CPSP Pastoral Report

CPSP PLENARY WORKSHOPS FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:05:09 -0500

In previous announcements on the CPSP Pastoral Report we called attention to the pre-conference workshops (April 10, 2010) which, this year, will feature a number of presenters as listed below. Since we have never had this number of workshops we need to plan carefully.

It will help if you identify which workshop(s) you plan to attends and reply to me by email. You are free to change your mind but it helps us to anticipate your needs. Late registrants will, of course, attend the workshop of choice if it is not filled.

The Shamanic Drum. Deborah Ling. Drum-making kit $115, sent to me in advance.

The History and Theory of Shamanic Practice. Deborah Ling, M.A.

Advanced Body Talk Demonstration. Mary Shields, Ph.D.

Gentle Hearts and Hands. Jane Reed, R.N.

CPSP PEOPLE IN THE NEWS: Basharat Masih---"Grandview CPE Continues to Grow"

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:30:07 -0500

The CPE training program at the Kettering Health Network's Grandview and Southview Medical Centers has been an accredited CPSP CPE training center for many years. Basharat Masih, CPSP Diplomate is the the program's director. Recently Dr. Masih was featured in the KHN TODAY Newsletter

The article reflects how the CPSP's CPE program has avoided the trap of being one bound by an educational model focused only on professional development:

Clinical Pastoral Education at Grandview and Southview Medical Centers does more than help pastors and seminarians improve their ministry to the sick and troubled. The skills they learn apply to all parts of their lives, giving the program an impact well beyond the hospital.

“Take off your hats” – by Rev. William E. Alberts, Ph.D.

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 23:35:17 -0500

Immediately upon arriving at the hospital at 8 am, I was paged: a 79-year-old black woman, who was Baptist, had just died and her family was requesting the chaplain. I had participated in a family meeting the day before, at which the attending doctor told the many members gathered that their mother was no longer responding to dialysis treatment, that her diabetes was affecting her whole body, and that she probably had two weeks to live at the most. Her oldest son, a tall, burly man in his late 50s, believed she would die that evening, and stayed with her all night. They watched television together, with him holding her hand; and she was aware enough to be present with him. She died at 8 am, with him by her side.

As I entered the room, he immediately came to me and, with his big arms, enveloped me in a hug, and with tears in his eyes said, “I knew she was going to die last night, Reverend. We were together watching television. And this morning she was gone.” “It is so good that you were with her,” I responded. “I’m sure it meant so much to her, as well as to you.”

The oldest son continued the painful and difficult task of calling his many family members. Upon repeatedly dialing numbers and getting voice mail messages, he complained, “Why do they have a damn cell phone if they aren’t going to turn it on?” His grief and frustration in seeking to reach his family told me that I should be with him, rather than attend to other matters and come back when everyone arrived later. He finally got a niece on the line and impatiently said, “Listen! Don’t talk! Your grandma died this morning at 8 o’clock. Get your mom on the phone.” To another relative, he said, “Mom just died. Get your butt over here!” He then stopped dialing, and began sobbing. I went over and put my hand on his shoulder and said, “This is very painful for you.” He nodded, wiping away tears.

An Urban Shaman’s Perspective on Soul Retrieval by Thomas Downes

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 23:31:52 -0500

The drums were beating at a fast tempo. The Room was dark with the exception of the dimly lit candles surrounding her.

She was in her early twenties, feeling alone and helpless. She claimed that darkness surrounded her soul. The woman couldn’t sleep, eat, and could hardly walk. Her breath was shallow; she felt her life force was leaving her. She was asking for help.

The doctor said that she was depressed and gave her medication. The pills were not working. Her psychotherapy was not effective. She saw her therapist after the auto accident. She was driving the car, her boyfriend was killed. After the accident she was never the same. She was compelled to visit his grave sight everyday, she blamed herself.

One of her concerned friends told her about the concept of soul loss and the importance to see a shaman about this condition.

