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In 2008, driven by our core commitment to welcome all, First Congregational Church became the first in the Rocky Mountain Conference and eighth in the UCC to adopt a Covenant affirming our dedication to being Accessible to All, aiming to understand, include, and empower people with all abilities and disabilities.
Since then, church members have served on the planning committee for national Widening the Welcome Conferences and as consultants to other congregations. The office of Faith for All, an ecumenical and interfaith organization focused on inclusion in congregational life, is housed in our facility. Its Director, Kevin Pettit, a traumatic brain injury survivor and UCC commissioned minister, is a member of our congregation.
Our Mental Health Ministry was founded after the tragic deaths by suicide of two adult children of our church, one year apart. In 2007, a task force was formed to explore how to support those with mental health challenges, leading to the creation of a regular education program. When we recognized an overlap with our Accessible to All commitment, the two ministries merged.
In 2013, our church hosted a meeting of the UCC Mental Health Network, with congregation members in key leadership roles. In 2014, we became the first UCC congregation to adopt a WISE Covenant, committing to be Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged in mental health matters. Following this, our Ministry wrote a Resolution, adopted by the UCC General Synod in 2015.
Mindful Works
Mindful Works, a key mission partner, is a social enterprise helping individuals overcome mental health challenges through meaningful work. Located in our facility’s lower level, they create fabric arts products and baked goods, including dog biscuits, for sale. Church volunteers are welcome to work and build relationships with apprentices. See Mindful Works for more information.
Education
The Mental Health/A2A Ministry hosts annual events like Mental Health Sunday and A2A Sunday Worship. It also collaborates with other church groups, including Gun Violence Prevention and the Ministry of Last Things, addressing suicide prevention, dementia, and grief related to aging.
Support Groups
From 2009 to 2024, we hosted a Spiritual Support Group for Mental Health for the wider community. A Grief Support Group and a Caregivers Support Group now meet monthly.