By offering the hope and love of God, congregations can walk with families often isolated by the nature of mental illness — an illness that affects one of every four families. Many times families living with mental or emotional illnesses are unable to express their pain, sorrow and spiritual needs. Sometimes, congregations unwittingly perpetuate stigmas associated with mental illness and further silence those who need compassionate care, acceptance and understanding. The Health Promotion Sunday resources will provide congregations with information about mental illness and the church’s unique role of offering help to individuals and families.

Church of the Brethren congregations are invited to consider “Offering Hope: The Church’s Role with Mental Illness” on Health Promotion Sunday, which will be Sunday, May 21. Resources are available here. Printed copies are available upon request at no charge from the Association of Brethren Caregivers at (800) 323-8039.