I’ve Got Plenty to be Thankful For

I find it difficult to believe September has already arrived. The relentless pandemic stifled our optimism for a relaxing summer more than the intense heat. Unfortunately, COVID has continued to consume much of our energy and attention this year. As autumn approaches, I pray for a reprieve from the pandemic and scorching temperatures. We have risen to unfathomable challenges over the last 18 months to continue caring for our patients, staff, and students. Like you, ACPE had adapted and continued its work to provide and advocate for professional spiritual care and education. I am proud of the work we have accomplished during these trying times.

First, I want to echo my appreciation to everyone who volunteered to serve on the Implementation Workgroup to further our consolidation discussions with APC. I had a difficult time deciding how to vote because we had an impressive slate of candidates. For those not elected, I hope you will consider serving in other capacities. ACPE needs your voice and leadership.

As a reminder, the Implementation Workgroup will be divided into four subcommittees:

• Governance and Organizational Design: bylaws, board and community governance, articles of incorporation, corporate structure, CEO selection process
• Finance: finances, fiscal year, and principles for crafting dues structure
• Facilities and branding: locations, facilities, and branding/naming process
• Organizational Culture: cultural integration and meeting models

ACPE and APC’s Executive Committees will serve as the Steering Committee of the Implementation Workgroup. In the coming days, the Steering Committee will schedule meetings to discuss how to further engage our memberships in the process. Due to legal requirements, the Implementation Workgroup will complete most of its tasks, including the complete plan for consolidation, bylaws, articles of incorporation, and organizational assets, by February. We anticipate our memberships will vote on the final proposal in April 2022.

Next, I want to reiterate my intense sorrow and disappointment that we decided to host another annual conference virtually and postpone live events until June 2022. For months, I eagerly anticipated gathering with my board colleagues again in November. I am sad that it will be many more months before I can embrace them again. Still, I appreciate the board’s stewardship of our association during the pandemic and the conference planning committee’s leadership and innovative coordination of our events. Our CoPs and staff continue to plan other virtual events this fall. Keep up to date with the website, the Curriculum Resource Room in SharePoint, and the newsletter! Registration is currently open for The Gathering of Spiritually Integrated Practitioners (formerly Kanuga).

With a new season approaching, I am excited about new beginnings. I look forward to my new residents starting this month and am grateful for the opportunity to work with future spiritual care providers. In ACPE, we have plenty to be thankful for - dedicated partners, generous donors, brilliant students, and expert staff. I am most grateful to you - my friends and colleagues - who commit so much time, sweat, and energy to make ACPE a strong association and professional welcoming home. What are you thankful for or excites you?