Tuesday's Holiday Gathering Canceled!

Dear MHC Ambassadors, because we're concerned about your mental well-being as well as your physical safety, we have made the difficult decision to cancel tomorrow evening’s MHC Collaborative-Wide Holiday Celebration (December 9 from 7 – 8:30 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church).

There are winter weather advisories being issued for most of the counties around the Twin Cities that include 2-4 inches of snow from early afternoon to early evening and winds gusts up to 31 miles/hour. We thought it best to err on the side of caution and look to reschedule a social gathering for another time when weather conditions are more conducive to travel.

As for those of you who had planned on bringing items for the NAMI-Minnesota Holiday Gift Drive, you can drop them off with Heidi Simpson Tjeltveit at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Boulevard, Minneapolis, between 9:00-11:30 am on Saturday, December 13. Please come in the door from the parking lot, take an immediate left around the corner and go to a small alcove near the Welcome Desk and drop them off with her. She’ll see that they are given to Kay King from NAMI-Minnesota.

If you are unable to drop off the gifts on December 13, please contact either Heidi Peterson (hpeterson@bethlehem-church.org) or Heidi Simpson Tjeltveit (hstjeltveit@yahoo.com) ASAP to make other arrangements. All donations are due by December 15 so that NAMI-Minnesota can get them prepared to be distributed. Thank you!

Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy your “gift of time” tomorrow evening, everyone!

Organized by the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), the Faith & OCD Conference Sponsored by Stick with the Ick began out of the recognition that many people living with OCD initially seek assistance from a faith leader before a mental health provider.

This unique, online event was specifically created to address the needs of a diverse community — spanning all faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds. We’ll provide education about effective treatment and ways to support those in the faith community living with OCD.

Join us for this collaborative conversation between faith leaders, mental health providers, and the OCD community!

Register HERE

This is Session #3 in the 2025-2026 Building Hope and Healing in Uncertain Times program series sponsored by Bethlehem Lutheran Church-Twin Cities and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community.

Meetings begin at 6:00 pm with a light supper provided. Program begins at 6:30 pm and ends at 8:00 pm. This event is free to attend, a free-will offering will be accepted for supper. Please register in advance. (Link available soon.)

In a world filled with rapid change and uncertainty, taking care of our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing has never been more crucial. This presentation aims to provide practical tools, insights, and strategies to help you navigate challenges with resilience, balance, and self-care.

Presenter: Monica Kramer McConkey, LPC, Rural Behavioral Health Counselor & Consultant, Detroit Lakes

Register today for MHC’s 2025 Connecting the Dots – a “family” gathering of Mental Health’s collaborative members. All faith leaders, ambassadors, members of faith community mental health ministry teams, navigators, and staff are cordially invited to attend this in-person only event.

Gain valuable insights on how Mental Health Connect supports your faith community and members in need of mental health services. Take home practical ideas, programs and resources that you can use in your setting to educate and inform others about mental well-being and reduce the stigma attached to mental illness. Build connections to other attendees who share your commitment to improving the lives of persons with mental illness and to the Mental Health Connect organization also devoted to this important cause. 

Register Here

In a world that often feels fast paced and overwhelming, gratitude can be a grounding and transformative practice. This program will explore the science and psychology of gratitude, highlighting how it can improve mental health, strengthen relationships, and cultivate resilience. Participants will leave with practical tools to integrate gratitude into their daily lives in meaningful and sustainable ways.

We’ll enjoy the event as a live watch party via Zoom (with popcorn!) at Bethlehem’s Minneapolis campus. Please register in advance to ensure a spot.

Sponsored by: Bethlehem Lutheran Church-Twin Cities’ Mental Health and Addiction Ministry Team

Presenter: Dr. Christina Costa is a psychologist, educator, and speaker whose work bridges research and real- world applications in mental health and well-being. She teaches psychology at Wayne State University and is passionate about helping individuals and communities thrive through evidence- based practices. Dr. Costa’s research and teaching highlight the power of resilience, and gratitude in transforming lives. Dr. Costa’s “How Gratitude Wires Your Brain” presentation has been viewed over 8 billion times on the TEDx YouTube channel as of April 2025.

AMBASSADORS—PLEASE NOTE TWO CHANGES THIS MONTH.

Please note the earlier start time because of the longer program this month. Also, we will meet on Zoom only this month. We ask that everyone register.

PLEASE REGISTER HERE.

The Skills for Disagreeing Better workshop is designed to help participants understand the values and concerns of those who differ from them politically. Through small group interaction both in-person and online, it teaches essential skills for communicating across differences and finding common ground.

Develop skills for listening in a way the other person feels heard. Know how to share viewpoints in a way the other person might hear even if they disagree.

Presenter: Jeff Thiemann, Volunteer with Braver Angels and is the co-chair of the Reduce the Rancor, Minnesota campaign.

