January 11, 2025 – Embrace & Radiate

Choosing “Star Words” for Epiphany has become a tradition at Bethlehem.  Star Word cards are  placed along window sills or on a table leaving the sanctuary, and people are encouraged to randomly pick a word to contemplate for the year.  This past Sunday in Minnetonka I grabbed TWO cards.  There they lay on a window sill under a beautiful stained glass window, both jumping out at me, crying out “Pick me! Pick me!”  I couldn’t leave either one out, so I grabbed them both. There were plenty of words to go around, so I was certain I wasn’t depriving anyone of a card.

I am already internalizing my words.  They are speaking loudly to me. I have seriously contemplated how to weave these Star Words into the fabric of my world, and they are inspiring me.  

If you don’t have a Star Word of your own, there are more at both campuses to ask for, or I would love to have you share mine and make them your own.  My words are Embrace and Radiate. How perfect!  How can I embrace all that is good in my life and be grateful for it?  My people, my health, my faith…each day I have so much to be thankful for.  How do I embrace the people who are so cherished by me and let them know how much they mean to me? How do I radiate the love I have for them?  Phone calls, text messages checking in, meals shared, planning outings together, cards in the mail, a listening ear when needed…such simple acts of acknowledgement that someone has a place in my heart!  

I think about my values and goals as well when I ponder my Star Words.  How do I embrace my drive to get enough exercise and make healthy lifestyle choices?  As much as I wanted to hibernate in my house this week, I embraced the opportunity one of my best friends offered when she asked if I wanted to walk at our local shopping center.  My head said “NO!” but I made my mouth say “Yes”, even though defaulting to my couch with a blanket was what my heart was yearning for.  We put in three miles that evening!  I felt great!  And then the next night my dear husband and I hit the halls of the mall again to embrace our common goal of healthy habits. I trust eventually my improved health will radiate from my entire being.

This has been a difficult season for this congregation.  We have experienced multiple losses and deep grief in a short period of time. Many of us have experienced difficulties of our own that are not known outside of our own circle or our own being. Loss and grief and depression and hurt stay by our sides indefinitely. How do we embrace those around us who are experiencing these things?  How do we radiate our love and compassion and care into their worlds?  

There have been multiple tragedies in our world and our community recently.  How do we embrace those who have lost everything to fire in encampments? Or wildfires burning out of control?  Or innocent people starving because relief efforts are cut off from them?

Think deeply about what your passions are, and who needs you to embrace them right now. Do you have a favorite non-profit organization or local food shelf that you can support financially? If nothing pops into mind immediately, remember that the ELCA has local and worldwide efforts that need support.  Check out what they have to offer for US Wildfire relief HERE.  And keep in mind that  Bethlehem supports those in need in our own neighborhoods through our Starfish Ministry. Consider supporting them as they do remarkable work connecting our neighbors to the resources they need. 

For those in our own circles who need support, remember that a listening ear and the message that you are there for them if they need you is the greatest gift in times of grief and loss. Let them lead the conversation without prying for details.  Remember that they need to hear they are loved and seen, but expectations of sharing their experiences are exhausting and depleting.  If they want to share, they will share. They need unconditional love without expectations. Ask what you can do for them, and tell them how much you care about them.  If they want to go deeper, let them initiate that conversation.

Who can you radiate for this season? Who needs to be embraced by you?  And what parts of your life do you want to embrace and expand on this new year? The possibilities are limitless. 

Touching lives and changing the world together,

Heidi

January 4, 2025 – Upcoming Events

Happy New Year!  I am writing to you from Arizona this week. What a gift to be able to visit my family over the New Year holiday and enjoy the warmth and sunshine. Because I am on vacation, I am simply listing some of the upcoming Care Ministry events.  While you are checking them out, take a peek at ALL of the events Bethlehem has to offer!  You are sure to find something that appeals to you and gives you an opportunity for community and inclusion. 

SALT is hosting a mini-retreat during the season of Epiphany on January 6th to deepen our relationship with the Spirit of God through meditation and spiritual renewal. Led by Nicholas Tangen from the Minneapolis Synod and Lutheran Benedictine Oblate at St. John’s Abbey, the event will take place at the Minneapolis campus in Minneapolis, with a catered lunch provided. YOU CAN REGISTER HERE. 

Take Time for Mental Health is a monthly series that aims to increase awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness. It is hosted by collaborating congregations Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community, 

This month the topic will be Healing Through Art. The session will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community.  The topic is Restorative Art and the speaker is Jesse Fraser. Restorative Art is one tool used to help us develop our creative skills to heal ourselves mentally, physically and emotionally. YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE HERE.

Meetings begin at 6:00 pm with a light supper provided. 6:30 pm The program begins at
6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:00 pm. This event is free to attend, although a free-will offering will be accepted for supper. Please register in advance.

And remember, if you happen to be at the Minnetonka campus on January 5, join me at 10:45 to get some steps in as we share a devotion and walk the halls of the church.  If you’re at the Minneapolis campus, find a friend and walk those halls for a few minutes.  What a great way to start the day!

May this new year bring you blessing and peace,

Heidi

December 29, 2024 – Grace In the New Year

Here we go, into the New Year. Can you believe it?  I hope everyone found some joy and peace this Christmas season. As we turn the corner into 2025, I encourage you to be filled with grace for yourselves. I am a big believer in setting reasonable general goals versus high achieving resolutions for each new year, so I am reminding myself to be gentle with myself and I wish the same for you.  As I review 2024, I think about the areas I grew in and the lessons I learned about myself: I am pleased with some of the results of my health goals.  I made greater efforts to consciously reach out to some of the people in my life. I’ve been more intentional in my quest to clean out the clutter in my home.  I like the areas I’ve grown in, and I think I will simply continue to work on those same general areas instead of adding lofty goals to my list. 

I hope that you will also be gentle with yourselves.  Maybe finding grace for ourselves IS our New Year’s resolution this year! What a lovely way to spend the coming year.

Happy, grace filled New Year to all!

Heidi

December 21, 2024 – 10,000 Steps – Or Not?

My generous hearted family gave me an Apple watch for my birthday two years ago.  I was super excited about it, but the technology stopped me in my tracks.  I wasn’t sure how to set it up.  I didn’t want it buzzing or beeping in public. I set it aside after attempting to get it connected to my phone, and have been looking at it longingly on my dresser for those two years until my darling daughter came home in November and I pleaded with her to please help me get it working.  I am now the semi-obsessed wearer of my watch! 

Trust me when I tell you that I am not technically minded. I don’t love gadgets. At all. The main reason I was interested in this Apple watch was to track my health habits, especially the steps I’m taking each day.  I admit I was not surprised when I realized I was not getting anywhere near the recommended “10,000 steps for health” I was supposed to be walking every day. I started parking even further out in parking lots and walking while waiting for appointments or at the airport even more.  When we traveled to Colorado we stopped every 2-3 hours and took brisk walks at rest stops and gas stations.  I even plugged our forgotten treadmill back in and hopped on it to get more steps in my day. But I wasn’t even getting close to that magic number of 10,000 steps, even though some days I don’t feel like I stop moving. 

I was feeling convicted and a little discouraged by that watch, even though I know I’m wearing it to motivate me, not to make me feel guilty. Then I read THIS ARTICLE from Mayo Clinic and felt so much better!  It is, of course, very practical, and reminds us that we can’t just jump from the average American norm of 3000-4000 steps a day to 10,000 steps overnight. We have to gradually grow into 10,000 steps a day and set reasonable goals for ourselves.  I was actually proud of myself that I was hitting the 3000-4000 step mark and more on a normal day, which equates to 1.5-2 miles.  Good for me! 

In our quest for health, getting more steps in our days is one of those things we can do without belonging to a health club or a group. Releasing ourselves from unreachable goals allows us to reach doable goals of simply increasing the movement we get each day with the idea of adding a little movement here or there.  READ THIS ARTICLE from Mayo and pat yourself on the back for giving some of their suggestions a try.  And if you happen to be at the Minnetonka campus on Sunday, January 5, join me after church for a few minutes to walk the halls and get a few more of those healthy steps in your day before you head home.  Minnetonka will be hosting Care Ministry Moments on most first and third Sundays of each month, with some of them focusing on movement, and January 5 is the first Moment.  If you happen to be at the Minneapolis campus that day, grab a friend and walk those long halls and chat for 10 minutes before or after you grab coffee and socialize. What a great way to start your day!

Moving towards health in the new year and remembering that “motion is lotion”,

Heidi     

December 14, 2024 – Simplifying the Holidays

This past week we held our monthly Mental Health Connect ambassador meeting.  Every month we have amazing speakers who expand our knowledge about mental health and inspire us to continue the good work of destigmatizing mental illness. (You are all invited!) This month, however, we had a lovely social gathering with delicious treats shared by all along with time to share our own personal tips on how we decrease stress during the holidays.  It was uplifting and a reminder to center our own family holidays around quality time together and decrease our focus on the busy-ness of trying to create the “perfect” holiday.

You may ask just what tips were shared, so I will gladly pass them on to you. Some may be things you already strive for or implement in your own Christmas plans, and I applaud you.  These are all great ways to practice good self-care.  If the holidays seem overwhelming or stress filled, consider adopting one or two of these great practices.

First and foremost, if your holiday gathering is simply getting to be too much, give yourself permission to remove yourself and go for a quick walk outside.  If people criticize or tease you, simply respond with a cheerful “I’ll be right back!  I just need a minute for myself.”  No apologies, no explanation needed!

Other great ideas included decreasing or eliminating gifts.  One family stopped doing gift exchanges all together between adult siblings and now they focus on just being together.  I know my family of six siblings as well as my hubby’s sister and husband all gave up gift exchanges with each other many years ago as well.  It not only decreases our stress level, but helps our finances in a big way.

Another family each brings up to a set amount’s worth of wrapped gifts per person and then they play the dice game.  We also implemented this for years when the cousins were all able to get home for Christmas and it was a blast. We set a $5.oo limit per person and everyone ended up with some unique and unforgettable gifts, plus it was a fun family activity that all ages enjoyed. And another large family drew numbers for white elephant gifts. What a fun way to spend the year finding that perfect white elephant gift, and it is an activity that brings so much laughter!

Many people said that they gave themselves permission to decorate less.  No need to go over the top decorating if you’re not up for it, and then putting everything away is not a dreaded activity.  Others said they no longer had huge Christmas dinners but instead had everyone bring appetizers.  Much less work for the host, and everyone pitches in and helps. One family sometimes has frozen pizza! Another shared that he considers the earth as he wraps his gifts and uses paper bags he decorates instead of buying wrapping paper.  

One ambassador who lives alone talked about how a family “kidnapped” her after church last year and included her, along with giving her her own Christmas stocking, in their Christmas celebration.  Is there anyone you can create Christmas for this year? Even if they don’t spend the day with you, is there a way to surprise someone with a Christmas treat or coffee and rolls in the morning or a little token of a gift?  It can multiply your joy and help you capture the true meaning of the holiday. 

I shared that when my parents began heading south during Dad’s winter break from his job as a high school counselor I thought my life would never be the same.  We had to celebrate Christmas on a day before they left for two weeks. Then we discovered the beauty of celebrating on a day other than Christmas.  They were some of our best holidays ever since everyone could be there without rushing off to another family gathering, and we could relax and enjoy the whole day together. 

I also love leaving our lit tree up for weeks if not months after Christmas. (Yes, it’s a fake tree.) I may take the ornaments off, but the light boosts my spirits on the dark days of winter and creates an atmosphere of calm for me. 

What can you do to help manage this busy time of year?  I love focusing more and more on our time together as a family and less on gifts. I think overfilling stockings for the kids used to be a way for me to overcome a feeling of scarcity when we were much younger and broke, but my family has helped me to separate a full stocking and a tree packed full of presents underneath it from how much I love them.  I’m blessed that our kids are not materialistic, and that they encourage us to limit the gifts we give them.  It helps me to remember that it isn’t about how full the stockings are on Christmas morning.  It’s about being present and joy filled with the ones we love.

May you find ways to decrease your stress this Christmas season.  And remember to give the lovely Longest Night service a try on Thursday the 19th at 7:00 at both campuses. The new liturgy co-written by Pastor Meta is remarkable and moving.  The service promises to be balm to your soul.

