Alcoholism Awareness Sunday

Sunday, September 24, 2023, 10:00 AM

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church will focus its Sunday service on September 24 on Alcoholism Awareness. We do so because one in four American families is affected by alcoholism, and yet we as a society do not want to talk about alcoholism. More than 35 million Americans over the age of 26 meet the criteria for substance use disorder. Yet very few receive treatment.

Alcoholism and drug addiction are not sins. They are diseases for which there is treatment. Diseases are not sins, any more than it is a sin to have appendicitis or emphysema or cancer. It is not the family’s fault either. No one chooses to become an alcoholic or addict or to have a gallstone. There are activities that may lead to disease, and some people are genetically more disposed to specific diseases than others. And one can deny being ill, having a disease or addiction, just like one can deny having cancer, refuse all treatment, pretend that you are fine, until you die – possibly needlessly. But the disease is not sin.

This Sunday, Our special guest speaker will be John Wasielewski, a certified Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor, who will speak from personal and professional experience.

Sunday service is at 10 am. St. Andrew’s is located at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Glen Arbor in the center of Ben Lomond. Information about recovery resources will be available along with refreshments after the service. September is National Recovery Month. For more information about St. Andrew’s: www.saintandrewsbenlomond.org

A prayer from Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church:

We pray, O God of Hope, for all families whose lives have been disrupted by alcohol, drugs, and addictions. Enable them to identify the illness. Give them the strength to search for help. Increase their trust in you, bless them with the power of your transforming love. Grant that as they walk with their loved one this difficult path, they may be bound together by confidence in your love and guidance. Amen.