A religious service focused on hope and salvation is nothing new. When the purpose is tied directly to addiction recovery, the message takes on greater meaning.
As was true more than three weeks ago at Christ Episcopal Church in Easton at its non-traditional 5 p.m. Saturday service. The service was a community event. Parishioners accustomed to an informal, predominantly music-based service mixed easily with members of the public—some of them recovering from drug abuse and alcoholism.
Led skillfully and sensitively by the Rev. Dr. Bill Ortt, the service combined elements of a typical Episcopal service with loud, inspirational music and outward displays of fellowship. One more element marked this unusual religious gathering: testimony by video and in-person by a choir member who has fought addiction and nearly succumbed to suicide. His story was powerful and poignant. He faced personal destruction and emerged determined to live a life marked by sobriety and faith.
He spoke revealingly to the congregation. He hugged his mother. He cried. He bared his soul. He epitomized hope and belief in himself and a better life undeterred by personal demons.
Referring to this impressive testimony of self-redemption and personal renewal, a friend wrote:
He bared his soul to show us all the importance and power – in fact, the meaning that service to others can bring to our lives. It is not a new message – in fact, I think, it is the essential message of our Christian faith. Yet, we needed to hear it again. We needed to hear that there is hope – that while we live, while there is still breath in us, there is hope. It was so moving – I cannot believe there was anyone without tears in their eyes.
This same friend, pondering the path taken by Christ Church, Easton, to create a safe and welcoming environment for those in recovery, wrote about his gratitude to the courageous choir member as well as Father Bill Ortt and Jana Leslie, the music director,” and to the many, many people of our parish and community who have worked and continue to work to keep this message alive. It was never clear how this would emerge – it is not clear how it will work out from here. But why not believe that this was supposed to happen – that it came as a result of our hopes and prayers? And why not believe that there was something divine guiding us – and that people of good will and faith, through prayers and service to others can keep hope alive in our world?”
After the service, as people gathered outside for a barbeque, I was particularly impressed by Sheriff Joe Gamble. In uniform, chatting comfortably, he listened as a young man told him how he had been arrested 10 times on drug offenses. He thanked Sheriff Gamble for the humane treatment by his deputies. What struck me was the ease with which this young man approached the sheriff and confessed his legal transgressions. Sheriff Gamble expressed no judgment. He seemed to understand the importance to the young man to discuss his past.
Sheriff Gamble understands and bemoans the heroin epidemic gripping our country and county. He’s determined to attack the scourge of addiction. He listens well. His easygoing manner belies his intent to confront a problem plaguing law enforcement officers and mental health professionals in every nook and cranny of our nation.
Addiction to drugs and alcohol is a health problem. Not simply a weakness of personal character or self-discipline. Mental illness and addiction often are paired. Focusing on one without the other frequently is unproductive.
As I understand, a holistic approach is vital on the road to recovery. An element in the tortuous journey to living an addiction-free life—though certainly not the only one—is faith. Faith in God. Faith in those in those trying to help the addicted break the bonds of chemical dependency. Faith in a community offering compassion and understanding.
I normally feel uncomfortable in a church setting filled with loud, joyous music and blatant displays of praise. I prefer a more staid, traditional approach. Minds can change.
Like my friend, I too applaud Father Bill Ortt, Jana Leslie and many others for enabling Christ Church, Easton to be a safe port for those struggling to achieve recovery.
Hope is a powerful antidote.
Columnist Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he was the executive officer of the Maryland National Guard. He also served as community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, lastly at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. In retirement, Howard serves on the boards of several non-profits on the Eastern Shore, Annapolis and Philadelphia.
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