20.02.2021
Lifting the Lid on Mental Health – Bible Society’s Lenten Series
The National Bible Society of Ireland, is excited to begin a six week journey into a type of ‘wilderness’, where they offer the opportunity to engage and reflect on mental health. Starting this Monday (February 22) for six sessions they will be using the ‘Lifting the Lid’ resource, put together using material from a joint initiative between ‘Mind & Soul’ and ‘Livability’ (for more, see https://www.mindandsoulfoundation.org/).
The NBSI aims to create a nurturing space where participants can thoughtfully engage with biblical text during the season of Lent, and conversationally explore key themes encountered on their inner and collective journey toward mental wholeness.
These sessions will cover: – Valued: Zacchaeus– Cared for: Elijah– Listened to: Emmaus– Accepted: Weeping woman– Understood: Jairus– Beloved: Prodigal Son
In conjunction with the relevant biblical texts, each week will look at different dimensions of mental health, including questions around challenges to mental well–being, addiction, anxiety, disconnection or restoration.
There will be six facilitators – one for each session. Each facilitator is trained in either ministry, counselling, art therapy or biblical scholarship and brings a unique skill to the overall conversation of mental well–being.
They are conscious that the issues raised can be sensitive and deeply personal – the forum will not and does not seek to solve such issues. Rather, it seeks to gently draw attention to the reality that these are challenges faced by many each day.
The first time the word ‘hope’ is used in the Bible (in the Book of Joshua), it is translated as the word ‘rope’. This presents a most interesting thought – that at times hope needs to be tangible, and with God there is something firm to grab hold of, something solid and life–giving. Hope gives options. Whether Elijah in the cave or Zacchaeus up the tree, everyone can experience moments when it feels they are hiding in a cave, or invisible, and are not sure which direction God’s heart is pointing towards.
The six sessions are intended therefore to offer a tangible piece of hope, while navigating the current wilderness in which we all find ourselves.
NBSI invites you to join them on a journey of discovery, where they will ‘Lift the Lid’ each Monday evening from 7.30–8.40pm during Lent, and reflect on six key areas that are important in nurturing and sustaining good mental health.
To register, simply click here – https://www.nationalbiblesocietyofireland.ie/ or here – https://bit.ly/3rXMhuW, and fill out the short and easy registration form. A zoom link will arrive in your inbox. Any issues which arise with registration please contact julia@nbsi.ie.