2012 Conference

Veterans Mini-Conference Friday, May 11!

Welcome Them Home, Help Them Heal: Tapping the Collective Wisdom of the Parish

Keynote Speaker: John Sippola, M.Div. LTC, Chaplain – ret.

John Sippola Biography

Rev. John Sippola, M.Div. LTC, Chaplain – ret., has served as a parish pastor for 20 years and as a hospital chaplain for 15 years. A LTC Retired from the Minnesota Army National Guard, John served as the Family Assistance Center chaplain in Duluth, MN during the first Persian Gulf War. During that time, he helped facilitate a support group for spouses and parents, and co-led a support group for the children of deployed service members.

As a hospital chaplain, he worked extensively with veterans in chemical dependency and mental health settings. From 1997-2000 John served as the Family Assistance Chaplain for the State of Minnesota. In 2009, he co-authored 'Welcome Them Home, Help Them Heal', which won the Benjamin Franklin award. 

John is convinced that churches have a strategic role in promoting relational and spiritual wellbeing of returning veterans and their families. John is currently pastor of Elim Lutheran Church of Blackhoof in Barnum, Minnesota.

Registration Fees

• Friday, May 11, 10-4 only; Lunch and materials are included; $35.00
• This mini-conference is offered as part of National Episcopal Health Ministries' 2012 conference, Seasons of Health Ministry. 
• Registration for the full conference includes the veterans mini-conference at no additional charge. Click here for more information on the full program.
• CEU credits are only available for those attending the full conference.

Program Notes

• Registration begins at 9:00 am.
• 10:00-12 noon: Keynote Address by Rev. John Sippola, M.Div. LTC, Chaplain – ret.
• Lunch
• Session 1: Needs of Women Veterans, Rev. Joanne Skidmore, Lt Col USAF Retired
• Session 2: Implementing Programs in your Faith Community, Rev. John Sippola, M.Div. LTC, Chaplain – ret.

Lodging Notes

• Lodging available at Radisson Hotel Racine Harbourwalk at 262-632-7777. Request the NEHM conference price ($106.50/night double occupancy or $115/night with a view of Lake Michigan). 
• Transportation will be provided to and from the conference for those staying at the Radisson.