Wise Covenant
WISE Covenant of Bethlehem United Church of Christ of Kiel, WI
Bethlehem United Church of Christ of Kiel, Wisconsin has embraced the UCC General Synod’s call to become a Welcoming, Inclusive, Suppor ve and Engaged (WISE) congrega on for mental health. With Jesus as our model for how to live and love, we strive to provide a warm welcome, promote inclusion, and offer support for all who live with mental health challenges and to those who love and support them. We strive to promote understanding and compassion, reduce s gma through educa on and support ac vi es, and partner with local community agencies that advocate for those living with these challenges.
At Bethlehem we seek to be a community that cares for the whole person. We recognize that mental wellness is on a con nuum and that stressors, loss, and life events can challenge us at any point. Since one in four people is living with a diagnosable mental health condi on, it is safe to say that many among us and those we encounter in our lives are dealing with mental health and substance abuse challenges every day. Others may struggle with brain disorders such as demen a, au sm, and trauma c brain injury. Our congregation’s atmosphere of openness and acceptance makes members, friends, and visitors more likely to feel safe and free from judgment. This acceptance and sense of safety can create a place of belonging where truly everyone, no ma er where they are on life’s journey towards mental wellness, is welcome.