Video Overview

A video introduction to the work, ministry, and members of the Mental Health Committee can be viewed by clicking HERE.

Mission Statement

The Mental Health Committee provides education, training, spiritual support and resources for congregations and the larger community, as we are called to compassionately journey together through mental health challenges. The committee seeks to promote all efforts that foster greater mental and emotional well-being for us all. 

Ministry Activities in 2021

The Mental Health Committee has already scheduled two training opportunities for 2021. First is Companionship training and second, an introductory workshop on the key findings of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study. Both of these are of interest to pastors and congregants; to those who work with children, youth, and families; to those who work in Christian education for any age group; to Deacons, Stephen Ministers, and any involved in pastoral care; to Elders and committee chairs; to any who wish to extend the love and hope of Jesus in our troubled world; in other words, to all of us!

To help you decide if you would like to attend Companionship training or the introductory ACE Study workshop, see the brief descriptions below. We look forward to offering other educational opportunities throughout the year, too; for example, Mental Health First-Aid and events conducted with partners such as the Interfaith Mental Health Coalition, McCormick Theological Seminary, and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

 

Companionship Training

Rooted in our natural capacities as human beings to act on our concern for another person, Companionship is a relational response to isolation and distress, supportive of healing and recovery. Companionship training equips individuals and communities to provide this relational response to those in need.  The Companionship Workshop consists of three 1.5 hour sessions. We hope you will be able to join our Companionship movement by attending one of our workshops.

This workshop is being offered one more time in 2021. Please keep an eye on this space for details about dates and times.

 

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Building Self-Healing Communities

The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (or ACE Study) was conducted with over 17,000 participants in the early 1990’s by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente, a managed care consortium. ACEs include abuse, neglect, and growing up around substance abuse, domestic violence, mental illness, or criminal activity. The ACE Study confirms, with scientific evidence, that these adverse experiences early in life affect brain development and increase the likelihood of physical, mental, social, and behavioral problems later in life. But, we can make a difference.  Relationships with caring and competent people provide security and belonging and are vital contributors to resilience and recovery.  

A brief workshop introducing the major findings of the ACE Study, entitled Understanding ACEs: Building Self-Healing Communities, will be offered via Zoom on Wednesday, September 15, 2021from 2 – 3 p.m. More extensive presentations on the ACE Study will be scheduled for pastors or congregations who wish to learn more. To see the flyer for the September workshop, click HERE. To register for the September workshop, click HERE.

We’d love to hear from you if you are interested in serving on this committee. Please contact one of our committee members.
 
Mental Health Committee Members
Rev. Jefferson Calderia
Rev. Dorothy Symonds
Barbara Gorsky
David Thornton
RJ Kang
Barbara Wilson, Presbytery Staff