Encouraging
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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
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Gingerbread cookies recipe
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Studies have found that ginger provides a load of health benefits, including soothing unsettled tummies, reducing blood cholesterol, and a whole lot more. When you make these fun gingerbread cookies, you can sit back and enjoy all their benefits!
Get the recipe...
Time to play
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"Play is the purest expression of love" says psychiatrist Stuart Brown, M.D. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells as well as infection-fighting antibodies which improves your resistance to disease.
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Contact Me
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Shauna Summers
Coordinator of Pastoral Care and Counseling
309-642-0262
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Quick Links
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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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The holiday season is upon us; we've seen another Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday. I remember when the signs the holiday season had begun were different.
The signs I remember from growing up at my house in Southern California included putting the handmade Advent calendar up (with daily readings I got to do before dinner), weekend visits from family and family friends throughout December, and maybe a trip to Big Bear (mountain ski resort in the San Bernardino National Forrest) to play in the snow and ski.
It makes me a little sad that the holiday signs for the younger generations must be so different, but, such is life. Change is a certainty. Just because Black Friday gives me a headache doesn't mean that it doesn't bring good memories to others.
This certainty of change makes me even more thankful for the seasonal faith celebrations. Each church may celebrate (i.e., Advent, Epiphany, Lent) differently, but all United Methodist Churches celebrate and that expected faith rhythm is such a comfort in my life.
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'Underway replenishment' marriage retreat
In their 30 years of ministry in the Navy chaplaincy, Bob and Christy Phillips led numerous marriage retreats for couples (and single spouses where the partner could not be present). The intense commitments and total claims of the military parallel the realities of marriage for those in ministry. This weekend marriage self-care retreat is the product of facing the challenges, realities and possibilities of being married and in ministry. The dates are Thursday, March 1, beginning with supper and concludes with lunch on Saturday, March 3.
The location is Elsah, nestled under the bluffs of the Mississippi River near Alton, and one of the few villages where all the homes are on the National Historic Registry. Participants will stay in two delightful B&B's located in the village.
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Pastoral Care and Counseling blog
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Noticing
Quoting Richard Rohr, PCC Board member Christina Krost writes,
"We're already in the presence of God. What's absent is awareness."
So noticing is something that helps strengthen my faith. That's why, as I see signs of the seasons changing, I feel the need to gather up those I love and ask, how are my relationships? Do they need tending? How do I really feel? What can I do to prioritize my mental and physical health? How is my spirit? What can I do to reconnect with my creator? What can I start planting now that will bloom later?
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Greenify tips
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Go Green this holiday season
Here is seven simple steps you can take today to make the holidays green friendly.
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From Chestnut Global Partners
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Caring for the caregiver
"Family caregiving is the fastest-growing unpaid and often unacknowledged occupation in this country," says Lorraine Sailor, operations coordinator at Children of Aging Parents, a nonprofit charitable organization based in Levittown, Pa.
A recent survey by the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) found more than 54 million people give care each year. About 56 percent are women, according to the survey.
Caregivers come in all shapes and sizes. They can be adult children, spouses, siblings, friends or neighbors, who help with daily activities such as bathing, feeding and clothing. The caregiver may be the only person who can take a loved one to doctors' appointments. The long-distance caregiver may call weekly, help with expenses or support the main caregiver.
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Blessings,
Shauna Summers
Pastoral Care and Counseling Coordinator
Illinois Great Rivers Conference
shauna.r.summers@gmail.com
(309) 642-0262
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