The Rev. Sharon L. Vandegrift, M.Div, PCC
Professional Certified Coach, International Coach Federation
Endorsed Life Coach, United Methodist Church
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Empowering Clergywomen to Excel |
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Quotes Of the Month | |
"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark." ~Rabindranath Tagore
"We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light." ~Mary Dunbar
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| Prayer of the Month |
"You whose light shines in the darkness and has not been overcome:
Draw near to us. Illumine the shadows of our lives by your presence. Pierce the darkness of our world
with the bright light of your love, shining even through us, in Christ. Amen." ~John R. Pritchard |
| Query for the Coach | |
Dear Sharon,
I am part of a very dysfunctional church staff. I am one of the Associate Pastors, and have been at this church for 15 years. I love this special ministry, and I am very close to the congregation. But, being on the staff has become very stressful. The Musicians fight with the Senior Pastor and the Christian Education Director seems to hate the Youth Director and recently the Business Manager quit because he was insulted by a member of the Office Staff. The worst part is that everyone confides in me and expects me to side with them....To read more and for Sharon's response go to: Query for the Coach |
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Greetings!
Here we are in the midst of Advent...only a couple of weeks away from Christmas. The days are short, the nights are long, and the weather is cold. Even as we embrace the holiday season, many of us find ourselves yearning for light and warmth. So we watch and wait, expecting the Divine Light to shatter our darkness in fresh, new ways. So this month we will focus on the theme: 'Follow the Light'.
Enjoy! - Sharon
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Follow the Light | |
When life and work become murky and muddled it is difficult to know which way to turn. We are generally presented with a myriad of options regarding how to act or what to say, and the proper choices are not at all clear. We can get confused or worried and find ourselves not only feeling distressed but even paralyzed by a particular challenge. Our deep desire to do the 'right thing' can undermine confidence in our intuition and best instincts. In the midst of the swirling stress, we can't seem to sort it out. We are in the dark!
These are times when it is important to 'follow the light'. And often, that light speaks from our hearts and comes from the depths of our souls. Authentic, competent leaders generally have very good instincts. Mistakes are made when gut instincts are not followed. I have one client who sometimes begins a coaching session with what seems like a difficult situation. She inevitably discovers a simple resolution and then declares: "well, that was easy, it just makes sense." It is clear that she just needed to take the time to get in touch with her best instincts.
More often than not, following the light is a matter of intentional listening to our inner voice. God resides within each of us. So, trust yourself. Tap into your own goodness and brilliance. Move out of the darkness and follow the light!
What would it be like if you had constant access to your best instincts? How might you listen for and recognize your inner voice?
Are you ready to move out of the darkness and to follow the light?
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NEJ Clergywomen's Consultation | |
Sharon will be leading a workshop at the Northeast Jurisdictional Clergywomen's Consultation in February, 2011 to be held in Lancaster, PA. The Consultation will be a marvelous gathering of United Methodist clergywomen from the 10 Annual Conferences of the NEJ. Sharon's offering will focus on the theme of Life Balance. The workshop is based on her upcoming book entitled: "Keeping Your Balance: Seven Strategies for Remaining Steady in the Midst of Hectic Church Life". When you register for the Consultation, be sure to consider signing up for this valuable workshop ... (though you will find that there are many fabulous options from which to choose!)
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Bridge-the-Gap Life Coaching Services, LLC
~ Empowering Clergywomen to Excel |
The Rev. Sharon L. Vandegrift, M.Div., PCC 
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