The Rev. Jim Dunkin wants to see his congregation be able to live life to its fullest.

And what that means to Dunkin  a licensed professional counselor in the state of Kansas  is seeing that everyone has the freedom to openly address mental health issues and seek support if they need it.

For that reason, Dunkin, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church, 2415 Clinton Parkway, and the congregation’s Parish Nurse Group have formed a Mental Health Awareness Task Force that will highlight the importance of detecting and treating mental illnesses.

The task force will run throughout October, which is National Mental Health Awareness Month.

Dunkin launched the project at First Presbyterian with a special sermon Sept. 28 titled, “A Beautiful Mind,” in which he explained the role of mental health in leading a full life and serving God.

“I don’t like it when people think that God’s only interested in the spiritual part of our life. I want to promote a holistic approach to ministry  the physical, spiritual and mental. Jesus said, ‘I came that you might have abundant life,’ and that’s what I want to proclaim: that God wants us to live life to its fullest,” Dunkin said, recalling his sermon.

When he looks out at his congregation on Sunday mornings, Dunkin knows there are people in the pews who are struggling with mental health issues.

But many are afraid to discuss mental illness, much yet seek help. That’s because there’s still a stigma associated with emotional and psychological problems.

It’s a situation that Dunkin and First Presbyterian’s new task force aim to do something about.

“So often, people think you don’t need to talk to anyone, or take medication, if you have enough faith. The reason I’m so excited about this (effort) is that I want people to recognize the gift that God has given us of professionals who can help us with mental health issues,” he said.

“If the congregation can raise its awareness, then people can encourage and support each other in whatever way they might be suffering.”

To accomplish this goal, First Presbyterian is offering a variety of educational and screening opportunities for church members and the wider community.

Today, Dunkin will moderate a panel of mental health professionals, an individual who has sought and received mental health services and a family member of this individual.

The panel, which will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the church sanctuary, will feature Dr. Joe Douglas, a staff psychiatrist with Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center; and Donna Flory, a social worker.

On Thursday, First Presbyterian will serve as the community site for the National Depression Screening Day. Bert Nash mental-health professionals will administer free screenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. No appointments are necessary.

On Oct. 13, Keith Kobes, a psychologist from Christian Psychological Services in Overland Park, will lead a discussion exploring the difference between normal grief and grief complicated by depression. The talk will take place at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary.

On Oct. 20, psychologist Michael Lubbers and psychologist and psychoanalyst Sue Russell, who have private practices in Kansas City, Mo., will lead a discussion on “Spirituality and In-Depth Therapy.”

In the discussion, Lubbers and Russell will draw parallels between a deeper journey of the spirit and the psyche, drawing from sources within the traditional of spiritual development and psychology. The talk will be at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary.

For more information about these events at First Presbyterian, contact Linda Bridges at 843-4171.