Have you ever felt like you needed a vacation from your vacation? As the summer ends, we can often look back and realize that we never actually slowed down.
And, if we are honest with ourselves, we really, really needed to.
We needed the summer to take a step back. We needed to get away, to pause and reflect on our lives. We needed to think about what we are doing and where we are headed. But as much as we needed to regroup and regather, we find ourselves about to step back into the fall just as overwhelmed, busy, and caught up in the same ways as we ever were. We need a break.
Many people find themselves needing to take a deep breath, needing to reassess their lives — in short, needing a time of spiritual renewal. If that’s you, then you aren’t alone.
Below are just a few ways HPUMC can support you this Fall, if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Take a class to help you keep your head above water
Amongst many options of classes and groups, our church is offering a class called, “Breathing Under Water,” based on the book with the same name by the incredible spiritual leader, Fr. Richard Rohr. Based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, it truly is for everyone who needs a time of spiritual renewal and freedom from any burdens they might be carrying — freedom from whatever might be weighing them down, keeping their heads seemingly below water.
Instead of frantically trying to stay afloat, if you learn how to breathe underwater, you can find peace, freedom, and perspective no matter what is happening around you. This group meets Monday evenings, starting September 16.
Take a class to help you embrace the gifts of imperfection
Too often we listen to the voices of shame, embarrassment, and fear. These voices thwart our gratitude, acceptance, and compassion. The voices we need are those that encourage self-discovery, personal growth, and boundless love.
This inspiring guide to wholehearted living helps cultivate feelings of self-worth, as well as acceptance and love for ourselves. Come explore Brené Brown’s, “The Gifts of Imperfection,” find the courage to overcome fear and self-consciousness, and learn compassion for ourselves and for others. This class meets Wednesday evenings starting September 25.
Take an eight-week seminar designed for those who are grieving
This eight-week seminar will provide a caring environment for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. This seminar, starting on September 19, will assist participants in better understanding the dynamics of grief and mourning, developing healthy coping skills, and experiencing a sense of community through contact with others in similar situations.
For more information and how to register, contact Rev. Camille May.
How can we support you?
Above are just a few of the many ways HPUMC can walk alongside you when you’re feeling overwhelmed or in the midst of one of life’s curveballs. Whether it’s through baptisms, hospital or emergency calls, counseling, support groups, weddings, or funerals/memorials, our Congregational Care team exists to provide love and spiritual support to our community. We encourage you to reach out to them even in the most difficult times.