Mental Health & Marijuana

Pastor Nate Widener • November 11, 2024

"A Frank Discussion Regarding Marijuana and its Spiritual Implications"

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.

News & Notes

July 28, 2025
Hey's St. Peter's! How's your summer going? We want to know!
July 28, 2025
A Lifetime of Love
By Pastor Nate Widener July 28, 2025
St. Peter’s Family, My wife Amy and I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for the outpouring of love you have shown us over the last several weeks. This past weekend, my oldest daughter Gwyn was married to our wonderful son-in-law Benjamin Corley, and we couldn’t be happier. But, what made it all the sweeter was seeing so many of your caring and supportive faces in the congregation. Similarly, as you know, just a few short weeks ago I lost my father, Nick Widener, and I cannot express to you the depth of my thankfulness for all of the condolences that you have given me and my family. Your cards are all sitting on the windowsill of my office. Without question St. Peter’s is a loving and caring congregation, and this is part of what makes you so great. Thank you for taking care of us, so that we can also take care of you. May God Bless you, Pastor Nate
By Pastor Adam McDowell July 28, 2025
Sermon by Pastor Adam McDowell
By Barb Christian July 28, 2025
As we begin our new preschool year, we will need some supplies. It takes a lot of glue, markers and paint to keep preschoolers busy. Please consider taking a letter or two from our “Giving Tree”. Each letter is labeled with a needed supply item to be donated. Once you have shopped, you can return the item(s) to the tree. Thank you for your generosity as you bless our preschool. You are truly appreciated!
July 21, 2025
Hey's St. Peter's! How's your summer going? We want to know!
By HSYG July 21, 2025
St. Peter’s Youth head to “The Big Easy”
By Tim Degen July 21, 2025
Tim Degen, Director of Music & Organist
By Pastor Nate Widener July 21, 2025
"Martha, Martha, Martha" by Pastor Nate Widener
By Board of Directors July 14, 2025
Voter's Meeting Results