Two Annual Conference agencies hold joint retreat.

Staff for On Earth Peace and the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) participated a two-day retreat at Camp Harmony in Hooversville, Pa., to become more familiar with each other's ministries and to discuss collaboration between the agencies. ABC joined part of the On Earth Peace annual week-long staff retreat. The agencies are similar in size and deliver their programs through workshops at congregations and at district, regional, and denominational conferences.

On Earth Peace and ABC will collaborate at Annual Conference on two insight sessions: "Listening Skills for Deacons" and "Helping Soldiers Heal from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder." They will share a large exhibit space to provide opportunities to talk with Conference attendees about the two programs and how their concerns dovetail. During the retreat, staff discussed plans for the exhibit and a joint project to help soldiers returning from active military conflict find healing from the physical, mental, and spiritual trauma of war. Times of worship focused on peace and healing, the impact of social justice during the civil rights movement, and the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr.

"This was the first time that our two agencies have intentionally taken a retreat together," said Kathy Reid, ABC executive director. "It was a wonderful opportunity... to interact with one another, learn more about our programs, and plan for projects we are already collaborating on." Reid said she hopes the agencies will repeat this kind of retreat.

Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
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