Education

Through educational resources and awareness campaigns, SPSPARV works across the United Methodist Church’s connectional system to bolster the visibility of alcohol, other drug and related violence concerns and increase the understanding of this public health epidemic. Church leaders and faith partners receive essential tools and resources to become informed advocates as well as compassionate responders to the needs of individuals and families impacted by the disease of addiction.

Hope, Healing, and Health Reading Circle

The Hope, Healing and Health Reading Circle is an interactive online resource for congregational ministries interested in the work of SPSARV. Each quarter, SPSARV selects a book to read on alcohol and other drugs. Then, SPSARV staff persons invite readers to enter into a respectful dialogue through an online community. Participants can post their thoughts and actively engage in spirited discussions in each post's comments section.

October officially kicks off the quarterly Hope, Healing, and Health Reading Circle selections.

To join the HHH Reading Circle, visit SPSARV’s Facebook page.

SPSARV Recommended Reading List

A wide range of reading materials on addiction are available from a reading list compiled by SPSARV and colleagues from the faith community. You are invited to submit recommendations to the reading list for review. The suggested reading list is updated on a semi-annual basis. Please send your recommendations to spsarv@gbgm-umc.org.

Annual Global Awareness Campaign

Each year in September, SPSARV launches a yearlong global education and awareness campaign to engage individuals and congregations throughout the United Methodist connectional system on issues related to substance abuse and related violence. National Recovery Month, observed primarily in the U.S., serves as the catalyst for our broader campaign, which reaches out to the denomination’s global constituency.

Throughout the campaign, SPSARV features articles on its website, sends recognition items to members within the SPSARV network, and provides annual conferences with educational materials on alcohol and other drugs.

Scholarships for Education and Training of Clergy and Laity

SPSARV offers limited, need-based scholarships for educational opportunities for both clergy and laity. For more information, visit Training and Networking.

Calendar of Drug & Alcohol Observances and Recognitions

To learn about special monthly observances and recognitions related to alcohol, other drugs and related violence, please visit the U.S. National Health Information Center and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.