A Healing Presence on Campus:
Our Partnership with Sanctuary Counseling
At Harrisburg United Methodist Church, we believe that healing is an essential part of the Gospel story, and that wholeness involves more than just spiritual well-being. That’s why we are grateful for our continued partnership with Sanctuary Counseling Group, a nonprofit mental health ministry whose licensed therapists work directly from our church campus to provide professional, faith-informed care for individuals, couples, and families.
Some of you may not know that Sanctuary Counseling maintains a full-time office right here in our church building. This quiet but impactful ministry takes place weekly in our sacred space, where individuals receive help navigating life’s difficult moments. All too familiar moments like grief, anxiety, relationship strain, parenting challenges, trauma, and so much more. In this way, our church becomes not only a sanctuary in name, but a literal place of refuge, restoration, and renewed hope for many in our community.
This partnership is a beautiful expression of our mission at HUMC: Growing Together In Faith, Love, and Service. Sanctuary Counseling expands the reach of that care in ways that complement what we offer through pastoral ministry, small groups, and congregational care. Their licensed professionals are equipped to walk alongside people in deeper therapeutic ways, bringing compassion, skill, and the steady presence of Christ into each conversation.
We’re especially thankful that this partnership reflects a holistic vision of the church’s mission. It reminds us that the Body of Christ is at its best when we embrace all the ways God works to bring healing—through prayer and sacraments, yes, but also through trusted companions, wise counselors, and mental health professionals trained to meet people in their struggles. In a world that is weary and often overwhelmed, this is sacred work.
If you or someone you love is ever in need of professional counseling, we encourage you to reach out to Sanctuary Counseling directly. (Office 704-375-53584 ext 417) Their intake team will help match you with a licensed therapist, whether at our location or another convenient site. While all referrals are confidential, we want you to know that it is a resource we deeply support.
We also ask you to pray for the counselors who serve out of our building. The work of Daija and Katherine is emotionally demanding and spiritually significant. By welcoming them into our space, we offer more than just a room, we offer our hospitality, our prayers, and our shared commitment to healing in Christ’s name.
Our campus is home not only to worship and community, but to real healing and hope. Our partnership with Sanctuary Counseling is just one more way that God is using this church to bring light to our neighbors, and we are honored to share in that mission.
Rev Dr. Rob Hutchinson
Pastor, Harrisburg United Methodist Church