COUNCIL REFLECTION
by Lisa Johnson
Four years ago, my brother-in-law, Phil,
passed away from the toll that years of
schizophrenia-related medication had
taken on his kidneys. When my in-
laws were first navigating his illness,
mental health was addressed in the
shadows of life. While there is broader
discussion about mental health today,
it’s still common for mainstream
society to be uncomfortable with
people whose behavior or mindset
doesn’t fit our neat social order.
Data shows that one in five people will
experience a mental health crisis in
their lifetime. During these episodes
people often feel alienated from their
community – and from church. If “the
Lord is near to the brokenhearted and
saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:
18), are we not called to do the same?
But, how can we do so?
Bethlehem’s Mental Health Ministries
team offers many ways to lend our
hearts and hands. Mental Health
speaker events are offered the
second Monday of each month in
collaboration with St. Joan of Arc.
Mental Health Connect uses a Mental
Health Navigator and Certified Peer
Specialist to assist individuals and
families in obtaining mental health
treatment, resources (e.g.; housing,
financial and employment), support
and education. Counseling , grief
ministry and healing touch are
available for individuals experiencing
crises like cancer, loss of a loved one
or other life stress. The Gathering is a
weekly program that provides activities
for adults with mid-stage memory
loss and provides respite for their
caregivers. The list goes on.
The Holy Spirit is at work through the
staff and volunteers who faithfully
give of their time to these ministries.
However, all of our hands and voices
are needed to hold space with our
neighbors struggling to be heard.
Check out the programs and services
offered by Care Ministries and Mental
Health Connect. One day, you may
need to use these. Until then our
sisters and brothers in Christ who
access these services need you.
YOUR GIVING MAKES A DIFFERENCE
by Pastor Bob Wertz, Pastor of Stewardship and Planned Giving
We continue to be extremely grateful to members in both Minneapolis and
Minnetonka who have recently donated much-needed household items to
furnish the new apartments at 66West, Beacon Interfaith’s most recent housing
development
on 66th Street
just north of
Southdale
shopping
center. Fifteen
homeless youth/
young adults
have moved in
recently, and
soon the 39-unit
facility will be
fully occupied.
With all the
Mike & Sue Hlavac, Connie & George Weinman, Bob Wertz
goods donated to
delivering needed donations to 66West
date, three of those
39 have been fully furnished by generous Bethlehem donors—THANK YOU!
Beacon Interfaith is an ideal mission partner for Bethlehem, and one of the key
partners we are supporting through our three-year, $3M Opening New Doors
mission appeal. Four compelling reasons Bethlehem and Beacon are a good fit:
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Bethlehem Minnetonka has a long and supportive history with Beacon
through the Families Moving Forward program (in which homeless families
are offered overnight shelter, food, and hospitality for a week at a time on a
twice a year basis);
Service providers working directly with homeless or at-risk youth in the
western suburbs estimate they serve between 200-300 youth a year, and
those numbers are growing;
There are no shelter beds or permanent housing in the west metro serving
youth and young adults prior to 66West being built;
Congregations like Bethlehem and the 70-some others that comprise Beacon
Interfaith Housing Collaborative have both the passion and the resources to
help solve this problem.
Next up in terms of launching another facility is Cranberry Ridge, a 45-unit
development in the Wayzata School District on Highway 55 near Old Rockford
Rd. in Plymouth. This facility will include many three-bedroom homes for
working families. Most of the families living at Cranberry Ridge will be earning
between $16,000 and $45,000 per year and will benefit from the great western
suburban schools, parks, and other community assets we all appreciate.
Please direct any questions you may have about 66West or Cranberry Ridge, or
donating household furnishings to [email protected].
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