As the body of Christ, we are called to act as the instruments of God in the world, to protect creation, to respect the dignity of all human beings, and to love one another as God loves us. It is through our service to one another that God’s healing power can reach one of the largest and most forgotten sectors of society, namely people who suffer from mental illness and substance abuse. Whether their illness is loneliness, short term depression, or something more serious, all people deserve to be seen, heard, and supported as beloved children of God within a beloved community.
The Church, as a whole, can and should:
Guidance from scripture
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10
“I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.” Psalm 40: 1-3 1
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
Guidance from our faith tradition
In our Baptismal Covenant we promise to work with God and one another:
May – Mental Health Awareness Month
Rev. Jason Burns, Co-Chair deaconjburns@gmail.com
Rev. Charlotte LaForest, Co-Chair charlotte.laforest@gmail.com
Bobby Callard
Barbara Elsner
Marian MacDonald