Workshop Descriptions Thursday May 9 Session A 9-12 Veterans Track: Parish Leadership & Pastoral Care: Removing Stigma The Rev. John Sippola One of the main obstacles hindering recovery from post-traumatic moral injury (PTMI) is lingering stigma in the very communities in which service members are seeking support. In this workshop participants will receive two educational tools that will reduce stigma in the parish and immediately empower parishioners to support veterans Health Ministry 101: Getting Started Rev. David L. Schriber, OSL Beginning at the beginning, this session presents an overview of health ministry, tracing its history and how it fits into the worship (liturgeia), fellowship (koinonia), and service (diakonia) of the local congregation. You ll learn how to get started and where to find resources. Diocesan and Regional Representatives Susan Wahlstrom BSN FCN This specialized workshop is for those diocesan representatives to exchange ideas, to set goals and be supported in their ministry. Persons interested in representing their diocese should contact Susan Wahlstrom at wahlstrom@volcano.net. Session B 10:45-12 Veterans Track Restoring the Parish s Historic Role in Supporting Veterans The Rev. John Sippola Most seasoned therapists understand the importance of collaborative care. Recovery rates from post trauma and other conditions increase significantly with knowledgeable, consistent long-term support in the first year or two after therapy. Parishes, with their weekly rhythms of connection and support are ideally suited for this ministry.
Gun Violence No CEUs are awarded for this session Vinnie DeMarco How should we respond to the continuing gun violence in our communities? Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence coordinator Vinny DeMarco will discuss various initiatives being utilized in faith communities to address gun violence and update current legislative efforts on gun control. Information regarding recent Episcopal Church resolutions will be included as well. Session C 1:30-2:45 Veterans Track: Confessional Conversation and Recovery from Moral Injury (MI) The Rev. John Sippola Many therapists are now realizing that moral injury is a major blind spot in the support and care of returning veterans. Treatment of moral injury in a parish context is one of the historic roles of pastoral care, and now, the pastoral care of veterans who have sustained moral injury is more important than ever. According to VA statistics, service members and veterans are seeking support from their parishes and their clergy in greater and greater numbers more, in fact, than all other specialized care services combined. Of course, most are coming because of the spiritual nature of their concerns. In this workshop, participants seasoned confessors will learn additional skills to veterans struggling with posttraumatic moral injury. Are you interested in something new and relevant for your Teens and Young Adults? Holly Stoner Over the years we have heard over and over again from youth leaders and others that there just aren't many resources to be used in their churches for teens and that they the losing this age group. Living Compass heard this need and created an exciting, teen centered, relevant program to fill this gap. Healing and Health Ministry in the Barrio Will Wauters TSSF We will explore the way a small congregation uses an integrated healing ministry to serve its neighborhood. Through a food bank, nutritional education, health monitoring, violence and stress reduction to improve the lives of children, an arts program and a family based substance abuse program Santa Fe Episcopal brings the light of Christ to the dark places of families' lives here in this poor urban barrio in San Antonio, Texas. The Sacred Art of the Circle Rev. Paula Engelhorn In Native American Traditions the circle is the major symbol, as the cross is for Christians. By combining sound, meditation and some of the knowledge held in Navajo Sand Paintings and readings from the New Zealand Book of Common Prayer we will search out a place of inner peace within each of us, and then participants will create a healing circle drawing. Session D 3-4:15 Veterans Track: Contemplation and Recovery from Post-traumatic Moral Injury (PMI)
The Rev. John Sippola A growing body of research shows how the mindfulness dimensions of Centering Prayer and other prayer and meditation practices help manage post trauma and facilitate a more grounded acceptance of life in the present moment. In this workshop participants will learn some important do s and don ts to maximize the benefits of contemplative practices in the parish and in pastoral care. The Healing Power of Intercessory Prayer Rev. David L. Schriber, OSL Scripture tells us to pray for one another, that we may be healed. But just what are we doing when we practice intercessory prayer? If we neither inform God of something unknown to an all-knowing God, nor ask God to do something not already intended by an all-loving God, what are we doing? This workshop offers several models for understanding intercessory prayer as the transmission of healing energy generated by empathy within the Body of Christ. He offers a list of practical does and don ts for praying in various settings. Navigating the Healthcare System Jill Pavka In this changing world of healthcare, finding the appropriate resources for healthcare can be challenging for underserved populations. We will identify the underserved and uninsured population; explore the resources available for underserved and uninsured populations; examine the rationale for providing healthcare to all, not just as our obligation as Christians but to provide for a healthier nation; and discuss how healthcare reform will/might affect these populations. A String and a Prayer: Creating and Using Prayer Beads Eleanor Wiley Prayer Beads are a traditional and universal tool used by two-thirds of the world s population. This workshop brings prayer beads to a personal, contemporary plane available to people of all ages, faiths and cultures. Restoring and maintaining health is best achieved through a holistic approach. People are seeking tactile reminders to support harmony and aid in their affirmations of self-healing. This interactive workshop will give participants the opportunity to explore the traditional use of prayer beads in a variety of cultures, and discover ways in which holding and wearing beads can support personal prayer, health and balance. During this highly experiential time, each participant will complete a personal prayer strand. Session E 9-10:15 How Faith Influences Ethical Choices The Rev. Dr. Ann Boyd Friday May 10
