One in five adults in the U.S. lives with some sort of mental health disorder, from mild to severe. Chances are your church members have either experienced a mental health condition themselves or are supporting someone who has. Many people are silently suffering or quietly coping.

Because you are a MAP congregation, your members can access Christian counseling care at CFS. We are your partners in this ministry. May is a great time to share Christ-centered mental health resources with your members. Church members who are emotionally strong and resilient are more apt to grow spiritually and serve those around them.

To refer someone to care:

1.   Refer online by logging into the MAP Portal or our website here.

2.   Call 800-438-1772 and ask for the MAP intake team.

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May is mental health month. Did you know that one in five adults in the U.S. lives with some sort of mental health disorder, from mild to severe (National Institute of Mental Health). That means 20 percent of our congregation is impacted by the challenges of mental health. How do you support a friend or a loved one who is going through mental health challenges? This article from Christian Family Solutions offers some practical advice. Christian Family Solutions is a WELS affiliated ministry that offers evidence-based mental health care practices integrated with the healing power of the Gospel. The CFS website has many more helpful and Christ-centered resources. Visit ChristianFamilySolutions.org.

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WELS Women’s Ministry will offer a webinar called "(mis)Understanding Mental Health | A Christian Look at Today’s Epidemic" on May 2 from 7-8 p.m. (CST). This live webinar will shine a light on the subject of mental health, so that the body of Christ continues to minister to the needs of each other in all areas of life. The webinar will feature licensed professional counselors from Christian Family Solutions. The discussion will include an overview of what is going on with regard to mental health in America, what we can do, and when and where to get help. To register for the webinar, go to https://wels.net/serving-you/christian-life/womens-ministry/.

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As much as we try to cope with life circumstances, sometimes we need a little extra help. Our pastor(s) are experienced in sharing God’s healing Word in every situation. They are willing to offer assistance and/or recommend professional counseling if needed. Our church has short-term counseling services available at no cost to our members when referred by one of our pastors. The services are provided by Christian Family Solutions Counseling Care & Services through their Member Assistance Program (MAP). Contact the church office if you wish to schedule a time to meet with pastor about your needs.

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Life is full of ups and downs, from the annoying little things to the soul-crushing big things. Resilience is the quality that allows us to bounce back from setbacks. May is Mental Health Month, and Christian Family Solutions is offering enrollment in The Resilience Project at no cost, thanks to generous donors. You can work through this 6-module course at your own pace, learning reality acceptance, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and more. Best of all, The Resilience Project is Christ-centered, encouraging good stewardship of the mind, body, and spirit God gave you. To learn more and enroll, visit ChristianFamilySolutions.org/cfs-learning.

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"To whom shall we go?" Mental health care has become a priority in our society today. Secular resources often encourage us to find the answers inside ourselves, placing trust in our own thoughts and feelings. Where can Christians turn for care that is Christ-centered? Our congregation partners with Christian Family Solutions (CFS), a counseling care and services agency with more than 100 mental health professionals who serve hurting people. As a WELS affiliated ministry, CFS is a trusted source for mental health care and resources that are integrated with the truth of God’s Word.

Our congregation members have access to short-term counseling services at a discounted rate because CFS is committed to keeping costs low for congregations through its Member Assistance Program (MAP). Generous donors make it possible for us to work with CFS and wrap our arms around members who might be experiencing a mental health challenge or hurting in some way.

You can support this Christ-centered ministry with your prayers and gifts during May Mental Health Month. Direct your gift to our congregation for use with our members, or give to CFS by visiting ChristianFamilySolutions.org/giving. Thank you for your support of this critical, Christ-centered work.

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