Presbytery of San Jose awarded three Mental Health Ministry Grants
Other Mental Health Resources available through PC(USA)
“When the 2018 General Assembly announced its Mental Health Initiative, who could have imagined where we’d be today?” asked Donna Miller, PC(USA)’s Associate for Mental Health Ministry, as she addressed the Presbytery of San Jose at our May 1 2021 stated meeting.
Donna Miller congratulated San Jose Presbytery for its “creative and innovative energy around mental health,” which so far, has led to three PC(USA) Mental Health Ministry Grants:
- To Rev. Ryan Althaus of Sweaty Sheep NWC in Santa Cruz and his work around stigma
- To Rev. Sharon LeClaire of Stone Church Willow Glen, San Jose and her support groups
- To Cindy Sauln of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Palo Alto to develop psycho-educational materials.
Miller continued, saying that because for so many, the stress and grief of this pandemic is on top of the pre-existing chronic stress of social injustice and poverty, the church must respond to Jesus’ command in Matthew 25: “We are challenged to upend systems that privilege some and devalue others, and to center voices that have been marginalized.”
In observation of Mental Health Awareness Month, Donna shared the following resources to support the Presbytery and its congregations:
- Mental Health Month invites us to talk openly about mental health, to destigmatize mental health challenges, and to educate and equip ourselves and our communities for the long-haul.
- The Office of Mental Health Ministry has compiled a collection of resources to support you and your community during mental health month and throughout the year. Categories: Organize, Equip, Network, Pray & Worship, Learn More, and Practice Self-Care.
- The Presbyterian Mental Health Network invites you to join their growing PMHN Facebook Group of 440+ where you can participate in conversations, post questions, and share resources on mental health ministry.
Donna appeared as a guest of Rev. Ryan Althaus, who delivered the pastoral reflection for the meeting.