One Voice Weekend is October 23-25
Dear Hunterdon Faith Leaders and Parish Contacts,
One Voice Weekend is October 23-25. The vision of One Voice is that in every place of worship, on the same weekend, faith leaders raise awareness and provide support on a particular topic. The power of One Voice is to reach thousands of people in one weekend with an important message that affects our community.
This year the theme is “Resilience and Coping methods during times of social distancing to prevent substance misuse”. Faith is one of the most powerful protective factors in preventing anxiety, depression and substance misuse.
For faith leaders and people of faith, we know God is a loving, forgiving God. Through our faith in God we come to realize there is always hope; hope for a sense of safety, tranquility and happiness. And, hope for when we feel downtrodden and defeated that there is always tomorrow’s sunrise.
We also know that human beings are not perfect and will continually succumb to temptation that can lead to transgressions toward others and God. We can gain that sense of hope by atoning for misguided behavior.
Unfortunately, sometimes people succumb to the temptation of substance use that can lead to substance abuse and addiction. The most insidious substance that can hijack people’s agency and ability to make good choices is opioids. This can result in blocking God’s influence in their lives.
What is the message One Voice Weekend offers to you and your congregants? Last year, there were over 3,000 opioid related deaths in New Jersey. This crisis is only heightened by the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting isolation.
We are offering the following resources to use at your discretion to increase resiliency and coping during this stressful time. We encourage you to please use the information below and attached in your service, announcements, bulletins and/or on your website and social media.
Please encourage your members to reduce the stigma of being silent about opioid addiction by sharing/using:
FREE Help App QR Code – great for youth, adults, and faith leaders to have connections to support at your fingertips
Safely disposing prescription medications. (A short YouTube video)
Bulletin insert in English and Spanish that explains One Voice Weekend, what congregants can do, and has the Help App QR Code.
Appointed Scripture - for Christian congregations using a lectionary
Visuals easily added to social media or bulletin communications:
For Resilience and Coping Methods, please highlight features within your faith tradition - such as setting aside specific time for prayer, meditation, sabbath time, and other practices.
Thank you for your care for people in our Hunterdon community.
Faithfully yours,
Peggy Dowd Program Director peggy@onevoicehc.com
Alison Levine Youth Coordinator alison@onevoicehc.com
Rev. Harry Mazujian Project Coordinator harry@onevoicehc.com
Michael Rocco Project Outreach Coordinator michael@onevoicehc.com