Please join us on August 3, 2013 when the Recovery Commission of the Diocese, working with Grace St. Luke's and Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church, will present a free half day seminar from 9:00 am to 12:30pm at Grace St. Luke’s Church. The seminar will feature the Rev. Stuart Hoke, adjunct professor at General Seminary in New York City, who pioneered a tremendously successful course of study on the Church's role in the treatment of alcoholism and addictive illness. Over the past 6 years Stuart has shared his expertise and energy with more than 350 students at the seminary and beginning this year, will be adapting that course for an audience in dioceses and parishes across the country. The Diocese of West Tennessee was chosen as a pilot site, to develop the training and help form what will be a model for use around the church.
Bishop Johnson and our diocesan commission have been active in working to implement the resolution passed at General Convention in 2009 directing that each diocese commit to continue to address the issues of education, prevention, intervention and treatment in support of its congregations, clergy, laity and employees. Many parishes in our own diocese recognize the need for a specific Recovery Sunday and have been supporting recovery groups for many years. Other parishes have asked for assistance in helping to plan recovery events locally. This seminar is intended to connect lay, clergy, professional, recovering, questioning, seeking, and anyone in between, to resources and support for continued spiritual growth. Please make plans now to join us and bring a delegation from your parish.
When you leave this seminar you should be more knowledgeable about the following questions:
How can I help my parish present a Recovery Sunday? Can I get a person to stop drinking? How can I talk to my child about alcohol use? What is the difference between alcoholism and addiction? My spouse won’t stop drinking, what can I do? I am worried about a parishioner’s behavior that looks like addiction, how can I help? I am bothered by the alcohol use in the church, are there guidelines in this diocese? Why the Church, aren’t there 12 step meetings and treatment centers? Can texting and internet behavior be addictive? Sin, disease or none of my business?
Cost: FREE
Complimentary lunch provided by the Diocesan Recovery Commission
Please call, email or text Shannon Tucker so the Commission can prepare accordingly at shannon.tucker@gmail.com 901-281-0785.
