All our congregations include people who are touched by addiction, but few of us have been trained to give pastoral care to individuals and families on the long journey to recovery.

In this workshop we will explore new understandings of addiction based on brain science and trauma; learn how to assess readiness for change; consider how the practice of faith helps people recover; and discuss how you can use these learnings in your congregation.

The workshop leaders are Edward Schreiber and the Rev. Susan Grant Rosen.

Edward Schreiber is Director of Outpatient Substance Use Services at ServiceNet, Northampton/Greenfield. He is a therapist, program leader, trainer and author who has taught nationally and internationally.

Rev. Susan Grant Rosen is a United Church of Christ minister currently serving the United Church of Winchester, NH. For the past three years, she has worked with Pioneer Valley and New Hampshire congregations around their response to the opioid crisis.