Social Ministries

 

We Are the Church Together: Stories of Inclusion, Food for the Journey Sessions 2 or 3

Churches are at their best when every member is welcomed, offered a seat at the table, invited to eat and be filled, and then asked to serve the one who would come behind them. People with disabilities have historically been missing from the table in many of our congregations and communities. This workshop, offered twice, will offer participants an opportunity to hear, to tell, and to respond to stories about the ways our congregations have begun the work of making this fellowship possible for people with disabilities. Workshop facilitators will share concerning their experiences with people with disabilities and mental illness. Workshop participants will also be invited to share stories and resources about their congregation's experience welcoming people with disabilities. All storytellers and good listeners are welcome.Mark Crenshaw, Director Interfaith Disabilities Connection, The Rev. Michael Tanner, Rector, Holy Comforter, The Rev. Benno Pattison,Rector, Epiphany, and The Rev. Beverley Elliott, Associate Rector, St. Bartholomew's.

 

Church of the Common Ground: Doing Church a Different Way  Session 3


Come hear first-hand about some new ways of "doing church". Church of the Common Ground, an exciting ministry in our diocese, is literally "taking it to the streets."  Growing out of the remarkable work of Ecclesia Ministries in Boston, this way of doing church understands the fundamental truth that "the homeless" are our fellow journeyers with God, not the object of our charity.  Join the Rev. Bob Book, Holly Book, Deacon Carole Maddux and others as they share their experiences and discuss the spiritual and pastoral needs of the homeless community, as well as the history of the Ecclesia community and the Church of the Common Ground in downtown Atlanta.  Discover how you and your parish can create true relationship with the homeless community in a manner that opens minds and hearts to finding grace in new ways and new places. The Rev. Bob Book, Holly Book, Deacon Carole Maddux

 

The Church and It's Money Session 1

As people of faith we live in the tension between marketplace values-growth, increased profits and productivity, a competitive edge over others-and gospel values-fairness, forming community with the "least of these", being good stewards. When we move from office or factory to pew, we do not move from one world to another-this tension follows us. The Church itself is faced with knotty questions over maximizing return from its assets in order to provide economic security to those who depend on it. Our economy is based on a theology of scarcity, stimulating our worries about whether there will be enough. At the same time our faith is rooted in a theology of abundance in which we believe that God created enough for the needs of all creation. It is in this tension that we enter this workshop. We will experience one module in the new curriculum (soon to be available) produced by the Episcopal Network for Economic Justice which addresses this topic. Vicky Partin, Lay Missioner, Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry and John Hooper, Retired Director, Michigan Interfaith Loan Fund. Both members, ENEJ Education Team and Steering Committee, respectively

 

Infusion Youth Leadership Program Session 3

As outreach coordinators and parish educators, look around your committees and parish leadership to see who will be there to take your place. You may discover few leaders under 30 years of age. This workshop describes one program which engages 10th -12th grade youth in community through leadership, service, and spiritual reflection. Co-sponsored by the Pastoral Institute in Columbus, Infusion uses "servant leadership" as a model for teaching values and relationship building. In the year-long experience, 15 students explore social issues and the systemic causes of oppression while studying various religious texts. The goal is to develop culturally and spiritually aware youth who will become our future community and religious leaders. Infusion is decidedly Episcopalian but welcomes diversity in religions and cultures. Kimberly Gaymon, Infusion Program Director and Counselor at the Pastoral Institute, Columbus.

 

Military Ministry: Supporting U.S. Service Personnel and Their Families Session 1

Know someone who's serving our country overseas? Have a parishioner who's returned and needing pastoral care? Is your parish willing to contact vets and provide creative outreach? How about if your family or congregation are grieving the loss of a loved one killed in action or one who's come back injured? Do you wonder how to "Support Our Troops" whether or not you support the war? Gather with others from around the diocese to discover resources available to care for the multi-faceted needs of those serving in the military. As we enter into the 5th year of current engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, discover how parishes can mobilize to reach out to service members and their loved ones, especially for National Guard and Reserve forces who may not have access to base-specific support resources. Help us create a diocesan-wide network that can help such ministries grow.The session will explore resources available through the Office of the Bishop for Chaplaincies, including the H.O.S.T. (Home Support Team) Program, an ecumenical and interfaith model for providing much-needed support. Participants will learn how to create a plan for effective ministry and partnerships. Bring your own ideas, questions and experience - all of them will be valuable! The Very Rev. Wesley Smith, Rector of Christ Church, Macon and former Army Chaplain.

 

Opening Eyes -Resources to Help Understand Race and Reconciliation Session 2

Get a taste of resources that may be new to you and your parish as you grapple with eradicating racism and work toward becoming more fully "the beloved community" of Dr. King's dream. All of us are impacted by our histories, our cultures and our personal experiences; our own "blind spots" are easy to come by and harder to remove! Resources for helping each other open our eyes will include excerpts of the videos A Girl Like Me, The Color of Fear and White Privilege 101, along with many other materials which are also available for loan from the Diocesan Resource Center. Ideas for practical use in congregations and group settings will be discussed, including, we hope, many ideas from participants! Bring your stories, your questions, your hopes and your fears, as we offer them all for God's grace and God's healing. John Ford, VP & Dean of Campus Life at Emory University, member of the Commission on Anti-racism and the Institute for Ministry & Theological Education Board, and parishioner at St. Bartholomew's, Atlanta and Bill Nevins, Chair of the Commission on Anti-racism, diocesan and national trainer for Seeing the Face of God in Each Other, and parishioner at the Cathedral of St. Philip..