As you heard announced on Sunday, the time has come for me to depart from you. My last Sunday will be October 25th, Reformation Sunday. The St. Paul Area Synod staff are working on securing a Bridge Pastor to walk with you through the next months as the Call Committee works to interview and the congregation then calls a new pastor. With a Bridge Pastor, you will have continuity through the rest of the transition process.
We will not be able to say goodbye as we might like under "normal" circumstances. But in the spirit of the Reformation, we will celebrate a new season in the life of St. Paul Lutheran Church as you welcome the next step. God is with you.
We are blessed to have knowledgeable and caring nurses in our congregation! They have some words of advice for us:
Mental Illness is often under recognized and stigmatized in our society today. Awareness is part of the solution, this week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. One of the most important and easiest ways to work on mental illness is to take a screening to start the conversation, here is link: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools (Mental Health America) this has screenings for multiple problems and is a good way to start the conversation with a medical provider if you are worried you might have a mental illness.
According to the national institute for mental health about 1 in 5 people in the United States have a mental illness; with young adults having the highest prevalence of cases. Mental illness can vary widely in severity so important to seek help sooner than later.
5 signs of mental illness are
1. A change in personality
2.Uncharacteristic anger, anxiety or moodiness
3. Social withdrawal or isolation
4. Lack of self care or risky behaviors
5. A sense of hopeless or overwhelmed
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Remember to pray for these nurses and all those on the front lines fighting the coronavirus.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School will meet immediately after worship service on October 11th. Please meet at the edge of the parking lot/grass by the outdoor worship space. Please make sure your child is dressed for the weather and have shoes on that can get wet on the dewy grass. Blankets and/or chairs are optional, but make listening to the stories much more cozy!
If outdoor worship service is cancelled due to weather, we will reschedule for October 18th. Please watch your email and Facebook for updates on Sunday morning.
EDUCATION
Family Devotions
Sunday School is inviting the entire congregation to join us for weekly family devotions. Devotions will be emailed or mailed weekly. Please email SundaySchool@sharingchristslove.org or call Melissa in the main office to be added to the distribution list and please note if you would like the devotions via email or regular mail.
