The holidays are in full swing in your life, my life and in the lives of members of the Well Community. In addition to the yummy Thanksgiving meal we had in November, our members had a terrific time at our Christmas celebration at Thursday Night Life—our weekly worship service—on December 8. In addition to the great food, the visit from Santa, the distribution of backpacks and Walmart gift cards, and an encouraging message from Rev. Gannon Sims of Cliff Temple Baptist Church, we had a rousing time singing Christmas Carols.
This was the Christmas service for Well members. Think about that. As the only faith-based nonprofit in the DFW area, each week we offer those who want to attend the opportunity to be encouraged in their faith, share prayer requests and worship in song. At this special service, members were able to reflect on the birth of Christ and what his coming has meant to them.
Several of our members express regularly how opportunities to build their faith make the Well the best experience they have ever had.
Many of us will be attending worship services in the next few weeks to celebrate what our faith has meant to us and to “adore the newborn king.” As we do, please join me in giving thanks that those living with severe mental health challenges also have a place to worship where they are accepted and welcomed.
And consider how your house of worship could be a safe place for the isolated and lonely. We have listed several resources you might find helpful. See below.
On behalf of our members, staff and myself, happy holidays to you and yours.
Alice
- Five Tips for Opening Your Church Doors
- The Gift of Listening
- Five Things that make the Holidays Easier
- Holiday Hurdles: Stressors and Pressures That Make the Season Difficult for Those Living With Mental Illnesses
- The Lutheran Foundation Mental Health Toolkit to help congregations better understand mental illness (PDF)
- Praying for Families Impacted by Mental Illness, a 31-day prayer guide for families as they care for loved ones dealing with mental health difficulties.