"God's dream is that you and I and all of us will realize that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion" ...
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Integrating Gestalt growth work, spiritual companioning & healing prayer
_______________________________________________________
"God's dream is that you and I and all of us
will realize that we are family, that we are made for togetherness,
for goodness, and for compassion"
~ Desmond Tutu,1931-2021~
Winter 2021/2022 Page 1 of 12
From the desk of the editor!
During this past year, GPC has grown exponentially. In our efforts to share GPC to all, we have
campaigned to raise funds to afford others the opportunity to experience the power of GPC and become
a messenger of spiritual growth for others who are searching for personal healing. Included in those
efforts to share GPC with the world, we have grown in our approach to share our message by using
social media platforms and by participating in various speaking engagements to share what GPC is and
how GPC can transform lives in a beautiful and powerful way. I could give other examples, but then I
would be “preaching to the choir.” GPC is growing and the message is clear: GPC will grow even more
in 2022. Thank all of you for your contributions to GPS. Wishing you all a Happy New Year!
Terrence Reid, GPCA Newsletter Editor
A PRAYER - STEPPING INTO THE NEW YEAR 2022
Rev. Wanda Craner, GPC Minister and Trainer
Holy God, Lover of All, we give thanks for the many blessings of healing and hope you have shared
through Your healing ministry of Gestalt Pastoral Care (GPC) entrusted to us.
As we vision for the future development of GPC, may we be keenly focused on reaching out to all
according to Your grace and will. Set the pace of our planning so that we do not move too fast, or too slow
in response to Your desires for healing outreach. Grant us - the GPCA Board of trustees, the GPC Ministers
and Trainers, our Administrator, Office Manager, Bookkeeper, and all who serve on and chair various
Committees and Teams, all who support this healing ministry with their prayers and financial donations, all
the volunteers who freely give of their time and talents in service to Your healing - grant us all the grace of
Your discernment and unity of Spirit.
Protect us from anything that would try to draw us away from Your guidance and Your plans for
mission and ministry. Open our eyes to see, and our ears to hear Your truth above and beyond the ways of
this world. Help us to remain faithful to the central DNA of GPC rooted in the healing ministry of Jesus.
May the Light and Love of Christ shine through us bringing new hope to our broken world. We
give grateful thanks! Amen and Amen!
“Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days, for the living of these days.” - Henry
Emerson Fosdick (Hymn: God of Grace and God of Glory)
Winter 2021/2022 Page 2 of 12
GPC 2021 Reflections
By Adrienne Whaley, Board of Trustees, Communication Chair
"Reflections of a year past... Visions of the opportunities that lie ahead..." 2021 has ended– how has
your year been? What was your greatest accomplishment? What transitions did you make this year? What
is your vision for 2022?
In 2021 GPC Associates have embraced technology, worked tirelessly to improve retreats and
courses. Associates also have been strategically planning and implementing a dream of becoming more
diverse and inclusive. Here are some highlights from 2021:
• GPCA Research Team Members: David Janvier,
Wanda Craner, Lyn Barrett, Michael Crabtree and
Michelle Zechner have put together a book chapter
entitled, "Gestalt Pastoral Care: An Opening to
Grace" that outlines the GPC approach has been
accepted to be included in a book called "A
Handbook for Spiritually Integrated
Psychotherapies" slated to be published summer of
2022. All Men Retreat 10-2021
• Ministers and Trainers have witnessed that God works
through a variety of means – even the internet! During
the Pandemic shutdown, many transitioned from in-
person sessions to online sessions. They discovered
that technology could be used for healing and training.
• We have expanded our reach with social media via
Instagram and YouTube. We also launched GPC
LinkTree.
• Susan Silhan and Rev. Kathryn Dickinson have
joined our team of ministers.
• Darlene Myers and Alexandra MacCracken have
joined our team of trainers.
Foundation Training 6-2021
Winter 2021/2022 Page 3 of 12
• GPC Founder Tilda Norberg celebrated her 80th
Birthday on Zoom.
• GPCA celebrated the retirement of Sara Goold from
the GPC Board, Programming and Training on
Zoom
• David L. Janvier facilitated GPC's first all men
Opening to Grace Retreat.
• Communities of Color special fundraiser provided
Practicum Training 9-2021
financial assistance to 5 individuals.
• GPC Scientific Research has been accepted for publication in Psychotherapy as a Brief Report.
