Community Care Sessions

This Great Idea comes from Dr. Kelly Sherman Conroy at All Nations Indian Church UCC in Minneapolis.

Dr. Kelly holds a weekly drop-in space where community members can gather around hot beverages and snacks, crafting tables ready for creative hands, and therapists of all sorts volunteering time to care for different needs.

Smaller, more private spaces are provided for those in need of spiritual or mental health one-on-ones. A large open space stands ready with chair massage opportunities. Two therapy dogs are there to receive and give love.

It’s a beautiful community gathering where those in need of mental and spiritual support receive it free of charge and free of stigma or shame.

Congregations anywhere can offer a similar community-based healing space: invite physical and mental therapists (or even doctors and nurses who could help folx understand symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, overwhelm, etc.), chaplains and spiritual directors, crafters and artists.

The intent is simply to be present with one another, address the needs experienced by those gathered, and learn what other needs there are to better support folx in future.

You may not be able to attend All Nations Indian Church UCC, but their witness of compassionate care is one that can be repeated anywhere.