Clergy and faith leaders from across the region are invited to attend Choices Healthcare's Supporting Families and Community Together conference dedicated to strengthening partnerships between pastors, spiritual caregivers, and health care providers in communities of color. The conference will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pathways Center for Grief & Loss, 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy. The event is sponsored by the High Foundation.

The gathering will offer tools, understanding, and language to better support individuals and families navigating serious illness and end-of-life care. Faith leaders are often the first people families turn to in moments of medical crisis, and this conference is designed to prepare them to walk alongside their communities with truth, dignity, and love.

The program will begin with a keynote address on faith, culture, and compassionate care, delivered by Shayna Watson from Trinity Church in Washington, D.C., and Sara Wiegner, a retired chaplain with Hospice & Community Care. Following the keynote, a panel discussion will bring together clergy and hospice experts, including the Rev. Sherry Lupton, covenant pastor at Shiloh Presbyterian Church; Bertha De Jesus, assistant professor at Millersville University; pastor Carol Pagan, leader of faith at Living Christian Church in Reading; and pastor Oscar Vazquez, CEO of Hope Ministries.

Attendees will engage in real conversations on health care disparities, trust, and the role of the faith community in guiding decisions around hospice and palliative care.

The conference is free to attend, but registration is required. To register or for more information, visit http://www.hospicecommunity.org/pastoral.