Clergy and Congregational Resilience

Samaritan Counseling Center
News for our “Partners in Ministry”
25th Anniversary Year
March 2013
Offices:
1803 Oregon Pike - Lancaster, PA 17601
1821 Oregon Pike, Suites 210, 208, 206
810 Donegal Springs Road, Mount Joy, PA 17552
Ph: (717) 560-9969
www.scclanc.org
Contents:
CLERGY & CONGREGATIONAL RESILIENCE: Breakfast & Series
Clergy and Depression
Walls CAN Talk!
“Soul Friends”: A reflection by Rev. Dr. John Emmert
TAMAR SPEAKS: a retreat for adult survivors of childhood
Sexual abuse, April 6, 2013
Health Impact of Stress in Young Adults
SAFE CHURCH: Preventing & Responding…..apply by 4/15
Thank you, Partners!
Your Easter Sermon? Professional Development for Clergy
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“Clergy and Congregational Resilience”
Clergy Breakfast & Leadership Series
2013 Theme: Resilience
The ability to respond
adaptively to adversity,
conflict and change; to
“bounce back”. For
clergy and
congregations, it is also
a process of spiritual
growth and maturation.
Breakfast: April 18, 2013
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
At St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Corner
of Delp Road & Lititz Pike (Rt. 501)
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Not everyone in a congregation is at the same stage of spiritual growth. Sometimes
congregants – and clergy -- find that what once “worked” for them no longer does, and they
think something must be wrong. Rather, this means that there is an opportunity to
intentionally create and implement ministries to meet their changing spiritual needs,
contributing to the tenacity of spirit associated with sustaining resilience. In this series,
participants will employ the model of Critical Stages in the Journey of Faith, a six-stage
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“The Journey of Faith: A Road Map”
Sponsored by Samaritan & Parish Resource Center
understanding of spiritual formation developed by Bob Guelich and Janet Hagberg, to
discern their own current stage of faith and also equip them with tools to lead their
congregations through the process.
At the breakfast presentation, participants will be oriented to one map charting the
journey of spiritual formation, from the initial recognition or awareness of God through the
mature life of love. Although this is the journey of a lifetime, we will also explore how
aspects of this journey repeat often in the life of an individual disciple, and how
congregations and their leaders may facilitate the growth of those on the journey.
Facilitators Dr. Tony Blair and Rev. Jo Ann Kunz, Senior Pastors at Hosanna! (Lititz,
PA) will share their experience of developing a strategic plan to become “a church
for the whole journey”.
Presenters:
Tony Blair, President and Professor of Church History,
Evangelical Seminary Instructor, Eastern University
Jo Ann Kunz, Instructor, Evangelical Seminary, Eastern
University, and Oasis Ministries, Spiritual Director
Register for the breakfast and series
separately, or together.
The breakfast and series is open to clergy and lay leaders. Participants wishing to further
explore this topic in depth may sign up for the following leadership series. To register go to
http://www.scclanc.org/cb04182013.htm then scroll down and click on “here” for
registration form, or call Barbara Tolbert, Partner Church Administrator, at 717 560 9969 x
256. Breakfast: No charge for Samaritan partner clergy and PRC subscribers; $10 others.
Register by April 12. Series: $75 for Samaritan partner clergy & PRC subscribers; $100 for
others. Individual session: $25 for partners and subscribers, $35 others. Register by May 3.
3 Session Leadership Series: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 750 Greenfield Road
In this session, we will explore more deeply the dynamics of the first and most familiar half of the
journey of faith, which includes the stages of recognition, discipleship, and service. The authors’
research has shown that the great majority of American churches are structured to facilitate this
part of the journey, and most pastors are equipped to lead here. We will explore how leaders can
help their members move forward in their maturity from one stage to another.
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Stages 1-3 (Familiar Terrain)
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May 9:
May 16:
Stages 4-6 (Unfamiliar Territory)
In this session, we will venture into less familiar terrain. The second half of the journey of faith
includes times of darkness and doubt and “the wall,” which is accompanied by an invitation to deep
inner spiritual growth. This work develops the capacity to freely live out the love of God in the
world. In the current American cultural climate, learning how to lead others, and how to walk
through these stages oneself, has become increasingly important.
