Living with the daily challenge of mental health is so widespread that we are all touched by it indirectly, if not directly. Adults and children, individuals and families, our larger society and community, and every church and congregation are affected.
So, something important is coming up, and I want to encourage you to be a part of it. In partnership with NAMI Minnesota, Park is offering a series of free mental health and wellness seminars. The series will run four consecutive Wednesday evenings (September 28 – October 19) from 6:30 – 8 p.m. We are offering youth-only seminars and seminars for adults. I’m hoping that we can all be a part of learning something that will provide hope and healing and help us in our quest to love God with all of who we are — heart, mind, soul, and strength. Taking care of your mental and emotional health are ways to love yourself and love God.
I’m listing the dates and seminar topics for adults here so you’ll have an idea of what to expect (for the full list, including seminars for middle and high school students, please click here).
Seminars on Mental Wellness
Sept 28 – Oct 19
September 28 | 6:30 – 8 PM | Early Warning Signs of Mental Illness in Youth
Early Warning Signs is a workshop with the educational objectives to help parents, guardians, and foster parents learn early warning signs of mental illnesses and trauma, gain an understanding of the impact of mental Illnesses and trauma on children and youth, and learn strategies to support children who live with an illness. Suicide warning signs and resources are also covered.
October 5 | 6:30 – 8 PM | Coping with Kids
A one-hour class about the developmental responses youth may have to the pandemic. We will discuss five mental health tips for families and resources in the community.
October 12 | 6:30 – 8 PM | Understanding the Children’s Mental Health System
This 1.5-hour class gives parents and guardians a comprehensive overview of the children’s mental health system, from assessment and diagnosis to care and treatment, public health insurance options, supportive community services, and parent advocacy. We review parent/guardian rights in the mental health and school system.
October 19 | 6:30 – 8 PM | You’re the Expert: How to Successfully Navigate for Your Child
This class stresses the value of parent engagement and advocacy to ensure the best care and treatment for your child in the doctor’s office, the mental health system, and public education settings. We focus on self-care so parents and guardians can effectively advocate for their loved ones in all settings.
Register
There is no cost to attend, but to help us plan for space, it’s helpful to sign up for which seminars you will attend — register by clicking this sign-up link.
Looking forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday. If you’ve been watching online, we’d love to see you in person!
Breathe love and live in the wonder of loving God, others, and our neighbors — just as Jesus loves.
Pastor Gregg
