Lighting a candle for mental illness
My church had a simple ceremony today which impressed me quite a bit. When I arrived there this morning, there was a table in the narthex, covered with informational packets and brochures about various mental illnesses. It was staffed by a woman who was, I was told, the congregational representative for mental illness issues. I had a long talk with her; she has a daughter who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and she has been doing this as her mission to the church for nine years.
Then, during the children's message, the pastor talked to the children about mental illness, explaining simply that just as people can become sick with a cold or a flu, they can develop a sickness in their minds, but that God loves and supports us at those times, too. The candle lighting was explained to them. Next, members of the congregation were invited to come up and light a candle for either themselves or someone else they know who is living with mental illness. This is, apparently, done traditionally in this church every year on the first Sunday of October.
Here are the prayers said during this point in the service:
On this day we remember all persons who suffer from mental illnesses and brain disorders. Help us to reach out to all who suffer from illnesses we cannot understand.
Lord of mercy, bring peace and healing to all their minds.
We pray for families and health care providers, and ask your guidance in their daily tasks of care-giving.
Lord of mercy, give wisdom, patience and courage in their ministry.
We pray for this congregation that we may treat each person with kindness, those with illnesses of the mind as well as those with illnesses of the body.
Lord, help us to treat all of our brothers and sisters with love and understanding. Amen.
You are invited to come forward and light a candle as the Adult Choir sings, "Make me a Channel of Your Peace."
Lord of mercy, we know that brain disorders are legion, and some who suffer are very young. We pray for courage to challenge old notions about mental illnesses which created guilt and shame in so many lives. For all those who cannot advocate for themselves, awaken in us a voice that will not be silenced. Help us to remember the words of Jesus: "As you have done it to the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you have done it to Me." We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
The girls asked to go up to light candles for Kij. I had planned to light one for her myself, but since both girls asked to go, I told them fine, and stood with them as they lit them. I decided that one candle was for Kij and one was for me. I would say about forty people came up to light candles. I felt moved to tears as I watched them there, flickering before the congregation, when all were seated again. And what a simple, lovely thing to do at this time of year, when the darkness is growing, and it is time to pull out my Seasonal Affective Disorder light box. It comforts me to know that my church is a source of light for me during dark times.
We will be joining the church, finally on October 30. There is no doubt in my mind that we have found our true new church home.
Then, during the children's message, the pastor talked to the children about mental illness, explaining simply that just as people can become sick with a cold or a flu, they can develop a sickness in their minds, but that God loves and supports us at those times, too. The candle lighting was explained to them. Next, members of the congregation were invited to come up and light a candle for either themselves or someone else they know who is living with mental illness. This is, apparently, done traditionally in this church every year on the first Sunday of October.
Here are the prayers said during this point in the service:
On this day we remember all persons who suffer from mental illnesses and brain disorders. Help us to reach out to all who suffer from illnesses we cannot understand.
Lord of mercy, bring peace and healing to all their minds.
We pray for families and health care providers, and ask your guidance in their daily tasks of care-giving.
Lord of mercy, give wisdom, patience and courage in their ministry.
We pray for this congregation that we may treat each person with kindness, those with illnesses of the mind as well as those with illnesses of the body.
Lord, help us to treat all of our brothers and sisters with love and understanding. Amen.
You are invited to come forward and light a candle as the Adult Choir sings, "Make me a Channel of Your Peace."
Lord of mercy, we know that brain disorders are legion, and some who suffer are very young. We pray for courage to challenge old notions about mental illnesses which created guilt and shame in so many lives. For all those who cannot advocate for themselves, awaken in us a voice that will not be silenced. Help us to remember the words of Jesus: "As you have done it to the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you have done it to Me." We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
The girls asked to go up to light candles for Kij. I had planned to light one for her myself, but since both girls asked to go, I told them fine, and stood with them as they lit them. I decided that one candle was for Kij and one was for me. I would say about forty people came up to light candles. I felt moved to tears as I watched them there, flickering before the congregation, when all were seated again. And what a simple, lovely thing to do at this time of year, when the darkness is growing, and it is time to pull out my Seasonal Affective Disorder light box. It comforts me to know that my church is a source of light for me during dark times.
We will be joining the church, finally on October 30. There is no doubt in my mind that we have found our true new church home.