The aspect of soul loss can be found in various articles. I recommend Sandra Ingerman’s extensive work on this subject.

From the +RED CROSS NEWSROOM --Linda Walsh-Garrison

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 23:07:25 -0500

Earthquake in Haiti: Update #31, January 18, 2010

Red Cross relief teams are mostly mobile right now – traveling to communities rather than working out of fixed-site locations. Here’s the breakdown of where we are right now:
* Hospital, Downtown Port-au-Prince, 150 beds (expects to treat 250,000 during the response)
* Hospital, Carrefour, 120 beds (expects to treat 250,000 during the response)
* Mobile Health (Outreach) Teams, Carrefour (expects to treat 30,000 during the response)
* Mobile Health (Outreach) Teams, Port-au-Prince (expects to treat 30,000 during the response)
* Fixed Health Center, Jacmel (expects to treat 30,000 during the response)
+++++++

While the tragedy in Haiti unfolds, our humanitarian partner, American Red Cross (ARC), settles into the long term relief effort. Fortunately, they are prepared and experienced because of the foresight and dedication of many volunteers and donors. CPSP, too, is contributing to the recovery in many ways - some of our trained members await deployment, others are immersed in their local communities, some are gathering communities in prayers or listening to tears. All are contributors to the recovery.

CPSP ENDORSES FAITHFUL REFORM’S---“A FAITH-INSPIRED VISION OF HEALTH CARE”

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:56:11 -0500

At the recent COMISS Network’s Annaul Forum, the Rev. Linda Hanna Walling presented information on the organization “Faithful Reform.” Faithful Reform is an interfaith organization that promotes healthcare reform from a theological and justice-oriented perspective. Faithful Reform provides a crucial voice as our national leaders debate healthcare reform. At the end of the Forum, Rev. Walling presented the document “A Faith-Inspired Vision of Health Care” to President Obama and to the members of the US House and Senate. There are hundreds of individual and group signatories to the “Faith-Inspired Vision,” including CPSP.

Our decision to sign on to the “Faith Inspired Vision” was driven by the Governing Council’s decision in November to endorse comprehensive healthcare reform as a moral issue. All members of CPSP are urged to contact the President and their Senators and Representatives and to urge them to set aside partisan differences and to work to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare for all Americans. In addition, Faithful Reform’s website lists a number of other actions that each of us can take to work toward healthcare reform: www.faithfulreform.org.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. ---"I HAVE A DREAM"

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:07:08 -0500

Without dreams and vision we perish.

Let's keep Martin Luther King, Jr's dream alive.

Let's dream new, daring and bold dreams.

Let's take on the courage to enact our dreams in the service of human suffering and need.

In so doing, we will change the world.

.
-Perry Miller, Editor

The Rev. Dr. Richard Liew Retires by Steven Voytovich

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:04:57 -0500

The Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano, newly elevated to the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, offering prayer at Richard’s retirement; The Rev. Dr. Cecily Broderick y Guerra, Vice President of Pastoral Care, assists in the retirement ceremony.

On December 15, 2009, Richard Liew retired from Episcopal Health Services (EHS) after fifteen years of service. Not only did Richard establish Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in what was a system with about 8 different facilities located at three campuses, but in the last ten years launched indigenous CPE training in numerous regions around the world.

Episcopal Health Services (EHS) is the third CPE program Richard built from the ground up during his thirty years as a CPE supervisor, including establishing a CPE program ministering to migrant farm workers in the CT River Valley in 1974, and building a Pastoral Care and Education Department at New York Hospital-Cornell University Medical Center/Westchester Division from 1990-1994.

Richard holds doctoral degrees including a Ph.D in Pastoral Psychology and a D.Min. in CPE Supervision. He was honored by Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) as International Clinical Pastoral Educator in 2001, and recognized for Outstanding Achievement in pastoral care and counseling by EHS and the Diocese of Long Island in 2006. Richard served as Convener of the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy's National Clinical Training Seminar from 1997-2000 and President of CPSP from 2004-2006.