May 23:
Becoming a Church for the Whole Journey
Based on the foundation already laid in the previous weeks, this final session will include practical
applications for congregational ministry. Could your congregation be a church for a whole journey?
Should it? The facilitators will engage the participants in a reflection and discernment process for
themselves and their congregations
Samaritan Clergy & Congregation Care program www.scclanc.org
Parish Resource Center
http://www.parishresourcecenter.com
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Clergy and Depression
by Dr. Beth A. Mull, Licensed Psychologist
While recent research studies estimate prevalence rates for
depression in Americans around 12% for men and 25% for women, these
rates are likely higher for clergy. It’s no wonder. Balancing the finances of the
church, managing conflicts, providing support and guidance, making visits,
being available 24/7 for emergencies, and of course preparing that weekly sermon are just
a few of the demands pastors face every week. Family outings are missed. Plans are
changed. It is easy to imagine how the daily tasks may become all consuming if one is not
careful to carve out some down time.
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Strategies for managing stress include:
Refining a personal relationship with God
Taking regular vacations (or maybe even a Sabbatical)
Developing a support system with surrounding church clergy
Engaging in social interactions apart from congregational activities
Seeking out spiritual direction or therapy
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Pastors at risk for higher levels of stress and depression include:
Sole pastors: tend to have lower levels of support from peers
Women pastors: the higher rates of depression for women can be compounded
by a sense of not being accepted by male counterparts
Frequent relocations: “starting over” reduces sense of predictability
One of the most important things for pastors to remember is that you are human.
Experiencing depression can happen to someone from any vocation, despite having a
strong faith and strong character. Getting help is just as important for you as for the
members you lovingly counsel.
Samaritan Counseling Center staff is available for evaluation of depression for clergy
and their families. In addition to clinical services, Samaritan provides clergy groups for
collegial support, as well as consultation for your congregation’s needs. For more
information, visit our “Clergy and Congregational Care” webpage at
www.scclanc.org/clergyandcongregations.htm or contact us at 560-9969.
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As I was collecting my “stuff” to take to college my freshman year,
Mother said, “Don’t fill all your walls with posters, art, bulletin boards
and shelving. Leave one wall blank. Your days will be busy, and when
you are in your room after classes or at the end of day, you will find
peace in having one blank wall upon which you can reflect your own
ideas, thoughts and images.”
Good advice! To live a more intentional life, un-cluttering our lives of
distractions on a daily basis allows us the space and time for mindfulness – concentrating
on what’s going on in our mind and brain RIGHT NOW.
Besides leaving one wall blank, try driving without the radio. Be “in the moment”
with attention to your driving, and allow whatever crops up in your mind. Give
attention to those thoughts or decide to dismiss them and CHOOSE what you want to think
about. Your decision about where your brain takes you might be to simply appreciate the
weather. Driving with the radio “off” is also a good time to pray – with your eyes open, of
course. In the car, talk with God out loud. Giving praise and thanks aloud to God can
remarkably change one’s disposition.
Imaging is another way to train your brain to focus. If your thoughts are going down
a negative path or if you are having a 45 minute MRI, you can choose to focus on the
memory of something pleasant like a beautiful photo you like, or reliving a pleasant
experience in detail. I got through an MRI one time by choosing a fall trip I had taken which
included a long walk down a country road. In my imaging, I walked in slow motion
recounting every detail such as the kind of plants along the side of the road, details of what
the sky and horizon looked like, how the letters looked on signage, how I felt breathing the
cool air, recalling details of architecture, the colors everywhere, and more. YOU decide
upon on what your imaging will entail. Do intentional deep breathing during imagery. Slow
down your thought process to slow motion in your imagery. Between imaging and deep
breathing, you will become so focused, virtual time will pass quickly.
Remember: you have choices and control over your own thought processes and in
claiming time for reflection in the present. It’s a discipline and constant decision. “Walls
CAN talk” by either our projecting our thoughts and ideas onto them OR allowing them to
distract, control and waste our brain energy and time. Remember -- just as “white space” is
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“Walls CAN Talk” by Barbara Tolbert
desirable in publishing, choosing to provide “white space” around ourselves leaves us room
to think, breathe, reflect, and grow. It’s your choice. You decide.
