The butterfly is a symbol often used in the mental health field to represent gaining freedom from the stigma of mental illness.

Serious Mental Illness Awareness Sunday, May 4

Become a congregation of care

To be a congregation of care means to provide a loving and welcoming place for persons who face rejection by so many others.

This challenge comes from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 1988 policy, The Church and Serious Mental Illness. In fulfilling that mission, we were asked to seek equity and justice in the wider life of society as well as in our own congregations.

The 218th General Assembly (2008) will consider a new social witness policy on serious mental illness. Much has happened since that first policy was written, but the stigma of serious mental illness still keeps many persons outside the doors of our congregations.

The embrace of a loving community can be central to the long-term healing and health of persons with mental illness. Use the tools below to become a congregation of care.

• Lead a candle lighting service.
• Read these scripture suggestions for preaching and study.
• Download the Models of Ministry packet to learn about congregations in ministry with persons with serious mental illness.
• Take the assessment: How is your congregation doing?
• Pathways to Promise is an interfaith technical assistance and resource center offering liturgical and educational materials, program models and networking information to promote a caring ministry with people with mental illness and their families. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) participates on the board and supports the work of Pathways to Promise. Visit the Web site to learn what to do when a person with mental illness or a family member comes for help, what activities and programs can be developed in congregations that are supportive of people with mental illness.
• NAMI FaithNet is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) grassroots network of people of faith who seek to respond compassionately and effectively to the crisis of mental illness in their communities. Visit the Web site for resources for education, faith and spirituality.
• PC(USA) National Health Ministries provides a wealth of information for awareness day activities. Visit the Web site for additional resources for advocacy and study. 
• Stay connected with others in the denomination on this issue. Become a member of the Presbyterian Serious Mental Illness Network (PSMIN), a network of the Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association. Learn how to join.
• Read a sermon on serious mental illness.