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Hello, !

How is your summer going? I've had some restorative personal time with family, and also time to teach and lead a retreat at Ring Lake Ranch. And I'm working daily on meeting some writing goals at The Writing Table, I'm thinking a lot about how we can do our ministries in seasons of change (including writing) with support. This week I want share a podcast with you about writing with support. 🙏

In this episode, we consider how a writing community can support the creative work of developing a book. How can we approach writing in a sustainable and wholehearted way? My friend and guest, Rev. Callie Swanlund, talks with me about how writing in community worked for her, and some key practices she used in writing her most recent book. 📘

Listen in and reflect on how writing with support might be helpful for you in this season. Podcast: Writing with Support.

Are you new to our community? Have you listened to the Three Minute Ministry Mentor podcast before? I am inviting you today to check out our first episode. Our podcast is one of many resources we offer to support your practice of ministry. Here's the cool thing, beginning with episode 1 (only 3 min long) together with the next 49 episodes became the basis for the book, Pastoral Imagination: Bringing the Practice of Ministry to Life. In the episodes (all just 3 min long), I explore how the complex practice of ministry is learned across time, with mentors, from mistakes, around brick walls, and with your whole heart. And lots more! 📻

Recently a new seminary grad told me she stumbled onto the 3MMM Podcast and started listening. She was hooked! And because the episodes are so short (did I mention they are 3 minutes?) and full of stories, she just kept listening. And in just a few days she had listened to the entire first season. You don't have to binge listen like she did. But I hope that you will enjoy the podcast. One per day would be a great way to start your morning! 🔆

New episodes of the 3MMM Podcast will be coming out weekly for the rest of the summer!

The 3MMM Team is growing!

I am so excited to welcome two new members to our Three Minute Ministry Mentor Team! 

Ally Stonum is our new marketing specialist working to help us get word out to you and to new people who need to hear about insights, stories, and offerings of 3MMM. She is a graduate of Howard University and Vanderbilt's Owen School of Management. Welcome, Ally!

Laura Edgar is our new Support Minister working to support me, you, the 3MMM Team, and our growing community of learners, ministers, professors, and writers! Laura has more than a decade of congregational ministry experience, and she is a graduate of Auburn University and BSK Theological Seminary. Welcome, Laura!

Learn more about Ally and Laura at the 3MMM website. They join Adam DJ Brett and Elizabeth-Anne Lovell who have been essential to the team for many years now. Together they keep many things working behind the scenes. And sometimes by leading out front. I'm so grateful!

Our Deep Thanks 
to Erin Robinson Hall! 

Now is also a good time to pause and offer big thank you to Rev. Dr. Erin Robinson Hall who worked with 3MMM all through the pandemic years, and she anchored many projects and attended to many communications for our team. She also led out front and behind the scenes. We are deeply thankful for all the many gifts and insights that Erin brought to our community since 2019.

Now Erin has launched a new initiative called Sacred Sparks, and she is doing what she loves: telling stories, making connections, and inspiring families to raise children with joy, curiosity, and faith. Follow her to learn more! Erin will continue to work with us to host the occasional Writing Table and to curate other 3MMM events. Thank you and blessings, Erin!

Two Upcoming Mini Writing Retreats

Our beloved Mini Writing Retreats are back. A half day of humane and communally supported writing! What is it like to attend a retreat? 

1. write with companions - you do not have to do it alone!
2. get your projects completed - you've got this and you might be surprised just how much you can do!
3. improve your writing habits and practices - you can experience writing humanely and even with what Robert Boice calls "mild happiness." 

I'd love for you to join me for the next Mini Writing Retreat! We'll gather Friday, August 15 for the final Mini Writing Retreat of summer. Mark your calendar, and come practice with us as we write in community.

A Mini Writing Retreat 
especially for Women of Color

On July 25 we're excited to share a Mini Writing Retreat especially for women of color. 

We know that getting the support you need to be published as a woman of color can be challenging. We also know the time is right, you have things to say, and we need your voice now more than ever! Your calling and your words matter. Through planning, focused writing time, supportive coaching, and alongside other women writing, you can get on the pathway to improving your writing habits and getting your ideas and stories published.

I’m glad to be on this journey with you, . I am hoping you find the path to sacred presence - that which is already as close as your breath - today. 

My questions for you this Monday morning: 

What is changing about my ministry setting? What support do I need for navigating it? 

Warmly,

Eileen

PS - I'm in a vocational transition myself right now, and soon I will be making the announcement I've been promising for weeks! Some changes take longer than we expect. Hang in here with me. You are going to be glad to hear about this one!

We have some exciting news to share. I know we keep saying it, but it's coming soon! Stay tuned for more details. You are going to want to celebrate with us!

Remember, , what you do and who you are matters! I believe in you, and I hope you will let me know how I can support you!

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