In an effort to energize UCC congregations to support mentally ill people in their midst, the 2015 General Synod adopted a resolution to develop a network of churches that are welcoming, inclusive, supportive and engaged (WISE) for mental health. On June 24, 2018, the members of United Church of Christ, Congregational, voted to approve our own W.I.S.E. covenant, becoming just the ninth congregation to do so. Our vote has been recorded by the UCC Mental Health Network, and the official recognition is on its way.
While the designation is, in some ways, a milestone, it is in other ways merely a blip on the radar. A name on a list and certificate on the wall are meaningless unless we are living the commitment. From that perspective, we have been WISE for a long time. Since we embarked on this journey, many stories have been shared about how members of our church have supported each other as they or their family members have struggled with mental health challenges. In the coming months the WISE team will continue our formal ministry of bringing information regarding mental health and support for those who struggle. In the meantime, each of us can continue to live the WISE commitment that has long been inherent in our community.
What are some things you can do to show your support?
- Reach out - Call or text someone whom you know is struggling to see how they are doing
- Be there - visit, offer to wait with them at a doctor appointment or in a hospital waiting room
- Lighten the load - deliver a meal, offer childcare, or run errands
- Listen and Just. Show. Up.
SAVE THE DATE: on Tuesday, October 9, we will be hosting a showing of Suicide, the Ripple Effect (http://
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