The Behavioral Mental Heath Team works to identify, support, educate and develop parish ministry along with support groups for clergy throughout the diocese. We also provide educational opportunities for those around the diocese which may include training in depression, suicide assessment, mental health first aid, and resources for referral and treatment.

 
Events & Opportunities
Partner Organizations
Resources
 

Events & Opportunities

 
 

No July Lunch & Learn

Monthly Lunch & Learns:

August - November Lunch & Learns will feature the Rev. Robert A. Kem, retired Episcopal priest, hospice chaplain, and AFTD (Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration) Ambassador serving Nebraska, Iowa, and the Midwest.

This four-part Lunch & Learn series introduces Frontotemporal Degeneration, explores the challenges faced by individuals and families living with the disease, and highlights ways communities can offer informed, compassionate support. Each session is approximately 50 minutes and includes time for questions and discussion.

The goal of these Lunch & Learn sessions is to increase awareness of Frontotemporal Degeneration, encourage earlier recognition, support caregivers, and equip healthcare professionals, clergy, community leaders, and families with practical knowledge and compassionate resources.

Bio:

The Rev. Robert A Kem is a retired Episcopal priest of 40 years experience with the Diocese of Arizona, Nebraska and Iowa with four years with Mercy Hospice in Des Moines. This has been followed by coursework in grief training with Dr. Alan Wolfelt from Fort Collins Colorado who teaches at The Center for Grief and Life Transitions.

The Rev. Robert Kem was married to Debbie J. Kem for 50 years. In December of 2021 she was diagnosed with bvFTD (behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia) and died at home on July 27, 2025.

Since Debbie’s death Fr. Bob has been become an Ambassador for AFTD for the State of Nebraska, Iowa and the Mid-West focused on educating medical personnel on FTD and building support teams for caretakers. He offers a monthly support group on line for family members have family diagnosed with FTD.

www.theaftd.org

theaftd.org/aftd-helpline

August 18, noon - 1pm on Zoom

What Is FTD? How Is It Different from Alzheimer’s Disease?

An overview of FTD (frontotemporal dementia), including common signs and symptoms, major types of the disease, key differences from Alzheimer’s disease, and the importance of early recognition.

August registration

September 15, noon - 1pm on Zoom

My Personal Experience as Primary Caregiver for My Wife, Debbie, with bvFTD

A personal reflection on the caregiving journey, including the emotional, spiritual, and practical realities of living with behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD).

september registration

October 20, noon - 1pm on Zoom

Emma Willis’s “The Unexpected Journey”

A discussion of Emma Willis’s book and the lived experience of FTD, with emphasis on the value of personal story, education, advocacy, and community support.

October registration

November 17, noon - 1pm on Zoom

Clergy and Congregational Support for Individuals and Families Living with FTD

A session for clergy, lay leaders, and faith communities on providing pastoral care, practical assistance, and compassionate support to individuals living with FTD and those who care for them.

november registration
 
 

Connecting Heaven & Earth: Mind-Body-Spirit Retreat

October 31: 10am-3pm at Christ Episcopal Church, Cedar Rapids

Contemplative practices and related spiritual wisdom for expanding awareness of Oneness while rebalancing mind, body, and spirit.  Includes Practicing Presence infused prayer, gentle Life Force Energy-Spirit meditative movement (Qigong), and surrendered resting in God through sublime singing bowl healing sounds and vibration. Bring your own Nest of Comfort (see full registration info.). Led by Rev. Dr. Catherine Quehl-Engel.

All are welcome to this free event.
Lunch will be provided.

RSVP deadline: Oct 26.

register here

Partner Organizations

 

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) of Central Iowa’s goal is to inspire better lives for Central Iowans affected by mental illness. They work to achieve this goal through support programs, educational outreach, and advocacy on local, state and national levels.

Mind & Spirit Counseling Center offers high-quality mental health services to people from all walks of life, including those who are uninsured, underinsured or from low-income households.

The Iowa Primary Care Association supports Iowa's community health centers and Iowa’s Behavioral Health Delivery System. With an ongoing commitment to expanding access to quality, affordable, and accessible primary and preventive healthcare services, we work to support individuals and communities in reaching their full health potential.

 

Resources

 

Mental Heath Funds Request Form

The Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, through a GILEAD Grant, has limited funds to assist with co-payments for mental health related appointments. You may request incremental funds for up to $50 per appointment. A completed request form is required for each appointment, and you must submit a receipt for reimbursement or have a bill sent to the Diocesan office. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

Mental Health Funds Request Form

Meditation Video Series

from Katy Lee & Christ Episcopal Church, Cedar Rapids

This series of videos is designed to help you relax, recharge, and focus on self care in the midst of a chaotic world.” These practices do not need to be viewed in any particular order and you are encouraged to try these techniques on a regular basis.

Full video series