UPDATE - Week of Sept 11

Feliz Cumpleanos Abbey

If every week is like this week, I may not be able to contain my enthusiasm. Who are we kidding? Since when have I been able to contain my enthusiasm! 

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Monday, we established what will next year become a tradition of having the Fellows Alumni join us for Labor Weekend Round Table. 

Jessica, Julia, Rahel, Sarah, and Abbey

We made Hobo Dinners in the fire. 

Then worshipped together before debriefing week one. 

It rained cats and dogs on Wednesday - at least it did during the five minutes I was carrying the food into Leader Lunch. Good thing for us, Allan Younger exudes his own sunshine. 

Sitting: Natalie, Abbey, Morgan, Allan, Kate
Standing: Grace, JP, Ashley, Patrick, Tucker, Caleb and Tate

What an incredible leader. In his words, Allan's mission is to connect with people and help them increase their capability. He's done it in business at General Electric, in his firm G.R.A.C.E. Consulting (Genuine Relationship Allows Collaboration Excellence), and for sure in his role at the Small Business and Entrepreneur Center at Forsyth Tech. 

"Strangers may be new to you, but they aren't new to God," he said at one point. 

No wonder he makes friends so easy I thought. 

Thanks Allan for your warm hospitality and the way you are making such a huge impact on our city. 

Friday, I left the Fellows in the most capable hands of Kevin Frack. I refer to Kevin as the Resident Spiritual Historian of Winston-Salem. 

His lecture on the spiritual history of Moravians and their arrival to this part of America is one of the most fascinating lessons I have ever experienced. I could listen to him every year - and next year will be even better because I missed this year!

After lunch, the Fellows met back up with Kevin that afternoon for a Walking Tour of Old Salem.

The Fellows on the way to the walking tour

Kevin's walking tour of Old Salem cannot be beat. It sounds like I'm advertising, and Kevin would definitely not like me to do that...sorry brother if I drum you up some business!

Can you pick Kevin out of the crowd? It's hard, isn't it. The eternal Fellow that man is...

I love starting the year with Kevin because on top of the learning the history - the Moravians did intentional community, something we seek to establish with our Fellows while they are with us. 

Meanwhile, I was up in the mountains with F3 Winston-Salem, running the Blue Ridge Relay. 

Brian Amrich kicking off Team DashStrong

I still can't believe it, but somehow Team DashStrong got 3rd place in the Open Division and 8th Place Overall!

Meanwhile, the Fellows celebrated Patrick McCarthy and Abbey Sams' birthdays up on top of Hanging Rock. 

Happy Birthday Abbey and Patrick!

I love that the Fellows are figuring things out without me. See more pics at the end of the Update. 

Sunday, at church, Kate helped out packing Hurricane Harvey supplies. 

Kate and Jean Moser

Kate's family is in Houston. They made it through the storm relatively unscathed. 

Later that afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting Roger and Lisa Sams as we celebrated Abbey's birthday one last time!

From there most Fellows went off to Youth Group. 

Others helped out at the Love Out Loud fundraiser. 

Sarah and Ashley sporting vests for the Love Out Loud Fundraiser

I went home and checked out my fantasy football team (Barring any crazy stuff, I should be 1-0). The surprise of week one: Abbey Sams obliterated JP Flynn (the professional) then went to Life Group. 

What a week!

WHAT ELSE?

We were excited to learn that our dear friend/hero Charley Donohoe made it out of cancer surgery, minus a five pound tumor along with some other pieces. Recovery is going to be tough. Good thing he is a marine. 

Holly and Charley last year about this time

We had sad news as well. Beloved Mickey Wallace passed away and this weekend we lost another saint, Jan Rice. Please please pray for the Wallace and Rice families. 

RECRUITMENT UPDATE!

Yes, you heard that right RECRUITMENT! We received our first application for NEXT YEAR already! In fact, another is on the way. 

Folks - the word is out: Winston-Salem is the place to be! Woo-Hoo!

SHOUT OUT TO LIA, ELLEN and ASHLEY

Lia, Ashley and Ellen in their new office!

I am so proud of these women. Next week, they will be opening Waughtown Pediatrics - a clinic that will primarily serve the underserved in our city. This has been a dream of Lia's for several years - and it has been delayed one more week because Duke Power sent all their techs to Houston for the hurricane - but on September 20th the dream will officially become reality! Way to go gals!

WHAT ELSE CAN I SAY?

Want to join us?

There are plenty of ways to jump on this crazy train. 

The simplest and highly appreciated is financial. 

Write checks to Winston-Salem Fellows

Mail to: Winston-Salem Fellows 851 W. 5th St. WSNC 27101

Or give online: wsfellows.com/give

You can also love on the Fellows. These guys are worth your affection!

You can also come and learn more at our WS FELLOWS BREAKFAST

7am Oct 5th at River Birch Lodge

Let me know if you'd like to attend (or want to bring some friends)

THANKS ALL!

Keep sharing the story and spreading the love!