ELCA Suicide Prevention Ministry 2013 Board Members: Seated, left to right: Susan Weyrauch, Elsie Weyrauch, Rev. Nancy Christensen. Standing, left to right: Rev. John Stumme, Sherry Bryant, Jerry Weyrauch, Derek Weyrauch. Not pictured: Barbara Stidwill

ELCA Suicide Prevention Ministry (ELCA SPM) Taking action on the goals from the ELCA Message on Suicide adopted in 1999 We have come together to protect and promote life, as we are called to “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2), and act on our hope in God amid suffering and adversity. This Task Force was initiated to take action in response to the suicide prevention position statement of the ELCA. In the Message: “the Church Council encourages members, congregations, and affiliated institutions to learn more about suicide and its prevention in their communities, to ask what they can do, and to work with others to prevent suicide”. We hope to survey the knowledge of rostered persons on suicide prevention and examine the impact of suicide and suicidal behavior on the church. We will build future financial sustainability for ELCA suicide prevention action by raising awareness of, and promoting gifts to, the existing ELCA SUICIDE PREVENTION ENDOWMENT FUND. This Fund provides an appropriate way to honor and remember those who have died by suicide. We will invite ELCA survivors of suicide, and those who have experienced suicidal ideation, to voluntarily participate in the Suicide Prevention Ministry. Voluntary participation provides opportunities for healing and hope. We will build broad awareness of suicide prevention, inform “gatekeepers” of appropriate prevention actions, and advocate for increased prioritized federal suicide prevention research. Ultimately, we want to reduce the 11th leading cause of death. “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Taking action on 1999 ELCA Message on Suicide goals to: 1. Help congregations understand suicide and its prevention in the church community

Taking action on 1999 ELCA Message on Suicide goals to: 2. Develop and implement materials to educate congregations and faith-based leaders on suicide prevention and recovery.

Taking action on 1999 ELCA Message on Suicide goals to: 3. Examine the impact of suicide and suicidal behavior on the church

Taking action on 1999 ELCA Message on Suicide goals to: 4 Taking action on 1999 ELCA Message on Suicide goals to: 4. Build financial support for ELCA suicide prevention action

5. Invite survivors to participate in the task force Taking action on 1999 ELCA Message on Suicide goals to: 5. Invite survivors to participate in the task force

6. Build easily accessible faith-based resources on-line. Taking action on 1999 ELCA Message on Suicide goals to: 6. Build easily accessible faith-based resources on-line.

Taking action on 1999 ELCA Message on Suicide goals to: 7. Urge church-wide units to address suicide prevention and recovery by influencing policy and advocacy in the governing bodies.

ELCA SP Ministry Activities Metropolitan Model for Suicide Prevention (Wheatridge Grant Implementation) ELCA SP Task Force Website Evaluate Activities and Outcomes (on-going) Suicide Prevention Resolution (MSCELCA) Recruit More SP Task Force Members Develop a Variety of Suicide Presentations (on-going activity)

ELCA SP Ministry Path 1999: ELCA Suicide Prevention Message approved by Church-wide council 2011: ELCA church wide assembly approved the following resolution: 'Resolved, that we call upon all expressions of this church, as appropriate, to seek ways to deal with this issue, consistent with the Message on Suicide Prevention., approved 1999 by the ELCA church council.‘ 2012, produced and currently distributes the educational 6 disk DVD series titled "Telling Secrets: A Path to Abundant Living." "Grassroots" Lutheran tells how they cope with mental illness, addiction and suicide. 2015, produced with collaboration of ELCA churchwide offices, Bishop Eaton discussion suicide prevention. 2015, produced ‘Faith Communities and Suicide Prevention’ interviews with experts about how faith communities can participate in suicide prevention. Jerry and Elsie Weyrauch: Founders of Suicide Prevention Action Network nationwide,;Activists in federal expansion of all national programs on suicide prevention and funding; Founders of ELCA SPM

New Directions Became an Independent Lutheran Organization by January 2014 Became 501-c-3 in order to secure funding and develop pilot programs Continue advocacy within the Lutheran church about advancing the cause of suicide prevention Collaborate with full communion partners about suicide prevention initiatives New collaboration with Lutheran Advocacy office to work in Washington for more suicide prevention money for research. 2016 , ELCA passed a churchwide resolution to support suicide prevention advocacy. Pictured: John Uhrich, with Bishop Wayne Miller of Metropolitan Chicago Synod, and John Stumme, retired Ethicist of ELCA and co-author of Message on Suicide Prevention.

Questions & Answers Do you know anyone that should join the LSPM and save lives? Invite them. Do you want to track the progress of the LSPM ? Let us know. Do you have other ideas or resources that we can leverage? We’re listening. Google: www.lutheransuicideprevention.org for our website and how to contact us. “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)