Care Ministries
At Bethlehem, we care for our congregation by focusing on the wellbeing of each others’ mental health and caring for one another in times of struggle. Interested in knowing more? Look into our sections on congregational care, mental health & addiction ministries, and our partnership with Mental Health Connect (MHC).
Congregational Care Mental Health & Addiction Ministries Mental Health ConnectOur Mission:
The Care Ministries strive to help make Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities a safe, supportive, and welcoming faith community for individuals living with mental illness, addiction, as well as for those dealing with grief and/or difficult life transitions. We are here to walk beside you through life – even through the difficult situation(s) or circumstances you may be experiencing. We have many ministries available to meet you where you are in life. We are here to care and to provide support for you and your family.
As a caring congregation, we are committed to reducing/breaking down the stigma and secrecy of mental illness and/or addiction by raising awareness, increasing understanding, and providing information and resources. We seek to be a sanctuary — a safe place — for people with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders, a place they can experience God’s peace and love, and to feel valued and respected.
Our Priorities:
- Education to provide and equip BLC members with a better understanding of various mental health and substance use disorders and issues encountered by those in our congregation and community at large.
- Support and encouragement of individuals living with mental illness and/or substance abuse and the people who care for them.
- Creation of an accepting, safe and welcoming environment by raising awareness of mental health issues through education, advocacy, and resources.
- Ongoing and open dialogue and sharing at all levels of our church community designed to overcome the stigma and shame of mental illness and/or substance abuse.
Featured Events:
See AllBuilding Hope and Healing In Uncertain Times: Ask a Therapist About…
Finding the right therapist can make all the difference—but not every therapist will be the right fit for you. Join moderator Cara Carlson, MSW, and…
Learn MoreCare Minister Training
Join the Bethlehem care team and learn how to offer Christlike care to others through listening, prayer, and support. Care Ministers walk alongside individuals and…
Learn MoreCare Minister Training
Join the Bethlehem care team and learn how to offer Christlike care to others through listening, prayer, and support. Care Ministers walk alongside individuals and…
Learn MorePrayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer shawls are lovingly knitted and given to members and friends in our congregation who may have a health concern, facing a difficult time, or…
Learn MoreBuilding Hope and Healing In Uncertain Times: Wellbeing In Uncertain Times
We hear it all the time: Take care of yourself. Be kind to yourself. But what does that really mean—especially in times that feel so…
Learn More
Prayer Requests
Prayer is an important part of ministry at Bethlehem. If you are hurting or in need of prayer (or know someone who is), please submit a prayer request by emailing [email protected] or calling 612-312-3400.
If you submit a prayer on behalf of someone else, please try to get their permission. Without their permission, the prayer request needs to be vague in order to respect their privacy. Prayer requests remain private to the prayer chain. If you would like to request confidentiality and only direct your request to the pastoral staff, please communicate that in your email or phone call.
Submit PrayersCare Ministries
Mental Health & Addiction
Resources:
- Minneapolis campus – Diane Waarvik: 612.312.3400
- Minnetonka campus – Heidi Peterson: 952.935.3419
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – 988
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800.273.8255
- Text MN to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line
- Mental Health Connect – 612.642.1220 (call or text)
- National Alliance for Mental Illness-Minnesota (NAMI-MN) – 651.645.2948
- Adult Protection (Hennepin County): 612.348.8526
- Child Protection (Hennepin County): 612.348.8526
- Domestic Violence: 651.772.1611
- AA groups: 800.839.1686
- Metro Shelter hotline: 888.234.1329
- Hennepin County Front Door: 612.348.4111
- COPE – Hennepin County’s Mobile Crisis Team: 612-596-1223
Mental Health & Addiction Ministry Team:
- Kristen Swan
- Diane Nimmer*
- Jill Olsen*
- Gail Feichtinger*, Co-Chair
- Heidi Simpson Tjeltveit*, Co-Chair
- Diane Waarvik, Staff
- Heidi Peterson, Staff
*Serves as an ambassador to Mental Health Connect.
Please get in touch with Diane or Heidi for further information or if you have an interest in serving on the ministry team.
Mental Health Connect (MHC)
Living with mental health concerns can be tough. Finding help can be even tougher. Mental Health Connect Navigators assist in making the right connections.
Mental Health Connect (MHC) works to provide community-based resources, support, and education to improve access to mental health services and to connect individuals and families with the services they need.
Mental Health Connect is a collaborative of faith-based communities, working together to:
– Support finding community-based resources
– Provide support and education
– Improve access to mental health services
– Connect individuals and families with the services they need
Mental Health Navigators
Mental Health Navigators assist individuals and families in obtaining mental health treatment, resources, support, and education. Mental Health Navigators are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am–5:00 pm.
We are here to help you find resources and gain knowledge to help ease the pain, frustration, and confusion some may experience living with mental health concerns.
For Free & Confidential Help
Email [email protected]
Call or Text 612.642.1220
Fill out the online form
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits and responsibilities of joining the MHC Collaborative, contact Hannah Campbell Gustafson, Mental Health Connect Director.