THE HAITI CRISIS: How to Help--Linda Linda Walsh-Garrison

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:07:00 -0500

At this time International Services, is coordinating the response to the devastating Haitian earthquake. The American Red Cross and International Red Crescent Society is collaborating.

Our liaison, Earl Johnson, Senior Associate, Spiritual Care, Partner Services - reports that there might be “10,000 private humanitarian organizations established in Haiti..and many of our faith group partners have missions, schools, hospitals, orphanages, medical missions, as well as churches there…many are still operating well outside of the capital where the majority of death and devastation has occurred. Since these operations are faith-based, emotional and spiritual support is integrated into normal daily life and practices. Religious faith IS the primary coping mechanism in disaster there and the population is serviced by the faith-related groups working there now, who have long mission histories there.

Currently, the only deployments are Red Cross volunteers specially trained to manage international emergency operations. Please consider supporting your community’s local needs by volunteering with your local Red Cross.”

BARELY A DAY BEFORE THE EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI: AMERICAN RED CROSS AND CPSP SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:31:43 -0500

Juliet K. Choi, JD, Senior Director,Partner Disaster Services of the American Red Cross, and Raymond J. Lawrence, General Secretary of CPSP, signed a Memorandum of Agreement on January 11, at Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington. The agreement formalizes the availability of various qualified CPSP certified persons for temporary volunteer placement in the context of disasters. Present at the signing and featured in the photo above were Earl E. Johnson, Red Cross's Senior Associate for Spiritual Care Partner Services, and CPSP-Red Cross liaison Linda Walsh-Garrison. Also present were CPSP Registrar Barbara McGuire, and Diplomates David Plummer and Kay Myers.

CPSP is privileged to have this formal relationship with the American Red Cross, and to provide personnel assistance in its humanitarian support to victims of disasters.

2010 CPSP PLENARY PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED BY JAMES GEBHART

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:29:01 -0500

THIS YEAR PLAN ON COMING EARLY ON SATURDAY, APRIL 10th FOR A DAY FILLED WITH WORKSHOPS. LOOK THESE OVER; WE WILL GET BACK TO YOU WITH WAYS TO REGISTER FOR YOUR DESIRED WORKSHOP.

THIS IS A NEW EXPERIENCE: WORKSHOPS CONSISTENT WITH THE PLENARY THEME.

-Jim Gebhart, 2010 CPSP Plenary Coordinator

2010 PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

On Saturday, April 10, one day prior to the 2010 CPSP Plenary, a variety of workshops will be offered related to the theme of the Plenary, “The Recovery of Soul.” These include leadership from the shamanic community, from practitioners of forms of healing touch and energy work, and from representatives of pastoral care and psychotherapy in the CPSP community.

More details of these workshops will be forthcoming in the CPSP Pastoral Report as other members of the community might wish to offer a workshop. At this time the following workshops are announced:

THE SHAMANIC DRUM. Deborah Ling, M.A., Director of Shamanic Practice, leader. For persons who are interested, Deborah will discuss the historic nature of the drum in shamanic (and other) traditions. For persons who wish to make their own drum, Deb will be the instructor. Expense for the drum-making kit is $115.

THE HISTORY AND THEORY OF SHAMANIC PRACTICE. Deborah Ling,, leader. Attention will be given to a differentiation between spiritual direction and shamanic practice.

ADVANCED BODY TALK DEMONSTRATION. Mary Shields, Ph.D., Advanced Body Talk Practitioner, leader. This will feature a demonstration of powerful balance and Reiki methodology.

2010 CPSP PLENARY BROCHURE

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:26:43 -0500

CPSP will celebrate its 20th year as a vibrant and innovative certifying and accrediting organization in the clinical pastoral field. The context for the celebration of the CPSP community will be the 2010 CPSP Plenary held in Columbus, Ohio on April 11-April 13, 2010.

