Healing Communities Training

At the end of the summer, First UMC was fortunate to have Rev. Doug Walker (National United Methodist Church Healing Communities Trainer and UMC National Coordinator for Criminal Justice Reform) with us to talk about a more intentional, structured approach to ministry for and with those affected by the criminal justice system.  Out of that meeting came our next significant step -- our upcoming Healing Communities Training for Ministry to Those Affected by Criminal Justice System -- Monday-Tuesday, Nov. 2-3, 5:30pm - 8:30pm

"Healing Communities" are congregations that offer pastoral care to those who are affected by crime or incarceration — children, families, inmates and those returning to the community, as well as those victimized by crime.   Healing Communities training identifies basic components of action for congregations to become "Stations of Hope," drawing on the existing mission and ministry structure of the local church. 

Would you be willing to represent our circuit at these training sessions?  We have been invited to organize a team from our circuit which may, in the future, discuss and organize to see about further developments/possibilities of these ministries in our area.  There are presently several representatives coming from other mainline churches in Missoula, as well as the Open Way Mindfulness Center.  This is something that the Missoula Interfaith Collaborative is supporting; they are also providing a meal for one of the evenings (our church is providing the other night's meal).  

The registration process/parameters are still being put together, but there is likely going to be an undetermined-as-of-yet registration fee (with scholarships available) of around $25.

Please let me know if you would be willing to represent our circuit, or if you have any questions.  I thank you for considering this vital area of ministry opportunity.

Grace to you,

Pastor John

PS:  you can find more on the Healing Communities ministries at http://umc-gbcs.org/healing-communities.  

A brochure promoting the training specifically is presently being constructed, and once completed, will be sent to all interested parties.