Purpose of the Series is to encourage our church family: We can have deep and abiding hope in the Lord Jesus even in the midst of the distress, uncertainty and unjust circumstances which are often associated with Mental Health.

Distress and Hope – Bible Studies – Participants
Distress and Hope – Bible Studies – Leaders Notes

Sermon 1: Image Bearers
Read the text: Psalm 8, Hebrews 2:5-18

In this first sermon, Ken Noakes looks at the central theme of who we are: We are creatures of dust, made in the image of God, for relationship. We are integrated, whole and beloved children of God, no matter how dark the valley is we are passing through.

Sermon 2: Presence
Read the text: Psalm 139, Hebrews 4:14-5:10

In the second sermon of this series, Ken Noakes and Julie Haddon explore the reality of God’s presence in every circumstance in our lives. They explain that God know each of us deeply, and empathises with us, thanks to what Jesus did in becoming human and experiencing life here on earth, including suffering. Where the circumstances of our lives and emotions can shift, God is constant.

Sermon 3: Lament
Read the text: Psalm 42, Matthew 26:36-46

In the third sermon of this series, Ken Noakes and Olivia Bush look at what the Bible says about lament. Is it OK to be in a mess when we come to God? How can we express our deepest distress to God? We have, in Jesus, both a mediator and a model of how we can approach God when everything in our lives is falling apart.