Please forward this to any interested person or organization!
Do What Other Congregations Do!
The Weekly Connections, a summary of events and happenings at Our Saviours' Lutheran Church in Naperville, Illinois, included this Prayer in its publication and service:
"We lift up those affected by death by suicide, and we pray that those who feel desperate can find peace and answers by talking and receiving care. May we be open to hear their cries for help."
Zion Lutheran Church in Tinley Park, Illinois is committed to speaking openly about mental health and reaching out to its congregants.
During the month of September, (World Suicide Prevention Month) the church made a significant love offering to Suicide Prevention Ministry to help the ministry continue its important work.
As part of raising awareness in their community about the issues surrounding the topic of suicide, Zion created handouts that went into their bulletins each week using SPM materials, posted important links for local and national mental health agencies on their church’s website.
The church also showed a video in worship by ELCA Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton, and created a bulletin board on the topic in a high traffic hallway, gave away copies of the ELCA’s social statements on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, as well as refrigerator magnets with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline number, 1.800.273.8255.
On March 25, 2018 Suicide Prevention Ministry will convene a two hour presentation at Zion Lutheran Church in Tinley Park on Suicide Prevention for their congregation and community. Think about scheduling a similar presentation in your congregation. Suicide Prevention Ministry can help you!
We educate, empower, provide resources and consultation to ALL faith based communities so that they can bring awareness, reduce stigma and provide hope about mental illness and suicide prevention.
