We started a podcast! As many of you know for the past 3 (almost 4) years, I have been a part of an incredible ministry called Thrive. It’s a women’s ministry that gather’s once a month to share the love of Jesus to those in our community. You do not have to attend our church to join in. In fact, you don’t have to go to any church to come! You just show up as you are! I’ve seen women show up with friends on either arm and I’ve seen women show up alone and leave with new friend’s phone numbers! It’s been an incredible journey to witness for others and an incredible journey for me personally!

This season of Thrive does look a little different. We are gathering every other month instead of every month. Also, God put it on the heart of Katelyn, one of our Thrive leaders and my good friend, to start sharing a round table discussion on pressing issues that we all face as we learn how to live in COMMUNITY! Episode One is below! The subject of community has come up at almost every single Thrive event for the past FOUR years! In fact our mission statement is straight from scripture:

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

So, what does it look like to thrive around the table? It’s messy. I mean sometimes it can be pretty but for the most part it’s messy. There is laughter and there are tears. There is overwhelm that is shared by some and there is joy and celebration when the overwhelm is OVERCOME together! No burden is felt alone and they are carried by all.

How do you find a table to Thrive around? I’d say the very best way to find a table is to invite people around your OWN table and start there. Sound intimidating??? Don’t let your head get in the way of what your soul needs! You NEED a table to belong to and scripture tells us this! Start with inviting over your neighbor, or a friend you have met at work or the friend you chatted with at the playground while your kids played. Please, please, please do not wait for the invitation to come from someone else. While, okay yes, there is a chance that could happen for you - Do not wait for it! It should truly be a priority and not looked at as a treat.

When is the next Thrive gathering? Our next Thrive gathering is Friendsgiving!! It’s one of my most favorite of the season! We will meet on Tuesday, November 15th, 2022 at 6:30pm. Please come. Even if you come alone. It’s an opportunity to show up and to create a friendship that you might not have anywhere else. It’s an opportunity to hear the Word of God and to spend time in worship and praise alongside your sisters.

The Challenge: Please don’t wait for someone to invite you over for a cup of coffee. Be the one. Even if it’s not your nature or personality to extend an invitation. We are giving you a table that you can show up to. It’s time to take the opportunity that the Lord has placed in front of you and use it for His glory by showing up and opening up the part of you that you have shut down for so long.

Now go listen to our very first podcast episode!