Scandia congregation observes National Recovery Month with outreach, training

September is National Recovery Month. It’s observed nationally to raise awareness about addiction and mental health and celebrate people in recovery.

Pastor Seth Perry of Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia has spent the past few years trying to reduce mental health stigma in his community. He told MPR News in 2024 that opening up about his own struggles with mental health changed the way he approached his work as a pastor.

Since then, his congregation has created a mental wellness outreach committee, and he’s launched a podcast about mental health and recovery. He joined Minnesota Now to share what he’s doing for recovery month.