Ankeny First United Methodist Church has launched the Ankeny Mental Health Ministry.
In September they will host an eight-week course on depression, as well as a presentation by Joan Becker on paranoid schizophrenia.
Recently, Ankeny First United Methodist Church decided to spearhead the development of a Mental Health Ministry Team in Ankeny. They have members from several area churches that have joined in to provide a faith-based collaboration. If you are not already participating, they would appreciate your assistance in planning and promoting community mental health events.
Their goals include increasing awareness and sponsoring educational events to help de-stigmatize mental illness, encouraging more mental health services in the Ankeny area, and encouraging local school, city and legislative leaders to increase support for mental health.
In September, an 8-week course called Therapeutic Lifestyle Change will be offered at the Ankeny First United Methodist Church. It will introduce an easy-to-follow, clinically proven program for tackling depression on Monday evenings, September 15 through November 3 in room 315 (north lower level). Cost for the course is $30, but there is a discount for multiple family members.
If you or someone you know suffers from depression, let them know about this opportunity, but don't delay. Maximum enrollment for this session is 12 participants. For further information or questions, contact Jacque Coulson at 964-4249 x112 or Jacque.coulson@ankenyfumc.org.
Also hosted in September is Finding the Light Beyond the Storm: A Mother's Story of their Family's Walk with Mental Illness. Joan Becker will share some of the challenges their family faced in trying to find help for their son, Mark Becker, who has Paranoid Schizophrenia. Their family's story ended in tragedy, but Joan will explain how faith has sustained them through it all.
The event will be held on Tuesday, September 9, at 6:30 p.m. at Ankeny First United Methodist Church, 206 SW Walnut Street in Ankeny. For further information, call 515-964-4249 or email Jacque.coulson@ankenyfumc.org.
Information provided courtesy of the Des Moines Area Religious Council