Domestic Violence Awareness Month: October
Below you will find events, resources, bulliten inserts, bookmarks, and a preaching competition to help you and your congregation become more aware of the issues of domestic violence.
Preaching Competition
“There is no room in the Covenant for domestic violence” Download the flyer about this competition here. (PDF)
First place prize $500 gift for the preacher and a $1500 gift to the local church for further development of this important ministry. Sermons must be preached in the month of October 2005
• Submit a manuscript and audio recording of your sermon by Dec. 15, 2005
• Submit a one page description of your congregation’s response plan should someone come forward and need advocacy
• Submit a one page description of resources available in your community including emergency housing, legal counsel, and advocacy and therapeutic resources
First-place - $500 cash gift for the pastor and $1,000 gift to the local Covenant Church for further development of Domestic Abuse Ministries
Second-place - $300 cash gift for the pastor and $300 gift to the local Covenant Church for further development of Domestic Abuse Ministries
Third-place - $200 cash gift for the pastor and $200 gift to the local covenant church for further development of Domestic Abuse Ministries
Competition Results will be announced at MidWinter 2006
Please send contest entries to Department of the Ordered Ministry, attn: preaching competition, 5101 N. Francisco, Chicago IL 60625
What are Churches and Conferences are Doing?
East Coast Conference
The Compassion, Mercy and Justice Committee along with Women Ministries presents “Beauty from Ashes”, a response to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. This conference is for Pastors, staff, lay leaders and youth workers.
Central Conference
Northbrook Covenant Church and Wellspring Center of Hope
Saturday, October 8 - Wellspring Center for Hope awards luncheon hosted at North Park Covenant Church by it’s A.V.A. committee and women ministries board and the Chicago North District Women Ministries board.
Thursday, October 13 - Surprise potluck supper. Featured guest: Kathleen Monahan, domestic violence liaison for the circuit court of cook county,
Pacific Southwest
South Bay Community Church (SBCC). SBCCC launches “I Wish It Would Stop” a domestic violence intervention and prevention 8-week program for teens living with domestic violence
I Wish It Would Stop, a collaboration between SBCC and Shelters Against Violent Environments (SAVE). The program is designed to help teens to survive, cope and transcend the effects of domestic violence
Recommended reading and resources for this month
Download Publications from AVA
Download these, easy and ready to use, educational and inspirational resources.
Order resources
Circles of Healing
A three-session support group curriculum for abused Christian women. Developed by the Domestic Violence Awareness Task Force of the Office of Peace and Justice, Catholic Diocese of Richmond,VA.
Designed to complement the video, Wings Like a Dove: Healing for the Abused Christian Woman. Each of the sessions includes worship materials, scripture reflections, discussion questions, and closing prayers.
- Order here: http://faithtrustinstitute.org
Keeping the Faith: Guidance for Christian Women Facing Abuse
By Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune This booklet is a concise response to common religious questions raised by victims/survivors of domestic violence and is a valuable resource for shelters, counselors and pastors. Call for quantity discounts. (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1995)
- Available at http://www.covenantbookstore.com/
What Every Congregation Needs to Know about Domestic Violence
An excellent introductory pamphlet ideal for distribution to both laity and clergy. Includes information for victims and for batterers. Sold in packages of 25.
Camera-ready artwork on disk-- must be commercially printed not photocopied. Copyright is maintained by FaithTrust Institute, but purchaser may print an unlimited number and add specific contact information.
- Available at http://www.covchurch.org/cov/resourcectr