MESA Family Workshops
Starting January 22, 2008

The MESA (Mutual Education Support and Advocacy) workshops are a series of classes designed specifically for families who care for the mentally ill. One of the major goals of MESA is to reduce stress in the lives of families through education on mental illness, coping strategies and community resources. Whether a loved-one suffers from depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or schizophrenia, MESA can help families deal with the constant worry of everyday living while caring for the mentally ill.

MESA workshops were developed by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and have been on going in communities throughout the state since 1987. The workshops are co-lead by mental health professionals and family members highlighting that both have special knowledge and skills to share. An emphasis on Mutual acknowledges that families and professionals Educate and Support each other and in this process, gain a greater understanding and respect for each other. An alliance develops among families and professionals which creates a stronger voice for Advocacy for the needs of people who have mental illnesses.

In conjunction with Mental Health America of Central Virginia, First Christian Church will be hosting MESA workshops from January 22 through April 8, every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Contact Lee Cline at 386-3232 or Vicki Sandifer at 847-9055 (Mental Health America) for more information.

Yoga Classes

We are going to start having Yoga Classes in the Snidow Fellowship Hall every 2nd and 4th Thursdays starting in February. The classes will be led by Nancy Allen, a certified yoga instructor.  It will be a series of 6 classes every other week (2/14, 2/28, 3/13, 3/27, 4/10 and 4/24) from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The cost is $36 per person for the 6 classes and you must sign up for the entire session.  Mats, blocks and straps will be provided. Space is limited to 15 participants so if you are interested, call the church office.
 

The World Outreach committee, in conjunction with the Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Church, is sponsoring a series of film/discussion meetings.

On March 30, 2008, the Social Justice
Film series will watch and discuss Control Room. The documentary provides an opportunity to reexamine
what is perhaps the most pressing question of international relations today: “is America radicalizing or stabilizing the Arab world?” Without miring itself in shadowy conspiracy theories, the film provides a balanced view of Al Jazeera’s presentation of the second Iraq war to their worldwide Arab audience and, in doing so, calls into question many of the prevailing images and positions offered up by the U.S. news media.

This showing will be held at First Unitarian Church, at 6 pm.