A Summer to Connect

Graduation parties, vacations, long weekends, gardening, hiking, BBQs... it's beginning to smell like summer. The summer is a season where it's tempting to DISCONNECT. Often, we can let aspirations of rest and relaxation distract us from remaining rooted within our church community causing us to unknowingly drift away from others.

We can still take time to rest, getaway, and go on vacation, while choosing to remain connected to those that will encourage us to grow in our relationship with Jesus.

Let's be honest, every season can tempt us toward drifting away from the things that are most important. In three months, we'll be headed towards fall, a season which holds it's own temptations trying to fool us into drift. At some point, we need to choose to resist this drift and get connected with others. This summer is that point, a season to connect with other Open Lifers.

To that end, here are some opportunities to get connected this summer.

• Wanting to host a BBQ with OLers who live near you?
• Interested in going on a hike, but don't know where to begin?
• Headed to a Sounders match?
• Taking the kids to the spray park?
• Trying to get a group of people to play pickleball?

These activities (and more) are all great examples of potential meet-ups that can happen this summer, connecting Open Lifers with other Open Lifers.

To be clear, these are not official Open Life Events, they are informal events and activities hosted by you and other people of Open Life looking to connect. People wanting to partcipate will RSVP directly with the host.

It's convenient to join in with what others are already doing, but maybe you don't see something that fits your schedule or interest. That's okay, it might just be a great opportunity for you to host a meet-up and and invite others to join you. Check out our Meet-ups Host page to find out how you can get your meet-up listed on our calendar. We even have a host kit that can help guide you along the way to your meet-up.

Soon, you will see some meet-ups on the calendar that are neighborhood-targeted to help you get to know those who live within your same neighborhood or close region. This will be a great way to connect and maybe even meet those you didn't even know lived in the same neighborhood as you. If you are interested in being a part of hosting a one of these Meet-ups you can email Stephanie to express your interest.

Text the word "meetups" to +18337018585 to get text updates. You'll be asked about specific types of meet-ups when you text in. You can also scan this QR code to easily open up your messaging app and press send.

Don't sell yourself short.
Your presence matters.

Each time you come to worship with us at Open Life on Sunday mornings, RSVP for a meet-up, go to your small group, show up to the prayer room, men's breakfast, women's meet-up, student life gathering, and etc., you're helping someone else know they're not alone through whatever season they might be in. Choosing to be present, to connect with someone else, might help them find an anchor while they're feeling adrift.

Remember this verse we've been looking at during our current series at Open Life, Family Matters: Hebrews 10:23–25 (NIV)
²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Your presence can encourage others just as much as it will encourage yourself by participating.