News Brief

First Church Happenings

The following events will be held at the First Church of Winthrop, United Methodist located at 217 Winthrop St.

Saturday, September 11 — First Church’s Annual Flea Market — 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

All of our Winthrop neighbors are invited. We will have many items for sale, including clothing, furniture, books, games, and more. The Flea Market will be held in our Fellowship Hall, accessed through our parking lot behind the church building.

Sunday, September 12 — Homecoming Sunday — 11 a.m.

All are welcome! The worship service will begin at 11 a.m. in our Sanctuary. Join us after the service for coffee and light refreshments in our side yard.

Wednesday, September 15 — Evensong — 6:30 p.m.

First Church is excited to announce a new weekly service, taking place each Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in our Sanctuary. Inspired by the meditative songs of the Taizé community, this service will be a time for prayer, healing, and contemplation. All are welcome.

Calling All Golfers!

St.  Michael’s (formerly St. John’s) parish in Winthrop is hosting its annual Golf Tournament on Monday, September 20 at the Winthrop Golf Club. If you would like more information or to sign up to play, please call 617-846-7400. Proceeds benefit St. Michael’s Youth Ministry.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and for many the subject of suicide is off limits. They believe the mere mention of suicide around friends and family can cause suicidal thoughts for them. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Approximately ­47,500 Americans died by their own hand in 2019, making suicide the 10th leading cause of death in this nation. Suicide rates in the US have climbed 33% in the last decade. One of the ways to reduce that number is by talking about suicide and suicidal ideation, which can spur meaningful conversations about mental health and potentially save lives.

Even more concerning is that suicide and suicide attempts among our nation’s youth (ages 10-24) are on the rise. According to information released last year by the CDC, 19% of youth had seriously considered attempting suicide, 16% had made a suicide plan, 9% had made a suicide attempt, and 2.5% had made a suicide attempt that was significant enough to require medical treatment.

Join the conversation, and reach out to those who have been personally affected by suicide, raise awareness, and connect those struggling with suicidal ideation to professional counselors and treatment services that can help them.

If your child or someone you love is struggling with depression or thinking about suicide, get help now. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is a free resource, available 24 hours a day for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The Crisis Text Line is a free 24/7 text line where trained crisis counselors support individuals in crisis. Text “Jason” to 741741 to speak with a compassionate, trained Crisis Counselor. Confidential support 24/7, for free.

The Jason Foundation (JFI) is another available resource.  Although September is set aside as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, JFI works toward suicide prevention all year long. JFI is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist at-risk youth.