EMU Counseling Services in the student life division is available to support EMU students and staff touched by this and similar events. Located in the Wellness Suite of the University Commons, counselors are available throughout the school week. Call 540-432-4317 for more information or to make an appointment.

Campus pastors are also available for care and support. On Friday, campus pastor Brian Martin Burkholder e-mailed EMU students, writing “Let’s be in prayer and offer support in various ways for the students, faculty and staff of NIU. In light of this tragedy, if you … are in need of support, please be in touch with campus pastors or the counseling center staff.”

Also on Friday EMU President Loren Swartzendruber sent a letter of condolence to NIU President John Peters, writing:

“The thoughts and prayers of the faculty, staff and students of EMU have been with you and your campus since learning of the tragic shooting that took place on your campus on Thursday. Please know that I am personally praying for you as you provide leadership during this very important and difficult time. You have modeled grace under enormous pressure for all of us as institutional presidents. May God continue to grant you much strength for the days and weeks ahead!”

Check the for more information.

Peter L. Steinke, a Lutheran pastor and counselor who has done nationwide consulting on nurturing healthy relationships in congregations, will give a public address on "The Challenge of Neuroscience for the Practice of Ministry," 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, in Martin Chapel of the seminary.

Dr. Steinke, author of nine books including "Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach," has done work on the cutting edge of a perspective that recognizes congregations as "emotional systems." He uses "systems theory" to understand the emotional reactions people have to one another when they come together in congregational settings.

In his presentation, Steinke will review recent research findings in the area of neuroscience and explore the implications for both pastoral care and leadership. The findings provide new clues for understanding the impact of stress of modern day life upon brain function and in turn upon human functioning and congregational life.

During his career, Steinke has started a new congregation in Virginia, a home for emotionally disturbed youth in North Carolina, the Interfaith Pastoral Counseling Center in Illinois, and a clergy care program in Texas. More recently, in addition to developing the Healthy Congregations Workshops, he initiated the Bridgebuilder Ministry, a training program for churches in conflict.

Steinke is conducting a Nov. 3-5 "Healthy Congregations Facilitator Training" workshop at EMS, designed to help persons conduct similar workshops for congregational leaders.

Steinke’s appearances here are co-sponsored by Eastern Mennonite Seminary and the Harrisonburg District of the United Methodist Church. Admission to the Nov. 4 public program is free.

For more information, contact Kenton T. Derstine, director of the Clinical Pastoral Education Program at EMS, 540-432-4565.