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Too Many Pastors are Falling on Their Own Swords |
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Well, I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’ve been imagining killing myself,” the pastor said.
I was on a Zoom call recently with 10 pastors across three denominations, when one of the participants shared a struggle with suicidal thoughts in these challenging days. By the time the meeting concluded, four of the 10 had found the courage to admit their own suicidal ideations.
I was the youngest person in the group, so these aren’t young, green pastors. These are veterans who have gone through plenty of difficult things in their time, but today’s intensity and difficulty is unprecedented.
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Mental health from the trenches - You are Not Alone
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“It’s something we hardly ever do, opening up to people who are our best supports,” he said. “Being vulnerable and transparent is what’s gotten me through.”
Healing from a mental illness is a lifelong process “that can be incredibly life-giving,” he said. “I wouldn’t trade the pain. It’s a lot to take, but I’ve grown a lot from it.”
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FREE 24 Hour Counseling
Pastors and other Board of Pension members, Cigna is offering a separate 24-hour toll-free help line, to support resiliency during this time of high stress and anxiety, and can be reached by calling 866-912-1687 to connect with qualified clinicians, including licensed social workers, professional counselors, and psychologists, who can provide support and guidance.
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Stated Presbytery Gathering |
Thursday, August 27
1:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Please share with everyone in your congregation, as all are welcome!
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Presbytery Upcoming Virtual Meetings
Sat., Aug. 22
9 a.m. - Pre-Presbytery Zoom Training - Click Here
Mon., Aug. 24
Tues., Aug. 25
7 p.m. - Pre-Presbytery Zoom Training - Click Here
Thurs., Aug. 27
1:45 p.m. - State Presbytery Gathering - Click Here
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Self-Care and Mental Health |
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Light for the Darkness
Meeting
Join us Mondays at 7 p.m.
Feeling anxious or depressed, or know someone who is? Light for the Darkness has started a virtual group for anyone struggling with mental health to connect with others who understand and explore where God may be in the midst, Mondays at 7 pm.
Please connect with Thirza Sayers, who is intimately aware of these struggles, if you have any questions at [email protected] or 404.313.4549. Learn more about Light for the Darkness by clicking here.
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Reiki is the prayerful practice of removing disturbances from the human energy field in order to promote relaxation and facilitate the body's natural healing processes. Reiki supports wholeness of body, mind, and spirit. At least through the end of the calendar year, A Place of Grace is making a special offer for the pastors in Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery: FREE Remote Mini-Reiki Retreats. You can learn more about Reiki here, or schedule a Zoom call if you have questions. You can email me or call 618-410-5060 to schedule an appointment. I'd love to support you as you provide ongoing support for your flock during this challenging time!
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Let's Talk about Self-Care
These days, it is more and more clear there are those who know the practices of self-care and those who don't. In this short video, Synod Executive Landon Whitsitt offers a brief introduction to caring for our bodies, minds, and spirits. Click here
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Matthew 25 - In Difficult Times |
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We want to hear your stories!
- How is your congregation remaining or becoming even more vibrant?
- How are you reaching out to your neighbors in creative ways?
- How have you participated in the Presbyterians Care Movement?
Send us your comments to [email protected] or call 314-772-2395. We hope to hear from you soon!
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Art of Transitional Leadership
Virtual Training
Our partner, the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, is offering the Art of Transitional Leadership virtual training the week of October 12-15, 2020. Please visit their website to learn more and register. Click here for details
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Sunrise Celebration Virtual Benefit
with MC - Al Hrabosky
Thursday, August 27
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Sunrise Celebration virtual event will feature a Caribbean steel drum performance, auction, raffles and fund-a-need via our mobile bidding site, all with Al Hrabosky live in-studio as our honorary chair and emcee!
The hour-long event will be free to stream on our YouTube channel.
The proceeds from the Sunrise Celebration and Dream Vacation Raffle will allow Care and Counseling to provide vital, often lifesaving, mental health services to all who seek them, especially those who lack insurance or ability to pay.
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Our web page resource.
What will you find there?
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