DENVER, CO (ANS) -- In the aftermath of the July 20 Aurora, Colorado theater shootings, during which a gunman began firing into the audience at a midnight screening of the film, "The Dark Knight Rises," one group of ministries will help bring healing to the community coping with the tragedy.

Somebody Cares International, known for its long-term follow-up in communities touched by tragedy, is a network of organizations and churches impacting communities through prayer initiatives, compassion outreaches and training and responding in times of crisis, as well as encouraging and equipping leaders globally.

According to a media release from A. Larry Ross Communications, the ministries' sessions on overcoming grief and trauma will be held Thursday-Friday, Aug. 9-10, at Church in the City-Beth Abraham at 1580 Gaylord St. in Denver.

Two members of the host church were in the theater the night of the shooting, and Pastor Michael Walker said at least one of the families involved is expected to attend next week's sessions.

"While the media coverage dissipates, the healing journey continues," said Dr. Doug Stringer, the founder of Somebody Cares International.

"Although everyday life has resumed for many, some will be reeling from this for years to come."

After the tragedy, Stringer contacted Walker, also the Director of Somebody Cares Denver, to see how the organization could help. The result was next week's sessions.

On Aug. 9, a session from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. will focus on equipping community leaders and pastors to minister to their communities. Although the session, including lunch, is free, attendees should register by calling the church at 303.322.5733 x211.

The next day's session from 6:30-9:30 p.m. will be open to the entire community. Besides encouraging attendees and helping them heal, Stringer and others will lead a time of prayer and worship.

"We want to serve the families impacted by the shooting as well as the community at large, people who weren't directly affected by the tragedy but feel a sense of anxiety and fear," Stringer said.

"Ultimately this senseless act impacts us all."

Dr. H. Norman Wright, a counselor who focuses on grief and trauma including community-wide recovery, and Edward Smith, Deputy Director of Victim Relief Ministries, will also speak at the sessions. Victim Relief Ministries has brought grief and trauma counseling to those affected by the New Life Church shootings in Colorado Springs in 2007 and other tragedies.

"My prayer is that we will see our shaken community find compassion and hope through the love that will be shared, and that all that attend know that God has not forgotten them," Walker said.

For more information, please contact Somebody Cares at 713.621.1498, 713.478.1618 or somebodycares@somebodycares.org .

Note to Editors: To arrange an interview with a spokesperson for next week's events, please contact Steve Yount of A. Larry Ross Communications at 972.267.1111 or steve@alarryross.com .

** Michael Ireland is the Senior International Correspondent for ANS. He is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB UK, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649, at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International To support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism,' please contact Michael for more information. Michael is a member in good standing of the National Writers Union, Society of Professional Journalists, Religion Newswriters Association, Evangelical Press Association and International Press Association. If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Senior International Reporter