Each month the Social Justice Ministry will focus on an important issue to educate our congregation through our monthly newsletter, website, and monthly speaker series. Together, we are Living Grace First through all that we do.
March 2021: Mental Health
Monthly Speaker: Dr. Jean Carter
When: Tuesday, March 9th at 5:30PM
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsfu2hqTopHNRVeKCtJogBgnl77Uu61_LU
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
This past year has been filled with unprecedented events such as COVID-19 with death of friends and family as well as personal illness and the divisive response to staying safe; loss of jobs; economy and housing; a presidential election and politics in general that were also very divisive; an insurrection on our Capital Building; and social justice issues such as Black Lives Matter; immigration; as well as weather and environmental issues. These and the many other issues can weigh us down and make us reflect on our past, our current situation, and grasp with the future and how it will affect all people. These can make any of us anxious, depressed, and worried so it is no wonder that people are struggling emotionally and mentally. Thankfully as a society, we are beginning to adjust from mental health issues as something to be ashamed of to understanding that it is okay seek help; although this may still seem to be a stigma.
If you are you looking for ways to help yourself and others to be at their best mentally and physically, then review the GFPC website for mental health resources, including a list of children’s books, pamphlets, and ideas for staying healthy. Also, we would be excited for you to join us for the Social Justice Speaker Series on Tuesday, March 9th at 5:30 p.m. to hear Dr. Jean Carter talk about the work of the American Psychological Association. Our esteemed guest is a practicing psychotherapist in the Washington DC area and has been a president and is the current treasurer of APA. Dr. Carter has graciously offered to provide some practical tips on mental health and recognizing when we or someone we know should seek help.
Mental Health Resource Document
PCUSA Mental Health Ministry: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/compassion-peace-justice/mental-health-ministry/
Mental and Spiritual Health in a time of COVID: https://vimeo.com/464195726
You can find many more resources on the National Institute of Mental Health
Click on the links below for more information on past Social Justice Ministry Monthly
Topics, Speakers, and Resources.
DECEMBER 2020 - Housing Insecurity
January 2021 - Human Trafficking