Breathe

May Newsletter

Dear Friends,

When I started my office hours in Panera a couple years ago, I found that I would hear some of the most random conversations.  Some of them that I would involve myself in & some that I would just overhear.  The ones that strike me the most or the ones that I want to remember & share, I call Paneradventures. Turns out, these don't have to always be in Panera...But it's been interesting to see what happens when I pay attention to the world around me.  So many people are either craving conversation (or don't know that they're being watched?) or wanting to be heard.  When was the last time that you struck up a conversation with someone that you didn't know?  I know, it's not a comfortable thing for everyone...But, what paneradventures might you be encountering?    Who knows where your conversation might lead...Maybe to an invitation to worship or a church event?  Maybe to a lively conversation about politics?  Maybe to a request to stop talking? (I've gotten all of those...)

This summer, there are quite a few things happening in our life together.  In our youth ministry, we are beginning to put together new programs for the upcoming year.  One the programs being worked on is a tutoring/mentoring program.  We'll have a meeting in June to begin to put some plans into place.  But this might be a place that you have been wanting to serve-- to be a mentor to a young person from our church or the community.  There are some exciting partnerships being developed & I'm looking forward to seeing where they take us!  

Next year will launch our new confirmation program.  This exciting adventure will take some of our students on a journey of faith into membership here at the church.  This is always an exciting time to hear the questions of young people & what it is that they believe about God, Jesus, and the Church.  An informational meeting will be held in  late July for confirmation classes.  

In July, the youth ministry team will gather to dream & set goals based on the strategic visioning retreat.  We'll assess our current programs, dream up new ones, & work on the things currently in progress.  If you would like to be a part of the conversation, I would love for you to be there!  Please contact me for more information!

Whenever I talk with people in the community about our church, there is always excitement & curiosity peaked over what we have to offer & what we're doing.  These are just some of the things that you can use when talking with people on your own paneradventures!  

I'm excited for what this summer will bring to us & look forward to the fruit that is produced from the seeds we plant today!  If you'd like to talk more or dream or just see a paneradventure up close & personal, come visit me at Panera (on LaGrange next to Whole Foods) Tuesday nights from 5-7pm. 

Blessings,

~Pastor Melissa