CHICAGO, IL (August 22, 2012) – Trainings to educate participants on how they can minister to victims of domestic violence will be offered in September in Portland, Oregon, and in October in Seattle, Washington.
Mending the Soul (MTS), a ministry partner of the Department of Women Ministries, will offer their basic training September 21-22 at Imago Dei Community in Portland. The training is the first step in becoming a facilitator of MTS groups.
Fifty men and women in the Covenant have already taken the training in 2012. Women Ministries emphasizes that the training is not intended to be the “next step” for victims of abuse seeking their own healing.
To move forward with MTS certification, individuals will need to complete a screening process to ensure that they are emotionally and spiritually healthy to lead a group.
Early registration is $150 if postmarked or paid online by September 14. After September 14, the cost is $200. Group discounts also are available. Visit the MTS website for more information and to register.
First Covenant Church of Seattle will host “In Her Shoes,” an interactive experience, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 13. The workshop will focus on increasing participants’ awareness and understanding of domestic violence in the life of a battered woman.
Yvonne DeVaughn, director of Women Ministries’ Advocacy for Victims of Abuse program, will facilitate the event at The Summit Building adjacent to First Covenant Church. Lunch will be provided with a suggested donation of $5. Space is limited.
To RSVP or obtain more information, email Jo Portinga or call 206-322-7411.
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Do you have suggestions for books about domestic violence that could be in a church library?
Editor’s note: following is a list of readings on domestic violence recommended by Women’s Ministries: “Keeping the Faith: Guidance for Christian Women Facing Abuse” by Marie M. Fortune, Harper Collins; “The Courage to Change” by Marilyn Gustin, Liguori Publications; “Pastoral Care for Survivors of Family Abuse” by James Leehan; “Defiant Hope: Spirituality for Survivors of Family Abuse” by James Leehan; “The Courage to Heal” by E. Bass and L. Davis; “Grown Up Abused Children” by Leehan and Wilson; and “The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse” by D.B. Allender.
“Keeping the Faith: Guidance for Christian Women Facing Abuse,” Marie M. Fortune, Harper Collins
“The Courage to Change,” Marilyn Gustin, Liguori Publications
“Pastoral Care for Survivors of Family Abuse,” James Leehan
“Defiant Hope: Spirituality for Survivors of Family Abuse,” Jame Leehan
“The Courage to Heal,” E. Bass and L. Davis
“Grown Up Abused Children,” Leehan and Wilson
“The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse,” D.B. Allender
Are there any plans to have a MTS workshop in the Northwest Conf?
Editor’s note: following is a response from Christi Pease, director of Women Ministries for the Northwest Conference. Presently, we do not have dates planned for a training session, but we had a number of Mending the Soul facilitators complete training last spring – we do hope to plan trainings soon. For our planning purposes it helps to know the area where you live, the church you attend, and your interest in attending a Mending the Soul workshop. Are you interested in being trained to be a facilitator yourself or do you have others who you think would like to be trained? Feel free to email me at director@wmnwc.org or call me at 651.285.9636 with any questions.