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Busting Loneliness: Evangelical Church's Postcard Campaign
Church's Post Urges Against Solitude Struggles - Church Mail to Members: Addressing the Sorrow of Solitude
The Evangelical Church in Hesse and Nassau (EKHN) is waging war on loneliness. Over 800,000 evangelical households have received a postcard titled, "You aren't alone, even when you're alone" and 400 communities in Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate are proudly displaying corresponding banners.
Tackling the taboo, Church President Christiane Tietz explained the aim is to "reduce the stigma by presenting it as a personal and shared experience." The EKHN's postcard also links to support services and encourages readers to act with empathy and start conversations with those feeling isolated.
A Where's Waldo Postcard
The postcard is designed like a Where's Waldo, with Tietz emphasizing that even in a sea of people, one can feel lonely. Loneliness knows no age nor life circumstances.
Local church communities view this initiative as a golden chance to offer activities tailored to their congregations, such as cinema trips or social walks together, shared Pastor Anke Spory. A list of activities and counseling resources can be found on the EKHN website.
"Pulse Postcard" - A Lifeline for Many
The EKHN’s "Pulse Postcard" project has been in motion since 2012. A survey conducted last year revealed that 86% of recipients open the letters, with a third reading them thoroughly. For many, this postcard is their sole connection to their church.
A yearly budget of 650,000 euros is allocated for the "Pulse Postcard" project, ensuring that church members in Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate receive one or two letters a year.
- Hesse
- Loneliness
- Nassau
- Rhineland-Palatinate
- Frankfurt am Main
Church Combat Tactics
While specific details about the EKHN's "Pulse Postcard" initiative were not found, churches worldwide tend to fight loneliness through various means:
- Community Events: Hosting gatherings like potluck dinners, volunteer events, and group outings to stimulate connections within their members.
- Support Groups: Providing support groups for individuals battling particular struggles, such as loneliness.
- Outreach Programs: Implementing outreach initiatives to engage with the broader community, like visiting the elderly or those in isolation.
- Digital Initiatives: Leveraging digital platforms or newsletters to keep members updated and connected.
If the "Pulse Postcard" is indeed a digital initiative, it may entail sharing stories, offering mental health resources, or announcing community events. The goal would be to provide a lifeline and help alleviate feelings of isolation.
- The Evangelical Church's digital initiative, such as the "Pulse Postcard," could involve sharing personal stories, offering mental health resources, or announcing community events to provide a lifeline and help reduce feelings of isolation.
- Emphasizing the importance of combating loneliness, the Evangelical Church worldwide engages in digital initiatives, support groups, outreach programs, and community events to stimulate connections and engage with their members and the broader community.
- As the Evangelical Church's "Pulse Postcard" initiative aims to tackle loneliness, it aligns with their employment policy of prioritizing mental health and wellness, as well as lovingly addressing scientifically-proven concerns like those related to health-and-wellness and relationships.