With the joy of Christmas,

Heidi

December 7, 2024 – Holiday Stress

Wow. Am I ever feeling the stress of the holidays this week!  By the time you read this, I will be in the mountains of Colorado participating as an activity leader for an Advent retreat at our beloved camp and my stress level will be temporarily decreased, but is anyone else feeling the pressure of “getting it all done” like I am?  My body is tensing up. Work deadlines, holiday shopping, decorating, travel, annual gatherings, holiday plans up in the air… there’s just so much going on. 

It is a balancing act to fit it all in and figure it all out with a smile on your face, and these things don’t even take into consideration grief, illness, moving, or other big life changes or disappointments or unexpected shifts in our expectations. 

Please know that we see you. Your Bethlehem family is here for you.  Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need us. And consider joining us for the lovely, contemplative Longest Night service on December 19 at both campuses and livestreamed. Come sit in the sanctuary and just be. Allow room for grief and stress and all of the hard things to be recognized.  I have to admit  that this is my favorite service of the entire year. 

If you need other ideas to get through the holidays, check out these Holiday Wellness Tips brought to you by Mental Health Connect.You’ll find everything from tips if you’re not in the holiday spirit, to ways to handle stress, to craft ideas to lift your spirits, to resources if you want more help for dealing with life situations.

Through it all, remember that each one of us is a beloved child of God.  We are part of a community that is here to lift each other up.  Please contact us here if you need us. 

With hope in God’s abundant peace,

Heidi 

November 20, 2024 – There’s an APP for That!

What a delightful week this has been!  Our beloved daughter Mari was home for a visit and we all just got to hang out together with no agenda or big plans. We spent so much family time chatting, playing with the Little Girls, and eating delicious meals almost every single night lovingly prepared by our amazing daughter-in-law and son.  What a gift!

Although Mari headed back home to Colorado for Thanksgiving, she did accompany me on a grocery shopping trip to get last minute goods for our Thanksgiving gathering, and boy did we have fun! Now, our idea of fun may differ from others, but the rare every day time together was priceless. What elevated the fun was that I introduced her to a new app that someone had shared with me, and it has changed the world of nutrition for us!  We spent a good chunk of time going up and down aisles and scanning items we use a lot and we had some eye opening moments about pickles, hot sauce and peanut butter amongst a zillion other everyday items. And bonus:  if the item you’ve scanned is a less than ideal choice, Yuka offers healthier alternatives. You don’t have to search for them yourself! OR – it tells you how great a choice the food item is.  I admit it gives me a rush of positive endorphins when I see that one of my food choices is EXCELLENT! 

While I don’t worry too much about the perils of my Thanksgiving day feasting, I have started to be much more aware of what exactly is in the foods we buy and use on a daily basis. If you haven’t heard of Yuka – The Mobile App That Scans Your Products, you are going to want to download it onto your phone today!  I promise you, this app will change your life if you are trying to avoid dangerous additives or too much sodium or bad fats along with many other things in your food.  I glaze over and grow weary of trying to keep track of what is hidden in my food under different names and healthy sounding alternate names as I read content lists on packages. This app does it for you! You open Yuka, scan the barcode on your item, and immediately up pops an easy to read and, more importantly, easy to understand analysis of the food item. There are even options for scanning cosmetic items for carcinogens and other not-so-great-for-you substances. And yes, Mari and I had our form of fun scanning away in the grocery store on Tuesday! While I downloaded the free app, check out the web site above for more information and additional options available. Not only will you be impressed by their statements of unbiased input, you will love reading about the team who makes up Yuka.  They are inspiring. (Make sure you read the Independence heading. It tells you just how unbiased they are. And there are beautiful recipes under the Blog heading. Try one and report back to me!) 

My wish for you this holiday season is a home full of joy and good food and special moments with the people you love.  My wish for each of us every day is an easier way to make healthy choices and nourish our bodies.  So I share Yuka with you.  You’re going to love it!

Making easy changes towards health with my Yuka app,

Heidi

November 23, 2024 – How Gratitude Changed My Life

Oh, so many years ago, when I was a young mom with two adorable, loveable kids and the wife of a wonderful, dedicated husband, my life was still overwhelming me.  Even though these were the things my dreams were made of, I was not only overwhelmed, but was also unhappy and bedraggled. Life was just not the blissful sunshine filled oasis I had always dreamed it would be.  

Then one day I had coffee with a college friend whose advice changed my life.  Please believe me when I tell you that it CHANGED my life! The insight she gave me was so very simple yet required the commitment to applying it to MY life every day.  30 plus years later I am filled with deep relief – and a little bit of pride in the exhausted young mom that I was – that I DID apply it, and to this day it continues to be the foundation I try to live by.

As we chatted that day, I poured my despair and discontent out to my friend.  She then told me this story:  

In the early years of her marriage, she and her husband drifted apart.  Not only did they drift apart, but she just did not like who he had become.  She was miserable and did not see how they could make it.  She was desperate. So she started walking and praying.  Every day while she walked and prayed, she began thanking God for one thing…ONE THING… that she was grateful for about her husband.  She told me that it was hard, but she found her one thing:  he was a hard worker. Every single day she walked and prayed and thanked God for what a hard worker and provider her husband was.  Soon she found other things that she was thankful for, and long story short – it changed their marriage.  They are still happily married with two beautiful daughters.  Her prayers didn’t change the situation at all, but they changed her heart and how she handled it.  She was able to find GOOD in him and to be less critical of him and communicate with him, and they eventually found their way forward together.  

Please note that my friend was not in an abusive relationship or one with irreconcilable differences, and she and her husband both worked to make change happen. This story had a positive outcome, and is used for illustration purposes only. She shared her experience to give me a new way of approaching my own situation. Even though I had always thought of myself as a positive person, I applied this technique of expressing gratitude to my life.  In the depths of my discontent, I found one thing every day that I was grateful for. It changed my life. I started finding the positives in my situation instead of focusing on what made me so unhappy. I had a new perspective and a new tool to use to find the positive in my life. It has been truly transformative. 

Gratitude can change your life!  There is actually scientific proof that living with gratitude has amazing benefits.  Check out this article from Psychology Today that points to the benefits of gratitude like better sleep, improved mental and physical health, and more.  

This article from Mayo Clinic also discusses how expressing gratitude can improve your mental and physical health.  It talks about how gratitude should be expressed daily, and how it can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and the risk of disease.  As it says, people would take a pill with these benefits every day if they could!  It also reminds us that behavior can change biology.  What a breakthrough!  Gratitude and positive gestures release oxytocin in our brains, which leads to a sense of well-being.  And bonus – anyone can practice gratitude!  A wonderful book about the positive changes you can make in your brain with practice is Henry Emmons’ “The Chemistry of Joy”.  It’s definitely worth the read!

Mayo Clinic offers a program called Discover Gratitude. The virtual month-long program consists of daily journaling about thankfulness, mindfulness and kindness on journal sheets. Acknowledging gratitude and being mindful support a positive shift to improve your mental well-being and health.  Consider this option.  I know I will!  I know first hand the major impact a life of gratitude has made for me, and for that I am eternally thankful.

Even easier: simply begin each day by finding three things you are thankful for.  Look in a mirror and smile at yourself as you say what you are grateful for. The action of smiling releases beneficial hormones! Repeat throughout the day and again each day after that. I pray it has the same impact for you that it had for me. 

With a grateful heart,

Heidi

November 16, 2024 – Christ Really is King

Last Sunday was balm to my soul. Pastor Meta spoke a bit about the Feast of Christ the King, and how Pope Pius XI instituted this Feast in 1925 (not so long ago!) in response to growing secularism and secular ultra-nationalism.  It was a wonderful reminder to me that Christ is indeed King over ALL that our world is experiencing right now, regardless of who we voted for this month, and in spite of our limited vision of who is in charge. I was able to take a deep breath and be grateful that I have a direct line – as each and every one of us do – to the One who is really in charge of it all.  We can lay our fear and joy and anxiety and relief and anger and calm or whatever the emotion of the day is at Christ’s feet and know that we are heard.  

I have also given a lot of thought to what I can physically do to make a difference in this world in the here and now.  First and foremost, I am going to learn.  I am going to be more attentive to what I can do to cross the divide between myself and those who see the world through a different lens in my city and state and neighborhood.  How timely that Bethlehem has a great opportunity this week for us to learn about building bridges across the “differences that make a difference”!  Joe Davis and David Scherer will join us again to speak about how to bridge the gap in our communities. This is the third in a series sponsored by BOTH the Children, Youth, and Family Team AND SALT. In other words, this message is for ALL generations!  I missed the first two evenings with this dynamic duo, but I will be attending the third evening on Wednesday, November 20 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  Dinner will be served at 6:00 and the program will begin at 6:30.  You can register and find more information HERE. (Please register for food planning purposes.)

This has also been a time of deep introspection for me.  HOW do I move forward in a time when I am tired and burned out?  How do I care for others when I feel like I need to just take care of myself?  Give this week’s Take Time for Mental Health Series: Moving from Self Care to Compassion on Tuesday a try. The presenter will be Michael Rios-Keating, the Director of Culture and Belonging, Catholic Charities, Twin Cities Minneapolis.  He will address how we balance compassion for our neighbors with our own needs and limits.  Another timely program, it will explore sustainable approaches to ministries within vulnerable communities, and will discuss strategies for sustainable interpersonal care amidst a culture of burnout.  You will have an opportunity to reflect on ways you can evaluate your own mental, physical and spiritual health while helping others. This month’s meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 19 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at our partner community, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community.  Check out the link above for more information.  

And finally, remember that we have great resources at our fingertips if you’re feeling stressed or anxious about the recent election or for any reason. The Navigators at Mental Health Connect are skilled listeners, and will gladly help if you need some resources to help point the way to calm and well-being.  You can call, text or email them and they will respond within 24 hours.  Remember that the Navigation line is a warm-line, so if you feel that you or a loved one needs immediate help, dial 9-8-8 for instant, emergency help.  The Navigation line really is for you, and the Navigators are passionate about helping!

Last but not least, breath.  Take deep breaths and think about the things you are thankful for.  It may not change a situation, but it can soften our souls, refocus our minds and decrease our stress.  

With deep gratitude for each of you, and that Christ is King,

Heidi

November 9, 2024 – The Known and Unknown

As I write this message, the results of the election are unknown.  I intentionally have avoided watching the news all day because the stress of focusing on the unknown all day is unhealthy for me. By the time you read this, we will hopefully know who our next president will be. There will be happy and unhappy people regardless of the outcome. The only thing we can know for certain is that our God is leading us through this time of uncertainty. 

Pastor Enstad shared this prayer at our staff meeting this week that Carrie, his lovely wife, has posted in their home as a reminder every day and I wanted to share it with you:

O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

What a great reminder for us that we do not know the future, but we can go out with courage every day knowing that God is leading and supporting us.  Such wonderful, calming reassurance on a path untrodden these days. 

In contrast, Bethlehem has many known events occurring in the midst of the tumult.  Regardless of the election outcome, our faith community will continue sharing the Good News and living into God’s promises. We will continue to love each other and provide meaningful programs to help us live richer, fuller lives. Some events are social, creating a sense of belonging and community for us, while some approach serious topics that serve to support and inform.

A couple of events I’d like to highlight fall into one or the other of these categories:

SALT (Seniors Active in Life Together) has received a personal invitation to explore the Bible and the art collections at St. John’s Library on Thursday, November 14 from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. They will join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours in the Abbey Church, tour the beautifully designed chapel, and share a meal. Pre-registration is required. Sign up today at this link.  Transportation will be provided, with a bus stopping at both the Minneapolis and the Minnetonka campuses.  If the cost is a barrier, please contact Diane Waarvik at [email protected].  What an opportunity to experience the beautiful history of the St. John’s Library art collection!

The next event has a much different tone, but is of great importance. You are invited to join us to learn more about suicide.  The statistics about suicide in Minnesota are grim, and national statistics remind us that suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States! Being informed could save a life.

*In 2022, 260 Minnesotans died from suicide, the highest number ever.

*At the time of the DHS study, it was predicted 815 Minnesotans would die from suicide   in 2023.

*Males consistently have suicide rates 3-4x higher than females.

*In 2023, 95% of individuals who called 988 did not require support from a higher-level of service such as mobile crisis or emergency services.

*Of people who called 988 for support: 15% were 65+ years old, 26% were 45-64 years old, 34% were 25-44 years old, 19% were 16-24 years old, 5% were 15 years or younger.

By becoming informed about tools you can use if you are ever in the position of knowing someone who might be suicidal or know of someone who is in that position, your knowledge could save a life and help someone find the help they need so desperately.

