MCC Blog November 22, 2019
 The Maine Council of Churches would like to add its voice to that of Professor Abe Peck of USM (Portland Press Herald, November 9, 2019) in denouncing a group that purports to be “Christian” but hides behind a cloak of anonymity to spew hatred, bigotry, anti-Semitism and xenophobia that in no way resembles the Christianity we embrace and practice.The five member denominations of our Council who are Christian (Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA), Methodist, Presbyterian (PCUSA) and United Church of Christ) proclaim our faithful trust in God as revealed to us through Jesus of Nazareth: a God whose love is so fierce and powerful it overcomes even death, a God who affirms the inherent dignity and worth of every human being and who anoints us to do justice and walk humbly, to love our neighbors as ourselves, to stand in solidarity with those whom society casts out to the margins, and to speak the truth with compassion. That is what being Christian means to us. We give thanks for the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and the Unitarian Universalist Association (also member denominations of MCC) whose faith compels them to live out a deep and abiding commitment to building peace with justice and guiding justice with love. Together, our Council’s seven member denominations offer our support and solidarity to all those targeted by hate groups masquerading as so-called “Christians” and we call on all people of faith and all people of good will to do the same. |
NAMI Maine provides support and education for anyone impacted by mental health conditions. One of the supports NAMI provides is family respite, the only program of its kind in the country. Respite is designed to help parents caring for children with a mental health diagnosis or developmental delays by offering planned, intentional breaks. Even a little break can improve the mood of the caregiver and restore hope that they do have the ability to meet the complicated needs of their child. NAMI is looking for people who enjoy working with children to join our might team of respite providers. Becoming a respite provide may be a great way to build your resume, earn some extra money, and support a child in need of a bonus adult in their life. The primary requirement of all respite providers is empathy and an ability to meet the family’s individual respite needs on their terms. When and where respite occurs is very flexible; it can be provided in the family home, the provider’s home, or in the community. Respite providers choose the families that they want to work with and set their own schedules. Anyone interested in becoming a respite provider should contact Chelsay at NAMI Maine at 800-464-5767 ext. 2314, or start an application today at www.namimaine.org/FamilyRespite |
