Resources Available to Help Churches Welcome Veterans

Following this well attended pre-presbytery meeting in May, questions have been received by the Disability Concerns Task Force on how individuals or churches can engage in this unique role in healing the wounds of war by providing support to veterans and their families.

The task force would like to direct you to a few easily available resources:

• The Inclusion Sunday packet titled, “The Wounds of War: The Church as Healing Community” created by the PHEWA Disability Concerns Leadership team is now online at www.pcusa.org/phewa/pdc.htm  It contains a variety of worship resources, personal stories, information about issues and challenges of returning vets and their families, pastoral care information and a well-rounded listing of organizational resources, selected articles and book/DVD resources.

 

• The Coming Home Collaborative: a Minneapolis-based veteran’s ministry that provides a bi-monthly roundtable lunch meeting of church and community persons working together/sharing information and resources, an e-mail newsletter and updates on vets ministry events. Contact Amy Blumenshine 612-871-2967 or listentovets@comcast.net

 

• The contact for volunteer information at the Veterans Administration is through their Volunteer Services.  They can be reached at 612-725-2050.  Mike or Joe will answer questions or give the needed information.

 

• The book, Welcome Them Home: Pastoral Care and Ministry with Service members Returning from War, received the 2009 Ben Franklin Award in the category of religion. Order from www.welcomethemhomebook.com  (cost $10).

Category: Presbytery News