Let’s Take On A Difficult Topic: Trauma
As a congregation, we care deeply about your spiritual and emotional health and are called to be a source of compassion, support, and healing within our community. Understanding trauma in others is crucial for fulfilling this calling. It helps us become a more inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued on their journey toward healing, wholeness, and faith.

We have partnered with Harmony Family Center, a national leader in trauma-responsive care and training, for two training sessions to help us better understand the impact of trauma and the role we can play in healing through relationships and community. If you serve in any of our outwardly facing ministries, we encourage you to participate. For example, if you are an usher, Welcome Center helper, children or youth ministry volunteer, help with Welcome to Bethlehem, VBS, Unhoused Task Force, etc., you would benefit from this training. You don’t have to come to both, but you don’t want to miss either.

Trauma-Informed Training Session One: May 22
Free Meal at 5:30 p.m. • Program from 6-7 p.m.
What do we mean when we say “trauma?” In this session, we wil explore the different types of trauma, the social roots of trauma, and even the impact of historical trauma. You will learn how healthy relationships, activities, and communities can be an essential part of repairing the damage caused by trauma. Register for Session One >>

Trauma-Informed Training Session Two: June 5
Free Meal at 5:30 p.m. • Program from 6-8 p.m.
What do you do if someone shares their trauma with you? We don’t have to be therapists or specialists to be a healing presence in people’s lives. In fact, people heal through the healthy relationships they spend the most time in. Discover ways to better listen to, look at, and understand what is being expressed during difficult times, by both words and behavior, and discern what is behind it. We will learn how to sit with people disclosing difficult information and how to offer helpful responses, how to walk beside them ni faith, and point them to solid resources in the community. We will learn together through demonstrations, role plays, and group discussions. Register for Session Two >>