Forums On Domestic Violence Scheduled

Congregations in two Spokane Lutheran churches have designed programs to counter domestic violence.

The local efforts are part of a pilot project sponsored by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to help troubled families.

For the next five weeks, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 302 W. Augusta, will present a series of adult forums called “Stopping the Violence: Breaking the Silence” on Sunday mornings.

This Sunday, Jennifer Pearson, executive director of the Spokane County Domestic Violence Consortium, will facilitate an introductory discussion on domestic violence.

On Feb. 11, the Rev. Alex Schmidt of Our Savior’s will lead a session called “Keeping the Faith: Questions and Answers for the Abused.”

On Feb. 18, Spokane teacher Phill Stohs will present a 35-minute video called “Broken Vows,” giving faith perspectives on domestic violence.

On Feb. 25, Spokane County Deputy Prosecutor Mark Lindsey will lead a discussion on the legal issues of domestic violence.

On March 3, Julianne Bickelman, Sacred Heart Medical Center chaplain, will present the second half of the “Broken Vows” video and lead a discussion on what individuals, families and organizations can do to stop the violence and break the victims’ silence.

These forums will be from 10 to 10:55 a.m. and are open to the public. The church’s southeast entrance is accessible to wheelchairs, and a nursery is provided.

A worship service focusing on faith issues of violence and healing will be Feb. 25 at Our Savior’s Lutheran at an 8:45 a.m. informal service and an 11 traditional service.

In addition, two support groups are planned in Spokane on this topic.

A seven-week group designed for men dealing with relationship issues, conflict resolution, violence and spirituality in their lives will be at Our Savior’s on Wednesday evenings beginning Feb. 21.

Call 328-7820 for more information.

A support group for women dealing with conflicted relationships, domestic violence and spirituality will be at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 24th and Grand Boulevard, beginning later this month.

Call 744-0637 for more information.

, DataTimes