You are invited to Mental Health Connect’s monthly Ambassador Meeting, Suicide Prevention and Safety Planning: A Guide for Family and Friends. The featured speaker is Melissa Conway, LICSW, on Tuesday, November 12 at Bethlehem’s Minneapolis Campus from 7:00-8:00 p.m.  Please feel free to join us for this important conversation!  If you are interested in a zoom option, please contact me at [email protected].  I will gladly share the link with you.  There will also be a moment of grounding prior to the meeting in Bethlehem’s chapel at 6:30 if you would like time for deep breathing and stress release.

I hope and pray that our nation will rise together to face the challenges and celebrate the blessings of our democracy.  And I hope and pray that our Bethlehem community will do the same, and take advantage of the wonderful opportunities we have to grow and come together as we celebrate our unique personalities.  

May God’s peace be with you,

Heidi

November 2, 2024 – Let All That We Do Be Done in Love

It’s no secret that this year’s election has most of us anxious and uncertain. I personally have friends and family who lie far on both sides of the political spectrum, and I honestly fear any conversation that leads to confrontation with them, especially since I am no political expert.  

I have had to make some intentional choices about how I handle myself with them as I value my relationships deeply, and about handling my own anxiety and fears about this season.  

First and foremost, I have found it helpful to simply be confident in my own values and to know  where I stand on issues.  Even if I don’t have statistics and deep historical knowledge, I know beyond the shadow of a doubt what I believe and why. 

I am also pulling together ways to handle my own stress and anxiety. This is a great time to put our coping mechanisms to work.  Is prayer and meditation a powerful tool for you?  Is exercise a great way for you to destress?  Are daily scripture readings and messages from trusted, well informed people calming? Does talking to a trusted friend help? This is the time to call on all of these tools and put them into practice.  Self care is truly important every day so we can live fully in the knowledge that we are each beloved children of God, and God is holding us close regardless of our political standing. 

This Wellness Guide also has resources that can help during this stressful election season as well.  While it was created to help navigate the holidays by Mental Health Connect, it has resources and tips for handling stress and anxiety of any type. Check it out!

And finally, I am also trying to keep faith in our system of checks and balances and leaders who truly want the best for us. I am choosing to not live in fear, but in action. Which of course means I am casting my vote. My voice matters. 

Your voice matters, too. If you need help getting to your polling place, ask a friend or neighbor for help. 

And above all, being kind to others matters. 1 Corinthians reminds us to let all that we do be done in love.  No, “When you feel like it”, or “If that person thinks like you do.” Simply: let all that we do be done in love. What a great reminder in these difficult times. 

With God’s peace, which truly passes all understanding, 

Heidi

October 19, 2024 – What We Leave For Our Loved Ones

I am writing this with six hours to go until Mark and I head out the door to catch a flight to Norway in the morning.  As we have packed and prepared this week to head across the big blue ocean to celebrate a beloved relative’s 85th birthday, I felt an urgency to make sure our kids knew where our important papers and life insurance policies and all of the things someone has to know about lived.  I know we’ve told them where everything is before, but we haven’t handed them any actual paper work.  As much as I believe in end-of-life planning, we haven’t quite gotten all of our own ducks in a row as far as getting info actually into our children’s hands.  

Bless his heart, Mark sat down and typed out a sheet today with information about the whereabouts of our papers and who holds our mortgage and who to contact about our funeral plots and cremation and who holds our life insurance policies.  I’m relieved!  I also made sure to tell them just which items in our house are of particular value and shouldn’t just be thrown or donated.  There aren’t too many of those items, so the conversation was a pretty quick one, but there ARE some hidden treasures to be found!

Of course our beloved family graciously told us they want us to come home in one healthy piece, and that is definitely our plan, but those details are overwhelming to wade through and figure out if you happen to be the person/people left behind when a loved one dies.  Our ultimate goal is to practice some hearty purging of all things unnecessary this winter, but in the meantime I have tasked one of my sisters with helping the kids wade through our stuff if anything happens to us.  

Does this sound familiar?  It happens to all of us!  Stuff builds up over time, we shove boxes into corners when company is coming, and let’s face it:  life is busy!  Raising kids consumes every minute, caring for loved ones is a priority, and managing non-urgent stuff gets put on the back burner. No amount of donating and holding garage sales seems to diminish the piles I tackle.

I keep telling myself that I do NOT want to leave this task to my kids, and Mark and I have made a pact to get through every last item hidden in the corners of our home this winter.  (Feel free to check in with me as the months go on!  It will hold me accountable!)

I keep thinking about the legacy I want to leave my family beyond the lessons I hope I have imparted to them and the example of loving them with every cell in my body that I have tried to set. That legacy includes not adding to the burden of grief if something were to happen to us.  Grief is hard enough in and of itself, so I pray that I can make that time easier on them by dealing with advanced directives and legacy planning and cleaning out my stuff before we say goodbye. 

This legacy of planning is not just for elders.  Every adult has wishes and desires about how they want to spend their last days, and who they want to take care of their final wishes, and what they want done with their possessions, so I encourage anyone over 18 years old to have a plan.  It is the greatest gift you can give your loved ones.  If you are interested in more information about advanced directives or need help knowing where to start in your cleaning-out process, feel free to contact your Care Team.  

Diane Waarvik ([email protected]) and I ([email protected]) are happy to support you.

Here’s to leaving a legacy and cleaning out the basement,

Heidi

October 12, 2024 – My In-box

Our email in-boxes can be overwhelming.  I am signed up for so many notifications so I don’t miss any pertinent information regarding health and wellness and events and even news.  Some days I just delete away after reading the subject lines, but some of the information is worthy of sharing.

Every day, I receive a lovely devotion called God Pause from Luther Seminary written by ELCA pastors.  This week I was touched by the thoughtful inclusion of this devotion related to Indigenous People’s Day.  It gave me reason to pause and think, and it reminded me of the upcoming SALT event: Honoring Indigenous People’s Day being held on October 15 from 10:00-12:30 that I have mentioned recently.  While I will be traveling and sadly unable to attend, I hope that your interest will be sparked to learn more about this day. It is an important call to learn and to honor our Indigenous neighbors. And if the God Pause devotion speaks to you, you are able to sign up to receive their daily devotion as well.

I also found a reminder in my in-box that an Introduction to Tai Chi Chih class began Oct. 10 at Bethlehem and runs for 6 weeks.  This meditative movement class can enhance one’s well-being, health and balance. It can be done standing or seated. Accredited Tai Chi Chih instructor and Bethlehem member Paula Haraldson will be leading the class.  Even if you missed the first class, you can still show up and learn more about this great opportunity to improve your health and mental well-being.   

And speaking of mental well-being, this week has been Mental Illness Awareness Week.  Bethlehem collaborates with St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community every month to present the

Take Time for Mental Health Series. This month’s topic is Healing Religious Trauma, presented by Pastor Siri Strommen at Bethlehem’s Minneapolis campus on October 15. Siri is an engaging presenter… you don’t want to miss her!

I know it’s hard to keep up with everything in our email inboxes, but I hope you’ll take time to check out these great opportunities to learn and enrich and create community together.  It’s one of my favorite things about Bethlehem.

Blessings as we grow and learn,

Heidi

October 5, 2024 – Put It On Your Calendar

Happy Fall!  Just like that, the weather has changed!  Along with this lovely fall weather, regular programming at Bethlehem has begun and the calendar is bursting with wonderful opportunities.  There are two events coming up soon that I’d love to highlight in particular this week that promise to enrich and enlighten your lives.  

The first event is Honoring Indigenous Peoples Day and is happening at the Minneapolis campus on October 15 from 10:00-12:30.   Indigenous Peoples Day is a holiday in the United States that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. 

This program is sponsored by Bethlehem’s SALT (Seniors Active in Life Together) group. 

The speaker, Louise Matson, Director of the Division of Indian Work for the state of Minnesota, will share more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day and about the culture.  Louise is a graduate of St. Olaf and a member of the White Earth Band Of Ojibwe. Lunch will be served following the presentation. You can register HERE for this event.

Also happening on October 15, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bethlehem’s Minneapolis campus, will be the Take Time for Mental Health Series.The topic will be about Healing Religious Trauma.  Certain beliefs and theologies within religious traditions can lead to mental and spiritual harm. This program is designed to develop an understanding of religious trauma and its causes. It will also explore the various avenues churches and pastors have for establishing safe and nurturing environments so that they can promote and encourage healing and growth within their own settings. The speaker will be Pastor Siri Strommen.

Siri Strommen is a Lutheran (ELCA) pastor, spiritual seeker, author, and singer/songwriter. With 18 years of experience as a pastor, she is also a 200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher, religious trauma-informed, and Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed.

CEUs are available for this program. This meeting is live and in-person only.

And finally, I’d like to mention that I had the privilege of attending the Beacon fundraising lunch this past Monday along with nine other lovely Bethlehem folks.  I was choked up throughout the event, and left beyond thankful that Beacon is one of Bethlehem’s amazing outreach partners.  I always wish I could dedicate more time to volunteering time to this organization, but had a lovely conversation with a dear Bethlehem friend about how thankful we are that we can support Beacon financially or with a donation of household items even if we can’t give time to them right now and that those donations make a HUGE difference in the lives of so many. Check out these beautiful Stories that light the way home in 2024 ✨🏡💙 (youtube.com) that we got to hear on Monday.  They will move your hearts.

Blessings as the seasons march on,

Heidi

September 28, 2024 – Washing Hands, Immunizations and Free Covid Kits

I love fall.  I bask in sunny, crisp days that might require a cozy sweater or sunshine that is just warm enough to keep a person comfortable without one. The beauty of changing leaves and the extra sparkle of sunshine reflecting off of a lake just make me so happy.  I could live in a climate that is the season of fall all year long.  However, I know that winter lies just beyond fall.  While there is beauty in winter, too, I just know that the darker days are harder on me, so I have to take steps to get the light and vitamin D my body needs.  

I was reminded at my doctor’s office this week that winter is not the only thing around the corner. Along with darker, colder days comes more time spent inside with flu bugs and colds and Covid.  I never thought I would be considered an immunocompromised person, but being diagnosed with asthma as an adult has me paying attention to those around us who are compromised in a heightened way as a member of that group myself and as a health care provider. As I tested my lung capacity and talked to my doctor and nurse in the clinic, I also received my flu shot.  Yes, indeed, flu season has arrived!  

One of my sister’s also shared with me the creative, kindly put wedding invitation she received recently, requesting that people test for Covid the morning of the wedding and to remember that  multiple members of the couple’s family along with members of the bridal party were immunosuppressed, and to please mask or refrain from attending if you were ill.  It’s a hard ask but necessary in an era when Covid or RSV or the flu could put someone in the hospital or worse.  It was a great reminder that being vaccinated isn’t just to protect ourselves, but to protect those around us whose health may be compromised.  And even easier to do, here is a reminder that washing hands and covering coughs are the first line of defense to keep yourself and others healthy. Washing hands and keeping them away from your face after touching door handles or handrails or any of the multiple surfaces that we touch on a daily basis is a sure way to decrease the chances of getting sick this fall and winter.  

So bask in this beautiful fall sunshine, wash your hands and consider getting your vaccinations updated to keep you and those around you healthier. It’s truly a gift to all. 

And about Covid home tests:

If you are interested in receiving free Covid test kits, you may order them as of the end of the month at www.covidtests.gov.  

If you have expired Covid tests at home, check the expiration date at THIS LINK to the FDA before tossing them.  As more research has been done, some expiration dates have been extended and your kit may still be okay to use. We have three past-expiration-date boxes at home that have extended dates into 2025, so it’s worth checking into!

Washing my hands diligently,

Heidi 

September 21, 2024 – Feed Your Soul

It has been a whirlwind of travel for me lately!  What a gift for me to be able to work remotely and to have the opportunity to take a vacation!  Because I am freshly back from a week away as I write this, I decided to focus this week’s message on more wonderful events happening right here at Bethlehem that can feed your souls and provide fellowship.  

The first opportunities are music related.  Music is balm for the soul!  It brings healing and joy, and these two I have listed are just the tip of the iceberg of what is coming up at Bethlehem, but they are happening THIS COMING WEEK, so I wanted to make sure you have them on your radar so you can participate in one or both of them.

