In partnership with Ray of Hope Christian Church, the Georgia Mental Health Initiative (GAMHI) is hosting a special virtual Blue Christmas Service: A Time of Remembrance and Celebration to remember those who we have lost and those dealing with grief. The holidays can be a difficult time for those who suffer loss or hurt. A “Blue Christmas” service recognizes that reality and offers hope, peace, and comfort.

Ray of Hope Christian Church hosts a panel of experts who will lead an important conversation about mental health. Moderated by Rev. Erica Geralds, MDiv, LPC, you will not want to miss this live, virtual event. It is free and open to all; simply visit www.rayofhope.org and link to their Facebook page or YouTube.

A workshop, presented by the Georgia Mental Health Initiative (GAMHI), will cover some essentials about this important topic. Featured speakers will be Rev. Debi Acree and Rev. Dr. Diane Bales. More information to follow.

In a partnership with First Christian Church of Winder, the Georgia Mental Health Initiative (GAMHI) is highlighting Out of the Darkness Walks in Georgia this fall to save lives and bring hope to those who have experienced loss to suicide. First Christian Church of Winder is a sponsor of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Walk Barrow County and would LOVE for you to sign up to sponsor or to walk. Learn more about other events here.

Whether you are a pastor, congregant, family member, or friend, domestic violence (whether you know it or not) has touched someone in your life. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and this workshop will define domestic violence, explain the myths behind it, what you need to know when working with victims, and what our faith says about it. The workshop is led by Rev. Debi Acree who has spent much of her career working on issues affecting women and children and has served as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Counselor, Advocate, and Director. Learn more about this workshop, which is part of Upgrade Thursdays, and get ZOOM link here.

What is the church’s response to mental illness? In this workshop, led by Rev. Erica Geralds, you will learn ways to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Whether you’re a pastor, lay leader, teacher, first responder, veteran, neighbor, family member, or friend, you can learn more about resources that can help you identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses. Learn more about this workshop, which is part of Upgrade Thursdays, and get ZOOM link here. 

In a partnership with Ray of Hope Christian Church, Rev. Erica Geralds, administrator for Georgia Mental Health Initiative (GAMHI), will lead a virtual GriefShare group. The group can be joined any time and continues every Saturday through October 23.

It's been a tough year! Join with a panel of mental health care experts in this free workshop sponsored by Ray of Hope Christian Church, Decatur, GA. Registration required – click the link to attend https://www.rayofhope.org/mental-health-conversations.

What is the church to do when those in our community begin to forget names, faces, and places? How can our church hold the memories of others? What should we do when someone has forgotten Jesus? This workshop will explore theological and pastoral responses to dementia in our congregations. The overarching goal of this session is to think about what it means to value and dignify others regardless of their cognitive condition or capacity. This free workshop will be led by Rev. Dr. Jared Wortman as part of Upgrade Thursdays for 2021. Learn more and get the Zoom link here.