# MENTAL HEALTH SUNDAY *Please stand in body or in spirit* --- ### GATHERING SONG *“This is the Day”* --- ### UNISON WELCOME “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here” --- ### ANNOUNCEMENTS **NEWS IN THE PEWS May 25, 2025** The Rev. Caroline E. Saxton, [email protected] (641) 260-1868 (cell) Tonya Schwartz, Office Administrator, [email protected] (717) 263-8593 (office) Gary Crum, Music Director | Barbara Motichka, Organist Roxanne Davenport, Director of Children & Youth The Rev. Stephen W. Hoffman, Pastor Emeritus --- **THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S** - **TODAY:** Bible Study on the Book of Daniel, 8 pm, Zoom (link in Friday e-blast) - **Monday, May 26** *The church office is closed in Observance of Memorial Day* 10:00 am Meditation Group – Parlor Room 104 7:00 pm Boy Scouts – Fellowship Hall - **Tuesday, May 27** 10:00 am Summer Singers Rehearsal – Fellowship Hall 5:30 pm Yoga – Room 202 6:00 pm Ladies Bible Study – Zoom - **Saturday, May 31** 1:00 pm Memorial Service for Jeff Aldrich – Sanctuary; reception and visitation to follow in Fellowship Hall - **Sunday, June 1** 8:45 am Wired Word Church School Class – Room 116 10:00 am Sunday Service – Sanctuary --- **Mental Health Awareness** May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As part of our Covenant of Welcome and Affirmation, we will celebrate Mental Health Sunday **today,** May 25, highlighting the belovedness of all God’s people for nothing can separate us from the love of God. --- **Bells and Choir** Rehearsals for the Bells of St. John’s and Choir will resume in September. Thank you to all who have shared their talents for ringing and singing. See you in the fall! --- **St. John’s Summer Camp - Needed: Kitchen helpers!** See sign-up sheet in front lobby! **Counselors!** If you can help even for a day please contact: Mary Lee Yaukey ([email protected]) or Renee Byers ([email protected]). --- **Bible and a Beer** An opportunity to talk about our faith in public. Join us on the 3rd Monday of the month at the Trojan Diner at 6:30 pm. Our next gathering will be June 16. --- **All Church Pentecost Picnic** Will be held after worship on Sunday, June 8. Come & enjoy! --- **Beginners Pickleball** Please contact the church office if you are interested in taking some beginners level pickleball lessons! We have an indoor court set up in Fellowship Hall. --- **Thank you** To our Girl Scouts! 7 Girl Scouts and their parents completed a service project of painting our upstairs 2nd floor hallway on Sunday, May 18. Check out the new look! We are truly grateful for their partnership with us. --- **Race Against Poverty** St. John’s is a sponsor of the 15th Annual Race Against Poverty held the first weekend in June. This year, the race will be held on Friday, June 6. We would be delighted to have you join our official St. John’s team. Contact Pastor Caroline to learn more. First Fruits contributions in May are designated to support the Race Against Poverty. --- **Monday Afternoon Book Study** Our current selection is "How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith" by Mariann Edgar Budde. We will be reading chapter three "Deciding to Start" on Monday, **June 2** at 1:30 pm. We will NOT meet on Memorial Day. Pick up a copy and come join the group! --- **Sunday Night Bible Study** Join Pastor Caroline on Sunday evenings at **8 pm via Zoom** for a Bible study on the book of Daniel. Our session on **May 25** will focus on Daniel Chapter 10. Zoom Meeting ID: 836 0593 5961 and Passcode 277938. A hyperlink for this opportunity is included in the weekly e-blast. Participants are encouraged to read from a variety of translations. Pastor Caroline is using the Common English Bible (CEB). --- **Join us for Life Talk** What's on your mind? Something that concerns or worries you? Do you need to vent? Just want to talk with other adults for a bit? Don't want to share in front of the entire congregation? Or you don't think it really needs to be a prayer request? Grab your snack and coffee, and meet in the parlor after services on Sunday mornings. Everyone is welcome. --- **Birthday Balloons** All are invited to share in a special coffee hour the last Sunday of the month to honor all who celebrated a birthday that month. May birthdays will be honored on Sunday, May 25. We hope you’ll join us! --- **Want to Stay in Touch?