Many workshops offered during Caring Ministries Assembly address the particular training needs and interests of deacons, pastors and chaplains.

Members of the Denominational Deacon Ministry have identified workshops which are especially useful to deacons. These workshops are indicated with a red heart symbol .

Workshops which are of special interest to chaplains are marked with an orange cross symbol . A chaplain luncheon will be offered Friday and will include a presentation and discussion.

Though ABC has identified tracks for deacons and chaplains, the entire Assembly is useful for all caregivers. Deacons and chaplains are encouraged to participate in any Assembly event in which they are interested.

Perspectives on Decision-Making: Love, Anger and Guilt
Should Dad continue to drive? Should Mom continue to live alone? The practical and emotional aspects of decision making will be addressed, with the focus on coping with older adult transitions. This workshop will allow time for discussion and provide tools that may be used to help make decisions.
Presenter: Charlotte Loewen, clinical social worker

Dealing with Chronic Illness within the Family
A panel of experts — family members who have a loved one living with a chronic illnesses — will share their experiences dealing with a chronic illness.
Presenter: Robin Unangst, coordinator of programs and education, National Multiple Sclerosis Society

When Life Hurts and Families Break
Today’s families can experience a multitude of losses: financial, serious and debilitating illnesses, untimely death, divorce. How does a “distant God” fit into this picture? How do individuals and families find meaning and direction despite the pain? Through Bible verses and discussion, we will explore achieving a healthy view of this “distant God.”
Presenter: Daniel Davis, therapist, Philhaven Behavioral Healthcare

Peaceful Family/Peaceful World
How do you pass on your faith and peace witness? Participants will explore the connections between parenting practices, values and hopes for growing peace in the world.
Presenter: Pam Young Shultz, mother and peace advocate, and Annie Clark, coordinator, Ministry of Reconciliation of On Earth Peace

Living the Faith Together: Putting Faith into Practice
How are assumptions about family nurtured and challenged by the New Testament call to be a part of the larger “family of God,” the church? How might some common practices in the Church of the Brethren nurture families in everyday life? Keynote speaker David H. Jensen will help
participants explore these questions and issues with the family of faith.
Presenter: David H. Jensen, keynote speaker

Stepfamilies: United for the Sake of Children
Learn ways to assist parents and step-parents with creating a supportive, nurturing environment for children. Help families adjust to change and build good relationships with new family members. Ideal for those working with stepfamilies, foster parents, adoptive parents, single parents and others affected by loss and change.
Presenter: Robin Granzow, Family Life Education coordinator, COBYS

The Faith-Family-Food Connection
With “the clean-plate club” and trips through the local drive-through, children’s health does not receive just attention. Learn some simple ways to use God’s natural healing foods and herbs to take care of your family’s health. Fundamental basics include ideas to keep our “temples” pure and holy and help turn the tide of childhood obesity.
Presenter: Grace Lefever, nutrition consultant, and Mary Lou Garrison, director of Wellness Ministry, ABC

Living in Limbo: When Someone is in Prison
What is it like to be incarcerated? What impact does having a family member in jail have on the family system? How can you help both the incarcerated person and their family during this challenging time? A prison psychologist and a pastor share their experience with this ministry.
Presenter: David Zug, psychologist, Dauphin Co. Prison, and Kay Gaier, pastor

The Children’s Storytime in Worship: A Moment for the Family of Faith
The children’s storytime during worship is an important time for spiritual development and connection within the family of faith. Attention will be given to preparing the storytime so that it is a meaningful experience for the gathered children and the people in the pews.
Presenter: Donna Rhodes, executive director, Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center

The Church’s Response to Domestic and Sexual Violence
In recent years, our society has begun to understand the pervasiveness of domestic and sexual violence. It is not confined to any racial, ethnic or socioeconomic class, nor is it confined to non-religious homes. How can deacons and other caregivers respond? We must educate ourselves and break down the walls of denial and admit that it can happen even in our church families. Learn more about these issues and how the church can respond.
Presenter: Kathy Reid, executive director, Association of Brethren Caregivers

= Deacons Track; = Chaplains Track

End-of-Life Spiritual Care
The spiritual care needs of those facing the end of life will be explored. A hospice chaplain and a music therapist will demonstrate through story and music meaningful ways to connect with persons for spiritual enrichment.
Presenters: Joyce A. Stoltzfus, chaplain, and Juliet Mitton, music therapist, Hospice of Lancaster County

Factors Influencing Longevity: Keys to Healthy Aging
Implications for healthy aging will be examined through a general overview of the science of aging and a research-based look at factors influencing longevity.
Presenter: Charlotte Loewen, clinical social worker

“To Do” and “Not to Do”: Disability Awareness
You do not have to feel awkward when interacting with a person with a disability. This workshop will provide basic tips for anyone who wants to interact more effectively with people with disabilities.
Presenter: Robin Unangst, coordinator of programs and education, National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Family Trouble and Violation: A Closer Look at Mental Illness and Addictions
A review of common mental health diagnoses and addictions, and how the two can mask each other. Along with a review of the complications of having both conditions, you will learn how to identify resources for support and treatment, as well as practical ways to set limits to protect yourself and your family.
Presenter: Daniel Davis, therapist, Philhaven Behavioral Healthcare

