Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America
3838 W. Cypress St
Tampa, FL 33607
813-876-7660
813-870-0826 fax
en español
Counseling & Support
Available for Pastors
As We Live and Serve in the Aftermath of the Storms
16 November 2005 Updated
Opportunities and Resources Available for Rostered Leaders
Working in cooperation with Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Services Florida, Lutheran Counseling services offers Spiritual/Emotional support for caregivers, their families and others. Local counselors have been identified. Additional Lutheran Counseling Services sites are being studied. For more immediate help, information or to set an appointment call 800/444-2842 (Orlando area 407/644-4692). Financial support for these services are available as needed. Retreats and respites are being planned and organized.
Educational Opportunities
As the need arises, Educational opportunities are available for congregations or professional groups. These educational opportunities are available for congregational or area events (Bible Class, Community outreach events, circuit or conference programs or workshops). We are prepared to share and process with the participants “normal crisis reactions in abnormal circumstances”; “how children respond to crisis, grief and loss”; “phases and stages of disaster”; “care for the caregiver”; “compassion fatigue”; “stress and burnout”; and more. These educational events can vary in length and number of leaders and participants. They will be lead by health care professionals sensitive to spiritual issues and experienced in working with crisis and disaster response and recovery. For more information or to schedule an Educational opportunity contact Rev. Rick Armstrong, D. Min. at 800/444-2842 (Orlando area 407/644-4692).
Support Groups
Living and serving in new situations (because of the storms), with additional responsibilities (personal and professional) and new awareness of our vulnerability can result in the desire for greater support and a safe place to grow and gain strength in God’s grace. Support groups (formal and informal) can fill those needs. If you individually or a group of you together are interested in gathering in a support grouping response to the trauma and increase pressure following the storms, contact Rev. Rick Armstrong, D. Min. at 800/444-2842 (Orlando area 407/644-4692). We can help form those groups and/or make a facilitator available as interest is expressed.
See also these helpful resources:
Care for the Caregiver during a Crisis
Please stay tuned as other programs develop as needs are made known.
Your ideas and input are welcome and appreciated.
Contact Rev. Rick Armstrong, D. Min.
Associate Director of Lutheran Counseling Services
800/444-2842 (Orlando area 407/644-4692).