Registration is open for the Lutheran Services in America Disability Network’s (LSA-DN) biennial conference, set for Oct. 4-6 in Philadelphia at the Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel.
See below about a special conference group rate for lodging reserved at that hotel by Sept. 13.
The conference is “designed to create inclusive church communities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” according to an LSA press release, and is open to “individuals with disabilities, families and caregivers, agency staff members, pastors and congregational educators and caregivers, public policy advocates and direct service professionals.”
With the title of “One God, One Call” and under the theme “One People Together,” the conference program will feature presenters “who will provide encouragement, tools and other resources for supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their congregations and communities.” It “will focus on caregiver wellness, building congregational support and creating more inclusive environments for those with disabilities, as well as mental health issues,” the press release continues.
Scheduled presenters include:
- the Rev. Todd Peperkorn, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rocklin, Calif., and author of I Trust When Dark My Road: A Lutheran View of Depression.
- Ginny Thornburgh, director of the Interfaith Initiative for the American Association of People with Disabilities, in Washington, D.C.
- the Rev. Dr. William Gaventa, director of Community and Congregational Supports with the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, New Brunswick, N.J.
- the Rev. John Barton “Bart” Day, executive director of the LCMS Office of National Mission.
Conference registration fees range from $75 per person for those with groups and families of four or more, to $200 for individuals. Hotel reservations at the Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel must be made by Sept. 13 to receive the group rate of $139 per room, per night (single or double occupancy).
To register for the conference or for more information, visit http://www.lutheranservices.org/onepeopletogether, call 410-230-2703 or email ecozart@lutheranservices.org.
Lutheran Services in America is an alliance of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and their more than 300 health and human service organizations.
The LSA-DN is a group of 21 LSA provider organizations that dedicate all or a large percentage of their service to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The LSA press release states that most LSA-DN organizations have been serving those with such disabilities for more than a century “and have been active participants in advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to ensure that they receive the necessary governmental, community and church support they need to live complete and fulfilled lives.”
For more information, visit www.lsa-dn.org.
Posted Sept. 07, 2011
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