First up is the chance to join SALT (Seniors Active in Life Together) for a FREE concert hosted at the Minnetonka campus on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

We are privileged to enjoy a fall evening with the Minneapolis Synod Senior Band .  There are 70 members in this band, and they are good! What a great way to spend an evening with a variety of music chosen to make for a fun night. No member of this band is paid a salary. They play music for the joy of the music and the fun of being together. Donna Roe, one of our own members, has been a member of this band and will introduce them. A free will offering will be taken. Bring your friends!  

This concert is open to ALL ages. And if you are a musician, you can talk with them about joining this fun group yourself. No registration required.  They will be performing at the Minnetonka campus from 7:00-8:00 p.m. 

Your next opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the launch of a beautiful new liturgy. Your hosts Carol Meier (composer) and our own Meta Herrick Carlson (liturgist) know the only way new worship music finds its audience is by inviting people together and singing it. Come and be fed by good food, fellowship and brand new liturgies inspired by our spiritual geography. And bring your friends who love to sing! Cost is $20/person. Please register in advance here to attend The Prairie Liturgies: A Worship and Music Event – Bethlehem Church.  Come feed your souls!

And Veterans of Bethlehem, the Veterans Small Group is back for 2024 – 2025.  This time around, the discussion will start with: “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien. Veterans from all branches of the service are welcome. We have had participants from all time periods, too, representing conflicts from Korea to Afghanistan (and everything in between). Come enjoy the company of fellow vets while we alternate weeks of discussion, our reading and on the unique lens we veterans bring to our Lutheran faith. This group meets on September 26 from 1:00-2:00 at the Minnetonka Campus.  Come spend time with others who have shared experience with you.

Remember to check out all of the remarkable offerings on Bethlehem’s web site. Looking for Bible study to feed your soul? Music to enrich your life? Opportunities for fellowship?  You’ll find it here!

Blessings on your busy lives as you find what speaks to your needs,

Heidi

September 14, 2024 – So Many Opportunities

There are so many ways to make a difference in this world!  Being kind, listening to others when they just need someone to listen to them, being proactive and offering to help someone in a time of need, donating to a food shelf: the list is endless. And sometimes there are ways to collaborate with others to support a cause and really impact change:  join a walk to raise funds for research, attend an event that promotes a cause, and taking care of your own self so you stay healthy and present.

This week I’m simply going to list several opportunities available to our Bethlehem community.  It is by no means exhaustive, so remember to check out Bethlehem’s own web page at this link to find out about even more opportunities to enrich your own life and the opportunities to enhance others.  

Then consider attending or supporting one of the following coming events – get registered and put those that interest you on your calendar now:

September 17 – Take Time for Mental Health: Using the Wellness Wheel to Improve Your Well-Being – Bethlehem Church (bethlehem-church.org)  You’ll be amazed at the resources available for your own mental wellbeing at this presentation by All Saints’ Lutheran Church at St. Joan of Arc in Minneapolis.  This is presented by Bethelehem and St. Joan of Arc’s Take Time for Mental Health collaboration.

September 21 – 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s | Alzheimer’s Association |  One of many walks to support a cause available in the Twin Cities.  Have your own favorite cause?  Google the cause to find out when or how they hold events to raise funds for research.

September 24 – Come enjoy fellowship and refresh your soul at the SALT event being hosted at the Minnetonka campus.  You won’t be disappointed by the Minneapolis Synod Senior Band – Bethlehem Church (bethlehem-church.org).

September 28 – NAMI Walk 2024 — Mental Health Connect (mhconnect.org) Grab a friend and join our own collaborative to support mental health as our members walk together to raise awareness for mental health, or if you would like to form your own group check out information at the NAMIWalks link.

Remember that these are only a few of the upcoming events connected to your Care Ministries at Bethlehem.  Bethlehem’s web site is full of opportunities for growth and enrichment along with Bible studies and other events that will make a difference for you and those around you. Check it out to see what appeals to you.  I hope you find a way to connect!

Ready for new things,

Heidi

September 7, 2024 – Take Time for Yourself

Dear friends,

I am on vacation this week and will just be sharing a reminder to take time for yourself!  Take a break, drink enough water, get enough sleep, read a good just-for-fun book, and remember that motion is lotion.

I’ll be back next week!

With love from Prince Edward Island,

Heidi

August 31, 2024 – Wellness Wheels and Taking Time for Mental Health

Do you have an affinity for wellness wheels like I do?  If you search for one on line the options are endless!  I recently found an amazing one that I actually know the creators of: our neighbors at All Saints Lutheran Church in Minnetonka!
An incredible amount of work and thoughtfulness by well qualified members was put into this fantastic resource. They are a member of our Mental Health Connect collaborative and recently presented their Wellness Wheel, complete with other fabulous resources, to our ambassadors. It is amazing!!!

Lucky for us, we ALL have the opportunity to catch their presentation again as they share their work.  The Care Ministry Team, in partnership with St. Joan of Arc catholic community, is starting a new ongoing series called Take Time for Mental Health. There will be wonderful presentations each month encouraging self care and attention to personal wellness, including mental health.

The first event is on September 17 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community. And bonus: a light dinner will be included.

Hope to see you all there! All details can be found on our events page.

Tuesday, Sept 17, 6:00-8:00 pm
at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community

Meetings begin at 6:00 pm with a light supper provided. 6:30 pm program begins and ends at 8:00 pm. This event is free to attend, a free-will offering will be accepted for supper. Please register in advance.

Here’s to your health,

Heidi

August 24, 2023 – Acts of Kindness

Every summer for the past 14 years we have headed out to Colorado to be an activity station at camp.  Yes, I am known there as The Jewelry Lady. After 53 years of making jewelry for our family’s booths at the State Fair, the Renaissance, and a multitude of other community fairs, I am pretty good at turning a pair of earrings or stringing a bracelet or two!  This summer we spent three separate weeks at camp teaching family campers how to make jewelry. I learned early on that it is more than just a crafting station.  The relationships that are built while sitting together and the self-confidence that is built in individuals as they learn new skills has blossomed into a ministry.  

My wonderful husband is my rock at camp, helping me set up an extensive jewelry station every day in the outdoor pavilion and then tearing it down again to prepare for the evening activities in that space. One day during the third week we were there we encountered a downpour rainstorm and Mark couldn’t get back to the outdoor pavilion to help tear down.  I was in a particular hurry to clean up because I had a work meeting that I had to attend.  That week the group who was there was 80 percent Spanish speaking, so we were communicating by gesture and with the help of Google Translate.  As it approached time for clean-up, and as my internal urgency to pack up increased as Mark was stuck in another building, the beautiful group of women making jewelry rose in concert together and packed up that station so I could get to my meeting.  They swooped over to the tables, closed up boxes of beads, packed them in their storage boxes, and helped me get everything ready to load into our vehicle for the night. They somehow picked up on the fact that I needed help and they were right there to serve.  Many hugs of gratitude were shared and it made my day! AND I made it to my zoom meeting almost on time!

When we returned home, my beloved Dad shared an experience he had had.  Once a month he gathers with other retired educators from Wayzata for breakfast.  This particular day there were six or eight men gathered, all in their 80’s and 90’s.  When it came time to pay the bill, their server informed them that an anonymous customer had picked up the tab for them.  What a generous gift!  A random stranger honoring these elders! My heart overflowed with gratitude that someone respected and acknowledged these men. Needless to say, Dad was deeply touched by this kindness as well.

Random acts of kindness.  The phrase has been used and written about endlessly in this time in history.  It has become a catchphrase that may have lost some of its sparkle and depth, but when you are the recipient of one of these acts, it touches you to the core and glows in your heart over its memory. What a simple way to have an impact in this world!  My experience reminded me that it truly is the small things that can lift someone up and change their day. 

I love to think we are all Kindness Fairies, being the hands and feet of Jesus as we travel through our days, paying attention to those around us and picking up on little needs they may have.  Arms full of groceries need doors opened.  Young parents on planes may need a helping hand getting carry-ons into an overhead bin. A teacher may need supplies for their classroom.  There is an abundance of little needs out there just waiting to be met.  May we all be on the alert to see what we can do to make a difference.

With deep gratitude for my kindness fairies,

Heidi

Touch a life, change the world.

August 17, 2024 – Back to School

Remember the lazy hazy days of summer? When I was growing up the summer days stretched endlessly and joyfully.  I loved summer break, but as it wound to an end I absolutely LOVED going back to school.  School was my happy place.  It was my social life, and I simply loved my teachers and learning.  I thrived there.

It wasn’t until I was much older that I realized this was not the case for everyone.  I gradually grew more aware that my feelings about school were not necessarily the norm.  Kids have different learning styles and different home situations.  Some deal with depression, some with anxiety, some with hunger, fatigue, bullying and a myriad of other influences that make school a challenge.  It isn’t a haven for every child like it was for me.  

We have a great opportunity to make a difference in the life of children.  Knowing resources and tapping into them is vital.  School counselors and social workers have amazing resources to help a child who needs support. My beloved daughter teaches 5th grade math in Denver.  Just last weekend I had the joy of helping her with final projects to get her classroom ready for the kids, who started school on Monday.  She was singing the praises of her elementary school’s social worker.  She was explaining the color coded emotions chart to me and telling me how effective it was for helping kids express how they are feeling, and how the social worker makes such a huge difference for kids. They have so many tools and methods of helping children! Support staff at every level of school are there to help and to answer questions when parents simply don’t know where to turn if their child is struggling.  How I wish I had been aware when my kids were in school that those counselors were a resource for US when dealing with anxiety and stress!  

If more support is needed, school counselors and social workers can point parents to appropriate resources.  And of course, never hesitate to contact Bethlehem’s own Mental Health Connect navigators when you need help finding resources.  They will work with you to find the help your child needs.

So please never feel alone.  Turn to the school staff who are there to support you.  If you aren’t getting the support you need there, your Care Team is happy to work with you as well, and Mental Health Connect is always a great resource.  They are there for you and your child, not just everyone else.

With hope for a positive back-to-school experience for every family,

Heidi

August 10, 2024 – Speak Your Love

I am in the mountains of Colorado as I write this message. Only four days ago we were at home, attending the funeral of a 39 year old. The pain is palpable. This beautiful soul is now missing from the lives of the many who loved him.

This unspeakable loss reminds me once again of the importance of speaking our love.  Our daily lives are filled with regular routines and the need to get through the tasks that need accomplishing, and it is so easy and normal to be focused solely on what we need to do each day, and then a loss like this startles me into deeply pondering what is most important in life and reminds me how urgent it is to make sure the people you love KNOW that you love them.  I tell my family nearly every time I have contact by phone or text or in person that I love them.  I frequently tell my closest friends “love you” as I sign off from phone calls. I pray that my actions towards them are filled with love.  I know I am not perfect and I can let irritation creep into my voice when I’m frustrated or feeling not listened to, but I am trying to be more aware of my own tone of voice and reactions to people.  I am trying to be more aware of my daily responses to the people I am nearest to. Am I nurturing my people?  Not always, try as I might.  I get caught up in daily life but moments like this wake me up and remind me that we don’t necessarily have unlimited time with our people.  Our words and actions today are irretrievable, and I strive to fill them with kindness and love.  

Lives are altered by loss every day.  Life is hard and sometimes it is difficult to express care in difficult situations.  My simple hope for each of us is that we can pause and be a little more aware of our people and express our love for them, even when it’s hard.

May you feel loved today,

Heidi

August 3, 2024 – Olympic Inspiration

I love the Olympics!  I could watch them all day, every day!  From the magical opening ceremonies, to the breathtaking and nail biting performances by the young athletes of the world, to the fun apps you can use to check out all the latest information AND create photos of yourself in Olympic events, (Paris 2024), I can’t get enough of them!  My fondness for my French heritage has also been reignited once again as I watched the brilliant creativity of the opening ceremonies unfold.  I’m more determined than ever to fulfill my dream of getting to France soon.  

It also helps that I have a die-hard Olympic fan in my amazing daughter-in-law, who has printed  entire schedules of Olympic events for us in the past to ensure that we didn’t miss a single event we wanted to watch.  This past weekend we were in Colorado for a wedding with Andrew and Kirsten, and I gained a little insight into where she developed her passion for The Games.  She and her brother and sister grew up having their own Olympic competitions in their backyard as they embraced their love for the games.  In between wedding events last week I experienced firsthand the siblings (some in USA t-shirts and shorts!) perform kickboxing and gymnastics moves in the backyard and then watched their recreation of Olympic events every day.  Kirsten’s sister and her girlfriend went paddle boarding and snowboarding in the mountains one day (to replicate rowing and skateboarding events), then the whole group of siblings, including our daughter and her boyfriend, recreated water sports in the neighborhood pool before we all departed on our flights back to real life in Minnesota. Their list of “Olympic events” to accomplish every day is impressive and creative and made me want to join in the fun! It took Olympic fever and joy to a whole new level for me! 

