Congregations Use Pamphlets for Teaching, Outreach

Under normal circumstances, two hundred and fifty Close to Home pamphlets might last quite a while at Tedrow Mennonite Church. But last month the Tedrow, Ohio, congregation gave them all away in one day. "We had a joint worship service with nearby Pine Grove Mennonite Church, on the topic of depression," says pastor Doug King. At the end of the service we gave each household a copy of the Close To Home pamphlet Dealing with Depression as a resource. I appreciate the information and stories these pamphlets contain."

Close to Home pamphlets address difficult personal issues from a Christian perspective. Each pamphlet includes a true story, an exploration of how the Bible and the Christian story bring hope to those who suffer, and a list of resources for further information. The pamphlets are written and reviewed by caregivers with therapeutic training and experience.

In June, two new pamphlets—Dealing with Dementia and Dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—will bring the number of titles available in the series to twenty-three. Of those available, Dealing with Depression has been the second best-selling pamphlet in the series to date, with the top seller Dealing with Pornography. Total copies sold for all the titles in the series are nearing 60,000. Other recent pamphlet topics include electronic addiction, elder abuse, infertility, and bipolar disorder.

Mary Benner, pastor of children and youth at Souderton Mennonite Church, Souderton, Pennsylvania, reports their congregation has been displaying the pamphlets in a foyer for about two years. "Our building is used heavily by groups from the broader community, so we want the pamphlets to be readily available to anyone. I'm so impressed with the concise, respectful, straightforward content that's consistent with our faith, as well as the great resource section. The colors and layout of the pamphlet make an inviting display and the clear titles enable someone to view them even in passing and discreetly pick up the one they want. We're eagerly watching for more titles."

Steinbach Mennonite Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba, has also displayed the pamphlets in a central foyer. Recently pastor Gary Martens and a team of congregational small group coordinators began recommending the pamphlets as a study resource. "I anticipate that quite a few groups will pick up on these resources," says Martens. "The topics addressed are relevant, the material in the pamphlets is well-researched and presented, and the discussion guides are very user-friendly." Study guides to accompany Close to Home pamphlets are available for free download at www.mpn.net/closetohome.

Pastor Casey Rohrer of Springs Mennonite Church in Springs, Pennsylvania, just recently purchased a selection of Close to Home Pamphlets. "We've placed them in different locations, including the men's and women's restrooms and the foyer," says Rohrer, "and I've encouraged people to pick them up and use them, or to give them to others. I notice the piles are growing smaller."