** Contact the Church Office to be added to our email list! You can sign up to receive our regular weekly emails, Diana’s Devotionals, and/or be part of the Prayer Chain. --- **Prayer Chain** For many people, participating in the prayer chain has become a real source of comfort and a way of knowing they can help others through the power of prayer. For others it is a source of comfort to know that fellow siblings in Christ are praying for them. If you would like to participate in the prayer chain, please contact the church office at (717) 263-8593. --- **May/June Upper Room** Devotionals are now available at the Welcome Center. We suggest a donation of $1 for small print/$2 for large print copies. If you would like to have a copy mailed to you, please contact the church office. --- ### PASSING OF THE PEACE *“The peace of Christ be with you”* *“And also with you”* --- ### CHIMING OF THE TRINITY & PRELUDE --- ### *CALL TO WORSHIP* _adapted from the UCC Mental Health Network_ May all people see the love, care, and compassion that is God. **God is our counselor and therapist. God helps us to heal and navigate this life with our siblings or ourselves living with mental health challenges.** Hear, O God, our prayers of hope, reconciliation, and wellness that we may feel your presence on our journey. **God loves us through all our blemishes, and we respond by grabbing on to hope. God is a Holy Counselor and Journey Partner that holds us up with a beacon of Their immense love today, tomorrow, and always.** --- ### *HYMN #545* – *In the Bulb* 1. In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 2. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody; there’s a dawn in every darkness bringing hope to you and me. From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 3. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity. In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. --- ### *PRAYER OF INVOCATION* _adapted from the UCC Mental Health Network_ Dear God, as we gather on this Mental Health Sunday, to lift mental illness out of the shadows and into the light, to talk openly about things that are often whispered, if they are talked about at all, and to confront the stigma that keeps people from dealing honestly with matters that are more common than we might care to acknowledge. Bless us with determination and persistence, as we strive to create safe space in our congregation for all people, including those dealing with mental health challenges, whether fleeting or lasting. Realizing that “they” are “us”, help us forge a path forward, together, toward a way of being that emphasizes empathy, universal compassion, and care for all your children. Give us courage and wisdom. We ask this in the name of the One who loves us all, no matter who we are or where we are on life’s journey. Amen. --- ### ANTHEM *“Precious Lord, Take My Hand”* _setting by Jack Schrader_ --- ### SCRIPTURE READING **Romans 12:9-21 (NRSVUE)** *Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.* --- ### CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Rev. Caroline E. Saxton *Children’s Corner will be offered following the Children’s Message* --- ### SCRIPTURE READING **Mark 4:35-41 (NRSVUE)** *On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"* --- ## SERMON Rev. Caroline E. Saxton ### Introduction and Opening Scripture Narrative - The sermon opens with a retelling of a familiar biblical narrative: - The description of a boat caught in a storm with rising winds and crashing waves, echoing the story where a disciple questions, “Teacher, don’t you care?” This reflects the account where Jesus is asleep in the boat, and the disciples wake Him in fear. Jesus responds by giving orders to the wind, calming the storm, and bringing about a great calm, demonstrating His authority over nature and His care for those in distress. - The pastor affirms that this account represents the enduring word of God to the people of God, inviting the congregation to receive it with gratitude. ### Invocation and Prayer - The sermon transitions into a prayer: - The pastor leads the congregation in asking that “the words of my name and the expressions of all others” be acceptable before God, invoking God as a source of comfort and guidance, especially in matters of mental health. - There is an acknowledgment of the importance of mental health ministry and the community’s covenantal mission, highlighting the need for prayerful support for all. ### Covenant and Image of God in Everyone - Emphasis is placed on the covenantal mission: - The pastor highlights the belief that the image of God is present in every individual, regardless of physical or mental condition. This is rooted in the church’s commitment to see the divine image in all people. - This inclusive declaration underlines the Christian calling to recognize and honor each person as made in God’s image, affirming the value and dignity of every individual. ### Empirical Stories and Personal Experience - The pastor draws on personal and familial narrative to illustrate the impact of faith: - A reference is made to reading “the book memoirs” a couple of years ago, emphasizing the value of sharing lived experiences to convey understanding and shape