As I watched the women’s gymnastics team from home this past week, I actually was inspired to do my OWN Olympic movement activities.  Instead of sitting all morning in our comfy chair, glued to that tv, I walked and marched in place as I watched in order to get some steps in (Track and field!). I hopped in a friend’s pool the day before with my sweet grandbabies and their parents to get some movement in (Swimming!).  I’m working toward getting more movement every day, inspired by these young athletes who dedicate their lives to being in great physical shape and competing at the highest levels.  

So even though I will never achieve athletic greatness, I CAN attain a life of healthy movement.  I hope you will be inspired to join me as we care for our beautiful bodies, athlete or not!

Inspired to move, avec l’amour,

Heidi

July 27, 2024 – Knit One, Purl Two, and Other Gifts of the Spirit

Oh so many years ago one of my creative older sisters gave me a gift that I cherished for years.  I still to this day think about it with great fondness. Mind you, this was back in the 1970’s. I was one of six kids and the youngest of four sisters, and we used what we had to make gifts for each other. Out of an empty plastic one gallon ice cream bucket, my sister Robin created a kit full of crocheting and knitting supplies for my birthday one year.  She took a bright and happy orange calico print and sewed a drawstring cover for the bucket, filled it with yarn and needles, and then patiently and lovingly taught me to knit and crochet.  I spent hours making doll blankets!  How I loved that gift!  I used it for many years, then who knows what life event distracted me and I stopped knitting and crocheting. 

I’ve always regretted that I’ve forgotten that skill, and now I have new motivation to learn again.   I walked into the Minnetonka campus sanctuary before service last Sunday and my breath was taken away at the sight of pews covered with beautiful quilts and prayer shawls so lovingly made with the singular intent of gifting them to people who needed warmth or a reminder wrapped around their shoulders that they are loved by this congregation and by a loving God. 

What a generous labor of love it is by people at both of our campuses quilting beautiful blankets or knitting shawls created while praying over the unknown recipients.  It is most often done at their own expense as there really is no budget for supplies, so these faithful servants gratefully accept donations of materials or purchase them themselves, never complaining but instead dedicating themselves to this ministry with quiet joy.  It touches my heart.  

I used to envision myself making beautiful quilts, or knitting gorgeous sweaters and mittens like our Norwegian relatives make, but these days I instead jokingly say to people, “Oops!  I forgot to quilt!” or “Oops! I forgot to knit!” but now I have entered a new season in life that opens the door to me possibly showing up on quilting days and at least tying quilts, or seeking instruction on how to knit and attempting to practice making a prayer shawl.  I see the difference these gifts of love make in lives as I have people tell me how they wrap themselves up in their prayer shawls received during a difficult time of sickness or grief and how it brings them comfort and reminds them how loved they are. I see the difference made in lives in the piles of quilts donated to ministries that pass them on to those who simply have nothing.  Imagine the difference a cozy, warm quilt makes on a cold Minnesota night!   

Is this a ministry that speaks to you?  Do you envision yourself taking part in this quiet ministry of love?  Our knitters can give you instructions on just how a prayer shawl is made and what materials to use. Our quilters would welcome you on quilting days with open arms.  Or if you just want to support the ministry with supplies or financial support, contact Diane Waarvik ([email protected]) or me, Heidi Peterson ([email protected]) , and we will connect you with leaders of the groups who know what needs they have. 

With thanks and appreciation for these ministries of love in action,

Heidi

July 20, 2024 – 7/24

Anyone else feel like the “lazy hazy days of summer” are not so lazy and hazy anymore?  When did summer become as frantically paced as every other season, like back-to-school, holidays, and just about every other day of the year? No more riding my bike around the neighborhood with my friends or spending the days at the beach with them.  The stress level never goes away as an adult and for many kids. Imagine my joy this week when I found an article on a web site dedicated to the importance of self-care!  I know you hear a lot about this topic from me.  That is because I believe that self-care is essential to good health and it is not necessarily something people spend time on as somehow “self-care” has become associated with selfishness and frivolity.  In reality, self-care keeps us healthy enough to be positive in our own lives and this then carries over into the impact we are able to have on others’. Paying attention to and caring for our bodies, minds and spirits is a win-win practice!

Smack dab in the middle of Busy Summer, July 24 happens to be the date designated as International Self-Care Day.  As the article I read pointed out, the date 7/24 is a subtle reminder of the importance of self-care around the clock for each of us.  There is also a National Self-Care Day in America on April 5, but I happen to love that there are multiple days designated to reminding us of the critical importance of self-care. This article, 12 Ways To Celebrate International Self-Care Day, includes information about the meaningful roots the term “self-care” has in the 1950’s Civil Rights Movement, how to take action in your own life for self-care, and a list of great book recommendations about lovely ways to care for ourselves, from burnout to how to take lasting steps to change the habits that cause you stress to gentle ideas about cleaning your house if you feel overwhelmed (like I do!) trying to keep up with cleaning and organizing your home. There are also recommendations for self-care apps to download, some free, some paid, along with a lot of other great ideas.  

I was also happy to see the article reference one of my favorite sources, Harvard Health, about the importance of gratitude, and to see that they include 33 Ideas for Assembling a DIY Self-Care Kit that you can individualize and have at your fingertips for those days when you need a lift.  

So take a moment to check out this article and contemplate what your own needs are.  And remember, if you feel the need for more support, your Care Team is here to help you find the resources you need.  If you need help finding mental health or grief resources, our Mental Health Connect Navigators can help navigate the mental health system for you. We are all a phone call, an email or a text away.  

With joy,

Heidi

July 13, 2024 – Checking In on Check Ups

One of the great joys of being a “camp family” is the friendships we have formed with people from all around the country.  We spend a concentrated week together in a place where we share faith and life together, then keep in touch by text and calls and facebook and visits if we’re in each other’s home towns.  It’s a joy filled gift we never anticipated the first year we went to this unknown thing called Family Camp. 

This past week, one of our camp friends arrived with the life altering news that she has breast cancer.  She went in for her yearly mammogram just last week, and there it was, a deeply buried 2 centimeter lump that she could never have discovered by touch.  Her world is spinning upside down right now.  

A few years ago, one of my close nursing school friends went in for her regularly scheduled colonoscopy and found out the shocking news that she had colon cancer.  With aggressive surgery, the cancer was removed and her prognosis is good.  

I have to be honest here… I am way behind in some of my “regular” check ups.  I went to schedule an appointment with my dermatologist and couldn’t even find her in my provider list.  In my mind I had just seen her last year, but My Chart is telling me otherwise.  My colonoscopy is overdue by at least a half a year.  And I don’t know how many months it’s been since I received my “friendly reminder” that it was time to schedule my eye exam. By the time you read this, I will finally have had my (almost) yearly mammogram this week. I am not perfect at getting appointments on the calendar but I am striving to get caught up and I know that I WILL get into all of these doctors to be seen.

So I’m checking in with everyone of all ages.  Have you scheduled your annual physicals and regular screening appointments, including well child check ups and preschool screenings for your little ones and physicals for your school aged kids?  For those of us with superstitions that going to the doctor will reveal things that otherwise wouldn’t exist, remember that a screening may save your life.  NOT screening will NOT prevent disease from existing.  And if you are afraid to go in, call in your reinforcements and ask a friend or family member to accompany you.  They will be happy to hold your hand or sit by your side to get you through your appointment.

In the same vein are preschool screenings.  It is one more thing to squeeze into the busy life of a preschooler’s already exhausted family’s schedule, but it can be crucial in discovering developmental delays or health issues at a time when intervention can make a huge difference for a little one.  Do you have a preschooler in your life?  The earlier they are screened by their school district the better.  While it was before the screening age of 3 years old, our son and daughter-in-law were having concerns about the speech development of our sweet younger granddaughter.  She was a little younger than one and a half years old and not verbalizing much. They called in the amazing team from their school district who came out to their home to assess Little One, and they reassured Mommy and Daddy after observation in her home setting that Little One was perfectly on track and doing well.  One year later we can hardly keep that Little One from chatting!  However, if there HAD been a concern the district would have gotten our sweet girl into the services she needed to make sure she was progressing in the right direction with her speech development. The school districts are highly invested in helping get kids on track with the support they need, even before they turn 3, but the only way they can plug a child into resources is if they are seen.  Even if you think your little one is ready for school, hidden issues with development including sight and speech and hearing and so much more can be detected only if they are seen, and the earlier they are seen, the better.  

I am so thankful my friend went in for her mammogram.  Her prognosis is good because she had her yearly screening done.  There is a long road ahead for her, but there is hope and life at the end of that road.  That is my desire for each and every one of us: that we all stay as healthy as possible because we are on top of the medical things we CAN control, including regular screenings.  Please pick up your phone or go online to schedule your appointments today.  

It may save your life!

With care and concern while scheduling my own appointments,

Heidi

July 6, 2024 – Sprinkle Your World with Love

Oh, what a gift relationship is!  I was recently sitting next to my “pseudo” niece at a softball game when she handed me a little tin in the shape of the common black pepper container most of us are familiar with, but instead of “Black Pepper”, the label read “Sprinkle with LOVE”.  A beloved coworker of hers had recently died, and one of the things her children spoke of at her funeral was her little tin of LOVE. When dinner was ready, she would shake her tin over the meal before she served it and everyone knew she had just sprinkled their meal with love.  When the kids’ friends would come over and ask what their mom was doing, the kids would simply reply, “Oh, she’s sprinkling our food with love.”  What a beautiful gesture!  So when the staff at church found out about this, they had “Sprinkle With Love” tins made for everyone who attended the funeral. And then my “niece” by marriage gifted me with a tin.  I have it sitting in my kitchen as a daily reminder, and it’s ready to put to use.

I think of the beauty of little moments when each of us is able to sprinkle our world with love.  I am writing this from my home away from home at camp in the mountains of Colorado.  I watch our beloved extended family raising their babies and am able to tell them what amazing parents they are and how much I love watching them raise their kids.  Sprinkled with love.  I watch the camp staff lovingly ask young parents if they want babysitting during evening activities so they can actually attend.  Sprinkled with love.  I watch families with elders gently tend to those elders to make sure they are cared for in the altitude and traveling safely over the rocky terrain.  Sprinkled with love.  I eat the amazing camp meals prepared by the expert hands of the cook and her many capable camp hands. Every dietary need is carefully attended to so every single person has delicious healthy meals for the week whether gluten free, vegan, vegetarian or any of a myriad of diets. It’s their mission. Sprinkled with love. 

At home down the mountain I watch neighbors care for each other’s animals and plants so they can go on coveted vacations. Sprinkled with love.  I hear about the meals delivered to those who are grieving or injured or who need a little extra tender loving care.  Sprinkled with love.

That little tin can is a beautiful reminder that it’s so easy to sprinkle others with love in little ways that make a big difference in another’s life.  What opportunities lay themselves before you to sprinkle love over another today?  Our virtual tin cans never empty!  We can sprinkle love all day, every day!

With a grateful heart for all of the sprinkles of love I receive,

Heidi

June 29, 2024 – Washing Hands and Covering Coughs

This week marks the end of an era for my husband Mark and me.  The past 4 ½ years have brought us the unexpected joy of helping cover child care for our darling granddaughters. It has been a gift for all of us. Tuesday was our final “official” day with little Linnea, but we had the extra bonus of having her older sister Yaya (as Linnea calls her) with us as well. Yaya’s (aka Senja’s) daycare had an influx of Covid, so big sister stayed home this week in an effort to keep everyone well before our family trip to Colorado.  

Yes, indeed, Covid is still with us! Thankfully it has joined the ranks of influenza and RSV in the big picture of community health, but all of these everyday diseases can still have an impact on your life and the community.  Any one of these can still send a vulnerable person to the hospital or interrupt their lives.   

The CDC has updated and simplified respiratory virus recommendations for us to follow so we can protect ourselves and others.  Some of the recommendations are all of the things we were taught by our parents as we grew up:

• Staying up to date with vaccination to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.
• Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
• Taking steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.

