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Greetings!
It's 8:15am, morning rush hour, and I'm lost. Already. I checked the website, wrote directions, and jumped in the car, gulping coffee as I went out the door. Nonetheless, I've gone too far, after turning around twice, so I will miss my 8am meeting with Rachel from theMake a Living, Have a Life groups.
I get to the church, and wend my way around back to the pond, garden and labyrinth that are tucked away from the busy street. No one is there; Rachel has tired of waiting, no doubt. The parking lot is filling with hopping, bopping children with hats pulled down over ears and backpacks bouncing as they make their way into the church school. This burst of activity is in stark contrast to the quiet repose of the Labyrinth space which invites contemplation and prayer at the other end of the parking lot; I suppose it is simply a different kind of prayer from the active growing learning prayer that is little ones.
I call Rachel to apologize and confess my lostness. She waits a millisecond, and says, "Well, do you want to come over?" I'm immediately struck by the intimacy she is inviting. Into her home, with no prior planning, to share some tea and finally connect face to face. I note that I spent the entire previous day getting my house "ready for company" - clean, presentable, putting on a good show. Rachel is inviting me into her life, as it is, right now.
We talk about this at her kitchen table. I wonder aloud about her open hearted as-you-are hospitality, in contrast to my "are the bathrooms sparkling" worrisome way. Rachel says, "Different than Biblical times, we don't wash each others' feet upon entering any longer - thank God! - so instead we clean the bathroom. But that's not really hospitality; hospitality is being with the other."
Call Questions:
What is an early favorite memory of a conversation around the dinner table?
How long does it take you to have your house ready for others?
What helps you have your heart ready for others?
Are there people who are always invited in, no matter what? What makes that possible?
Recall a time when you were delighted by someone's success.
Call Encouragement:
What are your practices to connect with the wonder of the world this fall? See our Journeying blog for encouragement.
A blessed Thanksgiving, everyone - we are VERY grateful for you! Look for a poem by Rachel in the Advent Newsletter, coming
to you soon via snail mail! Rachel was a participant in our Make a Living, Have a Life groups.
Tiffany Montavon
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"It's great to talk in
a safe way about things that matter with people who may not have the answers
but will share the questions." J. S.,
group participant
 The Make a Living, Have a Life groups are a 7 week small
group experience that meets via conference call to support people in listening
for their meaning and purpose in life.
"My group gave such
fantastic feedback that I'm typing it up and putting it on the wall at
eye-level by my desk. That kind of mirroring and feedback is priceless." J.I., group participant
With challenging questions, reflective readings and videos, feedback, concern, and
understanding each group member gets help to listen for that "still, small
voice" and for their truest sense of self. In a time when you might feel
lucky for any job, how can you nurture your true vocation?
"It was very helpful
to learn the distinction between what's my call and what's my ministry.
It was freeing to learn that I can do my ministry - what I'm good at - while I
continue to listen for call. I don't have to leave all that behind."
L.S., group participant
 Consider giving someone you care about the gift of a registration for this life-changing experience. We support
people on their journey in knowing how to spend their life energy, and in
taking the next steps to find their work in the world.
"The questions you all
asked were more about who I am, rather than what I do. What I do will come out
of who I am. This takes the weightiness out of figuring out what I will
do." J. M., group participant
Who do you know that has been affected by the economy? Who
is in a life transition? Do you want to
gift them with support?
"Being laid off created some real self
esteem questions for me. From these calls and the feedback I was given,
I'm more confident in the person I am and the next steps I'll take and the call
I will live." J.B., group participant
 In this season of alternative gift giving, give something
that truly supports their life. Call the
office to register a friend who is needing support while in transition. $50 may help them remember who they are amidst
the change they are going through.
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Lumunos in Action
Listen to this recent participant in our "Make a Living, Have a Life" groups:
 "The Spirit of
God amazes, often in surprising ways and the Lumunos group affirmed this truth. Each of the sessions lifted up something that has served me deeply in my
journey. Thank you again, you have changed my life by affirmation and opening new vistas of possibility. Your example of alternative ways to walk with people as they discern and live out their vocations [makes me] appreciate more fully the unique ways that I am being called to be with people in soulful ways that may open up newness of life in the Spirit. (M. J.)
Without your support, lives would not be changed.
Please give generously to help people grow spiritually.
There are 3 ways you can contribute to Lumunos:
Use the Giving Envelope in the Fall Appeal mailing, Call us at 1-800-245-7378 Give online at www.lumunos.org
Thank you for your support!
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Lumunos Events
 December 12, 8:30am-10am. Christmas Unplugged: An Advent Retreat for Setting Priorities. Richmond Congregational Church, Richmond, VT.
The holiday season is like the rest of our life on steriods. We try to do too many things all at once in the very season when the Christian year invites us to slow down, reflect and be expectant. What's required is an ability to say "no" to the things that are not important so that we can say yes to God's invitation. This brief retreat will provide an opportunity to set priorities for the holidays.
Planning for 2010:
January 13-14 Physicians Retreat with Centura Hospital, Denver, CO
February 28 Light For Your Journey Retreat, Attleboro, MA Covenant Church
March 12-14 Waking Jesus: Tracking, Weathering, and Rebuilding Through the Storms of Life, Men's Retreat Lake Geneva, WI
All of us experience rough weather in our life. Come together with other guys to explore the story of Jesus calming the storm.
(and for the real planners among us-!)
October 15-17, Hearing God in a Noisy World: Discovering a Source of Living Water in Our Daily Lives, Women's Retreat in Seattle WA, Lake Retreat Camp and Conference Center
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