thought and behavior. - The pastor recounts family experiences with mental health, particularly his father’s involvement in the mental health association and his grandmother’s mental health crisis and subsequent inpatient care in North Florida. Although her treatment was not a cure, she lived with depression and unrest but was able to find meaning and purpose. - These stories are shared to demonstrate that, even amidst ongoing struggles, it is possible to live with hope and purpose, and to love and accept people as they are. ### Jesus’ Ministry of Compassion - The sermon emphasizes Jesus’ holistic approach: - Jesus is described as encountering people in the fullness of their lives, inviting them into relationship and compassion, and being present with them in both troubles and storms. - The pastor illustrates how Jesus’ ministry is modeled on embracing individuals authentically, including those facing mental health challenges, and walking toward the “mark, not the edge”—a metaphor for seeking deeper, genuine relationships rather than superficial connections. - The pastor’s own experiences in seminary and clinical practice, including work in behavioral health settings and with underserved communities, reinforce the message of meeting people where they are and offering love and support. ### Application to Mental and Physical Health - The congregation is encouraged to integrate faith in everyday struggles: - The pastor addresses the reality of mental health challenges and affirms that a good and loving life includes both physical and mental health. He acknowledges that bodies and minds change in response to illness, injury, or grief, but emphasizes that God is present with us in all circumstances. - Listeners are reminded that, in times of illness, grief, or distress, the presence of Jesus offers “holy comfort.” Jesus invites us into deeper relationship, saying, “lean on me, I can handle everything and anything you throw at me.” The Psalms are cited as a source of reassurance that God does not abandon or forsake us, even in silence, heaviness, or heartbreak. - The sermon encourages believers to take advantage of available resources, therapies, counseling, and medications as part of God’s provision, and to recognize that progress in mental and physical health is part of the journey of faith. The pastor stresses that it is normal to be imperfect and in progress, and that everyone is welcome as they are. ### Call to Community and Support - The final message stresses the importance of leaning on Jesus and community: - The congregation is encouraged to support one another in times of crisis, echoing the biblical promise found in the Psalms and the assurance that we are not alone. - Attendees are reassured that, whether facing personal mental health challenges or supporting someone else, they are not called to handle it alone. With Jesus and community, believers can make life “a little bit easier” for one another. - The pastor reminds the congregation that, united in faith and community—referenced in the context of the Medical Health Assembly—they are called to be wise, supportive, and compassionate to one another and to themselves. ### Conclusion - The sermon concludes with an invitation to lean on the love of Jesus and the strength found in community, affirming that in the midst of storms—both literal and figurative—God’s comfort and guidance are ever-present. - The call is clear: be wise, supportive, and compassionate, trusting that with Jesus and the support of community, all challenges can be met with hope, resilience, and the assurance that we are not alone. ### 🗒 Sermon Summary - The sermon’s central message focuses on faith, mental health, and compassionate community care rooted in recognizing the image of God in every person. - It aligns with the **thematic focus on mental health awareness and justice**, emphasizing that mental illness does not diminish God’s love or a person’s inherent value. - The preacher calls the congregation to lean on Jesus and supportive community amidst mental health challenges, highlighting a covenantal mission to uphold dignity and justice, especially for marginalized people facing mental health struggles. --- ### 🎙 Preaching Style - The sermon uses a **Narrative and Topical** style, blending personal and family stories with theological reflection. - The preacher references the book *Blessed Are the Crazy* by Sarah Griffith Lund, along with another memoir titled *Memoirs: To Be An Effective Job* (transcription unclear but likely a resource on mental health empathy), both used to understand and convey mental health experiences effectively. - Inclusion of clinical practice experiences and family history broadens relatability and fosters inclusivity. - Storytelling primarily addresses auditory learners with