Association of Brethren Caregivers announces its first Health Assembly.

The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) announced the first-ever Association of Brethren Caregivers Health Assembly, to take place March 27-30, 2008, in collaboration with Mennonite Health Services (MHS) and the American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries Association. The Health Assembly will be held at the Millennium Hotel in St. Louis, Mo., on the theme, “Communities of Healing and Hope.”

“These three Christian groups share a common commitment to health and human service ministry,” said Don Fecher, director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes. “This is an opportunity for us to learn from each other and encourage each other in our Christian ministry.”

The Health Assembly will offer opportunities for participants to renew their energy and vision for the years ahead, examine new models and conceptual frameworks, network with colleagues, and hear real-life stories and examples. Nurses, pastors, physicians, psychologists, and social workers are all encouraged to attend. The conference will provide a networking opportunity for the CEOs and chaplains of the Brethren retirement communities, who gather concurrently for their annual meeting.

Keynote speakers include Hector Cortez, vice-president of national programs for Esperanza USA, a network of Hispanic Christians, churches, and ministries committed to raising awareness and identifying resources that strengthen the Hispanic community. Church of the Brethren pastor Marilyn Lerch along with others will give a presentation on “Managing a Community in Crisis,” reflecting on the experience of Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Blacksburg, Va., during and following the campus shootings at Virginia Tech in April 2007.

Registration materials are available by calling the Association of Brethren Caregivers at 800-323-8039.

Source: 01/02/2008 Newsline