Last Thursday, 170 people crowded into Fluevog Shoes in Gastown to celebrate the launch of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries’ new curriculum for small groups, which is designed similarly to Alpha. Eight themes are explored from a psychological, social, and theological perspective, and each session… Read more →
Tag Archive for mental health
When pastors are too kind: Don’t set those with mental health issues apart
by Marja Bergen • • 0 Comments
Accepting people with mental health issues has greatly improved in past years, especially in our churches. Organizations like Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries are doing much to help churches learn how they can show God’s love to such individuals. They are… Read more →
Submission to BC Government’s consultation on cannabis regulation
by Archbishop Michael Miller • • 2 Comments
I welcome the British Columbia Government’s consultation on cannabis regulation and the opportunity to offer my concerns, and some suggestions, about the implementation of legalized marijuana in Canada. Let me also me commend the Government for taking seriously the opioid… Read more →
Several initiatives focus on mental health and the church
by Flyn Ritchie • • 1 Comment
This is Mental Illness Awareness Week, but it looks as though related themes are being explored throughout the month. Two key events to look for are Understanding People, Mental Health & Trauma, hosted by Outreach Canada and sponsored by several groups… Read more →
Devotionals offer hope to those with mental illness
by Frank Stirk • • 0 Comments
Having struggled herself with bipolar disorder for most of her life, Burnaby author Marja Bergen is committed to telling her fellow sufferers of the healing she has found in Jesus Christ. Over the past 20 years, she has written two books… Read more →
In my shoes: How to support people who live with mental illness
by Marja Bergen • • 0 Comments
Marja Bergen wrote this personal reflection to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week (October 2 – 6). Most of us who follow Christ want to help sick people, including those who live with mental illness. We would like to be… Read more →
Mental Health Week: Breaking down walls
by Marja Bergen • • 0 Comments
Across the nation, Canadians are commemorating Mental Health Week, May 2 – 8. Here Marja Bergen describes the traumatic experience of being stigmatized, and encourages fellow Christians to welcome those – and they are in every church – who experience… Read more →
Compassionate friends must be more available than medical marijuana
by Karen Giesbrecht • • 0 Comments
A few weeks ago, I got a call from a friend at 4 am. Actually, it was a call from an acquaintance, but now I consider him a friend. He had not been able to sleep and was feeling overwhelmingly… Read more →
Marja Bergen offers God’s comfort to mental health sufferers
by Frank Stirk • • 1 Comment
Burnaby author and photographer Marja Bergen has written a new book that she believes is unique in offering comfort and hope to people – and especially Christians – struggling with mood disorders and other mental health challenges. “You can give… Read more →
Books: Need to Know, Bare, Suffering With God, Between Pastors . . .
by Flyn Ritchie • • 1 Comment
How to think, how to grieve, how to suffer . . . in this article I will look at several local books that fall, broadly, within the realm of ‘Christian living.’ In part one, I looked at Bible-related books, and… Read more →