implicit invitations for reflection; no explicit visuals or kinesthetic activities are noted. --- ### 🗣 Intonation and Delivery - The preacher’s vocal delivery is calm, compassionate, and inclusive—appropriate for a sensitive mental health topic. - Tone shifts gently between hopeful encouragement and solemn reflection, engaging auditory learners effectively. - Though no specific gestures or visuals are mentioned, emotive language paints mental images that support understanding. --- ### 📝 Content Structure - The sermon follows a clear, logical flow: scriptural grounding → personal/family narratives → clinical insights → theological reflection → communal application. - Transitions are smooth and accessible, aiding comprehension across diverse listeners. - Repetitive emphasis on leaning on Jesus and God’s unwavering love reinforces core messages and comfort. --- ### 👥 Engagement and Application - Actively centers marginalized groups, especially people with mental health issues who face stigma and invisibility. - Practical applications include encouraging reliance on faith and community, advocating justice in care access, and promoting unconditional compassion. - Engagement includes prayer invitations and communal solidarity; no direct kinesthetic or group discussion activities are described. --- ### 📖 Scripture Breakdown - Key scriptural references: - Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35–41), symbolizing God’s presence amid life’s turmoil. - Psalms expressing trust and refuge in God during suffering and despair. - Scriptures underscore God’s faithful presence in mental anguish, affirming inclusion and divine justice. - Theological themes highlight the covenantal mission to honor the divine image in every person. --- ### Logical Reasoning #### Positive Elements 1. **Sound Deductive Reasoning** (00:01:41 - 00:02:38): - Premise: Every person bears God’s image irrespective of mental or physical health. - Conclusion: Thus, all deserve dignity, care, and justice. - This anchors the ethical imperative in theological truth, adding moral authority. - Suggestion: Explicitly articulating this syllogism early would clarify the foundation for listeners. 2. **Causal Reasoning** (00:04:32 - 00:06:06): - The preacher’s family experience and ministry inform compassionate advocacy and support for mental health. - This causal link bolsters the authenticity and motivation behind the call to action. - Suggestion: Incorporating empirical data or scholarly references could strengthen this causal chain. 3. **Balanced and Nuanced Views** (00:09:58 - 00:11:30): - Acknowledges imperfection and ongoing progress in mental health recovery, avoiding simplistic solutions. - Promotes grace and patience within community support. - Suggestion: Further elaborating on diverse healing pathways would deepen nuance. 4. **Ethical Reasoning** (Throughout): - Emphasizes justice, compassion, and inclusion as faith-rooted moral duties. - Appeals effectively to listeners’ conscience and ethical commitments. 5. **Logical Flow**: - Smooth progression from scripture to personal narrative to application enhances listener understanding. - Repetition solidifies key messages of hope and communal reliance. #### Fallacies or Weaknesses - No explicit logical fallacies were identified. - Minor potential for **Hasty Generalization** when implying mental health challenges have divine resolution, though tempered by realistic acknowledgment of ongoing struggle. --- ### 📚 References - Scriptural: Mark 4:35–41 (Jesus calming the storm), Psalms (trust and refuge). - Books referenced: - *Blessed Are the Crazy* by Sarah Griffith Lund — a theological and pastoral reflection on mental illness and the church’s response. - No explicit mention of other theologians or marginalized community voices, which could further enrich theological diversity and inclusivity. --- ### 🗨 Quotes and Illustrative Stories - Memorable quote: “Jesus walked toward the mark, not the edge” (00:06:06), a metaphor for steady, compassionate progress. - Stories include: - Preacher’s father’s ministry in mental health, shaped by family experience. - Clinical practice in underserved communities. - Biblical storm narrative as metaphor for God’s presence amid mental storms. - The referenced books serve as reflective tools to foster empathy and effective communication about mental health struggles. --- ### 🔄 Calls to Action - Encourages leaning on Jesus and community through mental health challenges. - Advocates acceptance of imperfection and ongoing healing. - Calls are warm, inviting prayer and mutual support, suited for auditory and reflective learners. - Could be strengthened by adding visual affirmations or kinesthetic group activities for deeper engagement. ### A MENTAL HEALTH SUNDAY LITANY _adapted from the UCC Mental Health Network_ To the God of many names and no name, we are your people touched and drawn to your presence among us. **We search our hearts and lives as we look for your creative love and justice making presence in our days.