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although participants were invited to
afternoon small groups if they wanted
to share more from their experiences.
The morning began with a
keynote address by Dr. Dan Gottlieb, a
psychologist and therapist well-known
locally as former host of “Voices of
the Family” radio show. Dr. Gottlieb
personally knows of tragedy, loss and
suffering, and has been impacted by
these topics.
We then had a panel of local people
speaking on their own life experiences
of domestic violence, suicide and
addiction. For each of these sessions,
there was time for questions from the
audience. It was absolutely amazing to
witness people speaking authentically
about the struggles in their lives. And
although not all attendees were at
the microphone sharing their stories,
those who did spoke for many in the room.
People were able to ask: “My son died from overdose, did I enable him
because I didn’t kick him out?” And, “How do I talk about my experience of
domestic violence without harming my children?” And, “How do I let go of
the shame I feel from my failures?” And heartbreakingly more.
We very intentionally opened and closed the event with creative pieces of
music and poetry to set and hold the space for care and kindness. For the last
activity, attendees were invited to write on a large leaf a prayer or the names of
people they were holding in their hearts around these topics.
The following Sunday morning a tree was planted with all of these leaves
in the soil in a ceremony at one of the local churches that helped coordinate
the event. This tree planting ceremony with prayerful leaves was also done at
Bryn Athyn Cathedral directly after the previous year’s Finding Hope, marked
with a beautiful stone displaying the quote: “Come to me, all you who are
weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
The event was attended by more than 200 people. More than 100 of them
had no former connection with Bryn Athyn Church. We spread the word
primarily through word of mouth, Facebook advertising, and posters. We also
submitted a press release and got local coverage following the event in two
papers.
“This is so needed, and
it makes me feel proud
of my church for really
being there for people
who need it most. For
not shunning those
who are in addiction, or
suffering from mental
health issues, but instead
saying, ‘We care about
you. We all battle this.
Let’s work together.’"
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