SNEC Health and Wellness Ministry has begun the process of becoming designated as a W.I.S.E. Conference by the UCC Mental Health Network. The UCC Mental Health Network W.I.S.E. program encourages congregations and conferences along a path of exploration, conversation, and education to increase awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness. Discussing issues of mental health challenges opens the door to acceptance and healing.
 
Romans 12:5 reminds us that “We, who are many, are one body in Christ.”  We can welcome all people when we challenge negative attitudes toward mental health and neurodiversity, question our assumptions, and correct misinformation about mental health challenges, substance use disorders, trauma, and brain differences.
 
I hope you will join in the effort to become W.I.S.E.! A team - including SNEUCC staff, and people challenged with or interested in helping to reduce stigma - is being formed. The team will identify programming and write a covenant to be Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged and promote mental health and wellbeing. The covenant will be approved by the Board of Directors and voted on by the conference.
 
Congregations engaged in this work are encouraged to connect by emailing Debbie Ringen, SNEUCC Minister for Health and Wellness, at ringend@sneucc.org. It would be wonderful to have a network of WISE explorers to share ideas together! There are many ways to support this effort. All ages are welcome.
 
As a UCC conference, as a loving community, let us show God’s love for ALL people, no matter who they are or where they are on life’s journey. For more information on what it means to be W. I. S. E., click here.