I didn't know a place like this existed

The Thread's curious + hopeful vision

Enjoy this special bonus post this week! Fun things are stirring in our life together here at The Thread. Read on for an update on subscriptions and our upcoming themes in the new year!

In my years pastoring local churches, I heard a fascinating thing over and over.

I didn’t know a place like this existed.

What was that place? It often came down to three words: Inclusive, Curious, and Brave.

On one hand, I often felt a bit sad that many found it unusual to discover a place where everyone tried to embody beautiful values like those. On the other hand, I loved to lean in and nod, “It’s amazing to watch what happens when someone feels included, seen, and courageous. We’d love to be church family with you in this season if this resonates. We’re far from perfect, but we’re trying to become more like love in the world. And we’d be a stronger community if you were here too.”

When I felt the nudge (shove) to write and speak full-time, I wondered what community would feel like. A question landed a few months ago that I’ve turned over and over in my hands.

Can writing about presence, honesty, love, and curiosity form a community?

Can a pastor offer love in new ways that meet humans where they’re at and invite them to see something new?

Can new friends on the internet gather around a piece of writing each week and ask brave questions about their lives?

Can long-time church folk and spiritual-but-not-religious friends journey together as we realize we’re all practicing very similar things but using a variety of language?

Can a group of people show up to their lives all around the world while feeling connected in love and practice?

And, sometimes the scariest question for me to ask — am I willing to invite people to financially invest in this dream so that I can give my full self to this work?

Yeah. Big questions in my world. Questions I now offer to you this week.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Here’s how it will work:

FREE:

All posts and archived posts are free for everyone to read, anytime, anywhere. Simply visit and subscribe. Share away! We want this content to land in front of people looking for support and connection.

MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION:

We’re adding a paid monthly subscription feature as a way to ensure this work continues. It’s a beautiful way to create space for this work to connect with new friends and to support my family. Subscribe monthly for $7 or annually for $70. As a gift, I’ll send two brand-new poems your way each month!

FOUNDING MEMBER:

This is a pretty special group of people who know the power of healing in community. They’ve seen what happens when we show up to our lives and untangle our pain. They know the mystery of letting go and trusting Love to hold it all. They are delighted to support a new space seeking to usher more presence and peace into our world. If this is you, consider becoming a founding member of The Thread with a one-time gift of support.

To kick off our coming year together, we're creating a few series to explore.

In November, we'll spend time with gratitude and wonder. Three incredible friends will join us for these conversations.

In December, we'll move through the holiday season with reflections on rest and love. Plus, we're putting out a Christmas Text List where you receive daily invitations to move you through the season with rest and love.

In January, we'll reflect on the themes in our first Thread Retreat (January 6-8). Let's dive into grace, curiosity, and fear together.

In February and March, we'll explore grief in its many forms. We'll welcome my very special guests -- my parents and siblings -- as we reflect on the first anniversary of my brother's death.

Wow, friends. What a freaking gift to do this work alongside you. If you're ready for the ride, some encouragement, loads of grace, and a few good curious questions about life, join us!

Know a friend who could use some of this love? Send them our way.