Sunday, April 26 | 2:00-3:00 pm

Nativity Lutheran Church | 3312 Silver Lake Rd., St. Anthony, MN

Join us for an inspiring afternoon of holding hope as a community! Rev. Seth Perry is an ELCA pastor who is committed to reducing mental health stigma within faith communities and helping congregations to address mental health and addiction issues with healthy conversations. As a recovering addict living with bipolar disorder, Seth openly shares his dual diagnosis to challenge stigma in faith communities.

This event is sponsored by Nativity’s Mental Health Connect. Enjoy music by Jeanne Cotter as well as refreshments at the event. There is no cost or registration to attend. All are welcome.

What does it mean to be fully alive? Learn about three life-changing events and five life practices. Realizing and living our true life is a sacred gift we all deserve. Explore what it means to live from the inside out - body, mind, and spirit, to feel more fully alive.

Presenter: Catherine Duncan, MA, BCC, Integrative Spiritual Consultant, Learning To Live, LLC, Minneapolis

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 7:00-8:30 pm

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S. in Mpls and on Zoom. Join meeting HERE.

There is a growing body of research on how nature plays an important role in human health and well-being, including reducing symptoms of mental and physical health problems.

• Become familiar with some of the science behind how spending time in nature can help treat both the psychological and physical ailments of the human condition by reestablishing a connection with the natural world.

• Recognize the impact of modern environmental noise and diminished natural soundscapes on stress, attention, and nervous system regulation.

• Differentiate between being in nature and being with nature, and identify why intentional, relational engagement is essential to effective eco-healing.

Presenter: Tara Burns, MA, LPCC, Therapist with Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minnesota, Saint Paul office.

The physical body holds trauma within it. What’s happened in Minnesota in recent months has been traumatizing to individuals as well as entire communities and we need to find effective ways to cope. This timely program will explore practical strategies you can use to address the trauma your body holds and improve your well-being.

• Become familiar with the trauma patterns of Victim, Bully, Bystander or Savior so that you can recognize your own response pattern to reduce the impacts of trauma on your body.

• Learn how to practice present moment awareness for yourself and to tell your body that it’s okay.

• Identify steps – even small ones – you can authentically take to build community and supportive connections.

• Know how to respond these challenging times with as many inner resources as possible.

Presenter: Cara L. Carlson, Ph.D., MSW, LICSW, RYT-200, EMDR Certified, Director, Anam Cara Therapies, Minneapolis

The Mount Olivet Lutheran Church’s Mental Health Task Force presents this community awareness event. Please register by March 12.

Join us for this informational morning with Steph Page, Co-Founder and visionary behind Stories Foundation and Storyteller Cafe. During this informational session, you’ll gain knowledge and learn tips and talking points for you to have with your children about safe and healthy boundaries, internet safety, and tips and resources for social media.

Steph comes to nonprofit work with a background in food service, event planning, speaking, community engagement and strategic leadership. She passionately believes in using business for good and in the necessity of holding each other’s stories, the good and the hard.

When someone is overdosing on an opioid, time is of the essence. You don’t have to be a licensed health care professional to administer this safe and effective lifesaving medication when witnessing this type of an emergency. This program is designed to equip laypersons with the knowledge and skills necessary to save a life.

• Learn how to recognize an opioid overdose.

• Understand what naloxone/Narcan is and how it works.

• Know how to properly administer naloxone to someone experiencing an overdose.

• Become familiar with Steve’s Law/MN’s Good Samaritan and Naloxone Law.

Presenter: Meghan Walsh, Overdose Prevention Specialist, Steve Rummler HOPE Network, St. Paul

***A free naloxone/Narcan kit will be provided at the live and in-person program. To ensure enough kits are available on-site, please send an email to Heidi Simpson Tjeltveit(an MHC education team member) hstjeltveit@yahoo.com by Tuesday, March 3 indicating you plan to attend in-person.

Arrangements will be made after the program to get a free kit to individuals participating via Zoom and after the program ends.

* One CEU is available for the in-person program only.

In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., M.B.A., called loneliness a public health epidemic: “Loneliness is a normal part of the human experience… But prolonged loneliness and disconnection can be harmful to our health. It's time we address this issue to improve our well-being.” This program will explore strategies for improving our wellbeing while minimizing feelings of loneliness.

Presenter: Facilitator to be announced.

This event is part of the “Building Hope & Healing in Uncertain Times” series offered by the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community and Bethlehem Lutheran Church-Twin Cities. Each evening’s schedule starts with a light supper at 6:00 pm, followed by the educational program from 6:30 – 8:00 pm, which includes question-and-answer time . A small donation of $5 is suggested to go towards the cost of the meal. Pre-registration is requested. Register Here.

PLEASE NOTE: This event is via Zoom only.

In the midst of today’s public mental health crisis—and with many communities facing reduced access to traditional supports—sharing simple, accessible mind-body coping skills is an act of community care. Strengthen your ability to support mental well-being in your community using practical, science-backed mind-body strategies. Join Zoom meeting HERE.

• Explore the neuroscience and physiology behind mind-body practices and why they effectively support nervous system regulation.

• Understand how breathing techniques, gentle stretching, and relaxation practices reduce stress, release tension, and support emotional balance.

• Practice simple, accessible strategies to use throughout the day to manage stress and promote mental health.

• Know how to develop an action plan for sharing mind-body skills that will improve the mental well-being of yourself, your family, and others.

Presenter: Chrissy Mignogna, Director of Education and Lead Trainer, movemindfully, St. Paul and Owner, Winged Heart Yoga, St. Paul

Tuesday, January 20 | 6:00-8:00 pm

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community

With a focus on the science of depression and addiction as well as the role of the nervous system, this interactive program will explore how building community and the sense of belonging we derive from that can help us shed our addictions and climb out of our depression.

Presenter: Jason Mayer BS, MS., LPCC, Anam Cara Therapies, Minneapolis

This event is part of the “Building Hope & Healing in Uncertain Times” series offered by the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community and Bethlehem Lutheran Church-Twin Cities. Each evening’s schedule starts with a light supper at 6:00 pm, followed by the educational program from 6:30 – 8:00 pm, which includes question-and-answer time . A small donation of $5 is suggested to go towards the cost of the meal. Pre-registration is requested. Please RSVP to JP Fitzgibbons HERE.

Please Note: This session will be via Zoom only.

It seems like today’s news is full of traumatic events - school shootings, natural disasters, destroyed homeless encampments, ICE raids, domestic abuse, car accidents, evictions, etc., etc. But what about the individuals who experience those events and the toll they take on one’s mental health? This program will explore trauma and what a layperson needs to know to be a caring other to someone with a trauma disorder. Join Zoom meeting HERE.

• Understand how trauma is defined by mental health professionals, how widespread the disorder is among the general population and its most common causes besides traumatic events.

• Learn how to identify the symptoms of trauma and how they are similar to or different from other forms of mental illness.

• Become familiar with the treatment forms practiced by mental health professionals and which ones are showing promise.

• Take away resources as well as ideas for what you as a caring person can do to help.

Presenter: Sydney Pierce, MA, LPCC, Outpatient Therapist, Minnesota Mental Health Clinics, Eagan

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

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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.