Quakers in Pastoral Care & Counseling
Quakers in Pastoral Care & Counseling

     “What are you doing here?” The Interplay of Quaker Values and Spiritual Accompaniment in Quaker and Non-Quaker Settings, with Beth Kelly, BCC

2023 Annual Conference

Thursday, April 20 - Sunday, April 23

 

Spend a weekend considering how we as Friends engage in Spiritual Care in our multi-faith settings and with each other. How do hierarchies play out in Quaker and multi-faith settings alike? How do we explain what we do to different audiences? How do we maintain our own spiritual integrity as we accompany people with a variety of spiritual beliefs and practices? Through participatory workshops, insight sessions, and small group sharing, attenders will have a chance to engage Issues such as professional and spiritual authority, theological grounding, and the dynamics of seeking, finding and helping or accompanying others.

 

Beth Kelly is a Board Certified Chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains. From 2014-2021, she served as the primary chaplain for Behavioral Health, Pediatrics, and Covid units in a NYC hospital. Beth finds a lot of life in helping people discern “how to live a good life,” regardless of their situations. She currently serves as Children, Youth and Young Adults Community Director for New York Yearly Meeting, where (among other things) she coordinates the Yearly Meeting’s mentoring program. Beth loves singing in choirs, doing crossword puzzles, and playing with her toddler niece.  

More About Our Annual Gathering

In a recent survey of our members, peer support was ranked as the #1 reason that 97% of respondents are involved in QPCC and as the most important reason for attending our annual conference. For another 86%, connecting with other Quakers in similar professions is a primary reason for QPCC involvement.

For these reasons and others, the QPCC conference is not just another professional convention. Rather, it is a time for refreshment and connection in a supportive and loving community. We are excited to welcome you, whether you are new to QPCC, a returning F/friend, or a long-time part of our circle.

 

The retreat schedule includes QPCC's amazing small groups and ample time for recharging/reconnecting with F/friends, Spirit, and self. Massage, aromatherapy, yoga, centering prayer, time in nature, and other self-care opportunities are all on the menu.

A Time of Self-Nurture

Back by popular request, this year's conference includes expanded self-nurture time through play, bodycare, nature walks, and conversations. Participants are invited to share their own techniques and gifts to others in the group during a number of time slots scattered throughout each day. In past conferences, these have included massage therapy, journaling, spiritual direction, and aromatherapy. Community-based practitioners are also on-site for QPCC'ers to sign up in advance for their  services at a reduced fee.

The Magic of Small Groups

One of the most special experiences at the annual conference is our small worship-sharing groups. Participants are divided into groups of 3 or 4, which gather to reflect on queries that align with each day's presentation. Relationships are built, and friendships are deepened in these small groups. The final small group session is dedicated to "Passing the Light," where the observed gifts of each participant are named by the other group members.

 

On Saturday evening, our traditional coffeehouse has always been a fun time together. Musical  instruments, talents, and board games are all welcome in this space of fun and sharing!

 

Conference participants are also invited to share literature and information, to bring books and crafts to sell at the conference marketplace, as well as to offer their gifts in self-nurture to QPCC members.

 

Unable to travel? Consider attending viritually!

-Three, two-hour plenary sessions with presenter and attenders

-Four small group sessions

-Two insight session times

Register as a virtual attender or

email registrar Anne Supplee for details!

registerqpccconference@gmail.com

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