NBA, Cypress Creek Christian Church Partner For Mental Health Sunday Service

“Be Kind To Your Mind.”

This simple, yet powerful wellness reminder served as the theme for the recent Mental Health Awareness Sunday service at Cypress Creek Christian Church in Spring, TX. During the service, senior pastor Rev. Bruce Frogge, mental health professional Cindy Pitts, and Rev. Carolina Fuentes, mental health professional and a member of NBA’s 2023-2025 Mental Health Equity Cohort, each spoke about the process of normalizing the conversation around mental health.

“We emphasized how by creating spaces where everyone belongs regardless of their life experiences and challenges with health and mental health, we are caring for one another in a way that brings hope and supports everyone’s health,” said Rev. Fuentes.

Following communion those in attendance were invited to participate in a handwashing ritual featuring rose petals. While their hands were immersed in the water and covered with rose petals, a volunteer prayed over them. Also, following the service, attendees could visit some tables with wellness resources and interactive activities in the foyer, along with some themed swag such as a tote bag and a brain-shaped stress reliever.

The impact of the service was felt deeply by those present. According to Rev. Fuentes, several people admitted to her and the other service leaders that they had never been to a mental health awareness service before. “A number of people thanked us for bringing the conversation to light,” she said. “Some people wanted to share with us their struggles and discuss referrals and resources. Others were interested in connecting with the church’s caregivers support group. Ultimately, many people shared that they felt encouraged, seen, centered and loved as a result of the experience during the service.”

NBA’s Mental Health and Wellness work is centered in resourcing Disciples health and social service entities through collaborations with general church and regional partnerships, as well as support for congregations, seminaries, and community-based organizations. As part of this commitment, the NBA was proud to partner with Cypress Creek for this special service during Mental Health Awareness Month. It also served as an important reminder of the collaborative nature necessary to offer wellness to all within the Disciples church.

“We encouraged everyone to remember to be kind to their minds and to remember that mental health is health,” said Rev. Fuentes. “The conversations around what we need, what we feel, and what we struggle with belongs in the church.”

A recording of Cypress Creek’s Mental Health Awareness Sunday service is available to view here.