Even kids’ music and shows share the message with our little ones to “wash your hands, wash your hands, scrubbly bubbly wash your hands.”  I frequently have that Doc McStuffins song repeating constantly in my head! 

Generally, remember to consider others when trying to decide if you should participate in a social or public gathering.  Do I have symptoms? Best to stay home and keep others safe.  Are my symptoms not responding to over-the-counter treatments? Best to seek medical attention to keep from getting sicker.

The great news is that for the most part we have been able to return to “normal” life. There is no longer the need to stay isolated constantly to avoid getting sick.  We no longer need to live with the constant concern about whether we are going to get sick. Yet simple precautions can continue to keep us healthier, and the courtesy of taking others into consideration if we ourselves are sick will keep us all safer.

I will admit, our bonus day with BOTH of our sweet girls was joyful and lovely. I am thankful The Kids took extra precautions to keep us all healthy.

Washing my hands and covering my cough,

Heidi

June 22, 2024- Brain Health

Several years ago I worked as a home companion.  I loved that job!  I had several clients that I saw once in a while, fixing light meals for them, doing a load of laundry, reminding them to take their meds, but most importantly I provided companionship for them.  Some of my favorite clients were my regulars that I saw multiple times every week.  Two of them were experiencing memory loss and Alzheimer’s, but were both able to live independently when I started with them.  How I adored them!  We would walk and talk and read devotions and go to the hair salon and out for lunch on occasion.  It was delightful for them and for me.  Each of them were at different stages of memory loss, and eventually both required a higher level of care than we could provide, but the time we spent together extended their time in their beloved homes and gave their families incredible peace of mind knowing that their loved ones were being well cared for.

This month is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month.  I often think of the things I’ve learned since working with my dear clients, and how the new information that continues to come out regarding memory loss and dementia might have made a difference in some way for them.  I’ve heard presentations from the Dementia Friends division of Senior LinkAge Line of Minnesota and am amazed at how much I learn each time. Even if your life is not affected personally by someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it is wonderful to learn tips on understanding the disease and discovering ways to respectfully have a relationship with someone who may be affected by them.  Chances are quite good that you will have the opportunity to interact with someone who lives with dementia, and knowing about the disease is extremely helpful.  We can all be Champions for Dementia by learning this information.

I’m also amazed at the research that is coming out with great information on how to live a healthy lifestyle that may help slow the progression of the disease. These 10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain from the Alzheimer’s Association can easily be incorporated into our lives and improve our chances for good brain health.  They include getting good sleep, eating healthy food, wearing a helmet to protect that precious brain from injury while biking/climbing/etc., and several other doable habits. All of these practices can be taught in childhood, so think of the impact they can have on our beloved youth as they reach adulthood!

This article about Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, also from the Alzheimer’s Association, has great information about signs and symptoms of dementia, brain health, and ways to support the cause, while this link will bring you to the pages where you can find resources if you or a loved one need support.  I know family members and close friends who have received an abundance of support from this organization as they traveled through the disease progression with their loved ones.

May we each think a little bit about these beautiful brains of ours this Brain Health Awareness month, and consider taking some easy steps towards protecting our own brain health.  We’ll most definitely thank ourselves as we age!

With hope and a reminder to get good sleep,

Heidi

June 15, 2024 – Grief

My guys spent a significant amount of time standing on bridges on Tuesday afternoon.  Mark was on one bridge nearest our home, and Dad picked another nearby that was close to where he had just gotten his hair cut. They were both watching the miles long funeral procession  honoring yet another fallen police officer killed in the line of duty. I watched the procession on tv through tears at home. Young Officer Jamal Mitchell had a life full of love and family and service ahead of him. Then this week, our Hopkins-Minnetonka community received an emergency alert as they searched for a missing 4 year old boy who was autistic and wandered away from his home.  He was found the next day in the creek behind his home. The communal sense of grief is widespread. 

Our Bethlehem community has also suffered great losses of its own lately.   Beautiful young lives have ended too soon, holes are left in our hearts as our beloved elders join their loved ones in heaven, and difficult health situations surround us daily.  There is an abundance of grief to go around. How do we move forward?

This ARTICLE from the American Psychological Association reminds us about the importance of taking care of ourselves after a loved one has died, and talks about other important aspects of healing such as talking about our loved ones and reaching out for help when needed.  

And even if this article, Is Your Sorrow Disabling? It May Be Prolonged Grief (aarp.org),

 may be written with AARP’s “over 50” audience in mind, it has important messages for ANY one of any age who is experiencing prolonged or complicated grief.  Included in this article are a Grief Intensity assessment tool, ways to remember to care for yourself as you grieve, along with an explanation about Prolonged Grief Disorder if you feel like you may not be healing in a healthy way.  

There are also tips for those of us who want to support someone who is grieving which apply to all of us. 

And of course, if you are thinking that you would like to connect with a professional to help process your grief but don’t know where to begin, our own Navigators can help you.  Call or text them at 612-642-1220, or contact them by email at [email protected]. They would love to support you, and your call or email will be kept confidential. 

My heart aches for our people who are grieving.  My heart grieves for the community as we suffer collective loss.  My heart finds hope in the beautiful gift of life we claim through Christ Jesus.  

May we each be sensitive to the grief of those around us, and may we continue to ask how they are doing today and to listen and love unconditionally as we support those who grieve.

With compassion,

Heidi

June 8, 2024 – You Never Know

I was hiding in the very last row of an airplane thirteen and a half years ago.  The flight was jam packed and I had headed to the very last row on my Southwest flight (the airline you pick your own seat on).  There was a man with impossibly long legs in the aisle seat with both of the other seats in the row open.  I squeezed over to the window seat then prayed that no one would fill that last middle seat.  There were few open seats left on the entire flight, and that was one of them. It was looking pretty hopeful as all passengers had boarded the plane, so I was relieved to be secluded in that back corner to nurse my grief on my way home from Arizona after my Mom had died when a couple burst through the door of the plane with lots of noise after racing to catch the flight. They were searching for seats and places to store their luggage as it became apparent that the last two seats were individual seats apart from each other and the woman was complaining loudly that she couldn’t believe they didn’t get to sit together.  

“No! No! No!” I cried in my head as I turned to the window hoping that the empty seat next to me stayed empty, but yes, indeed, it WAS one of the last two available seats open, and she loudly plunked herself down next to me as I frantically wondered how I would manage to make it home next to her.  As she plunked herself down, she threw her arms in the air, let them fall in her lap and exclaimed, “My Dad just died!!!”  The flood gates opened as I turned to her and cried out, “My Mom just died!!!” We fell into each other’s arms, hugged deeply, cried together and spent the entire flight home sharing our stories and supporting each other.  It turned out to be a God moment that couldn’t have been planned better.  Two total strangers randomly forced to sit together on a flight after both losing a beloved parent.  What are the chances?  I honestly remember very little from that conversation, but I DO remember how healing it was to be able to share deep grief with someone who understood what I was going through, and I know she felt the same.  

That significant moment has continued to be a reminder to me that I just don’t know what a person might be going through, and to give them grace if they are being obnoxious and space to share and open up about their situation.  While we may not always get the chance to process with a person, so often those who are creating disruption or are annoying us may be hurting and it is coming out sideways as they lash out.  Sometimes all it takes is a simple, “How are you doing?” to draw out what is really going on in someone’s world.  In my case on that plane I didn’t even need to ask my seatmate what was going on.  She made it known clearly!  But I responded with compassion and understanding, and it turned out to be one of the most unexpected moments of healing in my life. 

May your difficult days be greeted with grace filled reactions,

Heidi

June 1, 2024 – Memorial Day

I have always respected and admired veterans.  My Dad and father-in-law both served during the Korean conflict, my younger brother is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, two of my nephews are retired veterans with amazing careers, and many friends and other relatives have also served our country through their military service.  Yet until the past seven or eight years I haven’t participated in many Memorial Day observances.  Then my dear husband became a board member of a local cemetery and we now participate in their Memorial Day service every year.  It has become deeply important to me, especially as I usually attend alongside my veteran father.  There is always a military salute along with an honor guard ceremony followed by a speaker.  This year the guest speaker was a Vietnam veteran who served as a medic in Vietnam.  His message brought me to tears. He passionately spoke about his experience and ended his speech telling us that whenever anyone thanks him for his service, he always tells them, “You were worth it.”  What a beautiful, meaningful way to remind each of us that WE are worth the sacrifices made by many to ensure that we can live this life of freedom in America.  Life may not be easy or perfect, but we are free.  Some veterans served as boots on the ground, while others worked “behind the scenes” to provide the support needed to keep our military running.  ALL are worthy of our thanks and admiration.

So as we go about our daily lives, let’s remember to show gratitude to those who have helped create a place where we are free to pursue our goals and dreams.  I have gained a new appreciation for Memorial Day, and am deeply grateful to each of you who have served or are serving this country I call home.  

You are appreciated!

Heidi

May 25, 2024 – Beloved Families

I was drifting in our recliner this week as our sweet granddaughter was taking her daily nap at our house.  I was really supposed to be working on this Care Message, but I was exhausted and fell asleep instead.  I had been contemplating just what to write about when it hit me:  I have had a renewed awareness of how important it is for us to reach out to our young families and support them.  Of course I then had to force myself to get up and actually get to my computer, but I was inspired to write.

The reason for being so tired and for my renewed awareness was that my dear son and daughter-in-law had the great opportunity to join friends in Florida for five days for a much needed vacation, so Mark and I watched their darling little girls. One is almost 5 years old and the other is 2 ½.  They are as sweet and delightful as they could possibly be, and they are the joys of our lives, but the energy required to get through a day and the coordination of care and meals and bedtime and getting the 5 year old to daycare was a flashback to raising our own little ones and a reminder to me that there are just so few hours left at the end of the day to accomplish anything else.    

Parenting in this generation is a joy AND a challenge.  Families tend to be more spread out across the country so young families often don’t have the support of aunts and uncles and grandparents. The activities vying for everyone’s time are endless. Costs are skyrocketing for housing and food and daily life and all the things families need to stay afloat. 

Do you know a family with young ones?  That includes infants to high schoolers. Think of little things you can do to support them. Have them over for hot dogs on the grill, or gift them with DQ gift cards. If it’s in your budget a gift card for take out from a restaurant can be a huge relief on a busy weeknight.  Bring coffee and treats for a Saturday morning breakfast break.  Have a fun craft activity in mind that little ones would love?  Deliver to their door or offer to do one with them while parents run an errand or just enjoy your company.

There are a thousand little ways we can make sure our families with kids know that they are seen and that we’re here for them.  Even something as simple and already planned as helping out with the Encore Sunday School program on Sunday mornings or with a confirmation project can bless families more than you know!  One of the greatest gifts I ever received happened when I was a weary young mom alone in the pews with two wiggly little bodies while Mark was at work. The man sitting behind me leaned over the pew after church and told me that I was “an A+ mom” after watching me gently redirect my babies throughout the service.  I’ve always believed he was actually an angel, placed in that pew to encourage and uplift me right when I needed it most.  I had never seen him before and I never saw him again, but his encouragement has never been forgotten by me. It lifted my spirits and got me through that day. 

So consider being an angel in a young family’s life.  You will be blessed as you bless them!

Heidi

May 18, 2024 – 1949

1949!  As I was reading information for this week’s Care Message I blurted that year out loud with great surprise as I read that Mental Health Awareness month was started WAY back in 1949!  You may have read about my family’s experience with mental health treatment in that very era in past Care Messages, so it was a huge surprise to me that the importance of mental health was even acknowledged that many years ago. Thanks to those ancestors who were on the forefront of decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health so many years ago, awareness of our mental health being a NORMAL part of our entire body wellness has become more and more acceptable.  

Mental well-being impacts each of us.  Some days are wonderful and we soar through them easily. Some days are harder and it becomes more of a struggle.  With perseverance and support we somehow make it through those days.  And then there are those difficult days that are like the movie Ground Hogs Day… they repeat and repeat and repeat and we’re not sure if we’re ever going to feel “normal” again. Remember that mental health includes many things like grief, depression and anxiety along with diagnosed conditions.  

Thankfully we have so many resources at our fingertips now, beginning with self-care.  Getting outside in nature every day is essential. Eating nutritious foods, exercising and drinking plenty of water are a must, and the importance of good sleep habits can not be stressed enough.  Brain engagement (word games, Sudoku, learning new things, etc.) helps us stay sharp, and social engagement keeps us connected which plays a huge role in our overall well-being.

