***There is a special invitation below. Make sure to scroll down to read it. But first, I express my thanks.***

This spring, I celebrate community.

It is the theme that has been re-occurring in me, around me and dare I say, even through me.  All I’ve come to expect from life lived in relation to others is being challenged. Slowly but surely a new vision of what can be is taking form.

And I want to share this thought with you as it grows in me.

So I’m going out on a limb here and I’m going to write my very first series. Let’s call it “Surprised by Community.”

Over the next few weeks I want to explore a version of community worth talking about. Not the fluffy touchy-feely type or the dramatic contrived type. But rather the real, close to the ground, practical type. I find that community to be smaller, thicker.

It was this kind of community I experienced these past few weeks with you. I was touched to tears by the kindnesses poured out in response to my recent struggle with the loss of a pregnancy.

 

You surprised me.

And I don’t have words enough to express my gratitude.

So instead I want to invite you over! Literally.

At the end of April, I am thrilled to host a very special meeting at my home honoring real life community. And you, yes you, are invited to be here. (“Here” being in Jacksonville, Florida, that is.)

Announcing the (in) real life meetup April 26-27, 2013

This is the second annual (in)RL event hosted by (in)courage, a division of Dayspring. This “virtual conference” is a chance for women to gather, first online via webcast on Friday, and then in person in homes across the world on Saturday. Together we will explore community while taking part in the larger community meeting that same day around the world.  Visit (in)RL for more info.

I am a host home, locally in Jacksonville, Florida for this year’s event. I know there are those here in my hometown with a heart to connect at a deeper level and do life together. I know you are out there. Let’s gather in April and chance discovering one another.

Register Now (in two quick steps)

1. Register here – It’s free!
2. Once you register, sign up for our Jacksonville, Florida meetup specifically.

Answering those Questions

What’s it cost? Well let’s see… it’s completely free.

What should I bring? Nothing is needed but an open heart and smile. But if bringing a delicious goodie strikes your fancy, please, oh please, do not hesitate! And if you’re the twitterin’ or facebookin’ type, why not bring your favorite wifi device to join the comments from across the globe? (all optional, of course)

How do I sign up? First, register for the conference. Second, join our local meetup right here. Or if that’s too techy for your taste, just shoot me an email, or leave a comment and I’ll help make it happen.

When, where and how long? Oh, aren’t you the practical type. 😉

• Friday, April 26, you will watch a webcast online at home at one of these times: 9 am, 1pm, 6pm, 9pm
• Saturday, April 27 at 2 pm, come to my house in Mandarin in Jacksonville, Florida (address will be sent once you RSVP). We’ll start at 2 pm and plan for about 3 hours. Read the full agenda here.

Who should come? You, for starters. And any girl friends you wish to bring along. If you are a blogger, if you are a blog reader, if you don’t know what a blog is, if you struggle turning on your computer, then this is for you. If you are alone and bored, if you are connected and busy, if you seek deep life in Christ and a deeper connection with those who do, then this is for you.

Won’t you come?

It would be my honor to open my home to you.