Last week, Carlos was busy swooshing foam and mixing mochas when some young adults from your church came into the cafe. Carlos works as your local barista. His job is to make sure that your $4.00 drink is mixed to perfection so that your time in his establishment is a perfect mix of people […]
Margaret will show up in your church on Sunday. She is probably on several committees, and the first to sign up for your event team; but she is hurting. In the last few years, Margaret’s life has changed. Her husband’s career is at its peak. He works long hours, and unlike the Cialis commercial, life […]
Welcome our special guest post by Jennifer Lubanski, a counselor and teacher. She may not come every week but she has been a background fixture in your church for many years. Watch how she interacts with the people around her. Her interactions will bounce between sweet and bizarrely severe. Most people ignore her or boss her around.The few […]
Sharon is part of the “sandwich generation” – those who are taking care of aging parents while raising children of their own. With kids staying home, or returning home through their 20’s, this generation is only getting bigger. A few years ago, Sharon was probably one of your go-to people for events or kids’ Sunday […]
Are there people in your church that baffle you? If you have ever watched Big Bang Theory, you have an idea of what the world of the highly intelligent looks like. (If you haven’t, know that the show is about highly intelligent people who don’t know Jesus and their endeavor to make sense of the […]
Some people are naturally gregarious. Neil isn’t. Neil is an introvert. It isn’t that he doesn’t like people. In fact, Neil really likes being with people. However, in order to recharge, he needs time by himself. Lots of time. His job is excellent for his personality, demanding a high level of competence, but allowing a […]
Jeni will show up at your church this week. She might be a visitor, but she is just as likely to be the daughter or granddaughter of a longstanding member. Keep an eye out for her. She is precious. She is on the brink, and she needs to know God cares. When Jeni was 7 […]
Rachel is sitting in your parking lot this Sunday. Last week, her husband was arrested. He was dealing drugs. It was a long time coming, but this time he risked their son. Rachel is done. She adjusts the rear view mirror to smile at her son. “Well buddy, it’s you and me. I don’t want you […]
Don attends your church every week. He is faithful and friendly. Yet when he leaves on Sunday, he faces 166 hours before he comes back. Lately, his family has been facing health issues. He doesn’t feel 100% most of the time. The stress on his job is increasing, and his wife has been sick quite […]
Day after day, she goes to work. She has to work to pay the bills, and besides, that is what people do – they go to work. On Monday, she arrives to work, somewhat groggy, but determined to meet the day. Her teammate was apparently partying all weekend, so now she is on her own. […]