Community for the sake of Mental Health.

Not too long ago I attended a roundtable discussion with Mike Lake, the Member of Parliament for our region. A variety of citizens gathered to express concerns and inquire about government actions on various issues. Mental Health rises to the top of every assessment done in our community and is a felt need of many around and among us.

When asked about further government involvement in providing mental health supports Mr. Lake's response got me thinking. He pointed out that even if he had a magic wand and could create unlimited finances, they wouldn't fix the problems. There's not enough systems, or counsellors to deliver services to all those who need them. Therefore, it's important that we, as a society, begin to rethink how we interact and engage with our society.

Indeed, I heard this as a call of opportunity for us as Christians, people who are called to love and serve in community, to provide opportunities for those around us to experience the healing and health that comes from meaningful connections. We can create this in our little part of the world so that we can reduce negative mental health and provide support.

I believe community dinners are a step in that direction. We elevate the values of Connection, Contribution and Conversation so that people can gather and feel part of a group that cares for them, misses them, supports them and asks for them to do the same. Each person contributes to the health of the group. 

Not everyone becomes best friends with everyone else, but Refuel Community Dinners are meant to be an environment where people who are looking for connection can find it!

May God work in our midst as we offer ourselves, "warts and all" within a group that can help us live in healthier ways. At its best, this is what Refuel is!

In Christ,
Pastor Nathan