Brethren organizations offer resources following Virginia shootings.

Church of the Brethren groups are providing resources reflecting on the Virginia Tech tragedy, at www.brethren.org as well as other websites. The online resources include links provided by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), Disaster Child Care, and Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Blacksburg, Va.

The website of Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren is offering reflections on the tragedy at Virginia Tech, go to www.goodshepherdblacksburg.org. These resources have been created and used by those connected with the Good Shepherd congregation, including pastor Marilyn Lerch.

ABC through its Voices: Ministry on Mental Illness, will host a series of webcasts reflecting on mental illness and the tragedy. The webcasts will be posted on the denomination's new webcast site the week of April 30, go to www.cobwebcast.bethanyseminary.edu.

ABC also is offering a collection of links to resources about mental illness and ways that congregations can respond with hope and love to those experiencing mental illness. Also offered are links to resources for coping with trauma, and resources for family life. Go to www.brethren.org/abc/advocacy/vt_response.html.

Disaster Child Care is offering a brochure called "Trauma, Helping Your Child Cope," that gives advice to parents, teachers, and others who care for children during times of trauma and disaster. The brochure is available at www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/Trauma.htm or a supply can be ordered from the Disaster Child Care office, call 800-451-4407. A supply of the brochures has been sent to the district offices of Virlina District and Shenandoah District.

Source: 4/26/2006 Newsline Extra