May 1, 2023
May is Mental Health Mental Awareness Month. This week provides a time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health and illness, to increase visibility of treatment options and to support those who deal with mental health concerns.
There are many things congregations and Presbyterian organizations can do in support of this important issue that is faced by so many of God’s people. You can visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website to learn more and to find ways to get involved, not just in May but also year-round, at nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month. You can also visit the PC(USA) Mental health Ministry page to find additional resources at presbyterianmission.org/ministries/compassion-peace-justice/mental-health-ministry.
Congregations, presbyteries and synods can display brochures about NAMI and local mental health resources in a visible location in their church buildings or at gatherings, and can put this information on their websites. Mental health advocates and professionals can be invited to offer minutes for missions in worship, and when possible, pastors can preach on mental health and illness to raise awareness and open up conversations.
NAMI also has a specialized resource for people of faith called FaithNet: nami.org/Get-Involved/NAMI-FaithNet. This is an interfaith resource network of NAMI members, friends, clergy and congregations of all faith traditions who wish to encourage faith communities who are welcoming and supportive of persons and families living with mental illness.
Kathy Riley, Associate for Emotional and Spiritual Care, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Daily Readings
Today’s Focus: Mental Health Awareness Month May 2023
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Luci Duckson-Bramble, Director of Development & Services, Presbyterian Historical Society
Tara Brannigan, Financial Administrative Assistant, Stony Point Center, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Let us pray
God of grace and mercy, be with all who know the struggle of mental health concerns that they would find acceptance, support and treatment. Be with us as we minister among them. May we offer the love and compassion of Christ in this and all that we do. Amen.
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