WISE Congregations

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WISE Congregations for 
Mental Health Conference

 Friday, May 4, 2018

St. Paul's United Church of Christ
5739 Dunham Road
Downers Grove, IL 60516

 Do not fear; for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." Isa. 43:1

On behalf of the UCC Mental Health Network, I warmly invite you to attend our third WISE Conference on Mental Health being held at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Downers Grove, IL on Friday, May 4, 2018. Being impacted myself by mental health conditions in my own family, I know this Conference does make a difference. It reduces the stigma about mental illness and increases our understanding of mental health conditions and how our congregations can respond. You will experience personal stories; receive practical steps to engage in a mental health ministry in your congregation; and be introduced to the WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, Engaged) Covenant for congregations for mental health. Please join us.
Alan Johnson

With keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund

Rev. Dr. Lund, author of the book Blessed Are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness, Family and Church,  is passionate about loving her family, God, and being part of faith communities. She is an ordained minister and holds degrees from Trinity University, Princeton Theological Seminary, Rutgers University, and McCormick Theological Seminary. She currently serves as a Vice President for Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN. Sarah received The Bob and Joyce Dell Award for Mental Health Education from the United Church of Christ Mental Health Network in 2015 for "her outstanding authorship and leadership in breaking the silence about mental illness in family and in church and offering healing and hope.".



This one–day conference offers:
  • Ways congregations can address mental health concerns
  • Stories from persons affected by mental health issues
  • Practical steps to engage in a mental health ministry
  • Introduction to the WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, Engaged) Covenant
  • Network with those who are on the journey to address mental health challenges
  • On–going support
 Workshops include:
  • How to Become a WISE Congregation for Mental Health: Inspiring Stores & Practical Advice with Amy Petré Hill
  • Mental Health and the Church: How, When, and Why to Help with Karl Shallowhorn
  • Trauma Informed Congregations with Rev. Kirsten Peachy
  • How to Start a Mental Health Ministry Including a Spiritual Support Group for Mental Health with Rev. Alan Johnson
  • Suicide: Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention with Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe
  • Companionship—An introduction with Robin Kempster and Johari Sharp
  • Minority Mental Health—What Does Faith Have To Do With it? with Angela Whitenhill
Dates to Remember
April 27: No registration refunds after this date
May 3: Regular registration rate ends
May 4: Onsite registration rate begins



For more information, email Alan Johnson at revalan2004@comcast.net


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What is a W.I.S.E. Congregation?

A WISE congregation has joined the mission to being Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged in the Mental Health of the community and the wider world.
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What does a W.I.S.E. Covenant look like?

Here are a few WISE Covenants from congregations


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How Does a Congregation Become W.I.S.E.?

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