From The PASTOR'S dESK

Hello, neighbors!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we will focus on some various topics during this month on Sundays. To prepare for these conversations, I want to share some information, scripture, and what the United Methodist Church believes. “Let’s Talk About It” is the name of our May series, and “tackles a different social stigma each week.” People struggle with mental and physical health daily, but God provides healing and hope instead of criticizing us. Be a good neighbor and look at what I am sharing to help you and your neighborhood during May, and the rest of the year.
The following information is from the General Board of Church and Society of the UMC.
What do the facts say?

• Mental illnesses are common in the United States. Nearly one in five US adults live with a mental illness 

(52.9 million in 2020).

• Young adults aged 18-25 had the highest prevalence of mental health concerns (30.6) compared to adults aged 26-49 years (25.3%) and aged 50 and older (14.5%).
• The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide.
• Suicide is the leading cause of death in the United States, with 45,979 deaths in 2020. This is about 1 death every 11 minutes.
• In 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicides.

What does the Bible say?

• God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them. (Gen. 1:27)
• Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28)
• Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
• But the Lord says, “Because the poor are oppressed, because of the groans of the needy, I’m now standing up. 

I will provide the help they are gasping for. (Psalm 12:5)

• I'm convinced that nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rules, not present things, or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created. (Romans 8:38-39)
• I came that you might have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)

What does The United Methodist Church say?

• The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” Unfortunately, mental health eludes many in our world resulting in considerable distress, stigma, and isolation. Mental illness troubles our relationships because it can affect the way we process information, relate to others, and choose actions. (Social Principles ¶162.X)
• No person deserves to be stigmatized because of mental illness. (Soc. Principles ¶162.X)
• Persons with mental illness and their families have a right to be treated with respect on the basis of common humanity and accurate information. They also have a right and responsibility to obtain care appropriate to their condition. The United Methodist Church pledges to foster policies that promote compassion, advocate for access to care, and eradicate stigma within the church and in communities. (Social Principles ¶162.X)

There is a lot to consider when tackling the conversation of mental health and other stigmas in the church. I look forward to seeing all of you in May for “Let’s Talk About It.” God is always there for us, and we need to be there for each other. 
Do not be scared to ask for help or to help someone who needs it. Be the light for those might feel they are in the dark during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Peace be with you.  Pastor Matt