Church of the Brethren congregations are invited to consider “Offering Hope: The Church’s Role with Mental Illness” on Health Promotion Sunday May 21. A special Sunday emphasis on health is sponsored each year by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC).
“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,” said a release from ABC. “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.”
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. The resources are available at the ABC website http://www.brethren-caregivers.org/. Congregational leaders can request a printed version of the resources at no charge by calling ABC at 800-323-8039.