Mental Illness

This Sunday morning at 8:45 we will continue our exploration of the ELCA'a social message on The Body of Christ and Mental Illness. Between now and then, take a few minutes to read and study the Social Message on Mental Illness. (click on this link)

The message offers the following definition of mental illness: 

"A mental illness can be defined as a health condition that changes a person's thinking, feelings, or behavior (or all three) and that causes the person distress and difficulty in functioning."

I also invite you to read and study Mark 5:1-20. This is the story of the Gerasene man who lived among the tombs. Then think about the following questions:

1. Why was the man living apart from his village?
2. Why do you think the people asked Jesus to leave?
3. Why does the man formerly possessed by demons want to go with Jesus?
4. What does Jesus tell him to do instead?
5. What might this healing story teach us about how important community is to someone who is experiencing illness?

The ELCA message concludes with the following statement:

By answering its call to enter into the companionship of suffering, the church eases the isolation and alienation experienced by those who suffer from the effects of mental illness. Answering this call is at the heart of the church's response to mental illness.

How has the multi-week series on mental illness and the discussion of bearing the burdens of one another helped you think about this section of the message?

This is a wellness wheel that we will also discuss together on Sunday. 

+            +            +

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

August 31, 2014

Prayer of the Day

O God, we thank you for your Son,

who chose the path of suffering for the sake of the world.

Humble us by his example,

point us to the path of obedience,

and give us strength to follow your commands,

through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

Readings

Jeremiah 15:15-21

Psalm 26:1-8

Romans 12:9-21

Matthew 16:21-28