Focusing on mental health in an ‘Advent like no other’

The December Justice & Peace Monthly has a special focus on the Presbyterian Mental Health Ministry. In this season of Advent ‘like no other’ layered with so many losses, mental well-being means creating space for grieving and at the same time embracing hope in the ultimate power of love while preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus. At the heart of mental health ministry is the relational capacity to respond when someone is in crisis or pain and to ‘walk alongside’ when someone is struggling in a way that honors our common humanity and individual gifts whatever the mental health status. In this pandemic year marked by racial and political reckoning, deepening economic injustice and poverty, and so many lives lost to COVID-19, mental health ministry continues to evolve and adapt to new and virtual ways of relating.   ~ Donna Miller, PsychD Associate for Mental Health Ministry In addition to the Mental Health Ministry, this month's newsletter also looks at work being done by the other Compassion, Peace & Justice ministries as 2020 comes to a close. Visit the Mental Health Ministry website

New program gives faith leaders mental health skills A continuing education program at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is teaching rural faith leaders how to better respond to mental health crises. It's supported by the Presbyterian Mental Health Ministry. Learn more → Help is needed after back-to-back hurricanes strike Central America Though back-to-back hurricanes barely registered in United States news coverage, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is actively responding to widespread damage and flooding in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala. Learn more →

Sacramento group amplifies voice of the homeless The Sacramento Homeless Organizing Committee has support from the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People to give voice to and meet the needs of homeless people in California’s capital city. Learn more → Race and Culture Mental Health Resources The Mental Health Ministry has expanded its collection of recommended materials and resources on mental health issues related to race and culture. Find resources →

Presbyterian leader part of interfaith effort to combat climate change Mission Responsibility Through Investment leadership is part of a new initiative by the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) to encourage businesses to push for strong pro-climate government policies. Learn more → Become an Earth Care Congregation The Presbyterian Hunger Program’s Earth Care Congregation certification recognizes churches that make the commitment to take seriously God’s charge to “till and keep” the earth. Learn more →

Go to Sunday school with the United Nations With its new Sunday School curriculum the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations aims to give churches and congregations tools to act on the UN Sustainable Development goals. Learn more → Giving Tuesday puts spotlight on mental health Donna Miller, associate for Mental Health Ministry, explained how the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been making mental health a priority during the Dec. 1 Giving Tuesday telethon. Learn more →

Starry Black Night Advent devotional Unbound, the online journal of Christian social justice from the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy, presents a Womanist Advent devotional written by Black leaders who identify as female from across the PC(USA). See the devotional → Listen and get uncomfortable The Rev. Denise Anderson, coordinator of the Office of Racial and Intercultural Justice, led a discussion with Presbyterian church leaders who have been part of community actions that received national attention. Learn more →

Panel explores emotional toll of pandemic The trauma and strain of the COVID-19 pandemic was discussed during a panel discussion hosted by the Presbyterian Mental Health Network. Learn more → U.S. Sanctions on the ICC Chief Prosecutor Undermine the Pursuit of Justice The PC(USA) has long supported the International Criminal Court and the cause of international justice. On its blog, the Office of Public Witness brings attention to U.S. efforts to undermine the court. Read the post →

Matthew 25 – A bold vision and invitation We recognize Christ’s urgent call to be a church of action, where God’s love, justice and mercy shine forth and are contagious. Over 680 churches and mid councils have accepted the Matthew 25 invitation to help our denomination become a more relevant presence in the world by building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism and eradicating systemic poverty. You are invited →