In This Issue
Encouraging Words
Contact Shauna
Loneliness, friendships and mental health
Thoughts are not facts
Living a life of balance
Get ready, check, go...
Encouraging
words
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is --his good, pleasing and perfect will." 
Romans 12:2 
Helpful Links
Connie's Cottage Retreat! -- Your Conference Pastoral Care and Counseling Board is now able to offer IGRC clergy and spouses a free bed and breakfast for two or three days as a retreat/vacation destination. This Bed & Breakfast opportunity is in the Quincy/Hannibal area; a region rich with history and places of interest if you want to go out and about.  When staying in, there is a large garden and wooded area with outdoor fireplace on site for quiet and reflection.
 
Helpful Links -- An evolving PCC page with IGRC pastor reviewed articles and websites for clergy, clergywomen, spouses of clergy, PK's, congregations and S/PPRC's. Topical resources include Mental Health organizations, Wellness Resources, Self-Care as well as the IGRC Resources page.
Contact Me
Shauna Summers
Coordinator of Pastoral Care and Counseling
 
Quick Links


PCC is very interested in your experiences, concerns, and feedback. Listening to clergy and families will enable PCC to better serve and address your needs.

 


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Issue #11: Creativity

August 2016
Header-Everyday Wellness
   

Happy August! 
 
The time of looking for shaded parking spots, going back to school shopping, settling into new appointments and looking for anywhere air conditioned; especially this summer! This time of year can bring about some stress. Trying to get everything done before XY and Z. I am not immune, I have a long to-do list and deadlines also. This year my daughter is headed to college. It is not the ballgame out there, that is for sure! What I am worried about now is nothing like what I was worried about when I went to college. The perspective from the other side has always been interesting to me yet I recognize the challenge in both experiences. Both experiences are stressful. But, what if we could take a different perspective on stress? What if we could harness our stress and use it as a motivator?
 From Shauna
Changing stress into motivation
 
Isn't it interesting that we often can't access our creativity during the changing times that would benefit from our creativity and "out of the box" thinking because of our stress-induced anxiety? Stress is what shuts creativity down at the very times we need it the most. What if there was another way?
 
Change is stressful, we know that, but based on research an international expert neuroscientist, trained clinical psychologist, and Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin, Ian Robertson, has identified a four-step process that we can use to "harnesses stress" changing our mindset from helplessness into one of control and positive energy which changes the brain 
 
It's what God did in the beginning
Creativity: it's good theology

When the word "creativity" is brought up, most likely the Church isn't the first thing that comes to mind, even though creativity and art played a crucial role in its history. Unfortunately the Reformation and the enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries led to a distrust of emotional or sensory experiences. 

Rev. Deb Pollex invites us to embrace our God-given creative spirit. "Today. Now. You can pick up a colored pen, pencil or crayon when you're finished reading and draw a prayer, or write out your prayer in different colors, or copy a favorite scripture and illustrate it," Pollex writes. "Start small, let go of any judging of what unfolds and trust in the spiritual power of human creativity."
Clergy Assistance Program
Creative Problem Solving 101

Don't despair if the same frustrating problems shackle you at work time and time again. Perhaps you're bored with your job or concerned because the competition is passing your company by. Be aware that you can solve these problems with creativity.

Whether you realize it, you already have creative ability. "Ninety-eight percent of people are creative, but our socialization process causes them to put it on the back burner. The fastest way to tap into your creativity is to learn how to use creative problem-solving techniques," says James M. Higgins, author of "101 Creative Problem-Solving Techniques."

Two of his favorite techniques -- one for individuals, the other for groups -- may work for you.


Read more...
NEW! App Review
Curiosity

Learning the most interesting snippets and curious facts that are based in empirical science ( like how texts are changing the way we communicate) are changing our easier and more fun than it's ever been (You may need to sign in for the link above to work)! Every 24 hours new, engaging content is released; including mind-blowing science, history and technology facts, and a fascinating dose of knowledge for smart brains and curious minds.
 
I have enjoyed this Android app for the past month as well as the free Chrome App. I learn a couple interesting things that I wouldn't normally come across and as a result I have found myself to be more creative in both my work and personal life. You can easily share on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, text, email and dozens of other apps. Much more interesting than some other ways I could spend my time while waiting in line at the grocery store for instance!
Get ready, check, go...
Healthy relationships are essential both within the church with your fellow clergy, as well as outside of those doors with your close friends and family. Many of us may feel we already possess the qualities needed to maintain our existing relationships.

For additional resources, please contact your CAP at 1-800-433-7916 or you may email your concerns directly to [email protected]

Clergy, spouses, and their dependent family members can access the Clergy Assistance Program (CAP) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the CAP at 1-800-433-7916, or Clergy Assistance Program (CAP).
Blessings,

Shauna Summers
   Pastoral Care and Counseling Coordinator
   Illinois Great Rivers Conference