This newsletter is geared towards those who have completed a Living Compass training, but is also intended for, and can be shared with all those interested in Living Compass. 
Living Compass Community Newsletter
September 2016
Wellness In Action
This section features how our Living Compass community is using their Congregational Wellness Advocate Training and Living Compass materials within their communities:
One of our CWAs, Jane Samuel of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Lexington Kentucky, who worked along side Dianne Griffin, shares with us how she has used her training with her community: 
"During the Adult Forum Dianne, Joyce and I shared about our experience at Sewanee being trained as CWA's, our exposure there to the Living Compass Program, our pilot program we were currently running, and our future plans for other LC based programs in the fall. The event held between the two largest Sunday services was well attended (approximately 40 folks) and we were available afterward for more in depth discussion on the main LC program and the other four week courses available through LC."

Some photos from the event:

  
Jane and Dianne also spoke to this group about programs and events. Here is what they have planned:
"This summer we did a low key class on four different Sundays for our Parents Gathering where we discussed the 28 Day Guide For Prayer, Reflection & Practice. This fall we have a Living Compass Retreat in September, we will have Scott and Holly in town for that. Holly will also lead our Teen Sunday School that weekend while Scott preaches."

Another CWA in Dublin, Ireland is using our Teen Compass program with teens at their school!
 

Congregational Wellness Advocate Training

Future Trainings: 

San Antonio, TX October 4-6

Chicago, IL October 20-22
Boston, MA November 17-18
Sewanee, TN February 8-10
Chicago, IL March 9-11
Chicago, IL April 20-22

Learn how to use Living Compass tools to enhance your congrega tion's vitality and to conn ect with the community by beginning or  expanding a wellness ministry. After a training retreat, you'll return to your congregations to complete your certification. 

Visit the Living Compass website to learn more training.

Register for a Congregational Wellness Advocate Training
Additional Training Opportunities
Private group trainings can be arranged both at the Nicholas Center and at regional locations (for large  groups) on mutually agreeable dates.
For more information contact [email protected]
 

Making Connections
Look for Living Compass at these up coming events:
Wesley Nurses Annual Conference, United Methodist Church, San Antonio, TX Oct. 4-6
Diocese of Texas Clergy Conference Oct. 26-28
Chicago Diocesan Convention Nov. 17-19

Coaching Corner
Each edition of our newsletter will include a reference to a Motivational Interviewing resource to deepen your learning about this important theory and how it can assist you in your work as a Living Compass facilitator.  

For this issue, we want to let you know about this 17 minute video by psychologist Bill Matulich because it is the best introduction/overview we have found on Motivational Interviewing (MI).  


We love the simple definition of MI that he gives right at the beginning of the video:  "Motivational Interviewing is an effective way of talking with people about change."  

As you know, one of the core processes in a Living Compass Wellness Circle (what we now call our six-week small group program) is the "Mapping Your Journey of Growth and Change."  As a facilitator your primary task is helping people to discern, design, and implement a change that each person is being called to make.  As this video outlines, the mindset and skill set of Motivational Interviewing provides the grounding for helping people to change. You will find great wisdom here to guide you as you take on the sacred privilege of facilitating conversations about growth and change with others.

Certification Celebration
Please help us to congratulate the following Congregational Wellness Advocates who have completed their certification:
  • Patrice Al-Shatti (All Saints Episcopal, Phoenix, AZ)
  • Joyce Honour (St. Mathew's Cathedral, Laramie, WY)
  • Sunny Lopez (Bethany Methodist Communities, Chicago, IL)
  • Janice Morris (Christ Episcopal Church, Pottstown, PA)
  • The Rev. Christina Nord (Christ Episcopal Church, Pottstown, PA)
  • Elizabeth (Lissa) Barker (St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, Dublin, OH)
  • Deacon Carol Peterson (St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Benham, TX)
  • Ginny Slichter (Christ Episcopal Church, Pottstown, PA)
  • Christel Walrath (St. Mathew's Cathedral, Laramie, WY)
  • Susan Wahlstrom (Faith Episcopal Church, Cameron Park, CA)
  • Candace Woessner (Christ Episcopal Church, Pottstown, PA)
  • Linda Patterson (St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Benham, TX)
Many of you have already far surpassed the completion of what it takes to be certified and all you need to do now is fill out the form. 

I f you are interested in completing your CWA List of Activities for Certification found in your training binders or need a new form please contact [email protected] . 

We will be honored to send you your official certificate. Keep an eye out for future certified CWA promotions and events.
Recommended Resources

Our free Self-Assessment Tool Flier download found here!
We recommend using our Self-Assessment Tool flier, or as we like to call it a "Flash" Assessment, to introduce your community to the concept of Living Compass. This is a great way to introduce the self-assessment and help people get interested in creating FAITH steps.

A Customized Living Compass Promotional Package
Please contact us if you would like a customized promotional package for use at an event in your area.  Many of our Congregational Wellness Advocates have used our promotional gear at Diocesan Conventions and wellness fairs, and other conferences to promote their wellness ministry and initiatives. We have table cloths, banners, resource samples, brochures & fliers, buttons, mugs, notepads, and more to share with you. 

Teen Compass Update
We are excited to announce that both the Christian and community (secular) versions of The Teen Compass Wellness Notebooks, along with their corresponding leader guides have been updated and are ready for use.  The Christian version has a new section added for each of the eight areas of wellness.  This new section is entitled "Making the Connection" and helps the young people connect the teachings and wisdom in the Bible to the way they live their lives.  

The two versions of the notebook can be ordered through our 
  

Parenting Resource Update
Scott and Holly Stoner are busy working on a parenting boo k that will come out later this year entitled The Parent Compass. The book will contain forty short reflections; five on each of the eight areas of wellness. This resource is designed to stimulate positive discussions within groups of parents (with children of any age), who desire to be more intentional  about their parenting. You might find it  to be a valuable tool for use with the parents in your church community and/ or in the bigger community surrounding your church, as it not specifically Christian, yet does address the spiritual nature of parenting. 

Ready now is a resource you can use with your Christian parents. 
This resource contains twenty eight reflections that can be used with couples, individuals, or in groups. It can also be used as a gift for newcomers who  are parents, or at baptisms.  The title is Wellness For Pa rents: I Will With God's Help a nd can be  found o n our website. 
                  Coming Soon
Our seasonal devotional for Advent 2016, is Practicing Simplicity with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind. This resource can be used individually, or in small groups. Please place your order in the month of October or early November  for  timely delivery . Keep on eye out for your CWA discount code which will be coming to you soon via email.
Closing Thoughts
If you have anything you would like to share with us so we can lift it up in our next newsletter, please let us know. Until then, please continue to use our CWA Facebook page to keep in touch and inspire one another. And thank you all for all the good you are doing in your places in the world!