Seattle author & “Mental Health Chaplain” Craig Rennebohm to speak at First Unitarian Church of Portland, June 5th & 6th

For more information visit the First Unitarian Church Mental Health Action Group website.

Reverend Craig Rennebohm, author, advocate and organizer from Seattle who works with people who have mental illness and are homeless, will be visiting First Unitarian Church of Portland June 5th & 6th.

Rennebohm has worked for the last twenty years on the streets of Seattle with individuals who are homeless and mentally ill. He serves as a resource to families and their loved ones facing mental illness; provides assistance to local congregations seeking to develop mental illness ministries and offers trainings for faith leaders, laity and mental health providers; and as a grassroots community health organizer. Rennebohm is a United Church of Christ minister and his book, Souls in the Hands of a Tender God, was published in 2008 by Beacon Press.

Event Details

All events at the First Unitarian Church of Portland, 1011 SW 12th Avenue, Portland, OR

Book Discussion (in anticipation of his visit)
Sunday, May 31, 1:00 to 2:30 pm, Channing Room
Join us for a friendly and open discussion of Souls in the Hands of a Tender God the Sunday before Craig Rennebohm arrives. No fee. Donations welcome.

Reading & Book Signing: Souls in the Hands of a Tender God
Friday, June 5, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, Eliot Chapel. Book signing to follow in the Channing Room.
No fee. Donations welcome.

Companionship Training
Saturday, June 6, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Buchan Bldg.
Suggested donation: $5 – $20. No one will be turned away.

Companionship is a way of being present with another person in the midst of struggle or suffering. We will explore the way of companionship – our natural capacity for sensitivity, compassion and concern and how to introduce ourselves with care. We will share in the basic practices of companionship – hospitality, sharing the journey side by side, listening and accompaniment. We will learn how to honor our limits and support a person in building a circle of care. We will explore ways to practice the way of companionship in our lives – at home, in the church and in our community.