Rev. Newton Cowan, Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care
Everyone has a story.
Some years back, perhaps the late 1990’s or early 2000’s, we had a church member offer their story from the pulpit. It was May, Mental Health Awareness month. This member shared their journey with depression.
You could have heard a pin drop. It was surprising to hear such a personal story about a struggle with mental health at church, much less on a Sunday from the pulpit. This member was vulnerable in sharing their journey. At times, they voiced feeling alone even when surrounded by a loving family at home and their church family.
I remember sitting there and was in awe that this person was so open. Hearing this person’s story greatly impacted me. Hearing about someone else’s struggle with mental health can give us permission to share our own struggles or that of our family — to realize we are not alone and to seek help and to treat those who struggle with compassion and kindness.
Everyone is impacted by mental health struggles in some shape or form as we go through life. Perhaps you have some experience in your own life? In your family? Friends?
We as a nation, we as a church have come a long way in terms of being open about mental health, but the truth is we still have a long way to go.
We, as FPC, are beginning a Mental Health Ministry Team. We want to be a safe place to discuss mental health concerns, provide information and resources, and to help break down the stigma around mental health. Our first step is to invite you to a Sunday School series called Everyone Has a Story: Caring for your Mind, Body, and Soul. Each session will provide information on mental health and how to care for ourselves and others. This will take place during Sunday School, the first 3 Sundays of May, in the Garden Room. Additionally, we will have information tables in the Welcome Center and The Mullin Life Center as a place to gather information for yourself or to offer to someone else. We hope you will join us.
Mental Health Awareness: Caring for Mind, Body and Soul
- May 5: Mind. Signs & symptoms (adults and children) a person may feel or see in a loved one or friend; support for care. led by Rev. Caroline Phillips from our Pastoral Care staff.
- May 12: Body. Care for self and of others experiencing challenges, extending grace & kindness. Led by member Dr. Maddy Lowman.
- May 19: Soul: Promoting acceptance & compassion, language matters, decreasing stigma, seeking help. Led by Katie Rich. Come as You Are elective class, in the Garden Room.
