Hamilton Series Will Present

Free Program on Faith and Mental Health

Nov. 8 at North United Methodist Church

David Finnegan-Hosey to Deliver Keynote Speech;

Program Includes World Premiere of New Anthem

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 13 — Rev. David Finnegan-Hosey, a popular author, blogger, and podcaster, will be the keynote speaker at a program about faith and mental health on Sunday, Nov. 8 at North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. The free event is presented by the Richard E. and Anna Lee Hamilton Series on Theological and Contemporary Issues, and the public is encouraged to attend.

In addition to delivering the keynote speech (1 p.m.), Rev. Finnegan-Hosey will preach at both worship services (8:30 and 11 a.m.) and speak during the Sunday school hour (9:45 a.m.).

In 2011 he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a series of psychiatric hospitalizations. He now speaks and writes about the intersections of mental illness, mental health, and faith.

He is the author of “Christ on the Psych Ward” and “Grace Is a Pre‑Existing Condition: Faith, Systems, and Mental Healthcare.” His sermons and keynote address will be entitled “Keep the Light On: Faith and Mental Health.”

The worship services will be held in the church’s beautiful American Gothic sanctuary and the keynote address and the Sunday school class will occur in its Fellowship Hall.

Another important part of the program will be the world premiere of a new anthem by Dr. Matthew Kennedy which was commissioned by the Hamilton Series for this event. Entitled "I Measure Every Grief I Meet," it weaves together text from Emily Dickinson's poem of the same name and Psalm 31.

Showcasing its adaptability for both small and large choral groups, it will be performed by the Chancel Quartet at the 8:30 a.m. service and by the church’s largest choral ensemble, the Cathedral Singers, at the 11 a.m. service. Both groups are under the direction of Dr. Theo Hicks, North UMC’s director of music.

The composition weaves together texts from Psalm 31 and Emily Dickinson’s “I Measure Every Grief I Meet.” Dr. Heather Hinton (grand piano) and Dr. Kurt Fowler (cello) will accompany the vocalists.

The 11 a.m. service will be livestreamed on the North Church Indy YouTube channel, and will be available shortly thereafter 24/7.

The Hamilton Series will also offer a lunch in Fellowship Hall prior to Rev. Finnegan-Hosey’s keynote address. The lunch is also free and open to the public, but emailed RSVPs to events@northchurchindy.com are required by Friday, Oct. 30 for the lunch to ensure there is enough food for everyone.

Rev. Finnegan-Hosey is the minister of Bon Air Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in North Chesterfield, Va. He is certified by Mental Health First Aid USA to provide help to people experiencing depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance use disorders. His website is at christonthepsychward.com.

Dr. Kennedy’s compositions have been performed on five continents. He has received honors and commissions from organizations such as ASCAP, BMI, and Opera on Tap, among others. He is the director of music and assistant professor of composition and theory at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio. His website is at kennedycomposer.com.

The Chancel Quartet consists of Diane Stebbe (soprano); Amy Cuomo (alto); Chad Barton (tenor), and Ron Berry (bass). Dr. Hinton accompanies it on the grand piano.

The Hamilton series was established in 2018 with a gift from the William E. Schmidt Foundation. It honors the lives and ministries of Dick and Anna Lee Hamilton at North UMC. Dick served as the senior pastor at North from 1974 through 1997 and was known for his work in the city and state on issues of social justice and Christian action. Anna Lee was a talented partner in ministry, adding her singing, teaching, and leadership skills to the church and wider community.

Additional support for the Hamilton Series is provided by Nick and Susan Blankenbaker Noyes and the Blankenbaker family, as well as gifts from individuals in memory of Dick and Anna Lee.

For more information see NorthChurchIndy.com.