When self-care isn’t quite enough and we need someone to help us navigate through difficult times, it’s a healthy option to seek expert help.  I have included some links (below) to some of our favorite Mental Health resources that I hope you’ll explore, if not for yourself then for someone in your life who may need help now or the future, so you can stay informed about the latest information regarding mental health and have it ready to go when needed.

Remember, BLC has its own access to a wonderful “warm line” if you or a loved one needs help finding the right resources to support your own needs.  Knowing where to begin looking for help is sometimes the biggest obstacle!  Our Mental Health Connect collaborative is a phone call, text message (612-642-1220) or an email ([email protected]) away, and the Navigators will help you figure out just what you need and where to find that help.  

And here for your reading pleasure are links to resources, including a couple of Mental Health tool kits with tips and ideas for reaching optimum mental health.  Enjoy!

Mental Health Connect (mhconnect.org)  

612-642-1220

[email protected]

This is BLC’s own “warm line” for help finding mental health resources.

Mental Health Month | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)  

Great information!

2024 Mental Health Month Toolkit Download | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)   

Tips and resources for optimum mental well-being

Mental Health Awareness Month | NAMI  

Another great resource with helpful information.

NAMI_FieldGuideB_2024_CS  

More tips and resources to promote mental health and well-being.

Remember~ it’s okay to ask for help, and your Care Ministry team is here if you need us.

Heidi

May 11, 2024 – Here Comes the Sun!

Ah spring!  Ah summer!  The most glorious season of sunshine and warmth and time outdoors has arrived!  How we love the sunshine. How I love Saturday mornings with my family down by the Lakes eating breakfast at Bread and Pickle and walking around those beautiful bodies of water.  How I adore sitting outside on our front patio for coffee with our neighbors.  And what a joy it is to be able to bring little ones to outdoor parks to run free. 

But that sunshine has a sneaky secret: it has no intention of treating us with kindness!

 May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the American Association for Cancer Research wants to make sure all of us are aware of the risks exposure to the sun poses.  EVERYONE is at risk, regardless of the color of your skin!  Of course, fair skin is at higher risk, but darker skin does not protect you from skin cancer.  Without self-exams of darker skin, melanomas tend to be diagnosed later, so they recommend that everyone wear sunscreen!  This article (link above) reminds us that over 100,000 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma this year, and over 8000 will die from it.  

Luckily, we can take steps to protect ourselves against skin cancer.

Sunscreen with an SPF 30 or greater is a must and blocks 97% of UVB rays.  A mineral base is best, but if you find a sunscreen that you love and will use that isn’t mineral based, it’s ok!  Use it!  Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun.  I fall down on this next recommendation but always try to remind myself to reapply sunscreen every two hours.  It doesn’t last all day! Hats and clothes that cover skin are helpful as well.

Self-examinations for changes in your skin are important, too. One great tool to use to check your skin for signs of skin cancer is the ABCDE’s of Skin Cancer.  These are things to be aware of as you do self-examinations of your skin, and if you notice any ONE of them, it is time to visit your dermatologist as soon as possible. Early detection is so important to getting the treatment you need..

The ABCDE’s are:

A = Asymmetry (one half of a spot on your skin is not like the other)

B = Border (the outside of a spot is irregular, poorly defined)

C = Color (varying colors of spots)

D = Diameter (a spot 6mm or more in diameter puts one at higher risk. That’s the size of a pencil eraser)

E = Evolving (the spot changes over time)

Here are some more symptoms and causes of skin cancer from the Mayo Clinic for you to check out so you are well informed as you head outside for summer fun this year.

Enjoy this lovely time of year in Minnesota, and if you have skin, wear sunscreen!

With sunshine in my heart,

Heidi

May 4, 2024 – Dancing with Joy

Last Sunday was a lovely day.  It was especially poignant for me personally because of the commissioning portion of the church service for our newly trained Care Ministers at both campuses.  What a gift to have people who have a passion for relationship with others willingly become ambassadors for our Bethlehem community.  Following the service at Minnetonka, Pastor Meta created a station for kids and adults to decorate really cute and happy cards for our Care Ministers to bring to folks as a greeting from their church family when they visit people.  I loved seeing the interactions grownups and kids were having at the tables.  Our young ones had some legitimate questions about what happens during a visit, and how the communion kits worked, and some even ended up bringing a prayer shawl knit with love by our Prayer Shawl Knitting group to a young friend dealing with health issues.  The compassion of these families was palpable.  

I want to thank each and every one of you for the care ministry you may be doing in your own relationships.  While our Care Ministers extend the ministry we as “an establishment” are able to carry out, every single person who calls someone who is hurting or holds the hand of a crying child or brings a meal to a sick friend is being the hands of Christ whether they hold a “title” or not.  The compassion and intentional caring each of you extends to your circle of influence warms my heart.  I am certain I sense the Holy Spirit dancing with joy as the Spirit watches God’s love in action in you.

Your Bethlehem community thanks you and extends our blessing to you as you love others as  yourself.

With deep gratitude ,

Heidi    

April 27, 2024 – Speak Your Love

My Mom’s handwriting was beautiful.  Whenever I find something written by her my heart just melts and I can hear her voice as if she’s right here talking to me and I am engulfed by warm fuzzy feelings. Her graceful, perfect cursive glows with her personality and joy and warmth. Just this week I was going through a long forgotten box of “treasure” (where has it been all of these years???) and there appeared a simply beautiful, touching thank you note from Mom for my part in arranging a family reunion in the year 2000.  I honestly don’t recall the note at all, but I obviously saved it because it was precious to me. I was so touched when I found it this week that I gasped out loud, “Oh Mom!”, as I read this amazing note that lifted me up and told me how much she appreciated and loved me and then spoke highly of specific skills she recognized in me as she thanked me and told me how proud she was of me.  

It took my breath away!  24 years after it was written and nearly 13 years after she died, my Mom’s words surrounded me with love and encouragement and lifted me up.  I get teary eyed even now as I write about it.  It was such an unexpected gift. 

I immediately started thinking that her note was the thing Care Messages are made of. (Okay… I clutched it to my heart and said, “I am writing about this!”)  Her sincere love and thanks and recognition of specific gifts I possess is relevant to me even today.  I will read it often now, especially on those days I need to hear her voice telling me how much she loves me.  I am 63 years old and I still need to hear that message, loud and clear!

What a great reminder that we need to speak our love and gratefulness for others loud and clear like Mom did. Her message came back to lift me up 24 years after an event and has inspired me to do the same for those I treasure and love in my life. A phone call, a handwritten note, or simply telling someone in the hall at church or work or home how much they mean to us may seem like a small thing but to the one receiving the message it can make their day.  

This world is a difficult place.  Don’t get me wrong ~ there are so many lovely and wonderful things about life, and there is joy to be found every day ~ but there are hard days and difficulties and unexpected challenges for all of us to deal with.  Hearing words of appreciation and love and gratitude go a long way in helping each of us make it through those challenges, and telling others how much we care about them is easy and free, and our words may change their world.  I know Mom changed my world without knowing it at a time when I face change and challenges and I needed to hear her voice. Or maybe she’s watching me from Heaven and she knew all along that I needed to find her beautiful note right now.  Doesn’t our God work in miraculous ways?

You are wonderful and worthy, and I am so thankful for each of you,

Heidi

Reminders:

Mental Health Connect’s Stories of Hope fundraising breakfast on May 9th is selling out quickly!  David Lohman (worked on Phantom of the Opera and Wicked!) shares his story of hope for healing. Click HERE to see if there are still tickets left!  Need a seat?  Be the first to respond and be a guest at my table!  ([email protected])

Bethlehem’s Mental Health and Addiction Ministry is hosting How to Transform Loneliness into Connection  on May 8 from 6:45-8:15 p.m. in Harrisville at the Minneapolis campus for young adults and adults.  You don’t want to miss presenter Sherri Herman! Relevant for all ages!

April 20, 2024 – Transforming Loneliness into Connection

As I sat at home this past Tuesday looking out at the rainy, rainy day, I was so tired and just wanted to curl up and nap all day. I didn’t want to go out in the evening and pulled the fixings for dinner out of the freezer to thaw. But then I was reminded that it was Unmapped Night in Minnetonka (all are welcome!) and we opted to keep the half thawed chicken for another night. I wouldn’t say I was particularly lonely that day, especially because caring for our joy filled granddaughter leaves no room for loneliness, but I had no energy to go out.  But then… the Unmapped reminder appeared in my email and we opted to go out to connect with this fun group of people. I easily could have stayed home, but I would have regretted missing this opportunity to be part of our Bethlehem community by the very next day. I made a connection instead of missing out alone at home.

There have been plenty of other days when I have just sat at home, lonely and alone, feeling disconnected and sad. I have a full life, yet those moments catch up to me as I would guess they catch up to many of us when I feel like everyone else is out enjoying the company of others while I sit at home alone. This sense of loneliness especially hits me on weekend nights when I don’t make plans and feel isolated. It was prevalent when my kids were little and my hard working honey was working his night shifts as an officer or had gone on a fire call. I remember feeling so alone and wondered what all of my friends were doing.  

Bethlehem’s Mental Health and Addiction Ministry is hosting an event on Wednesday, May 8 from 6:45-8:15 p.m. for adults and young adults. The Bible teaches us to “love thy neighbor as thyself”. But if we don’t show love to ourselves, how can we show love to our neighbor(s) and feel that life-sustaining connectedness that thwarts loneliness? This program is designed to help cultivate a warm, loving and compassionate relationship with yourself so that you can have the same with others. Hosted by the Bethlehem Mental Health & Addiction Ministry.  

The presenter is Sherri M. Herman, MA, Licensed Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Psychotherapist, and Spiritual Coach/Principal, Sherri M. Herman, LLC, Minneapolis.

Please put May 8 on your calendar and join us to learn 

How to Transform Loneliness into Connection – Bethlehem Church (bethlehem-church.org). I look forward to seeing you there!

I love being connected to you!

Heidi

April 13, 2024 – What Will Bring You Joy Today?

I had a little bit of an “aha!” moment last week, and it is truly making a difference in my world so I wanted to share it with you.  While I do think I’m mostly a positive person, I find I am being hard on myself lately when it comes to some of the habits I want to change or add in my life, like getting rid of stuff or eating healthier or getting more exercise or not turning to chocolate when I’m stressed. Then when I don’t succeed in changing, I shake my head at myself and feel a bit defeated, telling myself I have to do better the next day.  Can you relate?  

Then one day last week I was disappointed yet again that I hadn’t accomplished something and I asked myself, “What will I do today to fill my soul with joy?” The rest of that thought was “instead of beating myself up about what I DIDN’T manage to do”, and it was like a lightbulb went off in my soul!  I had a whole new positive approach to change. I’ve been answering myself with things like, “It will fill my soul with joy today to clean out that bookshelf in the bedroom,” and “It will fill my soul with joy to make a healthy salad for dinner instead of grabbing a premade meal,” and “It will fill my soul with joy to create a donation pile.”  I approached each task with a way it would fill my soul with joy instead of berating myself into doing it. And I also chose tasks that I felt like doing that would be joy filled instead of drudgery for me. A simple change in the way I looked at things gave me a light and happy desire to accomplish several tasks. It was so simple yet had a profound effect on me.  

There is so much pressure on each of us to achieve at high levels of production every day that we have constant expectations to produce and be efficient and be the best at everything we do at all times.  Whether we are in grade school or junior high or high school or college or go to a job every day or work from home or are raising kids or are retired, society places such high value on perfection and pure self-discipline that few of us can live up to those expectations.  I found myself being sucked into this mentality and felt the weight of disappointment on my shoulders until my little revelation last week, and now I am choosing to ignore society and ask myself throughout the day, “What will bring joy to my soul today?”  It makes me smile. And bonus:  I’m actually accomplishing some tasks.

May you find what brings joy to your soul every day!

Heidi 

April 6, 2024 – Easter Hope

What a BEAUTIFUL day Easter was! Bethlehem’s church services were joyful and uplifting, the Minnetonka egg hunt was full of happy, chattering kids with overflowing baskets, people were cheerful and together with loved ones, and everything was bright and beaming. My own little granddaughters were surrounded all day by both sets of adoring grandparents and aunties, and there was delicious food overflowing and happy family walks and games late into the night for us. My soul was singing.

