Resource Library
How To: Host a Respite Space for Young Families | Waltham, MA
Wednesday, Nov 28, 2018When a record snowstorm shut down everything, including schools, in a Massachusetts community for almost two weeks, the rector of a local parish opened her church to provide a space for children and their parents to gather for a much-needed break from their enforced isolation and to re-connect.
A Season of Resilience – Emergency Preparedness Kits
Tuesday, Nov 20, 2018These worship inserts are intended for churches to prepare for disasters together over a five-week period. Each week includes actions to take in order to be better prepared for disasters.
Training Module: Identifying and Reducing Risk
Friday, May 11, 2018This workshop was developed in the wake of the shootings at Mother Emanuel in Charleston, South Carolina. It is designed to create a space for participants to share stories about their fears and to discuss hazards within their community. Then, participants evaluate and develop strategies for reducing risk leading to a safer, more resilient community.
Training Module: Matching Gifts and Needs After a Disaster
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2018By going through the Matching Gifts and Needs After A Disaster module, leaders are able to name the people, places and things they have access to that can help groups of people who are disproportionately impacted by a disaster.
How To: Build a Church Preparedness Team
Tuesday, Aug 22, 2017Mason Whitney, the Church Safety Warden at St. Gabriel the Archangel, reflects on the process of equipping the congregation to respond and establishing a church safety ministry.
How To: Hold a Service of Lament After Violence | Isla Vista, California
Tuesday, Jul 05, 2016Despite community pressure to return to normal six months after the killing of seven students in a California college town, a visiting priest saw the need for a special liturgy of lament and healing. Her creative work led to a series of services throughout the diocese in response to gun violence.
Tips & Lessons: Post-Disaster Advice for Clergy | New Orleans, LA
Monday, Nov 02, 2015Clergy-to-clergy, the Rev. Bill Terry provides advice based on his experience in Hurricane Katrina, during which his church provided physical and spiritual needs to the impacted community. Terry addresses pastoral care, self care, donation management and well as general disaster response management tips.
Silver Level Preparedness Planning Guide (intermediate level)
Wednesday, Jul 15, 2015This exercise is designed to help a congregation plan for a disaster, from taking inventory of physical and human assets to determining its niche in assisting vulnerable people in the larger community.
Bronze Level Preparedness Planning Guide (basic level)
Wednesday, Jul 15, 2015The Preparedness Planning Guide for Congregations and Parishes is designed to help a congregation plan for a disaster, from taking inventory of physical and human assets to determining its niche in assisting vulnerable people in the larger community. This “Bronze Level” version gathers the most basic information needed in times of disaster.
Comprehensive Preparedness Planning Guide For Congregations
Thursday, Jun 25, 2015Designed to help a congregation plan for a disaster, from taking inventory of physical and human assets to determining its niche in assisting vulnerable people in the larger community. This process is best done over several meetings, requiring about 10 to 15 hours to complete. To assist in the process, we’ve created a Facilitator’s Guide that a group leader can use to facilitate a planning team in
Module 3: Parish-Level Disaster Response Stories
Friday, Jun 05, 2015What experience do individual parishes in your diocese have with disaster response? This exercise invites people in your diocese who have responded to a disaster or crisis on the parish level to share their stories. Because most disaster response happens at a local, parish or congregational level, the experience invites the diocesan team to learn the local story.
Module 2: Where Are We Now? And Where Do We Go From Here?
Friday, Jun 05, 2015Building the Diocesan Preparedness and Response Team is designed to help diocesan teams develop the systems required to engage congregations in the ministry of disaster preparedness and response. It can be used in the initial development of a team as well as in the orientation of new team members.
Mobilizing Your Network of Supporters After a Disaster
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2015The Arkansas Disaster Relief Team was able to initiate a thoughtful and enduring tornado response because it was able to mobilize a large constituency of passionate supporters before and during the disaster. Learn ways to activate your network of enthusiastic contributors by building relationships, building interest and raising visibility.
Facilitator’s Guide for Preparedness Planning (for use with the Comprehensive Planning Guide)
Wednesday, Jun 11, 2014This Facilitator’s Guide will help you lead the team through the process of filling out the sections of the comprehensive planning guide, and it will help prepare the team to be ready to use its plan in an emergency.
The Disaster Timeline: A Church-Eye View
Wednesday, Jun 11, 2014A simulation exercise that introduces church members to the various ways a disaster can impact a community and the role a congregation can play in helping people recover throughout, from the onset of a disaster to the development of a new normal.
Disaster Timeline Mini Preparedness Plan
Wednesday, Jan 22, 2014This planning guide is designed to help a congregation plan for a disaster, from taking inventory of physical and human assets to determining its niche in assisting vulnerable people in the larger community.
Ministering to Children After a Disaster (Grades K-5)
Monday, Jan 13, 2014Young children (pre-K through 5th grade) can be particularly traumatized by the effects of a disaster. We can help them express and affirm their feelings of confusion, sadness, and anger while also reminding them how much they and all they love are still cared for by Jesus the Good Shepherd.
Ministering to Youth After a Disaster (Grades 6-8)
Monday, Jan 13, 2014Disasters of all kinds can create significant emotional trauma for children of middle-school age. But adults who practice a calming presence, listen attentively, and offer a sense of resilience and hope can help young people understand and more effectively manage their fears and uncertainties.
Ministering to Teens After a Disaster (Grades 9-12)
Monday, Jan 13, 2014Young children (pre-K through 5th grade) can be particularly traumatized by the effects of a disaster. We can help them express and affirm their feelings of confusion, sadness, and anger while also reminding them how much they and all they love are still cared for by Jesus the Good Shepherd.
Ministering to Adults After Disaster
Thursday, Jan 09, 2014In a crisis, most adults experience not only their own emotional and spiritual needs, but also the trauma of others, from small children to older teens, and other adults. This guide helps churches assist everyone to cope with their feelings, build resilience, and find hope and a path to recovery.