Families Grounded in Common
Learn about the mission of Common Ground on the Hill, a multi-cultural music and arts community founded on the premise that there is a common thread unifying all people expressed in our various artistic traditions. Be part of a dialogue to discover what unites us, that we may become a more humane world.
Presenter: Larry Brumfield, licensed pastor and board chair of Common Ground on the Hill

Legal Planning for Life and End-of-life Issues
This interactive workshop will center on critical lifetime and end-of-life planning and legal issues. Participants will explore the appropriate use of powers of attorney, living wills and trusts, and related legal documents and concepts, and will be encouraged to consider their own planning needs.
Presenter: Brian Black, attorney and ordained minister

Embracing a New Perspective: Understanding Your Role in the Ministries of Foster Care and Adoption
Ever wonder how to support and encourage foster and adoptive families in your congregation and community? Learn about the emotions of the approval process, how infertility and grief and loss issues can impact a family’s journey in this ministry, and understand the behaviors a child can bring to an otherwise peaceful home.
Presenters: Carrie Swarr, Adoption supervisor and Mary Sourber, director of Foster Care and Adoption, COBYS

Building a Strong Marriage: It’s Not Magic
Research shows that couples who have a good degree of marital satisfaction possess certain skills and attributes. The good news is that committed couples can develop the necessary essentials for strengthening their marriage. Learn steps to develop your own marriage and obtain resources to further pursue the knowledge and suggestions presented.
Presenter: Henry Renn, supervisor of Counseling Services, COBYS

Caregivers Need Care, Too!
Deacons, pastors and caregivers are called to share physical, spiritual and emotional resources with others who need our help. Too often, caregivers ignore the fact that they are at risk of neglecting their own health and well-being in the process. This session will explore how to recognize and address “compassion fatigue.” Participants will be reminded that all caregivers need care, too.
Presenter: Bernie Fuska, pastor and deacon trainer

Conflict in the Family: An Opportunity
Conflict in the family can bring both pain and hope. Learn strategies for working through difficult situations and enhancing relationships within the family.
Presenters: Carol Horn, director of Training and Programs, Education for Conflict Resolution, and Annie Clark, coordinator, Ministry of Reconciliation of On Earth Peace

= Deacons Track; = Chaplains Track

Constructive Communication Between Aging Parents and Adult Children
How can adult children and their parents avoid anger, frustration and hurt when they talk? This workshop will explore the components of constructive communication which can help both generations get on the same wavelength.
Presenter: William Cave, director of Social Services, Lebanon Valley Brethren Home

A Postmodern View of Homosexuality
Learn about a 50-year journey of one family as they have encountered the issue of homosexuality in the school setting, nuclear family and within the church. Recognizing that all humans in God’s eyes are of equal value, how do we respond? Rather than draw a circle and shut persons out, can we draw a larger circle and invite them in?
Presenters: Dana and Nelda Snider, retired guidance director and retired teacher respectively

Separation and Divorce: How Children Respond and How to Help Them Adjust
Recognizing and responding to the emotional and behavioral symptoms visible in children whose parents have separated or divorced are important steps to helping these children and their families adjust to their new lives. Learn what you can do to help.
Presenter: Leslie Harne, clinical coordinator, Frances Leiter Center

The Multi-dimensional Family: Facing Reality and Reaching Renewal
Based on their blended, extended family, Tom and Nancy Faus Mullen will describe the joys and concerns involved with widow/widower grief; remarriage; blended families; adoption; inter-faith, inter-racial, inter-cultural marriage; and single parenthood. How can the church more effectively address these diverse family dynamics?
Presenters: Tom and Nancy Faus Mullen, retired seminary professors

A Model for Ministry: Assisting Single Parent Families
The pressing needs of the single parent family will be identified in this workshop. The church family will be considered as a primary resource for spiritual, emotional and residential assistance. How can you identify needs and find a good match between giver and receiver?
Presenter: Daniel Davis, therapist, Philhaven Behavioral Healthcare

Our Own Stories: Postmodern Families
We are all part of a family of some sort, with varied experiences and stories to share. Keynote presenter Kate Eisenbise will lead participants in sharing their own stories in ways that incorporate ideas from the morning’s presentation and foster further discussion of those ideas.
Presenter: Kate Eisenbise, keynote speaker

Healthy Relationships/Healthy Families
An approach to helping the families you work with discover the power of focusing on relational health as a means of achieving the behavioral health they are seeking. Included will be ways a mentoring process can be established in your church, school, community or workplace.
Presenter: Kathleen Scott, Family Nurturing coordinator, COBYS

Mentoring: Bridging Cultural Gaps Beyond the Nuclear Family
Church as experienced in the Church of the Brethren is viewed as “family.” Inclusion is necessary at the local, district and denominational level for our biblical understanding of being one in Christ to be complete. Learn how disciplining and mentoring work toward bridging cultural gaps so that all God’s people can be at the table.
Presenter: Carol Yeazell, Congregational Life Team staff

Visitation Etiquette
How long should a hospital visit be? What can you say to someone who is dying? How can you make visitation a welcome ministry tool? Deacons, pastors, chaplains and other caring visitors can sharpen their skills with some do’s and don’ts for visitation.
Presenter: Ron McAdams, pastor

= Deacons Track; = Chaplains Track