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In June, you are invited to join us for “Everybody Hurts (Sometimes),” a series of sermons and Sunday school classes around four topics: divorce (June 4), suicide (June 11), addiction (June 18), and domestic abuse (June 25). People may be wondering what the church has to say about these difficult topics. To that end, worship in June will focus on the theological and spiritual aspects of the pastoral care topics covered in the Sunday school sessions.
The Sunday school class will be a safe and confidential space. A Stephen Minister or Elder will facilitate conversation with selected congregation members and guest speakers who have been affected by these topics. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the speakers. Brunch and childcare will be provided while you are at Sunday school; RSVP for both will be needed by Wednesdays prior.
June 18: Addiction
This Sunday, we will discuss addiction from the perspective of addicts, counselors, and family members who love and live with addicts. You likely have someone in your life – a friend, family member, coworker, or even yourself – who struggles with addiction. FPC elder Robyn McDonald will facilitate a conversation with our panelists that will shed light on what addiction really looks like, beyond what we see in popular culture. Our panelists will help us understand how we can care for ourselves and each other in a culture of addiction, sharing how they have found hope and healing.
June 25: Domestic Abuse
Next Sunday, we will cover the hidden topic of domestic violence. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men in the United States are victims or survivors of domestic violence. Odds are that someone you know has experienced or is experiencing abuse.
Sadly, the church has often been a place of silence around domestic abuse. We are here to tell the truth about this hidden epidemic. Joan Prittie, Executive Director of Project Safe, will provide general information about this topic, as well as local resources. Parish Nurse Madeline Van Dyck will facilitate a conversation with our speakers, Susannah M. Griffith, Ph.D. and church member Anne Marie Miller.
We encourage anyone to attend who would like to know more about domestic violence from a clinical and theological perspective, and how to care for those within and outside of the church who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse.
Brunch and childcare will be provided while you are at Sunday school; RSVP for both will be needed by Wednesday, June 21.
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