Hear an inspiring Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund, UCC Minister for Disabilities & Mental Health Justice.
Enjoy lunch with friends from Illinois South Conference congregations.
Choose two additional workshops on various health topics.
Sarah is passionate about loving God, her family, and being part of faith communities. Her personal mission is to partner with others to share God's healing and hope. She is an ordained minister with standing in the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and has served as pastor to churches in Brooklyn, NY, Minneapolis, MN, and New Smyrna Beach, FL. Sarah also served as Regional Minister for the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ where she worked with congregations on vitality and renewal. After serving Christian Theological Seminary as Vice President for Advancement, Pastor Sarah was called in January of 2018 to serve as senior pastor of First Congregational UCC of Indianapolis, IN.
Sarah's formal education includes degrees from Trinity University (BA), Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv), Rutgers University (MSW), McCormick Theological Seminary (DMin). Sarah also completed the certificate in Fundraising Management from the IUPUI School of Fundraising.
Sarah is an active community volunteer and has served as a board member of the Indianapolis Martin Luther King Community Center and on the board of the national United Church of Christ Mental Health Network. Sarah currently serves on the leadership team for the Bethany Fellows, a national program mentoring young pastors. She is the Open and Affirming Consultant for the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ.
Sarah received the Princeton Engle Preaching Prize in 2002 for excellence in preaching and the Bob and Joyce Dell Award for Mental Health Education from the United Church of Christ Mental Health Network in 2015 for "her outstanding authorship and leadership in breaking the silence about mental illness in family and in church and offering healing and hope." She is the author of the widely regarded book Blessed are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence About Mental Illness, Family and Church (Chalice Press, 2014) and blogs at sarahgriffithlund.com.
In April of 2018, Sarah was called to serve on the UCC National Staff in a part-time position with the Wholeness Advocacy Team of Justice and Local Church Ministries, serving as the newly created Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice.
Workshop Sessions and Speakers
1 & 2 A Welcoming All - Justice for People with Mental Health Issues
As the church, all are welcome to God's table. Discuss how your church may be able to ensure equality and welcome to those who suffer from mental health issues and their loved ones. Presented by Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund, UCC Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice.
1 & 2 B Self-Medication: So What?
Look at ways people cope with their mental health - healthy & unhealthy. Come find out how untreated & undiagnosed mental health issues can be disruptive and how to support someone facing these health concerns. Presented by Yvonne Petito, Hoyleton Youth & Family Services.
1 & 2 C Mental Health 101 Crash Course
Mental Health is a difficult subject to approach with members of the congregation and with the loved ones of someone faced with mental health issues. Let's define mental health disorders, who they affect, ways to approach the subject, and resources to help. Presented by Anne King Riley, Human Support Services.
1 & 2 D Let's Pay Back the Sacrifices of Veterans
We owe much to the people who have served our country. Many times, mental health issues and PTSD go unidentified. We will discuss resources and what we can do to help those in need. Presented by Rev. Michael Cassady, Pastor of Murphysboro St. Peter's UCC.
1 & 2 E How to Help Those Who Can't Remember
Dementia is becoming more prevalent, and caring for a loved one with impaired memory and judgement presents many challenges for the family. Learning facts about the condition and strategies to address problem behaviors can improve quality of life for both the individual with dementia and caretakers. Presented by Nancy Berry, St. John's Community Care.
1 & 2 F Grief's Effect on Mental Health
Mental Health issues can be magnified when faced with our final days as well as times we suffer from the loss of a loved one. Let's talk about resources to aid during these times. Presented by Rev. Dr. John Allen,Chaplain and CPE Educator at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital.
1 & 2 G Stop the Bleed
The number one cause of preventable death after injury is bleeding. This workshop will teach you how to stop a bleed until professional help can arrive. Presented by Lynne Taylor, Christ UCC & Trained Instructor of Stop the Bleed