The Scriptures tell us that, when he came upon the grave of his friend Lazarus, Jesus was so moved that he wept.  (John 11:35)  But Jesus didn't stop there!  He had the stone that blocked the way removed (11:39), called him out to live again (11:43), and demanded that he be unbound (11:44).  

Today, there are too many people living in the "death" of drug and alcohol addiction.  Far too many die a physical death from this disease, but many more are living far removed from the "abundant life" that Jesus promised us in John 10:10.  

 

Recognizing that the number of opioid fatalities has risen to epidemic proportions, and that Suffolk County has the highest death toll in New York State, URTOE was formed in 2017 to discern how our district's churches might resource our communities in this  struggle.  We are currently promoting "listening posts" on the opioid epidemic and a small group resource called the Strengthening Families Program.  

 

As part of this work, we are making partnerships with a variety of agencies, most notably Long Island Congregations, Associations and Neighborhoods (LI-CAN).  Here are some other local agencies you may find helpful in your ministry:

• AA 
• Al-Anon 
• NA
• LICADD
• Thrive
• Families In Support Of Treatment (F.I.S.T.)
• Hope House
• Anchor House

 Long Island Congregations Association and

 

 

 Find out more about what LI-CAN is doing this year in response to the opioid epidemic - Read about the June 3 meeting