Addiction is everywhere, and yet many churches feel unprepared to face it. This one-day virtual conference will give you the insight and tools to change that. You’ll hear from experts who separate fact from myth, explore the science of the addicted brain and the longing soul, and share practical ministry strategies that really work. By the end of the day, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding, renewed hope, and concrete steps to make your congregation a safe, welcoming, and recovery-friendly community.

Sessions include:

• “Dispelling the Myths” with Dr. Kate Gaudet

• “Neuroscience of Addiction” with Dr. Nicole Labor

• “The Wounds That Bind Us” with Rev. Dr. Ed Treat

• “Make It Happen in Your Church” with Pastor Greg Delaney

Breakout Discussion Sessions cover Trauma & Mental Health: the Wounds Beneath Addiction, Prevention in the Parish: Building Protective Communities, Clergy & Leadership Health, and Preaching & Teaching on Addiction: Breaking the Silence from the Pulpit.

Learn more and register HERE.

October 21, 7:00-8:15 pm | In Person at Bethlehem, Mpls and Zoom

Journey Through the Mental Illness Maze guides families in their search for answers to help their loved one find stability and well-being while living with a mental health condition. The stories of parents, partners, siblings, and adult children highlight strategies for navigating a pathway through the complex and confusing world of mental health and treatment. Readers will learn how to balance their own self-care with sustaining compassion for a loved one living with a mental health condition. Registration is appreciated. Register HERE.

Marjorie Schaffer, PhD, RN, is a Mental Health Connect ambassador for All Saints Lutheran Church in Minnetonka, MN. Her book combines the wisdom of family members with the knowledge of experts to derive key actions for finding hope and acceptance.

This program features a facilitated panel discussion of local experienced therapists representing diverse mental health care approaches. Learn from questions posed to the panel about different mental health situations and how they might be addressed.

Facilitator: Cara L. Carlson, Ph.D., MSW, LICSW, RYT-200, EMDR Certified, Director, Anam Cara Therapies, Minneapolis. Panel members to be announced.

This year marks the 25th year of the Twin Cities Jewish Community Annual Mental Health Education Conference. The conference is produced by Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis (JFCS) and Jewish Family Service of St. Paul (JFS) partners in improving mental health access, understanding, and education in the community.

With generous support from community donors and partners, the conference as always continues to be free and open to everyone.

Keynote Speaker: Melody Moezzi 
From Adversity to Advocacy: Join writer, attorney, activist, and award-winning author, Melody Moezzi, as she shares lessons from her personal journey struggling and thriving with bipolar disorder while highlighting the power and pitfalls of neurodiversity. 

There will be 12 breakout sessions for additional learning opportunities during the conference day.

For more information, contact Tabitha Benci DeRango at 952-417-2107 or tderango@jfcsmpls.org

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | 7:00-8:30 pm

Bethlehem Lutheran-Twin Cities (BLCTC), Minneapolis or Zoom

A common worry for those who care about the well-being of young people are the choice(s) they will make about whether or not to use or misuse drugs and alcohol. Peer pressure is strong, as are the influences of social media, the stresses of school, home, family and life in general. It’s important for caring adults – faith community members, parents and others to understand the impact drugs and alcohol have on adolescents and their families.

Presenter: Michael Durchslag, Director, Peers Enjoying a Sober Education (P.E.A.S.E.) Academy, Minneapolis

Many adults with serious mental illnesses experience loneliness. Often their families are both their caregiver and social support system. This class describes the impacts of loneliness and recognizes that no one goes through a serious illness by themselves. Learn the importance of engaging family members and promoting connections to others, and identify strategies to meaningfully engage family members and friends in a person’s life.

Lunch will be provided. This event is sponsored by a Fairview Faith Community Nurse Grant.

Register Here

Screenagers Elementary Edition is a powerful resource for students, parents, caregivers, and educators who want to build strong, mindful habits around technology use—while deepening connection and supporting kids' emotional well-being in today’s digital world.

Topics covered by the film and incorporated into panel discussion include:

• Healthy Screen Time Habits: Research-based solutions for managing screen use

• Navigating Digital Challenges: Social media, video gaming, and early exposure concerns

This film edition is geared toward young people ages Kindergarten through 7th Grade and their parents, caring adults, and supporting community.

***Free childcare will be available for children five and under.

Register for the Free Event Here

Print PDF Flyer

Join Mental Health Connect collaborative faith communities and friends as we gather for an afternoon of fellowship and activity to support mental health awareness! We will take part in the 5K NAMI Walk, starting in beautiful Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis.

Sign up HERE to register with the Mental Health Connect Team!

Wednesdays, Sept. 10, 17, and 24, 6:30-7:30 pm | Wayzata Community Church

Join licensed school therapists from the Relate Counseling Center for a 3-part series focused on key topics in parenting. This program is open to all parents and caregivers and is hosted by Wayzata Community Church’s Mental Health Ministry.

