W.I.S.E. for Mental Health Initiatives
As the need for holistic mental, emotional, and spiritual care grows more apparent in this community and beyond, your church is listening. In response, the Faith Formation team has crafted a year of programming that speaks to the intersection of faith and mental health. While we are no replacement for professional medical care, Hingham Congregational leaders have expressed interest in solidifying our commitment to be inclusive of all neurological experiences by considering certification with the UCC Mental Health Network as a W.I.S.E. for Mental Health congregation (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged). A journey towards certification would include an all-church vote, evaluation of current practices, mentorship from the denomination, partnerships with local mental health providers, and a covenant describing who we want to be and how we seek to interact with those across the neurodiversity spectrum.
How can you get involved in this journey of inclusivity? We have a way to plug in for every age! For starters, we’d love for any teens or adults to reach out if you are interested in being part of the WISE team that will draft our community covenant and shape developments in programming and accessibility in our church. We’re looking for individuals with lived experience across a wide range of neurological differences who can offer wisdom from their unique identities.
Then, on October 4th and 18th, anyone is invited to meet in Hale Hall for our Fall Book Study on Blessed Minds: Breaking the Silence about Neurodiversity. This work by UCC minister Sarah Griffith Lund explores the gift of neurodiverse communities, the realities of ableism and harmful stigmas, and ultimately offers tools for faith communities to grow in their capacity for inclusion. Grab a free copy at Fellowship Hour after church or purchase one here!
Children are welcome to consider the beauty of their emotions in a fun, age-appropriate manner with a Kid’s Movie Night on November 6 from 6-8pm. Here, we will watch the movie Inside Out and share some snacks alongside friends! Looking for a date night or free babysitting? Kid’s Movie Night is a drop-off event with CORIed leaders to give parents an evening off! Mark your calendars for another Kid’s Movie Night watching Inside Out 2 on February 12! Sign-ups for November 6 can be completed here! We look forward to seeing you at these events as we continue growing together!
In peace,
Bri Doty (they/she)
