Mental health conditions are common everywhere, including in our churches. People are dealing with a variety of mental health and substance use challenges every day. Due to stigma, many people may be reluctant to either seek help professionally or to speak about it with their pastor or other members of their church. But we want to create a place of belonging, where truly everyone…including those with mental health challenges…is welcome, no matter where they are on life’s journey.
Congregations are invited to explore becoming WISE: Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged for Mental Health by attending a conference on March 2 at City of Refuge in Oakland, offered by the UCC Mental Health Network.
This conference is an opportunity for clergy, church members and leaders to:
- learn about mental health
- explore how our faith communities can support those among us with health challenges
- attend workshops
- begin the steps to become a WISE Congregation for Mental Health, following the UCC resolution passed at General Synod in 2015.
The conference brochure is attached, or can be seen on the Mental Health Network website, mhn-ucc.org. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Questions? Contact Robin Kempster, member of the UCC Mental Health Network, at [email protected].
UCC WISE Conference (Oakland, CA 3_2_19) for more information about break out sessions, speakers, and schedule.
