The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a great deal of stress in our community at large. Individuals who provide social emotional support to others can find themselves often pouring into others while remaining depleted themselves. This group aims to provide a safe and affirming space for members of the clergy to express their concerns and fill their vessels, so they can be effective leaders in their respective faith based community. Churches everywhere have experienced significant levels of adjustment due to the pandemic and self-care of clergy is often an underappreciated topic of conversation and aspect of service. 

Jessica Smedley's, Psy.D., is a psychologist and a trained seminarian whose research examines the intersectionality of trauma and faith. Dr. Smedley is offering this space to give our clergy a unique opportunity to collectively explore, share, and remind them that self-care is imperative for them, along with other essential, frontline workers.