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A Note from the Executive Director
Up until now, the work of The Partner’s Path has grown at the speed one or two people could think about it. This Fall, for the first time, our staff of five has entered into an organized outreach. We have invited more dioceses into the work of building authentic community for and by clergy spouses. The response has been intensely affirming. From all over the country we are hearing bishops, diocesan staff, and clergy spouses saying there is a tremendous need for community and support. In a landscape of uncertainty and overwhelm, local leaders are welcoming our resources for helping to imagine and create that support in sustainable, healthy ways.
I want you all to know that the wider church is excited to contribute financially and organizationally to creating real communities of mutual support for Episcopal clergy spouses. Your value is recognized. Leaders in the church understand that they do not understand the exact nature of your struggles or how to meet your needs. But they understand that getting you support is important, and they are eager to hear if our organization has worked out how to do it. We believe that we have. Over decades of listening and living among clergy spouses, and in continuing conversation with you all, we are bringing the vision to one local group after another: community by us for us. A place where we can gather to share what we have in common and to be valued also for our differences.
There is plenty of work left to do. There is plenty of community left to build. But we bring you greetings from clergy spouses in Hawaii, New York, Texas, Chicago, Upper South Carolina. We bring you commitments of support from so many more dioceses where the work is just beginning.
So, THANK YOU - whether you have attended one of our local or virtual events, sent a donation, or read and shared our messages on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter— your participation matters. You are part of a growing community of care. We are so glad that you are here.
November 7th, 2022 (7:00pm CST)
Gratitude as Self-Care with Rev. Heather Melton
Please join us on Monday, November 7th as we explore together the importance of practicing gratitude and some ways to include it in your daily life. We’ll talk about ways to incorporate gratitude into your personal, family or community life and even try out some different techniques and practices. We’ll also talk about some tools that can help infuse your Thanksgiving celebration with gratitude practices to center the celebration on the gifts of the people gathered together and the gifts of creation. Everyone who registers will receive a “swag” bag of UTO materials and giveaways in the mail, including items specifically for kids and some for Thanksgiving. If you want to learn more about UTO prior to our gathering or want materials for November, including a 30 day gratitude journal and activities for kids, visit: www.unitedthankoffering.org/November
The Rev. Canon Heather Melton is the Staff Officer for the United Thank Offering and is grateful to work alongside the Board and staff in helping to promote gratitude and generosity through participation in UTO. She holds an MA in Religion and Psychology from the Graduate Theological Union, an MDiv from Church Divinity School of the Pacific, a BS in Environmental Sciences from Kent State University, and is a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator from The Brené Brown Education and Research Group. Heather lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband, JK, who is a high school teacher and also a priest, twin daughters, and a very demanding cat. In her free time, Heather enjoys hiking, crafts, and coffee.
Have you ever heard of the United Thank Offering (UTO)? If you have, you might know of our efforts to raise money and award grants, but what you might not know, is that we are also tasked with supporting individuals, congregations and dioceses to practice gratitude. Studies show that people who routinely practice gratitude experience a range of benefits from lower blood pressure to better sleep. But gratitude isn’t just about writing thank you notes for gifts or saying thank you when someone helps you, it is a personal discipline of paying attention and responding to events in our daily lives.
Led by Lanie Flanagan, MAT, Certified 500hr Kripalu Yoga Teacher, these classes are filled with gentle mindful movements infused with breath practices designed to bring ease into one’s body and mind. They are designed for all body types. Those with little or no yoga experience will find the classes accessible.
Lanie has been a clergy partner for almost 20 years, and a practitioner of yoga for 15 years. “My personal yoga practice has not only strengthened my body, but it has brought a peace to my mind that has deepened my spiritual life.”
Third Sunday Yoga on The Partner's Path - November 20th, 6:00pm CT
Provinces III & VIII have CPG Planning for Wellness conferences for clergy & spouses in November.
Between career and family, it is hard to find time to focus on your financial picture, let alone your health. The Planning for Wellness conference provides financial planning and education along with a focus on your physical and psychological well-being.
Managing your current finances
Understanding your pension and health plan benefits
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