By Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Aberdeen will host three suicide prevention events for people of all ages later this month.
The Soul Shop sessions are set for April 12, April 26 and April 28.
This year, the church is focusing on suicide prevention, which led to the training opportunities, according to information from Bethlehem Lutheran. While Soul Shop is designed especially for church leaders, all are welcome, including counselors, community leaders and anybody else who is interested.
Soul Shop is a faith-based suicide prevention movement and training organization. For more information, visit soulshopmovement.org.
Information about the different events follows.
Thursday, April 12
Soul Shop for Parents is from 5 to 6:30 p.m. April 12 and is a Zoom event. There is no charge.
The 90-minute workshop is designed to help parents feel more confident talking with their kids about emotional struggles, depression and suicide. Parents will learn:
- Warning signs that a young person might be struggling.
- How to ask caring and direct questions.
- Helpful listening skills that build trust.
- Ways to guide youth toward appropriate support.
- What kids learn in Soul Shop for Youth so conversations can continue at home.
Register online at shorturl.at/ipgoL.
Soul Shop also has a podcast about hope, suicide prevention and the Soul Shop movement for youth. It can be found online at shorturl.at/0FlxM.
Sunday, April 26
Soul Shop for High School Youth is from 5 to 7 p.m. April 26 at the Bethlehem Lutheran youth center, 1620 Milwaukee Ave. N.E. There is no cost, and pizza will be served.
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The session is designed to be an engaging, hope-centered experience that helps high school students care for their own mental health while learning how to support friends who may be struggling. Students will learn how to:
- Talk openly about stress, sadness, pressure and hope.
- Develop healthy ways to manage difficult emotions.
- Recognize when a friend might need help.
- Practice listening and responding with care.
- Identify trusted adults and support systems.
Register with Stan Jung, director of youth and young adults, by emailing [email protected].
Tuesday, April 28
Soul Shop for Leaders is from 8:30 to 4 p.m. April 28 in the church’s east fellowship hall. The cost is $100, and workshop materials, beverages, snacks and lunch are included.
The session is designed for pastors, church staff, volunteer leaders, counselors and anyone serving in ministry who wants to be better equipped to offer hope and care to those affected by suicide. It’s designed to equip faith and community leaders with practical tools to respond compassionately and confidently to individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts. Attendees will learn how to:
- Foster a Soul Safe culture within their congregation or organization.
- Develop worship and ministry resources addressing suicide and hope.
- Train others in suicide awareness and caring conversations.
- Invite honest storytelling and reduce stigma surrounding mental health.
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Register online at shorturl.at/T06Gd. For more information, contact Janis Heier, pastoral care minister, at 605-225-9740, extension 110, or by emailing [email protected].
