'Benevolence 101' Workshop Aug. 7 for Church Office Managers

media contact: Tammy Woods, Baylor School of Social Work, (254) 710-3704

"Benevolence 101: Caring for 'the Least of These'" will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at First Baptist Church of Waco with lunch provided. The workshop is for church office managers and administrative assistants who often are the first to field walk-in requests for financial or other assistance from persons in need in the community.

The workshop is jointly sponsored by Baylor University's Center for Family and Community Ministries in the School of Social Work and the Center for Ministry Effectiveness and Educational Leadership. There is no cost to attend.

Beth Kilpatrick and Heather Deal, graduate students in social work and divinity at Baylor, will be the presenters. Both have served as congregational social work interns since January.

"The person at the front desk in the local church is also the person who usually answers the door and takes the phone calls as people come in asking for assistance," said Kilpatrick. "We believe this workshop will be a great opportunity to learn and share ideas about caring for people in need with dignity and compassion."

As part of the workshop, participants will receive a free CD of the "Walking Alongside Resource Manual," a comprehensive listing of faith-based and other services available to people in need in Waco. This resource is being provided by the Center for Family and Community Ministries (CFCM).

Reservations are needed by Aug. 1. Please contact Tammy_Woods@baylor.edu or call 254-710-3704 to make your reservation or for more information.