A Memory Café Betty (Alberta) Robbins Memory Cafes are a grass roots movement in the U.S., providing an intentional and caring act of hospitality. Memory Cafes provide a monthly social time for those with dementia and their caregivers who are lonely and misunderstood. Learn about the concept of a Memory Café, support required for those with dementia and their caregivers as well as how to implement a program in your community and provide tools to start a memory café. Seeds of Faith, Fruits of Wellness Scott Stoner The Living Compass Faith and Wellness Ministry has been created to reintroduce our modern culture to an ancient, faith based approach to wellness. This ministry invites people of all ages to explore the vital connection between their faith and their current state of wellness. Reconnecting the fruits of wellness with the seeds of faith helps the church reclaim its identify as the original wellness center. Welcoming Parishes Initiative Br. Daniel-Chad Hoffman, CG The Episcopal Church Welcomes You. We have seen the signs but what do they really mean? How do we demonstrate in a tangible way our willingness to walk in Christ with all people? How can we better embrace a spiritual journey with someone affected by HIV and AIDS? This workshop will explore ways to answer these questions and provide practical ideas for assessing and communicating your parish s willingness to engage all people. Session F 10:30-11:45 Three Theological Approaches to Medical Ethics The Rev. Dr. Joseph S. Pagano People of faith who make choices regarding medical treatment want to act with religious integrity, not just impartial rationality. This session will introduce participants to three theologians for whom theology is central to their approach to medical ethics. Participants will be introduced to the theological approaches of Paul Ramsey, James Gustafson and Stanley Hauerwas, will have the opportunity to try to apply these approaches to some specific cases, and will be given the opportunity to reflect on the role of religious faith in making ethical decisions about medical issues. Exploring Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome Melinda Henderson PhD, ARNP, FAAN Learn about PTSD its symptoms, and how to make referrals. What is "The Psychological First Aid Manual" and learn where there is further training. Case studies will be used to enhance this workshop. Cloistered Care: The Origins of Health Care in the Monastery Joyce Beaulieu Learn of history of health care provided by monastic communities in medieval Europe, specifically the work of Hildegard of Bingen and her work in natural medicines. Discussion of how the ancient faithbased origins of health care bolster our 21st century mission to care for the health of our parishioners.
Resources, Resources and More Bruce Nickerson Explore at this workshop how to access resources; how to identify reliable sources and where to find faith-based information. Then find out how to share these with your congregation and community. Session G 1-2:15 Ethical Issues at the End of Life Dr. Jeffrey Oak Ethical Issues at the End of Life will explore Christian theological perspective on such questions as, who decides when the patient cannot decide? How do we care when there is no longer a cure? Is allowing to die, the same things a choosing death? The Sanctuary Model Sarah Yanosy The Sanctuary Model is a blueprint for clinical and organizational change which, at its core, promotes safety and recovery from adversity through the active creation of a trauma-informed community. A recognition that trauma is pervasive in the experience of human beings forms the basis for the Sanctuary Model's focus not only on the people who seek treatment, but equally on the people and systems who provide that treatment. Meeting the Health Needs of a Small Parish and Community Sharon Logsdon and members of the Health Ministry Committee Formation of a program, as well as extending the program to other parishes and communities for a small parish. Training requirements and responsibilities of a Parish Nurse will be discussed. Creative ideas and activities that are successful in a small Western Maryland church will be shared. Best Practices from around the Church The Rev. Warren F. Frelund, Deacon More than one in three Episcopalians is over the age of 65, and another 41% of Episcopalians are between the ages of 45-64. That means three of every four members of the Episcopal Church are age 45 or older. In terms of economic stressors along (retirement age, technology gaps, social services, Social Security, and Medicare) the impact of this demographic group on local congregations is profound. This workshop will include examples of best practices an innovative program described in the Aging is Changing guide form the Episcopal Church s Older Adult Ministries task force. Session H 2:30-3:45 Applying Ethics to our Medical Decisions Panel Discussion A panel will guide participants through using ethical models in decision making using various models. Cases will be given to participants and then the process discussed.
Anglican Rosary No CEUs are awarded for this session Susan Wahlstrom BSN FCN Spend time learning how to make a rope rosary and ways this tool can be used for prayer. Gun Violence [ENCORE] No CEUs are awarded for this session Vinnie DeMarco How should we respond to the continuing gun violence in our communities? Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence coordinator Vinny DeMarco will discuss various initiatives being utilized in faith communities to address gun violence and update current legislative efforts on gun control. Information regarding recent Episcopal Church resolutions will be included as well. Culture and Health: A Christian Perspective Judy Spruhan How does culture affect health? Recognizing cultural differences. How Christian faith interacts with culture to affirm the whole person? Lastly, finding ways to use cultural strengths to achieve health outcomes.