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Our hope for this site is to provide access to an ever-increasing set of resources to support workers and their family as well as to equip congregations to do likewise. It is our hope that by providing resources, and in some cases events or trainings, that we can help to encourage healthier churches and schools in which healthier church workers can serve our Lord Jesus Christ.

Coronavirus Resources for Churches & Schools Now Available

Coronavirus Resources

Caring for our workers

A ministry of the Pacific Southwest District

One Minute July 2020 Let Freedom Ring!

July 2, 2020

Rev. Ron Rehrer

Happy Birthday, America. This month we once again celebrate our country’s birth date, the 4th of July. The hallmark of America is “freedom.” From the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the U.S. Constitution, the Emancipation Proclamation, and other historic documents, America has become a beacon for freedom. When we watch fireworks bursting overhead in multiple colors on the 4th of July, we remember what America stands for.

Our national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner, reminds us:

“…the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.”

The flag was stil...

Churches

One Minute for June 2020 A National Day of Mourning

June 3, 2020

Rev. Ron Rehrer

With more than 104,000 persons dead from the Covid virus, a call for a national day of mourning was held on Monday, June 1, 2020. Pastors from many denominations and non-denoms joined with rabbis, imams, mayors from small towns and big cities across the country in an online national day of mourning for those who have died in this pandemic. There is so much pain and hurt throughout America as families could not be with their loved ones who died alone in hospitals and nursing homes. This day of national mourning is an attempt to heal the pain and grief as Americans honor all of those who have died from this virus.

Rev. Jim Wallis, executive dir...

Making Funerals Meaningful During an Age of COVID-19 One Minute for May 2020

April 28, 2020

Rev. Ron Rehrer

A pastor in the PSD sent me a link for a panel of experts discussing challenges and changes for funerals in the age of the COVID-19. The leader of this panel is Dr. Kenneth Doka, a graduate of Concordia Seminary, St Louis, 1973. Dr Doka is an international and national leader in the Hospice Movement. He is joined by two nationally well-known funeral directors who operate many funeral homes on the east coast.

This panel was convened for pastors, grief counselors, funeral home directors, and others involved in helping families in this time of uncertainty. As you listen to it, you might want to take notes and identify issues that come to your min...

Healthy Lifestyle in Ministry

Self-Care

Self-Care for Pastors While Sheltering in Place April One Minute

April 1, 2020

Rev. Ron Rehrer

“Faith Over Fear” is the guiding principle we need to adopt as we encounter these uncertain times. As pastors, we need to focus on our own self-care so that we can be the best pastors we can be for the sake of ourselves, our families, our friends, our co-workers. our leaders, our congregations and schools and the community around us. As the COVID-19 virus spreads and we have to shelter in place, here are some suggestion to keep yourself healthy.

1. Physical Care. Wash your hands frequently (at least 20 seconds while saying or singing Amazing Grace or Happy Birthday twice). Keep physical distance from others (6 feet apart). Exercise. Go for a...