One of the many blessings of ministry at St. Peter’s, Kasson, MN has been the opportunity to serve with folks who are struggling with, and recovering from, addictions to drugs and alcohol.

St. Peter’s outreach to the local recovery community began long before my arrival three years ago, and it continues to evolve. Over the years we have explored a number of ways to deepen our relationship and further support the recovery community. I have met many folks in the local recovery community through our weekly Wednesday dinners, which are free for anyone in the Kasson-Mantorville area who wants to attend. Additionally, St. Peter’s works in partnership with the Dodge Board and Lodge, a sober living house in Kasson, and with Dodge County Drug Court.

Recently, we have been offering a monthly Wednesday night Recovery Service after the community dinner. These are services of Holy Communion, with prayers inspired by the 12-Step Program of Alcoholics Anonymous. I adapted the liturgical resources provided by the Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church. I also sought help from folks in the local recovery community to select music and prayers, and to promote the service. On July 2nd we had our third Wednesday Night Recovery Service, and we are looking forward to the next Service on September 3rd at 6:15 p.m.

I encourage everyone to reach out to the local recovery community. They are not the “other.” They are God’s children, our sisters and brothers in Christ.

O blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and perservering love. Amen.  BCP p. 831