Lighting a candle for mental illness

[pegkerr]

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.

Comments

[mrissa.livejournal.com]

Do you mind telling me what church? We haven't been happy at ours. If you don't want to discuss it on lj but are willing to say privately, my gmail is marissalingen.

[jbru.livejournal.com]

I am struck by the parallel between this entry and the recent post of gerisullivan mourning the loss of a friend to the aftermath of the hurricanes; the friend was mentally challenged. It is a good thing you and your congregation do. Thank you.

[haniaw.livejournal.com]

What a lovely idea! I really like that this is a message of inclusion.

[rivka.livejournal.com]

What a lovely service. I'm delighted that you've found a church for your family.

[copperwise.livejournal.com]

Appropriate day for these sorts of prayers.

[pegkerr.livejournal.com]

Yes, it certainly is. I thought of that, when I heard your message.

[jeanineers.livejournal.com]

It's fabulous that you have a pastor who is determined to lead the congregation toward understanding, support and love. I'm a big fan of ceremony and ritual for the gravitas added to any event or learning opportunity. I just love the idea of lighting candles against the darkness of (any) illness.

[kijjohnson.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for the candles -- for each of us. And tell the girls thank you very much.

[aome.livejournal.com]

That sounds lovely.

Will there be some kind of ceremoney on the 30th? For the Catholic church, you just ... go. If you want to be registered, you call the parish office and give your family's info, but that's all that's involved. What you've mentioned sounds like an official welcome/inclusion, however.

[pegkerr.livejournal.com]

Yes; we will participate in a class for prospective new members on October 23, after church, and then I believe the girls and I will be welcomed into the congregation in a special part of the service on the 30th. I've been to churches where there is additional welcome to new members at a reception afterwards, perhaps a special cake, etc.; don't know if that church does that here. Sometimes new members have congretional sponsors; sometimes they wear a carnation or something on the day they join the congregation.

[porcinea.livejournal.com]

Presbyterians have a delightful welcoming ceremony for new church members. (I don't know what Peg's church is; I merely mention this conversationally.)

Peg, I'm so pleased for you! Community is good[tm].

mental illness and prayer

[http://users.livejournal.com/_lindsay_/]

those prayers almost moved me to tears. I think something the modern church often forgets was Jesus' primary ministry to heal the sick and set the captives free...which is a description of so many mentally ill people who suffer often without anyone's knowledge. The song of the prayer of St. Francis makes a lot of sense in this context. I will pray and ask St. Francis' intercessions for you and your family and Kij. Thanks for posting this.

[febobe.livejournal.com]

Oh, Peg!

This made me ready to cry. . . .

How very beautiful.

I may try and find your e-mail addy to e you an additional comment. . .but wow. Just wow.

I do agree that it sounds as if you've found home. Congratulations, hon.

[pegkerr.livejournal.com]

I'd welcome any additional comment you'd like to make. E-mail me at pegkerr@livejournal.com.

[vass]

I'm glad you've found a church home for you and your family.

[tinymich.livejournal.com]

I remember your posts from last time where you wrote about being torn whether to leave your church, and if so, which other churh you would go to instead. Would you be comfortable sharing where you ended up, and how and why you chose to make it your new home?

[kokopoko.livejournal.com]

I like your church!

[coalboy.livejournal.com]

I've added this to my memories - my mother is post-stroke, I caregive, & I have a Down's cousin. Not -quite- sobs, but tears.