

09/14/2025

Whether you’re in therapy or stuck on a waitlist… RISE ABOVE is here for you!

Our non-clinical support groups for navigating anxiety/depression, grief, caregiving and the shift into retirement offer a space to connect, reflect, and rise together.

When: Monday evenings at 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
Where: 37W040 Highland Avenue, Elgin
Dates: Fall session runs through November 24

✨Bonus: Our Caregiver Group has another Tuesday morning Caregiver Group offering if Monday evenings do not work for you.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, stretched thin, or simply craving connection, RISE ABOVE might be the next right step.

Come as you are. Leave a little lighter.

https://www.johumc.org/rise-above?fbclid=IwY2xjawMzuCVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5VndiSUVZYm9UTGpDMEl1AR4AEEfgwR-pI_9DQ_nh_WArcvdGBG-SvXGKxycgr5N7g3RlXemBp9edPxct2A_aem_nexyrvO1mxyzQs1yPkdsMw

09/07/2025

Our Fall Rise Above support groups kick off tomorrow night, and there’s still room for you!

Whether you (or someone you know) is navigating anxiety or depression, caring for a loved one, walking through grief, or going through the work to retirement transitions -- you don’t have to do it alone.

Rise Above offers a safe, supportive space to connect with others who understand. Find out more and register here! www.johumc.org/rise-above