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| Back row: Grace, Natalie, Sarah, Ashley, Morgan, Kate and Abbey Front row: Caleb, Tucker, Patrick, Tate, JP, and Ned |
We just finished one of my favorite weeks of the Fellows year - the main reason simply being that I get to spend so much time with the Fellows.
Last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - we spent three days together in intense professional development mode at the Center for Creative Leadership.
The theme was Great Leaders Lead Themselves. It was a helpful three days of discovery and goal setting. I'm excited to see how our learning will play out over the coming weeks and months.
Highlights from the week
Monday's Round Table was at one of our home bases 921 S. Hawthorne St. Battling the rain, we had some chicken fried rice and stir fry as we went around and shared "the good, the hard, and the surprising."
I was impressed with our Fellows vulnerability - a great sign for things to come. The truth is we are all broken people - the path to wholeness requires us to own it.
I'm optimistic we are going to experience some real healing this year!
Tuesday, I had a full day of meetings. First, with our Advancement Team. Next, with the YMCA Board. Third, with Scott Wierman at WS Foundation. What a guy! We could have talked shop for hours. Very excited about this new friendship.
After Rotary, I had the joy of spending an hour with our Small Group Team. Every week, The Fellows split up guys and gals to study Scripture and pray for one another.
We have an all-star team. For the gals, Beth Hilliard and Shannon Rainey are my spiritual guides. On the guy side, we have James Harris. Tuesday, we went over the vision, and I had the privilege of leading the leaders. Wow. What an hour!
From there, thankfully soccer practice was cancelled, which allowed me to hang out with one of my new favorite Fellows, Sarah. Then, it was off to Parent Night for School and then an Elder Meeting. Whew...
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| We traded letters at Parent Night |
Wednesday apart from the Center for Creative Leadership, we had the bonus pleasure of kicking off our Mentoring Program! Holly Heath and Michelle Schapira did an amazing job putting a spread together. Thanks gals!
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| The most capable Holly Heath with JP looking on |
I'm so thrilled about the lineup we have this year.
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| making introductions |
Here they are:
Abbey Sams: Betsy Turner
Ashley Trewhella: Belinda Jorgenson
Caleb McKillop: Alec Sharpe
Grace Mezzy: Michelle Schapira
JP Flynn: Tim Musser
Kate Donahoo: Lora Geer
Morgan Bonds: Katy Benoit
Natalie Bayer: Elizabeth Turner
Patrick McCarthy: Benjamin Marsh
Sarah Wilkins: Molly Lineberger
Tate Heisler: Charlie Barham
Tucker Bartholomew: Dan Calhoun
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| Dan Calhoun and Tucker Bartholomew |
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| Belinda and Ashley could be sisters |
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| Elizabeth and Natlie (hidden) on the left. Charlie and Tate on the right. Michelle in the far left |
Please pray for these relationships!
We do CCL with the Greensboro Fellows on purpose. First of all, it cuts cost. Second, it introduces the idea to the Fellows that they are part of something bigger than their individual programs. Lastly, the cross-pollination of cohorts enhances community which brings to it plenty opportunity for further connection. I wouldn't do it any other way. And it cuts costs...did I say that already?
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| Greensboro and WS Fellows |
We had a great leadership team this year. Thank you Jeffrey and Susan for your facilitation.
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| Morgan enjoying the debrief |
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| Kate takes pride in her sculpture |
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| JP processing things with Ashley |
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| Grace processing things with Patrick |
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| Team juggling |
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| Blindfold puzzles (we broke the speed record - just saying) |
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| We welcomed Joe, a friend of Sarah and Grace's who was passing through |
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| Tate delivers his graduation speech |
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| Abbey fully of joy |
It was a great three days. Very thankful that we have this as part of our deliverables for the Fellows program.
Saturday was David's first soccer game, Wake Homecoming and the Apple Festival at Bethabara. In other words, there was lots of sunshine to be had.
And it was oh so fun.
Three Fellows, Caleb, Natalie and Morgan joined us for the Apple Festival.
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| Almost a Christmas card... |
We were joined at the football game by Ashley, Morgan, Abbey and her boyfriend Isaiah who came to surprise her for the day!
All in all, a great week!
Other news
We received our second application for next year! We like both of these candidates, and we are hopeful to be able to snag them.
WS FELLOWS Start Well Fundraiser
We are trying something new this year and would love for you to help make it a winner!
On Oct 5th 7am at River Birch Lodge we would love to have you join us for breakfast while we introduce our new class to you as well as share with ways to get further involved in the movement.
There is an email invitation circling around. If you have not received it yet - please let me know and I'll get you one.
As with everything Fellows, we try to be as lean and welcoming as possible. So if you are wondering if you are invited, you're invited.
Just let us know you're coming by October 2nd.
other fiscal news...
Tuition from our Fellows has been trickling in, which has not (yet) caused any belt tightening on program. However, because of that, your contributions would be a huge help this fall.
Our goal this year is to raise $50,000 of local contributions through individuals and businesses. We are nearing having shaved off about $6,000 of that so far in donations, including our monthly donors. So there is the need.
Thank you for helping us.
Mail Checks to
Winston-Salem Fellows
851 W. 5th Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
or go online to wsfellows.com/give
Other ways to support us.
Prayer:
- Monday Round Table at David and Shannon Rainey's home
- Wednesday Leader Lunch with John Bost!
- Wednesday, we are launching our Small Groups
- Wednesday, we are also launching Mentor Training with Bill McClain and Ron Pegram
- Friday, we are launching two semester-long classes with Dr. Clay Cooke and Dr. Jack Wilkerson
- Pray also for Fellows. Several (all) would benefit from counseling. I'm trying to figure out a way to pull this off for them inexpensively.
- Pray for the Erickson Family
- we experienced a lice attack last week, which tends to happen when something big is about to happen...this time it is Lia's new Medical Practice which is opening this Wednesday off of Waughtown Street. Please pray for her and the medical team.
Also, let me debunk the myth. I am not too busy. I dare you to reach out to me. Let's get together.
Thanks all.
More pics from the week...
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| thanks all! |
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