SOCIAL ISSUES
Elder Ministry – How Do We Create or Enhance One? Session 1
According to The Episcopal Church, 27% of our members are 65 years old or older with 13% of church members of any denomination in this age group. These people are a wonderful resource for our churches and the Diocesan Elder Network (DEN) has created a simple, proven organizational format which parishes can use to create or enliven their elder ministry, tailored to their own congregation’s needs.
With several successful parish elder care organizing meetings completed in the Atlanta area, DEN members are facilitating this interactive workshop which will enable you to create engaging and fun elder organizing meetings at your church. You will leave the workshop with the tools, guidance, and some hands-on experience to create or advance an elder ministry at your parish. You will learn ways to raise awareness of the important role elders play in our lives, as well as help prepare and support those in elder caregiving relationships. In the words of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, “There are only four kinds of people in the world—those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who need caregivers.”
Ms. Cynthia Zenner, All Saints’, Atlanta; Ms. Jackie Stradley, Ms. Melody McNeil, geriatric care manager Ms. Linda Brown, and the Rev. Martha Sterne from Holy Innocents’, Atlanta; Ms. Joan Purdon, Director of Health Ministries at St. Luke’s, Atlanta; and Canon for Elder Ministry, the Rev. Carolynne Williams from the Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta
Furthering Our Faithful Telling Session 2
In May 2009, our diocese hosted a ground-breaking day of reflection called Toward a Full and Faithful Telling: Repairing the Breach of Slavery, Segregation and Racism in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. To help frame our work, noted speakers from across the country were invited to tell first-person stories about the church’s engagement with racism in all its forms and to help us reflect on what our past might have to teach us about our present and our future. Members of the diocese were given the opportunity to have their personal recollections and stories professionally recorded, providing us a powerful start to our efforts at the diocesan level. Now, help us take the next exciting steps at the parish and local level. Via film clips, the workshop will share glimpses of the powerful kick-off event, but more importantly, will help you and your parish learn how to take first steps in your own congregation and community. Find out how to partner in this ministry of deepened awareness, understanding and reconciliation in our shared life as the people of God. The day will provide both inspiration and practical resources and ideas.
The Rev. Canon Debbie Shew, Canon for Community Ministries and members of the Commission on Anti-Racism
GA Trafficking / Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Session 3
The workshop will present the current market conditions from human trafficking in North Georgia. We will introduce the resources available for working against trafficking – on a broad spectrum of involvement, including the opportunity to network church talent and resources in a sustainable manner, within and among parishes.
The Rev. Chris Hannum, Chaplain at Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University, The Rev. Paul McCabe, Rector at Church of the Annunciation, Marietta & Christina Pratt, member of Episcopal campus ministry at Georgia College & State University
Military Ministries: What Congregations Can Do to Support Military Families Session 2
It is currently being reported that 15-50% of all soldiers coming home qualify for PTSD or some other sub-clinical versions along the trauma continuum. Additionally, there are high numbers of incidences of extended family issues ranging from secondary PTSD, abuse, addiction, marital issues, children with anxiety, depression, and grief, to name a few. These extended military family members are members of Episcopal congregations and need ministering.
This workshop is intended to motivate Rectors and Lay Leaders to begin Military Ministries in their congregations so they can minister to the extended military family members within their congregations. The workshop will discuss the Veteran Friendly Congregation Program and Guidebook that CareForTheTroops has made available on its website; encourage each congregation to become a Veteran Friendly congregation; and review and encourage congregations to take a leadership role in this ministry by becoming a Lead Congregation. The attendees will leave the workshop with copies of the charts presented, a packet of related handouts, and a copy of the Military Ministry Program Guidebook developed by CareForTheTroops.
The Rt. Rev. Keith Whitmore, Assistant Bishop of Atlanta, Mr. Peter McCall, Executive Director, CareForTheTroops, and The Rev. Robert Certain, Rector of St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church, Marietta
What Your Parish Can Do to Help Job-Seekers Session 2
From Prayers of the People to individual coaching, informal meetings, structured classes with speakers, job seeker ministries vary greatly in focus, audience, scope, structure, and size. Come discuss possibilities and see what is right for your church. Job searching is not like it was two years ago, but one thing remains the same – networking produces the best results. Leaders from various job search ministries will be on hand to discuss what does and doesn’t work for them, and answer questions. Handouts will include: things to consider when defining/ redefining your ministry, getting volunteers involved, steps and hints for job seeking, how you can help online with LinkedIn, and the Catholic Charities Consortium of Job/Networking Ministry, “roadmap for a new ministry.”
Ms. Alicia Allen, a job seeker who has attended networking meetings, leads one group, and does presentations around the Atlanta area on job seeking and on LinkedIn
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