Mental Health & Marijuana

Pastor Nate will present for The Lutheran Foundation’s LookUp Education Series this coming Wednesday, November 13th from 3-4:30 pm at The Lutheran Foundation, 3024 Fairfield Ave. Online registration is closed, but you can still come and register the day of for this FREE event.

Marijuana has become an accepted norm in our society and has largely been trivialized by the media. Make no mistake, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is not only addictive, but it's also responsible for changing the way people think and feel on a daily basis. In "A Frank Discussion," we will attempt to not only explore the insidious nature of this intoxicating substance, but also address the spiritual implications of long-term abuse. With more than 50 million people using marijuana in our country alone, it is clear that this issue affects our churches and our community on an exceedingly wide scale. Join us, as we discuss how this so-called "harmless drug" can have such a pervasive effect on our friends, family, and our parishioners.

Before attending the Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Reverend Nate Widener was a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) for Southwest Youth and Family Services in Chickasha, OK for approximately ten years. During that time, he helped clients on the path to recovery who suffered from issues that included drug and alcohol use disorders, as well as various co-occurring mental health disorders commonly associated with substance abuse. Additionally, he was the sole facilitator for the Batterer’s Intervention Program (BIP) at his facility and successfully launched the first program of its kind in the southwest part of the state.

As a result of his former professional career, he is very focused on wellness both at the individual and congregational level. Currently, his work with St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and School focuses on the Community of Care, as well as regular ministerial duties. This program is intended to help members see their church as an ally to their needs, both in regard to their spirituality as well as their day-to-day problems.