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Lauren W. Reliford This is my testimony: I was twelve years old and in seventh grade when I made my first suicide attempt. And my second. And my third. In fact, it would take another 20 years before I began my healing journey. Now, I can proudly say that I am five years suicide-free and can say for the first time ever: God, I am so glad to be alive. The United States has experienced an increase in youth suicide since 2007. By 2017, youth suicide had increased from 6.7 annual suicides per 100,000 youth to 11.8 per 100,000, with rates rising faster among American Indian and Alaska Native peoples, LGBTQ youth, and multi-racial/ethnic youth, and fastest among Black youth. There is no single cause for suicide; mental health, substance abuse, low self-esteem, and trauma are all risk factors. I want everyone battling serious mental and behavioral health illnesses or disabilities to have the same freedom and healing journey I’ve had. I know healing is possible. While we recognize National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, we must expand the work beyond a month: The darkness is relentless — but so is the hope.
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Senior Pastor for UCC church in Northern Virginia Little River United Church of Christ is a progressive, open and affirming community of believers in Annandale, Va. We seek a full-time Senior Pastor who can lead us in our faith journey and guide us as we grow and diversify. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong preaching and leadership skills. Exploring evangelicalism's predominantly white cultural identity and history Dr. Soong-Chan Rah joins the PEACE TALKS Podcast to talk about the persistent narrative of white superiority and the dangers of Western cultural captivity. The pastor, author and speaker explores how Christians are called to give up our historical cultural dominance and embrace a greater mutuality, equality and reciprocity. Pastor Search: United Church of the San Juans, Ridgway, Colorado Nestled in the beauty of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, The United Church of the San Juans in Ridgway, Colorado, is seeking a permanent pastor in a part-time relationship. Our negotiable compensation package far exceeds the minimum financial requirements of our denominational affiliates, PC(USA), ELCA, UCC and UMC. This is an opportunity for a bi-vocational ministry as well. We invite interested candidates, who are ordained or accepted by one of our affiliates, to contact our Pastor Search Team via email at ucsjpst@gmail.com to request a ministry overview. |
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