logo        The Rev. Sharon L. Vandegrift, M.Div, PCC 
 Life and Leadership Coach, United Methodist Minister, Author
      sharon@btglifecoaching.com   / 484-234-0664                                                     www.btglifecoaching.com  
Fresh Starts

Quotes Of the Month

"The beginning is always today."   
~Mary Shelley

"Be willing to be a beginner every single morning."
~Meister Eckhart

 

"I want every day to be a fresh start on expanding what is possible."
~Oprah Winfrey

Prayer for the Month

"Spirit of the living God,  
fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God,  
fall afresh on me.

Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the 
living God,
fall afresh on me."  
 
~Daniel Iverson

 

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                                                    September, 2012

Greetings!   

 The Fall Season Has Begun! New Beginnings...Untried Strategies... Fresh Starts...   Enjoy!  ~ Sharon

Fresh Starts

Entering the month of September often means new beginnings. Even if you aren't returning to school or trying a different worship schedule, flower there is probably something that you can point to that gives you a chance at a fresh start.

     Fresh starts can be invigorating. It is important to tap into the energy that comes with whatever newness is unfolding. This can be done by paying attention to that enlivening sense of potential that you experience in your soul when stepping into the unknown. Being mindful of that internal power will help you to take advantage of it and use it ... even in situations that are not so fresh and new. It is never too late for a fresh starts!
 
* What is it like to be in the midst of a fresh start? 
* How might you use that experience in other areas of your life? 
* What might it be like if you tapped into this special energy each morning? 
Query for the Coach
Dear Sharon, 
I am a very compassionate person. I know that God called me into ministry because I care deeply about people. 
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God uses me as a comfort to my church members when they are going through hard times. We are a small congregation of brothers and sisters in Christ who really care about each other. Our membership numbers are low and attendance at services is not good. We have trouble paying the bills and they won't be able to pay my salary much longer. We have been using our savings for our regular expenses including my salary. I have never been very good at administration or strategic planning, but my churches have always appreciated me and been very supportive. I have always felt that I cared about the things that really matter. The District Superintendent just told me that he doesn't think there will be another church for me and that I need to think about moving on. If I am not appointed to another church, I don't know what I will do. I am too young to retire and I need an income.  I love to take care of people in Jesus' name. I believe God has called me to be a pastor. I am very upset about this. What is your advise?

 For Sharon's response: Query for the Coach 
Who Are They?
 "Who are Sharon's individual coaching clients?" 

My individual coaching clients are self-aware, high performing Protestant clergy. Some are preparing for retirement and others are making a move from a small church to a larger congregation. Some are yearning for a greater sense of balance and others are developing a deeper, more authentic sense of who they are as leaders. Because all individual sessions are on the phone, they hail from all over the nation. All possess a unique brilliance and an extraordinary ability to design a fulfilling and abundant life.
  • Are You Ready to Try Individual Coaching? 
Bridge-the-Gap Life Coaching Services, LLC
Empowering Clergy to Excel
The Rev. Sharon L. Vandegrift, M.Div., PCC  logo