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Ebenezer United Church of Christ in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, will participate in Mental Health Sunday on May 18. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort by United Church of Christ congregations to address the stigma surrounding mental illness. The church, which became Wisconsin's first UCC WISE congregation in 2021, holds three mental health services annually.
"We’re committed and open to journeying with all people," said Rev. Lorri Steward, who praised the church’s WISE team for their role in organizing these services. At one service, a visiting pastor's wife expressed how impactful it was to hear mental health discussed during worship.
In addition to services, Ebenezer has increased its mental health programming from quarterly events to monthly seminars. "There’s a growing sense of naming what we’re thinking — naming the hurt, naming the fear," Steward noted.
Rocky Hill Congregational Church in Connecticut has also embraced mental health initiatives by creating a Wellness Room after becoming a WISE congregation last fall. Heather Wolfe-Taylor, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and church moderator, highlighted that this space offers meditation aids and resources for those dealing with anxiety or depression.
The room hosts various activities including reading groups and support meetings for parents and caregivers of children facing mental health challenges. "Members of our faith formation team... have become certified peer support group leaders through NAMI," Wolfe-Taylor stated.
Rev. David Figliuzzi emphasized the importance of addressing grief within the community as part of Rocky Hill's efforts: "Grief is a constant in our lives."
Zion United Church of Christ in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania has transformed its coffee hour into an opportunity for meaningful fellowship under Pastor Gary M. Barraco's leadership. The stage area was converted into a welcoming space with chairs and games to encourage interaction among members.
"It has become the perfect setting for seniors...to share their memories with kids," Barraco explained. He aims to continue this initiative throughout summer by offering lemonade instead of hot drinks.
The theme for NAMI’s 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month is “In Every Story, There’s Strength.” Barraco hopes his church can help alleviate what he describes as "the new pandemic" of anxiety affecting many people today: "Anything we can do to ease the mental health challenges people are facing matters."