** Especially on this day we gather to affirm that among us we need the healing balm of Jesus’ compassionate care for our bodies and our minds. **Among us there are those like us who know about or have experienced directly mental health challenges which impact our living. We have sought purpose and meaning when darkness and bleakness have come upon some of us; we have sought treatments through therapists and medications to stabilize our moods and our brains; and we have come to be together in faith and spiritual practices to sustain us and lead us to live with gratitude.** Our intention, O God, is to break the silence on mental illness so that those who live in the isolation of being stigmatized can find a safe space and a welcoming community of people so that the fullness of life can be enjoyed. **As we embrace those who live with serious depression, bipolar, anxiety and panic attacks, eating disorders, addiction, or other mental illnesses, we pray that our actions and our words can be a comfort and a source of hope for each of us. Guide us, open us, instill wisdom, and lead us on the path of wholeness for your name’s sake. Amen.** --- ### SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS --- ### PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER (DEBTS) --- ### INVITATION TO GIVING --- ### OFFERTORY --- ### *OFFERTORY RESPONSE* (words are on the screen) --- ### *PRAYER OF DEDICATION* _adapted from the UCC Mental Health Network_ O God, we call out in prayer, beyond our understanding, especially in times of need. Our worship sends us forth in service, and we offer ourselves – not as individuals alone – but as part of larger efforts, and supported by our faith. We dedicate ourselves to the maintenance of healthy boundaries, and to our own self-care, and also as instruments of blessing for others in need, particularly those who are affected by the challenges with mental health. Help us to remember our call and promise, and to learn from the moments we falter or mis-step, that love may increase, that wellness may flourish, that healing may come. As we have always been, we are yours, poured out in love for the world. Amen. --- ### *HYMN #14* – *Eternal Father, Strong to Save* 1. Eternal Father, strong to save, whose arm doth bind the restless wave, who bids the mighty ocean deep its own appointed limits keep; O hear us when we cry to Thee for those in peril on the sea. 2. O Savior, whose almighty word the winds and waves submissive heard, who walked upon the foaming deep, and calm amid the rage did sleep; O hear us when we cry to Thee for those in peril on the sea. 3. O Holy Spirit, who did brood upon the waters wild and rude, and bid their angry tumult cease, and give for wild confusion peace; O hear us when we cry to Thee for those in peril on the sea. 4. O Trinity of love and power, Your children shield in danger’s hour; from rock and tempest, fire and foe, protect them whereso’er they go; thus, evermore shall rise to Thee glad hymns of praise from land and sea. --- ### *COMMISSION & BENEDICTION* _adapted from the UCC Mental Health Network_ May the grace that says “you are not alone” encourage you. May the mercy that says “you are enough” comfort you. May the love that says “you are loved” embrace you this day and every day. Amen. --- ### POSTLUDE (seated) *Join us following the service for coffee hour, especially celebrating all May birthdays!* --- The “Nursery Nook in the Narthex” quiet area and infant/toddler space in the Parlor are available for children and families to use during worship. Age-appropriate activity bags are also available. See the deacon for assistance. --- ### Birthdays this week: - 5/26 Luke Herbert - 5/29 Sutton Collier, Jerry Miller and Nathaniel Widmann - 5/30 Hayden Johnson, Dick Rebok, and Noah Wright - 5/31 Dale Myers, Melinda Orndorff and Amanda Stepler --- | Worship Participants | | |----------------------------|------------------------------| | Pastor | Rev. Caroline E. Saxton | | Organist | Barbara Motichka | | Deacon in Charge | Mike Blumberg | | Lector | Henry Hopper | | Children’s Corner | Diana and Swann Kongkeattikul| | Media Coordinators | Calvin Frantz | | Bulletin cover | York County PA | --- **The Flowers at the Foot of the Cross** are given in memory of Don Rockwell and other friends and family by Carol Rockwell. --- ### St. John’s Vision We are called to love, to learn, to worship and to witness in Christ as a congregation that welcomes everyone, and seeks service that will advance God’s realm on earth. ### St. John’s Mission To grow in love of God and neighbor