GPC Associates' vision for 2022 is to continue our outreach to all communities and improve our
programming.
May 2022 bring you much happiness, health, joy, and success!
Sara Goold Retirement Celebration on Zoom 8-2021
Winter 2021/2022 Page 4 of 12
GPC Community of Practice
In Western PA, nine members of the GPC Community of Practice are leading and assisting in a two-
year long GPC Foundation Training. This class started in April, 2021 with three Saturdays via Zoom to get
through the period when people were obtaining their COVID vaccinations. As you can see from the photos,
this fall and winter the training continued in person with masks, social distancing and air purifiers.
Mount Ararat Community Center and Martina Spiritual Renewal Center in Pittsburgh are the two
venues being used for this training.
The Reverend Dr. Clarejean Haury, Gestalt
Pastoral Care Minister and Trainer, does the
guiding in a session with one trainee participant.
The training continues over the winter and
goes all the way to our three-day final closing
training session in October 2022. Prayers are
appreciated for trainers and participants alike. We
are growing together in the love of the Holy One in
our midst.
Winter 2021/2022 Page 5 of 12
We also celebrated the birthdays of the Reverend Dr. Joan Prentice and the Reverend Betty Voigt
as their birthdays fell on two of the Saturday training sessions. In this GPC Foundation we are delighted to
be building God's Beloved Community with new awareness and healing, authentic communications about
feelings and needs and GPC growth.
Pictures and article submitted by
The Reverend Dr. Susan Vande Kappelle, Gestalt Pastoral Care Minister
Program Committee Of
Gestalt Pastoral Care Associates
By Rev. Ann Few, Board of Trustees, Chair Program Committee
The Program Committee of the Gestalt Pastoral Care Associates has the responsibility of approving
programs that Gestalt Pastoral Care Ministers and Trainers develop, based on a set format. During this past
year the committee approved many Opening to Grace retreats, a Practicum and two new Foundation
Courses, while two foundation courses were already in process. Our Ministers and Trainers have been busy
teaching, supervising and sharing GPC at several conferences.
During this past year, thanks to the help of several Ministers, the committee codified the curriculum
for the Foundation Course, based on the book Consenting to Grace, written by GPC Founder, the Rev. Tilda
Norberg. The next task will be to develop modules for teaching the Advanced Course.
The Program Committee also has the responsibility for developing and organizing the Internship
program for people who have completed training and feel called to become GPC Ministers. GPC has one
new Intern and another who is in the application process. Two new GPC Ministers and two new GPC
Trainers were also approved and consecrated at the GPCA Board of Trustees meeting.
We are excited that GPC is growing and being shared in so many places. God's healing power and
love are available to all through the ministry of GPC Ministers and Trainers.
Winter 2021/2022 Page 6 of 12
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Research Team Update
● GPC Scientific Research has been accepted for publication in “Psychotherapy” as a Brief Report.
● On December 2, 2021, David Janvier, along with Michael Crabtree, gave a presentation on
"Spiritually Informed Therapies and Gestalt Pastoral Care” at the Mental Health Association, the
South Western PA conference.
Newest GPC Trainers
Darlene Meyers Alexandra MacCracken
Glenn Dale, MD Oakton, VA
What is Gestalt Pastoral Care?
Gestalt Pastoral Care rests on the belief that God's grace is constantly at work in each person. Although we
can't predict just how you will be healed, you can expect to be touched in the body, mind, spirit, emotions,
and social/relational context in a process unique to you alone.
GPC is rooted in the Christian ministry of healing and integrates Gestalt growth work, spiritual
companioning, and prayer for healing. We are greatly enriched by the wide diversity of theology and
worship styles of our participants.
All retreats and training programs of Gestalt Pastoral Care are open and inclusive.
For more information, visit our websitewww.gestaltpastoralcare.org, email us at
info@gestaltpastoralcare.org
call us at 347-330-6657
Winter 2021/2022 Page 7 of 12
UPCOMING TRAININGS, RETREATS & EVENTS
For more information and registration, visit www.gestaltpastoralcare.org.