Yet as I glanced around the congregation I couldn’t help but get teary-eyed and have a hurting heart. There in the pews were so many of our people who have lost a loved one this year or last year or 10 years ago. There are no time constraints on a grieving heart. Every day, whether it is a special holiday that marks time or if it is just a regular day, brings reminders of a missing soul who is no longer here to share the joys or heartaches or the blessed mundaneness of our everyday lives with us.

A friend recently reminded me that the birthday of a lost loved one is just around the corner, and I am thankful and relieved to know that information. It was not on my radar, and now I can be sure to celebrate the day with them.

I know that sometimes it is hard to know just what to say or how to approach someone who has lost a beloved person in their life, but I promise you this: talking about their person will not suddenly remind them that their person is gone. The absence becomes a constant, and simply telling them that you’re thinking about them this particular day or that you love them reminds them that you have not forgotten their grief or their person.

Celebrating the life of someone who is gone is important and appreciated. Do you know someone who is grieving? A note or a text or a call goes a long way to keeping them going as they adjust to carrying their loss through life. Being a small ray of hope and love for them may be just what they need to get through a day and remind them that they are seen and not forgotten.

May we all be rays of Easter hope to those around us.

Alleluia,
Heidi

March 23, 2024 – Stories of Hope

I recently finished a GREAT book, The Rose Code, by Kate Quinn.  It is my favorite genre of literature: historical fiction about World War II.  I can’t get enough of it!  I do branch out to other genres, only to return to my favorite when done. The basis of this book is about the people of England who secretly decoded Enigma messages sent by Germany, thus helping to bring the war to an early end.  Some of the characters are composites of people who worked at the highly secretive Bletchley Park, while some are true individuals who worked there but their names have been altered.

All of this background information leads me to one character in particular and the common practices regarding mental health back in the 1940’s and how it personally impacted my family.  The brilliant character Beth (a composite of two real women at Bletchley) was suspicious that someone was stealing information from Bletchley Park.  Suddenly, near the end of the war, she finds herself being committed to an “insane asylum” against her will.  It has been determined that she is “unstable”.  A spy within Bletchley had her committed to keep from being found out.  Just like that.  In the 1940’s, people could sign the lives of their family members or people they knew over to asylums by claiming mental instability whether they actually needed help or were just a bother to someone who wanted them out of their life.  Beth works frantically for over 3 years to get released from the asylum as she is being drugged to be controlled and eventually faces a potential lobotomy.  She is finally rescued, she escapes the lobotomy, the mystery of the spy within Bletchley is solved, the war ends and all is well. 

However, I can’t stop thinking about Beth’s plight and how it was what my aunt went through in the same era.  I have shared before that my dear aunt Arylene and my sweet Grandma were both institutionalized: Grandma in the 1930’s, and Arylene in the late 1940’s or early ‘50’s after her daughters were born.  I often wonder if it was postpartum depression, anxiety, or just what they would have been diagnosed with if it were today.  Neither of them got to raise their own babies.  My aunt was then subjected to a lobotomy, the treatment of choice at the time.  It was unsuccessful. Her life was forever altered.  

Both Arylene and Grandma would probably be living in their own homes with medical support, medication and therapy if they had experienced their symptoms in today’s world.  I will never know.  But it is a huge milestone in my own life that I can actually share their story with anyone today because of the advances made in reducing the stigma of mental health issues. I was afraid to even talk about my family history until I was an adult, even with my best friends, for fear that people would think I was mentally unstable. I truly felt like I was carrying around a dark, forbidden secret that threatened my relationships if anyone found out.

Much of my strength and confidence in sharing this family story now without fear comes from my involvement in one of Bethlehem’s partners, Mental Health Connect, and in BLC’s Mental Health Ministry. I have learned the importance of reducing the stigma connected to mental health conditions, and that there is no reason to be ashamed or afraid of my family history. 

I am thrilled that I can now actively support the ministry of Mental Health Connect (MHC) and make a difference in other people’s lives who are experiencing mental health challenges or are affected by the stigma that surrounds mental health.  There is HOPE!  

I personally invite you to make a difference, too, by joining me and other members of Bethlehem on the morning of Thursday, May 9 from 8:00-9:00 a.m. The annual MHC Stories of Hope fundraising breakfast will be held at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis at that time and promises to be moving.  I have purchased a table, and Bethlehem has an additional table available. They are filling up fast!  Please consider being a guest, my treat, at my table (I have 4 open seats) and learn more about this wonderful program that helps build mental health ministries in our collaborative of over thirty churches, offers free help navigating the mental health resources available in our community, and continues to work towards the destigmatization of mental health diagnoses.  

Click  HERE  to learn more about the keynote musician and speaker (former BLCTC member!) and the delicious meal that will be served. You can also check out MHC’s Executive Director Rev. Hannah Campbell Gustafson’s amazing skill playing a surprise instrument.  You have to hear it to believe it!  

You can register on your own ($25), or contact me at [email protected] or Diane Waarvik at [email protected] to reserve a seat at one of our tables. 

With a heart full of HOPE,

Heidi

March 16, 2024 – You Can Save a Life

Many years ago, in what seems like another lifetime, my heroic sister Kristin saved a life.  She was waiting tables at the Bolo Inn while attending Stout State in Menomonie, Wisconsin.  Some of you may know it!  And one day, she made the difference in whether a man lived or died. He was a statuesque man, shall we say, and he was choking with a completely blocked airway. Kris the college student was the ONLY employee and apparently the only one in the restaurant who knew the Heimlich maneuver. The diner was so large that she couldn’t get her arms around him, so she had to talk her manager through the process and thus saved the man’s life. It could have ended in tragedy, but because one young college student had taken the time to take a first aid class, it ended in a life restored.

Every one of us has the capability to save a life, too, even if you haven’t taken a first aid class.  Did you know that our facilities have AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) and first aid kits accessible to everyone?  AEDs are devices that talk you through how to provide life saving measures when someone has no pulse, and anyone can use one, especially if you are familiar with the steps of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). You simply open the case the machine is in, listen to the audio instructions and follow the pictorial guide, and take the steps that can potentially save a life.  Your adrenaline may be rushing, but you can do it! 

I challenge each of us to seek out the AEDs and First Aid Kits at our own campuses, and actually in any facility you enter.  You never know when or where you may be the lifeline for someone.  It will make their day – and yours too. Even if you aren’t comfortable using the actual AED, knowing where it is a crucial step to getting help into the hands of someone who knows how to use one but may not know where it is located in the building.

Interested in a little video on how an AED works?  There are plenty on YouTube if you do a search, and here is one produced by the American Red Cross for your viewing pleasure. It’s under five minutes long and can increase your comfort level if you ever need to use an AED.   

How to Use an AED

To being prepared,

Heidi

March 9, 2024 – We Are Here For You – Really!

I raced out of my house earlier this week to get to the hospital as soon as possible. 

A beloved member of BLC and their family needed urgent support and prayer.  Our staff knew they were in the hospital only because someone who is close to them and who is also a member let us know about the situation . The family, who doesn’t happen to belong to Bethlehem, was deeply touched that our faith community showed up for them during this stressful time.  What a blessing it is to walk beside them!  The road ahead is long and we will be there for them.

What a gift it is to the staff of Bethlehem when a family or church member reaches out to us with care and concern to let us know about a need they are aware of.  So often we find out after-the-fact about someone who needed our support but we had no idea that they needed us.  

If only we were omniscient!  It is definitely a downside of being human!  Yet with your help we can try to fill the gaps and “be there” for all of our members.  Do you know about someone at Bethlehem who needs our faith community’s support?  Please let us know! You may be the link to that person and their family that is missing.  We depend on the love and concern of our faith community to make sure we are connected to the needs of our faith family, and we are thankful when people don’t assume that we know about a need.  We would rather hear from 100 people about one member in need than to not know at all. Just call your church office number and we will take it from there.  

With grateful hearts for your caring hearts,

Heidi and the Care Team   

March 2, 2024 – 30,000 Books and Babies’ Brains

30,000. I believe I have shared before that this is the number of books my self-educated, smart, language loving Mom had neatly organized in our home when I was growing up. Yes, 30,000.   

I counted them myself (with my younger brother as we entertained ourselves ALL day one rainy day), so I know that number is true and accurate. Every room in our house had a wall of shelves holding these treasures which Mom card-cataloged by author, subject and title. Friends and neighbors even ventured over to our home to “check out” books.  The written word was her passion, and she passed that passion down to all six of her children and her children’s children and now THEIR children have inherited this love of reading as well. 

I admit that my passion for books puzzles my dear husband, and their accumulation is always an issue as there isn’t nearly enough wall space in our home to store them, but as he sees the benefits of those books through the eyes of a grandparent, I believe he has realized their importance in the development of the brains of the tiny people in our lives.  I was inspired to write about this topic because as I attempt to walk through my living room each day after putting my precious 2 year old granddaughter down for a nap, I look around and smile to myself as I see the piles of books she brings to me to read and read and read every day.  I can honestly say that we spend hours reading to her every week if not every day. I can hear Mom singing with joy in Heaven!

1 million neural connections per second.  That’s how quickly a child’s brain is developing between birth and age three according to ZERO TO THREE, whose mission is to ensure that each and every baby has a strong start in life.

“Infants and toddlers are ready to absorb new information, environments, and love from their caregivers. Those earliest days, weeks, and months are at the core of ZERO TO THREE’s work as the premier organization translating the brain science of early childhood into a better world for babies and toddlers.”  (Source: ZERO TO THREE )

I was fortunate enough to grow up in a home where Mom was always singing and listening to her music on the radio and reading to us and she and Dad were talking to us and each other all the time. Dad would make up stories to tell us as he put us to bed at night. We begged him for more stories every time it was his turn for the bedtime routine. Our whole family was talking all the time, actually, and being number five of six kids I heard music and language constantly. My kids were in the same boat. Not only did I talk and sing and read to them all the time, so did my hubby, and so did their grandparents and aunts and uncles and older cousins.  Their neural connections were bursting throughout their little brains!  

This brings me to the focus of this message: that infants from the time a mom is pregnant with them to the time they are newborns to toddlers and beyond need to hear language and music a LOT in order to have a strong start in life.  Holding babies develops emotional wellness and a sense of security, and reading and music and hearing language develops neural connections that help children learn and understand and read as they get older and enter school.  The importance of this influence can’t be over emphasized.  

So remember to talk to those babies in your lives whenever you can as if they completely know what you are saying to them. They may not respond, but you can think of it as intentionally nurturing a brain. I narrated my actions all day when I was home with my beloved kids, telling them about the dishes and the laundry and their every move as if it was the height of excitement.  There was no absence of language in our home! I know more than one person looked at me strangely when I was a young mom as I walked the aisles of stores and I appeared to be talking to myself, but I was really narrating the surroundings to my tiny tots as if they totally understood what I was saying. “Isn’t this a pretty red apple?” “Oh my, look at this fuzzy pair of jammies.”  But I knew I was nurturing those precious little brains so I kept on talking. I still catch myself talking out loud in store aisles out of habit from those childrearing days.

No little ones in your world? If volunteering is your passion, preschools and elementary schools love to plug community members into classrooms to read to their kiddos. Or consider donating books to a preschool or elementary school or Sunday School program. Or support a non-profit like Literacy Minnesota . They built The Open Door Learning Center which includes a literacy rich preschool program for children 3-5 years old to attend while their parents attend language classes. You can make a difference in the life of a child without even needing to be present!  

With a few (dozen) books to read,

Heidi 

Your Care Ministries team is here for you. Please let us know how we can be present with you, how we can pray with you, how we can share in your journey. Please contact us.

The following is a list of resources available to you and your loved ones.

Bethlehem Sermon Phone Line
Did you know you can call to hear the latest Sunday and Wednesday Sermon recordings? Call the Bethlehem Sermon Phone Line @ 612-312-3363.

Bethlehem Pastor On Call
If you have a pastoral emergency, call 612-312-3400, follow the prompts to option 9. A pastor is on call 24 hours a day.

Starfish
Starfish helps people in temporary crises. If you are experiencing a financial crisis, cannot afford food, gas, rent, etc., call the Starfish Appointment Line at 952-686-4124.

Mental Health Connect
Living with mental health concerns can be tough. Finding help can be even tougher. Mental Health Connect can assist you in making the right connections. Call or Text 612-312-3377. Email [email protected].

COPE
If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis COPE can help.  Call **CRISIS (274747) from anywhere in the State of Minnesota to reach the local County crisis team.