“Soul Friends” -- A reflection by Rev. Dr. John Emmert
Rev. Dr. John Emmert, a semi-retired Episcopal priest and
Samaritan Consultant, facilitates one of our three clergy groups. He often
uses the term “Anam Cara” or soul-friend, to describe the small
community of clergy that meets every other Tuesday morning to share
the challenges and joys of congregational ministry, accompanying each
other on the journey. John was recently invited by Read the Spirit, an
on-line religious journal, to write a column reflecting on the work of
Richard Roher, a well known Catholic theologian and founder of the Center for Action and
Contemplation in New Mexico. Click here to read the article. ReadTheSpirit is publishing a
column from the Rev. John Emmert For more information about John and our other
consultants and group facilitators, go to http://www.scclanc.org/cccproviders.htm
Tamar Speaks: A Retreat for Adult Survivors of
Childhood Sexual Abuse:
April 6, 2013
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Black Rock Retreat Center, 1345 Kirkwood Pk.,Quarryville PA
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SPACE IS LIMITED. PLEASE REGISTER EARLY TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE.
No cost for registrants from the current Safe Church group. All others:
$35.00 (includes lunch). Print and mail the attached registration form, page 2
to Samaritan Counseling Center, Attn: Linda Crockett, 1803 Oregon Pike,
Lancaster PA 17601 or e-mail to [email protected]. Registration deadline: March
22. (Space may fill up earlier than deadline!)
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The Samaritan Counseling Center’s “Safe Church” project works
with 7-10 congregations each year to help equip all adults to protect
children and teens from sexual abuse, not only in our churches, but also in the
communities in which we live. A core aspect of Safe Church is lifting up and
empowering adult survivors of sexual abuse in our faith communities.
We invite adult survivors of abuse to join with others from faith
communities on April 6 for a day of reflecting on how our journeys of
healing give voice to Tamar, a daughter of King David raped by her brother.
Like many survivors today, Tamar silently carried the shame that rightfully belonged to her
abuser.
Led by Dr. Stephanie Van Deusen, founder of STAGES, a counseling practice focused on
helping surviovors of trauma, and Linda Crockett, Director of the Safe Church Project, we will use
art, music, movement, writing, reflection and discussion to create resources to share with our faith
communities to raise awareness about this issue and inspire others to use their power as adults to
protect children from sexual harm.
Questions about whether this retreat is “right” for you? Call Linda Crockett at Samaritan at
717 560 9991, or email [email protected]
Health Impact of Stress on
Young Adults
American Psychological Association’s 2012 “Stress in America Survey”--Results Raise Concerns
Recent findings from the American Psychological Association's (APA) 2012 Stress in
America survey raised concerns about the harmful impact that chronic stress could
have on young adults.
The Stress in America survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive in August
2012 among 2,020 adults aged 18 and older who reside in the United States.
Millennials Challenged by Stress and Lack Support
Millennials (age 18-33) in particular seem to have trouble managing their stress and
getting health care that meets their needs. The Stress in America survey found
Millennials reporting an average stress level of 5.4 on a 10-point scale, exceeding the
national average (4.9). This generation also gives its health care lower marks than
Americans across the country.
Millennials are less likely than people nationwide to give their health care an "A"
grade (25 percent versus 31 percent). Nearly half of Millennials (49 percent) do not
believe or are not sure that they are doing enough to manage their stress, and few say
they get stress or behavior management support from their health care provider. Only
23 percent think that their health care provider supports them "a lot or a great deal"
in their desire to make healthy lifestyle and behavior changes, and just 17 percent say
the same about their health care providers' support for stress management.
