St. Andrew Methodist Church

WHAT: <a href="https://www.beaconoflightmh.org/resources/bolconference26" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Beacon of Light Mental Health Ministry</a>
will host its 2026 Beacon of Light Mental Health Conference in partnership with the <a href="https://www.spiritualcarenet.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">DFW Spiritual Care Network</a>, bringing together faith leaders, mental health and addiction professionals, civic leaders and community members for a day of education, connection and practical resources.

Under the theme “Uniting Faith and Science to Strengthen Mental Health Ministry,” the conference will explore some of the most pressing mental health challenges affecting individuals, families, churches and communities across North Texas. Topics include mental wellness, trauma, suicide prevention, overdose awareness, substance use and relationships, with an emphasis on strengthening connections among mental health care, faith communities and community-based resources.

More than 20 resource tables will feature nonprofit organizations, treatment centers, counselors, hospitals, and other community programs. These connections can help individuals, families, churches, and professionals better understand the treatment and support resources available in our area. 

WHO: The conference is designed for anyone who wants to better understand mental health challenges and become more prepared to respond – whether as a faith leader, mental health professional, community leader, or concerned family or community member. 
Speakers include experienced professionals and subject matter experts: Rev. Allyson Johnson, St. Andrew Methodist Church (Keynote Speaker – “The False Divide: A Sacred Bridge Between Mental Health and Faith”); Garrett Woods, PhD; Sandi Morse, LCSW-S; Bryna Talamantez, LMFT; Theresa Little, The Family Place; <a href="https://dallasdoinggood.com/shirley-weddle-a-bridge-for-survivors-and-advocates/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Shirley Weddle</a>(survivor of suicide loss); <a href="https://www.brittanytinsley.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brittany Tinsley</a>(author, <a href="https://twloha.com/blog/stories-our-scars-tell/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Stories Our Scars Tell</a>) as well as educational sessions addressing some of the top mental health issues affecting our community. Continuing Education Credits (4) will also be available for qualifying professionals.
WHY: People often turn to someone they trust before they seek professional help. This conference prepares churches and faith leaders as well as community members for those conversations, providing knowledge on how to respond and connections for appropriate care.
WHEN:&nbsp;Thursday, November 5, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

WHERE: St. Andrew Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas
COST: Individual tickets range from $20 (general attendee) to $50 (Professionals, 4 CE credits provided). Breakfast and lunch are included. 

Registration required:&nbsp; &nbsp;spiritualcarenet.org/event-details/beacon-of-light-plano-2026 


Event information (full schedule): <a href="https://www.beaconoflightmh.org/resources/bolconference26?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Beacon of Light Mental Health Conference 2026</a>
Conference is sponsored by the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA).
# # #
<a href="https://www.beaconoflightmh.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ABOUT Beacon of Light</a> – Beacon of Light Mental Health Ministry is an independent nonprofit that equips churches to respond to mental health challenges with compassion, confidence and appropriate care. Through Christ-centered, clinically informed training, practical resources and church partnerships, Beacon of Light helps pastors, staff and lay leaders recognize needs, support individuals and families, and connect people with professional help when needed. Learn more at beaconoflightmh.org.

<a href="https://www.spiritualcarenet.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ABOUT DFW Spiritual Care Network</a> - the mission of the Spiritual Care Network is to bridge the gap between mental health providers, addiction professionals, and the faith community through collaboration and education. They host monthly networking meetings in Collin County, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Learn more at spiritualcarenet.org.

Local Event: Beacon of Light Mental Health Conference 2026: Uniting Faith and Science

Collin County

Plano

Texas

Beacon of Light Mental Health Conference 2026:...

WHAT:  Beacon of Light Mental Health Ministry
will host its 2026 Beacon of Light Mental Health Conference in partnership with...

Beacon of Light Mental Health Conference 2026: Uniting Faith and Science

Grandscape Boulevard

Join Breakthrough T1D for the Dallas Walk on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Grandscape in The Colony. This family-friendly event brings together individuals and families of all ages and abilities to support people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), raise awareness, advance research and move closer to a cure.
The morning begins at 8 a.m. with activities, Resource Row and stage entertainment. The opening ceremony and T1D Champions Parade begin at 9 a.m., followed by the 1.5-mile walk at 9:30 a.m. Light refreshments, activities and family fun continue at 10 a.m.
Participants can take part in a Flag Ceremony celebrating personal connections to T1D, share messages of hope and encouragement on the Community Wall, explore the Pathway to Progress highlighting milestones in T1D research, and see Breakthrough Mile signs honoring local T1D champions.
The walk is led by Event Co-Chairs John Dillon and Sarah Morris. For the Dillon family, the event is personal. John’s youngest daughter, Lauren, was diagnosed with T1D at age 19 during her freshman year of college after being hospitalized with blood sugar levels in the 700s. With no family history of T1D, the family quickly learned the physical, mental and emotional challenges of managing an autoimmune disease—and discovered a supportive T1D community that helped them navigate the journey.
Today, the Dillon family is deeply involved in the T1D community. Lauren has volunteered and interned with Breakthrough T1D and is pursuing a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership, inspired in part by her experience with T1D and her desire to help others. John, his wife Elisha and their family are leading the Dallas Walk in honor of Lauren and alongside the T1D community they have come to know and love.
Come walk, connect with the T1D community and help make a difference. Participants can register to walk in person or virtually. Free general parking is available at 5750 Grandscape Blvd.
Learn more or register at <a href="https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=10315&amp;pg=entry" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=10315&amp;pg=entry</a>.

Local Event: Join Breakthrough T1D in Walking Toward a Cure in Dallas Nov. 7

Join Breakthrough T1D in Walking Toward a Cure...

Join Breakthrough T1D for the Dallas Walk on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Grandscape in The Colony. This family-friendly event brings...

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Posting Activity

Beacon of Light Mental Health Conference 2026: Uniting Faith and Science

NOV

5

8:00 AM

St. Andrew Methodist Church, 5801 W Plano Pkwy, Plano, TX

Join Breakthrough T1D in Walking Toward a Cure in Dallas Nov. 7

NOV

7

8:00 AM

Grandscape Boulevard, Grandscape Blvd, The Colony, TX