A Note from the Executive Director

I love New Years so much that I celebrate a lot of them. First day of school, Rosh Hashanah (I don’t attend services, but I love to do 10Q https://www.doyou10q.com/), my birthday, a new Church year, Gregorian calendar change, Groundhog Day, the LAST day of school: at the drop of a calendar page, I happily seize the excuse to take stock of what’s brought me to the present moment, and to dream and plan where to go from here.

Here at The Partner’s Path, we are wrapping up our first fiscal year as an official entity. 2022 has brought us a growing network of Diocesan groups around the U.S., and a growing staff to support you all as you build community. We launched Season 3 of the web series, facilitated a few retreats, and got to know clergy spouses from Maine to Hawaii.

Looking ahead, the seeds are already planted for consultations in a dozen more dioceses; it seems there is a widespread hunger for the work of building community by and for clergy spouses. Watch this space! And reach out to us if you want to be part of bringing this work to your own neighborhood.

We are so excited to introduce you to our amazing guests for Conversations on the Partner's Path in 2023!

2/6, 7:00PM CT - Conversations on the Partner's Path with Susan Waits

Susan is a Wayfinder Coach through Dr. Martha Beck; an ERYT Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance; and an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist through Himalayan Institute. She was on the team of professionals who developed curriculum for, and subsequently led, a pilot retreat for The Partner’s Path in the spring of 2021. At that retreat, Susan led a very well received session titled, “Is Your Soul Being Cared For?” One of the major takeaways from the entire weekend was the boundaries mantra she introduced – “Do no harm, take no shit.” Join us for this hour with Susan as she brings material from that session and also sheds some light on what a Life Coach is.

3/6, 7:00PM CT

Conversations on the Partner's Path with Kim Voyle

What is Spiritual Direction? Spiritual Direction is the traditional name for the practice of contemplative listening and is actually non-directive. It provides an opportunity for the client to explore the inner richness of their life, their relationship with the God of Infinite Love, and how to realize this in their daily life. Many clergy spouses do not have the opportunity to have an unbiased listener to discuss their spiritual life due to the demands and commitments of their life roles. Contemplative listening provides a time set aside to share in the love and compassion that God has poured out upon us and to discern what Infinite Love is calling you to do.

Kim Voyle , Ph.D. completed a certificate in spiritual direction from the San Francisco Theological Seminary. Kim has been married for more than 36 years to an Episcopal priest. Kim’s Ph.D. in Vocational Psychology, from the University of California, Santa Barbara focused on “The Path of Vocation” involving midlife career transitions and call with female Episcopal priests. She is also certified as a Boundless Compassion Facilitator. Prior to offering spiritual direction, Kim worked as a career counselor, human resources manager, and offered training for Clergy and Laypersons as co-owner of the Clergy Leadership Institute and The Appreciative Way.

4/3, 7:00PM CT

Conversations on the Partner's Path with Dent Gitchel, PhD, LPC

Dent Gitchel has worked in the helping professions and studied meditation for 30 years. He has studied Buddhist, Christian, and secular contemplative traditions, and has trained with numerous teachers. He teaches meditation classes and workshops locally, regionally and nationally, and is the author of Pursuing Purpose: A Guide to Finding Meaning Through Meditation. Dr. Gitchel is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice and is a faculty member at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

5/1, 7:00PM CT

Conversations on the Partner's Path with Brother Curtis Almquist SSJE

Curtis Almquist has been a priest and brother of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist for more than 35 years. He listens, speaks, walks, and bakes bread.

“For Everything There Is a Season”

Life is so full of change… except for what is unchanging. Our evening together will focus on how to be present to God’s presence in the now.

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.” 

Register for some (or all) of the dates for this spring! All events will take place at 6:00PM CT. 

Meet Jay Lacy, our new Community Liaison!

As we prepare to greet the New Year, we are delighted to introduce our newest staff member, Jay Lacy. As Community Liaison, Jay will be the point of contact for new and developing Diocesan chapters of The Partner’s Path. If you are wondering how to start a group in your area, or if you are already working on it and would like some support, please reach out to her at jay@thepartnerspath.com to talk about next steps.

Jay recently moved to Tallahassee, Fl. with her husband who is now the Rector at St. John's Episcopal Church. She enjoys Zumba class, yoga, walking her 9 year old lab, Noah, and spending quality time with her family.  Jay's passion for clergy spouses began in the Diocese of Georgia and the community expanded into long friendships over a decade's time.  She connects spouses and partners by sharing creativity, energy and vision for a strong network of support.

Interested in partnering with us? Together, we are making a difference for this group of extraordinary people.