Act now to join the celebration!

Below is a link to download a PDF file of the 2010 CPSP Plenary Brochure.

DOWNLOAD 2010 CPSP PLENARY BROCHURE

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE by Perry Miller, Editor

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 09:40:42 -0500

Peace and Joy"- although a rarity for most of us, can break into our lives for fleeting moments. Our lives might actually be transformed or at least made bearable.

The Christmas season is one that both comforts and disturbs by our awareness of what is but yet mindful of that which our heart yearns.

I wish you the gift of "Peace & Joy" but also the noble gift of "Courage" - the courage to forge ahead even when the winter of life is hard.

Merry Christmas!

Perry Miller, Editor

A Christmas Story: "Ah, I can see a little sparkle now” – by Rev. William E. Alberts, Ph.D.

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:03:54 -0500

She is a small, 91-year-old white patient sitting on a chair by her bed, with her daughter in another chair reading a book. “I’m Rev. Alberts, Hospital Chaplain making my rounds,” I said with a smile. The patient, not relaxing her stare, ordered, “Sit down and talk to me.” Her daughter responded by immediately giving her chair to me, and then sat on the bed. I pulled the chair up closer to the patient as my aim was to possibly establish some closeness with her.

“You’re listed as a Christian,” I said. “What does that mean?,” she demanded. “Whatever it means to you,” I replied. “I don’t go to church,” she said. Her daughter then explained, “Mom was a Catholic, and my dad was an Episcopalian, and my sister and I were raised Episcopalian. So I listed her as Christian.” I responded to the patient, “I assume that is what it means to you then.” She continued to stare at me.

I moved to the patient’s condition: “How are you doing today?” “Not good at all,” she replied. I hate hospitals. I don’t want to be in this damn place.” I answered, “If you hate hospitals, I can see why you don’t want to be here. My father hated doctors. But the hospital is a good place to be when you need the treatment it provides.” Her look indicated my common sense was neither informing nor comforting.

The patient’s daughter was again very helpful: “Mom has lived alone for 20 years, ever since dad died. And until now, at age 91, she has never been in a hospital. Three days ago she fell and broke her hip in three places, and is in a lot of pain. And now she is sitting in a chair, which is remarkable.” “I can see why you don’t like it here, with your pain and what you’re dealing with,” I said, and added, “But it’s still a good place to help with the healing.” She replied,” People who don’t like hospitals want to get better just to get the hell out of here.” I acknowledged with a smile, “People have different reasons for getting better, and that’s probably one of them.”

CPSP PEOPLE IN THE NEWS: Changing Society: A Social and Spiritual Vision for the Year 2020 and Beyond by Robert L. Menz, D.Min.

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:55:16 -0500

Given the state of the world and the vast amount of change in all sectors of human life, Robert L. Menz's new book appears to have hit the mark in its relevance to the current issues we all face. Here is some of what is being said about Changing Society: A Social and Spiritual Vision for the Year 2020 and Beyond:

Changing Society: A Social and Spiritual Vision for the Year 2020 and Beyond addresses the five traditional social institutions (marriage & family, religion, education, politics, and economics) as well as other important social institutions (health care, race/ethnicity, and technology). Dr. Menz and the other authors provide keen social insights as they consider the current dynamics as well as the historical and future issues of each of these social institutions. Changing Society is unique in that each of these writers approach their topics not only from their vast professional expertise but also from their great spiritual awareness (that is, such things as values, essence, meaning and purpose). With the intention of focus and clarity, and by projecting into the year 2020, one can appreciate how Vision 2020 in the title captures a double-entendre. The reader will find this book enlightening and inspiring.

“Changing Society reveals some of the real complexities we face in the twenty first century. Readers will be forced to reflect on some of the more contemporary issues, such as marriage, healthcare, education, race, religion and politics as these issues affect our lives.” – Senator Tom Roberts, State Senator, Columbus, Ohio