Sponsored by :
Beyond Memorial Day:
Understanding the Hidden Wounds of War
A Conference Focusing on the Spiritual Needs of Veterans
Date: Thursday, April 26th, 2012
Time: 9:00 am - registration; 9:30 am - 4:00 pm- conference
Location: Orinda Community Church
10 Irwin Way, Orinda [Map]
Cost: $20, includes lunch and refreshments. Veterans free.
This special event is focused on helping clergy, spiritual leaders and members of all faith communities to understand the spiritual needs of veterans as thousands of warriors return from the zones of war. Wounds to the spirit, difficult to express, are experienced side by side with the strengths and competencies honed in military service.
The conference brings together veterans, professionals serving veterans and military, and community and religious leaders. Presentations include special topic panels, small group discussion, networking opportunities, and resource information.
The goal is to assist congregations and spiritual communities to become healing, welcoming places for veterans as they seek spiritual wholeness in their lives.
There will be networking opportunities and resources made available. The day will include special panels, guest speakers, small group discussions, and times for quiet reflection. The panelists and speakers have diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. They include the following, with many others participating in the day:
- Rev. Ed Hatcher (Ret.) Chaplain, U.S. Air Force; Clinical Counselor, Lutheran Family and Children Services of Missouri; author, "Care for Returning Veterans," co-‐ developer of the HEROES Care Curriculum for OperationHomefront.
- Michael J. Griffin, Ph.D., Psychologist, VA Palo Alto Medical Center, and Vet Center, Redwood City, CA; Captain, Army Medical Service Corps, Executive Officer, 5th Mechanized Infantry Division Medical Company, 1969-‐1972.
- Rev. Dr. Gabriella Lettini, Aurelia Reinhardt Professor of Theological Ethics and Director of Studies in Public Ministry, Starr King School for the Ministry, Berkeley, CA; author, with Rita Nakashima Brock, of the forthcoming book Soul Repair: Recovering from Moral Injury After War.
Lunch and refreshments are included in the registration fee of $20.00. Veterans may attend at no charge, and no one will be turned away due to lack of payment.
Reservations with your check to the Interfaith Center at the Presidio may be sent to
Rev. Brian Stein-Webber
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County
1543 Sunnyvale Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
For more information, please contact the Interfaith Center at the Presidio,
(415) 561-3930 or visit www.interfaith-presidio.org.
On-line registration is available: Register online.
Sponsored by Interfaith Center at the Presidio in partnership with The Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County, Marin Interfaith Council, and Graduate Theological Union.