Wednesday, Sept. 10: Transitioning to Elementary School

Explore common emotions children experience when starting elementary school, how to prepare them for the transition, and where to find support. 

Wednesday, Sept. 17: Effective Communication and Positive Discipline Techniques

Learn about different parenting styles, strategies for proactive communication, setting boundaries, and implementing constructive consequences.

Wednesday, Sept. 24: Navigating Your Child’s Anxiety and Depression

Understand the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression in children, ways to offer support, and when to seek professional help.

Wednesdays, Sept. 10, 17, and 24, 6:30-7:30 pm | Wayzata Community Church

Join licensed school therapists from the Relate Counseling Center for a 3-part series focused on key topics in parenting. This program is open to all parents and caregivers and is hosted by Wayzata Community Church’s Mental Health Ministry.

Wednesday, Sept. 10: Transitioning to Elementary School

Explore common emotions children experience when starting elementary school, how to prepare them for the transition, and where to find support. 

Wednesday, Sept. 17: Effective Communication and Positive Discipline Techniques

Learn about different parenting styles, strategies for proactive communication, setting boundaries, and implementing constructive consequences.

Wednesday, Sept. 24: Navigating Your Child’s Anxiety and Depression

Understand the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression in children, ways to offer support, and when to seek professional help.

This is Session #1 in the 2025-2026 Building Hope and Healing in Uncertain Times program series sponsored by Bethlehem Lutheran Church-Twin Cities and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community.

Meetings begin at 6:00 pm with a light supper provided. Program begins at 6:30 pm and ends at 8:00 pm. This event is free to attend, a free-will offering will be accepted for supper. Please register in advance.

Our lives as human beings are full of both up as well as down times. When our own mental well-being is adversely affected during those down times we can practice compassionate self-care and actually improve how we feel. This engaging educational program is designed to equip you with effective strategies for coping with anxiety and/or depression.

• Explore the concept of learned helplessness, what it looks like and the toll it can take on one’s mental health.

• Appreciate that anxiety is normal and how learning more about how our brain functions helps us to understand where anxiety comes from.

• Describe the symptoms of depression, recognizing that it’s important to be addressed and that professional mental health care may be required.

• Become familiar with Cognitive Behavior Therapy as a self-care strategy that can be successfully adopted to improve mental well-being.

Presenter: Melissa Conway, LICSW, Senior Director of Clinical Education and Case Management Services, Minnesota Mental Health Clinics, Eagan

REGISTER HERE

Wednesdays, Sept. 10, 17, and 24, 6:30-7:30 pm | Wayzata Community Church

Join licensed school therapists from the Relate Counseling Center for a 3-part series focused on key topics in parenting. This program is open to all parents and caregivers and is hosted by Wayzata Community Church’s Mental Health Ministry.

Wednesday, Sept. 10: Transitioning to Elementary School

Explore common emotions children experience when starting elementary school, how to prepare them for the transition, and where to find support. 

Wednesday, Sept. 17: Effective Communication and Positive Discipline Techniques

Learn about different parenting styles, strategies for proactive communication, setting boundaries, and implementing constructive consequences.

Wednesday, Sept. 24: Navigating Your Child’s Anxiety and Depression

Understand the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression in children, ways to offer support, and when to seek professional help.

As the current political environment becomes increasingly stressful, the number of BIPOC individuals seeking psychotherapy to cope with their distress is also on the rise. To address their mental health concerns, it is essential that they take the time necessary to ensure a good fit. In this interactive program, gain key insights on this important topic from an experienced mental health therapist of 20 years who is also a person of color. She will also draw from recent studies about the current political climate and help-seeking behavior. By attending this program, you will be able to:

• Understand the growing trend of the BIPOC population in addressing mental health concerns through therapy.

• Identify at least three factors leading to an increase in mental health-seeking behavior in the BIPOC community.

• Describe the steps that may lead to finding a therapist who is a good match and what characteristics to look for.

• Appreciate your role as a compassionate person in supporting members of the BIPOC community as they seek mental well-being.

PRESENTER: Worawan C. Turner, Psy.D., L.P.. Licensed Psychologist, Certified EMDR Therapist, Certified Adaptive Internal Relational (AIR) Network Therapist, Turner Psychology, St. Louis Park

Join us in person at Bethlehem Lutheran, Minneapolis or via Zoom.

Help your teens get ready for the school year!

A mental health expert will be here to help young people learn new ways for dealing with the pressures of middle and high school.

This is a free one-hour class for middle and high school students that talks about what anxiety and stress are and where they come from. Participants will have the chance to practice coping strategies for stress as well as learn the difference between positive and negative coping strategies. They will also learn the warning signs of an anxiety disorder and where to go for help. This workshop is presented by the Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Identify. Understand. Respond.

