December 4  |  Caring for Yourself through Holiday Stress  |  Lori Peiffer will guide our conversation. Lori is a clinical psychologist, active member of our congregation, and parent of high school- and college-age sons. The holidays are a busy time and might not always be “the most wonderful time of the year.” We'll consider what can make the holidays stressful. We'll also take time to identify specific challenges we face in this season and discuss specific ways of caring for ourselves as we move with intentionality through what can be a stressful time.

December 11 |  Steps on Our Journey Forward, Part 3  |  As we work together to transition toward calling our next Lead Minister, we move into the phase of discovery that we call Visioning. During this important time, we gather to understand where we have been and what experiences we’ve shared on our way. We’ll begin at 6:10 and discuss what core values undergird our mission and ministry. Please sign up in the lobby so we know how many to prepare dinner for.

December 18  |  The Lifesaving Church: Faith Communities and Suicide Prevention  |  Join us as we gather with guest facilitator Dr. Rachael Keefe to talk about how to be a Lifesaving Church. We’ll review the risk factors and warning signs for suicide as well as what to do when we encounter someone who might be suicidal. Participants will also be encouraged to examine their own theology around suicide and decide if changes are needed. Time permitting, we'll also talk about how to respond after a suicide.

Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe is the author of The Lifesaving Church: Faith Communities and Suicide Prevention (Chalice Press, 2018) and pastor of Living Table United Church of Christ in Minneapolis. She’s a favored conference presenter on topics related to the church and mental health, particularly suicide and congregations. Previously, she served as clinical chaplain at a state psychiatric hospital where she worked with patients, staff, clergy, and faith communities to increase understanding and welcome of persons living with severe and persistent symptoms of mental illness. She also served on a state Suicide Prevention Council. For more information, visit her website, beachtheology.com.