The Connection Between Chronic Illness and Stress
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Read the full report, Stress in America. Missing the Health Care Connection:
www.stressinamerica.org To learn more about stress and mind/body health, visit
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The Stress in America survey found that U.S. adults with a chronic illness seem to
lack support for stress and behavior management when compared to Americans
overall, and compared to those who do not have a chronic illness. Americans with a
chronic illness are less likely than those without a chronic illness to say they are doing
enough to manage their stress (59 percent versus 66 percent). And for those with a
chronic illness who say they get little or no stress management or behavioral support
from their health care provider, stress is on the rise (41 percent said their stress
increased in the past year compared with 35 percent of Americans overall).
the Pennsylvania Psychological Association's Web site, www.papsy.org or the
American Psychological Association's Consumer Help Center at
www.APAhelpcenter.org.
Safe Church: Preventing and Responding to Child Sexual Abuse
“Sexual Abuse…can take a child who knows nothing, and turn her into
a child who believes nothing.” -- Maya Angelou
Has your church done all that it can to empower adults to keep
children safe from sexual harm not simply in church – but in sports,
school and at home? If not – join our Safe Church project!
New Safe Church project open enrollment period is February
1 – April 15, 2013 for a new Cluster starting in June!
Over the past two years, 19 Lancaster County congregations have participated in
our Safe Church project. Churches form an ecumenical “Cluster” of teams from each
congregation that work for an 11 month period to develop new, or improve existing, child
and youth protection policies, practices, and guidelines, particularly in the area of child
sexual abuse prevention and response.
Samaritan also works deeply with each individual congregation, providing
educational presentations for adults, training for teachers and volunteers on mandated
reporting and preventive measures, holding a retreat for adult survivors of child sexual
abuse, and curriculums for children and teens. If your congregation has not yet participated
in this process, we encourage you to join the new group that will be starting in June 2013.
You can view the “project scope” at http://www.scclanc.org/safechurch13.pdf
Enrollment forms are available at http://www.scclanc.org/safechurchenrollment.pdf
DEADLINE FOR SAFE CHURCH ENROLLMENT IS APRIL 15.
A “Safe Church Project” brochure can be mailed to you. For more information,
contact Linda Crockett, Director of Education and Consultation, Samaritan Counseling
Center, 717.560.9991 or [email protected]
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- You may cut and paste any article from here onto your own fliers, bulletin
inserts, newsletters, online mailings, etc.
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Did you know?
- In January, Samaritan had a record-setting 1,155 client sessions
for that month.
Thank you, Partners!
Despite many changes in our Partners’ pastoral rosters during this past year, we
thank all of you who renewed and who are thus supporting the Samaritan Fund which
provides subsidies for those who cannot afford to pay full fees for our services. We are
happy to have you “on our team” as we begin the celebration of our 25th Anniversary!
Watch for exciting news ahead during this year!
Barbara Tolbert, Partner Church Administrator
Professional Development Opportunity for Clergy:
Effective Preaching & Communication
Are you ready for your Easter sermon?
Would you like to further develop your preaching and communication
skills? Would you value more substantive reflection and feedback on
your sermons from ecumenical colleagues in ministry. Each cohort is
limited to 4 participants. This 5 session collegial cohort meeting on the
2nd Thursday of the month is designed to help pastors who are
responsible for regular preaching in their professional setting to enhance their skills as
effective preachers and communicators. Participants will bring a video presentation of a
sermon which they have delivered in the preceding of month and will have 45-50 minutes
to:
 Present their sermon (20 minutes)  Receive critique of their peers and Dr. Riggs (20-30 minutes)
 Set goals for the coming month  How are you coming along on your Easter sermon?
The cohort will be facilitated by Dr. Randolph (“Randy”) Riggs, who joined
Samaritan’s Clergy & Congregation Care consulting team following retirement from his
position as Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church (Lancaster). To learn more about
our team of experienced consultants and facilitators, go to
http://www.scclanc.org/cccproviders.htm
For more information or to register contact Dr. Riggs @ (717) 615-6854 or
[email protected]
Location: Lancaster Theological Seminary, Room 104
Dates 3/14; 4/11; 5/09
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM Cost: $60/month
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Abundant blessings during this season of Lent,
Barbara Tolbert, Partner Church Administrator [email protected]
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Think spring! Take some deep breaths; let March winds blow the
cobwebs of winter right out of your brain!