YOUTH Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a skills-based training that teaches parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors and health and human services workers and any other adult how to identify, understand and respond to an adolescent (ages 12- 18) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.  This course will teach you to see signs of mental health struggles and prepare you to have a conversation with youth that you see struggling. This session will be a blended course, some material will need to be completed online prior to the in person training.

In person session will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Ave, Minneapolis, August 23, 9:00-2:30 in the commons. Registration fee $30, includes snacks and light lunch. Scholarships are available—email Rev. Hannah Campbell-Gustafson at Hannah@mhconnect.org. If you have dietary restrictions, please email Rachel, leadnavigator@mhconnect.org.

Register Here

Identify. Understand. Respond.

Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge in adults ages 18 and over. This course will teach you to see signs of mental health struggles and prepare you to have a conversation with people you see struggling. This session will be a blended course: some material will need to be completed online prior to the in-person training.

In person session will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Ave. in Minneapolis, August 16, 9:00-2:30 in the commons. Registration fee is $30, which includes snacks and light lunch. Scholarships are available—email Rev. Hannah Campbell-Gustafson at hannah@mhconnect.org. If you have dietary restrictions, please email Rachel, leadnavigator@mhconnect.org.

Register Here

NOTE: This event will take the place of our Mental Health Connect Collaborative Education Meeting for July. Everyone is welcome!

NOTE: Please RSVP to Heidi Simpson Tjeltveit hstjeltveit@yahoo.com no later than Thursday, July 3, 2025, so plans can be made for the refreshments. Hope to see you then!

MHC ambassadors and interested collaborative members are cordially invited to attend a summer celebration on Tuesday, July 8 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities, Minneapolis campus (4100 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis). Appetizers, cool beverages, and desserts will be served. See familiar faces and make new connections at this fun summer event!

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 – Bethlehem Lutheran Church-Twin Cities (BLCTC) – Minneapolis

A monthly educational program for MHC ambassadors and members of their faith communities. Life today is fast paced, ever-changing, stressful and often anxiety producing. It is taking a toll on our mental health and physical wellbeing. We know self-care is important but is often neglected as we go about our daily lives. This interactive program is designed to teach basic energetic interventions that you can use to improve your own well-being. Join Virtually Here

Sunday, May 18, 2:00 pm (Doors open at 1:30.)

The Legacy of St. Anthony | 2540 Kenzie Terrace, St. Anthony, MN 55418

Former Wisconsin Gov. Martin J. Schreiber is an award-winning crusader for Alzheimer’s caregivers and persons with dementia. Reaching audiences nationwide at live events and via media, he uses humor and compassion to share lessons from his ongoing, decade-plus journey as caregiver for his wife, Elaine.

Following the presentation, Martin Schreiber will sign copies of his book, My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver, which will be available for purchase at $20 per book. Net proceeds from the books will be used to promote Alzheimer’s caregiver support programs.

Light refreshments will be served.

Registration required for the event: PLEASE REGISTER HERE. The event will be livestreamed.

NAMI Minnesota recognizes that a person’s faith and spirituality are part of the overall treatment and recovery process for mental illness. Discrimination, secrecy and shame are among the great obstacles that cause people to wait to receive help for their mental health and for the health of their loved ones. Faith communities play an important role in reducing these obstacles. Learn about mental illnesses, the impact of negative attitudes and five things each of us can do to make Minnesota a better place for people who experience a mental illness. This one-hour class is for faith communities interested in learning about mental illnesses and helping to change attitudes towards mental illnesses. 

JOIN US VIA LIVESTREAM HERE!

Join us for the uplifting Stories of Hope breakfast, a heartwarming event hosted by Mental Health Connect. This year, our fundraiser shines a spotlight on youth mental health, showcasing real stories from young individuals and families facing mental health struggles.

May 8, 8:00-9:00 am (Doors open at 7:15 am.) at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

REGISTER HERE

The Mental Health Faith Forum: Empowering Communities to Support Addiction & Mental Health RecoveryJoin us for an interfaith and multicultural gathering celebrating addiction and mental health recovery. Together, we’ll mark the launch of Our Stigma—a new podcast and educational resource designed to destigmatize outreach and bridge gaps in your community

May 3, 2005, 9:00 am --12:30 pm

Trinity Lutheran Church, Stillwater, MN

Registration Fee: $15

Register Here

Join us for lunch with Sarah Griffith Lund, author of Blessed Minds; Breaking the Silence About Neurodiversity. Sarah will discuss how she unpacks the concepts of neurodiversity, mental health and disability, challenging the stigma surrounding neurodivergent individuals and offering practical steps for creating inclusive and supportive faith communities. Enjoy networking and conversation about how faith communities can embrace and honor neurodiversity.

REGISTER HERE for lunch and discussion.