Opening to Grace Day Retreat
January 22, 2022 • 9:00am – 4:00pm EST
Led by: Rev. Betty Voigt and Clarejean Haury
In person in Washington, PA Cost: Full Worker ($100)
Observer/Intercessor ($75)
January 28, 2022 (*Snow date is February 4, 2022) • 9:30am – 4:00pm EST
Led by: Rev. Wanda D. Craner
In person in Boyertown, PA Cost: Full Worker ($100)
Observer/Intercessor ($75)
January 29, 2022 • 9:00am – 3:30pm EST
Led by: Alexandra MacCracken
Via Zoom Cost: Full Worker ($100)
Observer/Intercessor ($75)
February 26, 2022 • 9:00am – 3:30pm EST
Led by: Alexandra MacCracken
In person in Vienna, A V Cost: Full Worker ($150)
Observer/Intercessor ($100)
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Winter 2021/2022 Page 8 of 12
Practicum Training This 25-hour practicum is for GPC trainees who have completed the Foundational Training and are approved to continue with training. Led by: Linda Lehman Thomas Dates : April 28, 2022 (1 :00pm EST) - April 30, 2022 (4 :00pm EST), 2022 In Person at Pathways Retreat, Goshen IN Cost: $550 includes food and lodging. Registration requires a $100 deposit. Registration Deadline: April 1, 2022 _________________________________________________________ Foundation Training 2022- 2023 Foundation Training is a way to learn how a GPC perspective may give shape to already existing ministries of pastoral care, spiritual direction, and healing, as well as counseling practices. It is also the beginning level for those who may come to sense a call to become GPC ministers. if you have participated in Opening to Grace events, or other GPC sponsored programs and you are sensing a nudge to "more", then taking the Foundation Training may be a step in the right direction. Participants continue in their own healing journey as they learn Gestalt Pastoral Care. Led by: Alexandra MacCracken, GPC Minister & Trainer & Rev. Susan Vande Kappelle, GPC Minister In Person Sessions Time: Sun 5:00pm EST – Wed 3:00pm EST In Person Session Dates 2022: April 24 – 27, May 22 – 25, Sept 25 – 28, Oct 30 – Nov 2 In Person Session Dates 2023: Jan 22–25 Zoom Dates (TBA) Course Fee: $3,300 Financial Assistant Available – Apply online, click this link https://www.gestaltpastoralcare.org/financial-assistance For more information contact: alexandra.maccracken@gestaltpastoralcare.org Winter 2021/2022 Page 9 of 12
From Our Founder:
"In the here and now we can count on this: that whenever we open ourselves
to the activity of the Holy Spirit, some kind of healing takes place. Indeed, God
invites us to ask for what we need just as a child would ask a parent. Even
when our lives are filled with suffering or wracked with agonizing questions,
we can cling to the faith that God is with us, somehow always offering new life
and healing. Not all healing will be physical, of course; often healing comes
in emotional and spiritual realms where God's love is able to overcome every
obstacle." From Stretch Out Your Hand, page 52
Books by Tilda Norberg
For more details about each book, please visit bookstore https://www.gestaltpastoralcare.org/new-page
Winter 2021/2022 Page 10 of 12Except from Ashes Transformed - Healing from Trauma
116
Winter 2021/2022 Page 11 of 12Gestalt Pastoral Care Ministers
For more information about each Minister and Trainer, visit
https://www.gestaltpastoralcare.org/ministers-trainers
Tilda Norberg, Founder, Staten Island, NY Pat Hostetter Martin, Harrisonburg, VA
Alexandra MacCracken, Oakton, VA Rhoda Glick, Missoula, MT
Betty Voigt, Bridgeville, PA Sara Goold, Goshen, CT
Clarejean Haury, Washington, PA Sumika Sase, Tokyo, Japan
Darlene Meyers, Glendale, MD Susan Silhan, New York
David Janvier, Pittsburgh, PA Susan Vande Kappelle, Pittsburgh, PA
Debra Flint, New Castle, PA Wanda Craner, Boyertown, PA
Kathryn Dickinson, Brooklyn, NY Yuri Ando, East Stroudsburg, PA
Linda Lehman Thomas, Goshen, IN
Anyone wishing to speak with someone directly, please call 347-330-6657 on Wednesdays
between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM to reach Jennifer. Otherwise, leave a message, and someone will
get back to you
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Gestalt Pastoral Care Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 140636
Staten Island, NY 10314
Phone: 347-330-6657
gestaltpastoralcare.org ⧫ https://linktr.ee/gpca
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Contribute to GPC Endowment Fund
Contact us at info@gestaltpastoralcare.org
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