The INNERLIFE
A Publication of the
Pastoral Counseling Centers of Tennessee, Inc.

Partners in Caring Since 1985

“SURELY HE KNOWS WHAT WE NEED”

God is interested in our healing…

by Karen Potratz, M.R.E. M.S.W.

I was talking to a friend who is a minister

of 20 plus years of service. Unless you are

tempted, as I was, to judge my friend, let

me mention that this is a caring, energetic,

sensitive-to-the-needs, kind of minister.

One that would be at your bedside if you

were hospitalized and you would be grateful

for the company. In a brief exchange, the

conversation moved to the topic of prayer.

My friend responded with all sincerity,

“God knows what you need, why pray?”

My first reaction was one of self-righteous

shock. I have since recognized the reality

of my own busy, active lifestyle, which

sometimes keeps me from prayer as well.

However, my first reaction to my friend’s

statement was; “yes, I also know my

husband and my children and perhaps

know what they need, but if I never talked

to them it would be a lifeless relationship”.

Let me apologize if it appears this is an over

simplification of a sacred practice that is

centuries old. I do think it communicates to

our natural world and our modern thinking.

In consideration of prayer, it is not just

about getting answers. It is not about the

desperate need. I think it is about the

relationship, the interaction, the trust, the

openness, and the familiarity that comes

with practicing prayer.

I have so many heroes who are prayer

warriors that I can’t possibly mention all of

them. One was my father-in-law. There

were many visits that he made to our home

and each time a prayer was offered for us

specifically to minister to our current need.

When he died, I found in his belongings a

copy of With Christ in the School of Prayer

by Andrew Murray. A well known and well

read prayer classic. I put it on the bookshelf

and found that I had one already from my

own mother’s estate. I was comforted and

encouraged by the thought that for many

years prayers were offered for me.

I have a master’s degree in social work and

a master’s degree in religious education. I

have 20 years experience working with

people who are broken and in need of

healing. I am confident that I am doing

what God has called me to do. I also know

that I am in a business that is bigger that

any person’s qualifications and capabilities.

I am humbled as I realize that all healing

and transformation comes from a source

much greater than myself.

I ponder how many prayers are offered,

some for many years before a person will

actually come to a counselor for help.

Considering the mysterious transformation

and healing that takes place at these times,

this perhaps should be obvious. As I communicate

this in writing, I am reminded about the privilege and

responsibility that accompanies the invitation to join

people in the sacred places of their need. I do love

what I do and get energized by the journeys.

I do believe that Pastoral Counseling

Centers of Tennessee is in the business of

healing and I am delighted to have opportunity

to be a part of this team. I also take

this opportunity to ask you to pray for us

and for those whom we seek to be mediators

of God’s grace and healing.

Any Port In A Storm

by Tom Knowles-Bagwell, D.Min

We have all heard the old saying, "Any port in a storm." But experience has taught me that following this advice without question or exception can lead to disaster.  In fact mariners have long known that a port is not necessarily safe during a storm. In the aftermath of Katrina and Rita we are reminded once again that vessels secured snuggly in “the safety of harbor” can be wrenched from their moorings and shattered to pieces by the power of a flood surge on a lee shore. No, feelings of peace and comfort, while enjoyable, are necessarily indicators of safety.  And it seems to me that wise and skillful sailing is always safer than any port at hand.

People do not come to the Pastoral Counseling Centers of Tennessee because their lives have been smooth sailing on gentle seas. And though we have often likened ourselves to a safe harbor in a storm, this is not exactly true. In fact, the process many engage in here challenges all the fortitude and courage they can muster.  Rather than the safety of harbor, I believe what PCCT offers is more akin to a sailing master.  The sailing master is one who has learned to harness the powerful fluid forces of wind and water to achieve desired results. Just so, is the safety of the therapeutic situation offered by one skilled and seasoned in the art of navigating the powerful dynamics of life toward desired ends.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina we have seen an influx of  evacuees from the Gulf coast. Our first order of business has been to provide them with the fundamentals of food, water, and shelter.  But mental healthcare providers in our area have also been asked to help provide for the emotional needs of these people as well. At PCCT we have offered our services to these evacuees at no charge.  I believe this is the right thing for us to be doing. So, if you are looking for a way of helping those whose lives have been devastated by Katrina, please consider making a financial gift to PCCT to support the provision of pastoral counseling services to them.

My father used to tell me, “Smooth seas make not a skillful sailor".  As an adolescent I thought he was so ridiculous when he said that. As an adult I have come to a deeper appreciation of  the wisdom he sought to share with me. None of us can control all the powerful and dynamic forces that impinge on our lives. But at PCCT we believe that all of us can become ever more wise and skillful at harnessing those forces and navigating within them to achieve the results for which God created us.

DEVELOPMENT DOINGS

by Chrissa Jennings Walsh, Development Director

How do you celebrate a 20th anniversary? PCCT does it with fun and fellowship. Our annual Founders Banquet celebration was held September 15 at the William J. Fleming Center of the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville. Incredible dinner (All Occasion Catering), fabulous entertainment Leanne Morgan, comedian) and the beautiful voice of the benediction (Alex Forrest) were equaled only by a spirited silent auction. If  unable to join us this year, we look forward to sharing an evening with you next year in a similar fashion.

Mrs. Liston O. Mills (Jennie) was the gracious host of a lovely reception introducing Dr. Tom Knowles-Bagwell and his wife, Elizabeth Knowles-Bagwell to the PCCT community of Board and Staff. On July 30, 2005, current and former members of the Board of Directors and the clinical and support staff of Pastoral Counseling Centers were delighted to get to know the new Executive Director of PCCT.

WE’VE MOVED!

The Pastoral Counseling Center North has moved to the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.

525 New Shackle Island Road, Hendersonville, TN 37075. PHONE: 615-338-4171

2005 WISH LIST BY CENTER

VINE STREET CENTER, NASHVILLE

New or gently used couch-neutral color

2 desk chairs-height adjustable

FRANKLIN CENTER

New desk and matching locking file cabinet

Accent Chair (new or gently used) or current chair recovered

Paint

MURFREESBORO CENTER

A love seat and matching small chair

One desk lamp

Curtains (to match periwinkle blue)

Throw rugs or runner for hallway

Small area rug

BRENTWOOD CENTER

Curtains and Blinds for two tall thin windows (beige or natural)

Small desk

2 matching waiting room chairs

CLARKSVILLE CENTER

Couch

Side Table

Curtains

Paint

NORTH CENTER, HENDERSONVILLE

1 Two-Section Bookshelf

Coffee Table

Large Credenza

One love seat

THE CPE RESIDENCY PROGRAM began on September 6 with a new ACPE Supervisor and six new Residents. The Residents are: Christy Bonner and Gene Vincent at Saint Thomas Hospital, Angela Lovell at McKendree Village, Trisha Gardner at Vanderbilt Hospital,

Debbie Harned and Cherie Booker at Baptist Hospital. Please welcome and offer your support to these new persons.

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

October

9-16 Mental Illness Awareness Week

16-23 Pastoral Care and Counseling Week

21-23 A.A.P.C. Southeast Regional Conference

27 Clarksville “Partners in Healing” event

6:15 pm at Madison Street UMC

319 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040

For reservations/information, call Reverend Larry Peters,

931-647-6750 or Chrissa Walsh, 615-383-2115 x27.

November

5 Board and Staff Retreat 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

8 Franklin “Community of Faith” event

Noon-1 pm, St. Paul's Episcopal Church

510 West Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064

For reservations/information, call

Rector Bob Cowperthwaite, 615-790-0527,

or Chrissa Walsh, 615-383-2115 x 27