5 simple guidelines for mental wellness

Back in 2021, The Church of the Palms became a W.I.S.E. congregation for mental health. W = Welcoming; I = Inclusive; S = Supportive; E = Engaging. Have you noticed that folks in this neck of the woods seem especially stressed lately? Uber-cranky, hyper-sensitive due to the heat, or maybe it’s the exhausting election cycle, or possibly it’s personal grief, or maybe it’s just life in… Continue reading 5 simple guidelines for mental wellness

A Safe Space for Starting Conversations About Suicide and Its Prevention

Kay Klinkenborg will facilitate two classes on suicide: November 9th and 16th,10:00-11:30 a.m. in King Hall and online via Bridges. Masks are required and seating with social distancing. This will be a safe (unrecorded) environment to talk about one of the most difficult subjects in our lives: words hard to say — suicide and suicide… Continue reading A Safe Space for Starting Conversations About Suicide and Its Prevention

Can spirituality or religion decrease or even prevent depression?

by Kay Klinkenborg, Church of the Palms UCC; Spiritual Director; Retired: RN, LMFT, Clinical Member AAMFT A burst of joy went off inside me as I read of research by Dr. Lisa Miller, PhD that has clinical documentation revealing depression is avoided and certainly significantly reduced in persons that recorded a high connection to religion… Continue reading Can spirituality or religion decrease or even prevent depression?

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month at The Palms

The month of September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. As a faith community, we are using this article, along with each WISE Moment for Mental Wellness page of the weekly order of worship, to raise awareness on this stigmatized topic. As a WISE Congregation for Mental Wellness, it is our desire to offer a safe… Continue reading Suicide Prevention Awareness Month at The Palms

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness month and Sunday, May 16th is Mental Health Sunday. The worship service for that Sunday will encourage us to learn all we can and do all we can in the area of mental health. As a WISE Congregation for Mental Wellness, we will be observing Mental Health Awareness Month, beginning… Continue reading Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Wellness Tips for 2021

Important Phone Numbers:National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline 1-800-950-6264 Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800.273.TALKVeterans’ Crisis Line 800.273.8255 press 1Pastoral Care—Pastor Jim Alexander 623.792.5295 With each new year comes the opportunity to do things differently. I am not talking about making resolutions that we all know will go by the wayside by January 31! I am talking… Continue reading Mental Wellness Tips for 2021

WISE Moment for Mental Health

As The Palms focuses on LGBTQ Pride and National Hunger Awareness Month, it is a blessing that our church is a safe place to speak openly, advocate fully, and remain present with our LGBTQ Community. There is still much to do to ensure that our lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer brothers and sisters experience rights… Continue reading WISE Moment for Mental Health

After the Rain

by Pastor Jim Alexander There’s always a rainbow after the rain. The Church of the Palms has been encouraged to focus on some aspect of mental health each month for the past several months. Our areas of focus have been: Self Esteem (February), Developmental Disabilities Awareness (March), The Warning Signs of Mental Illness (April), and… Continue reading After the Rain