August 2025

                                                                            Walking With Our Neighbors
On Thursday evening, July 24th, I had the opportunity to attend one of the Greater Milwaukee Synod’s Adventures in Renewal “Co-Labs.” We’ve been talking about Adventures in Renewal for nearly a year, but for many, the name still feels a little mysterious. Remember that Adventures in Renewal is a Spirit led process of renewing a congregation through listening, ministry experimentation, and deep connections with our neighbors. Co-Lab — short for Collaborative Laboratory — is simply a hands-on space to try small, creative experiments in ministry, such as listening activities or community walks.

That may sound like a lot of terminology, but the evening itself was anything but complicated. It was authentic, simple, and surprisingly energizing.

This Co-Lab took place at the South Milwaukee Farmer’s Market. Because the market also featured a live band, our opening and closing conversations happened in a quieter spot — a beautiful local flower shop. We began by grounding ourselves in Scripture, dwelling in the word on Luke 24:13–35 — the story of Jesus meeting disciples on the road to Emmaus. Then we paired up with someone we didn’t know and were given a very simple assignment:

• Use a small amount of cash to buy produce for donation to All People’s Table
  
• Return with two names and one story from people we met along the way

While walking to the market, my partner and I talked about what we had noticed in the Scripture passage and how it spoke to us. Once there, we began our “mission” — meeting new people.

Now, I’ll admit, striking up conversations with strangers doesn’t come naturally to me. I had to step out of my comfort zone. My partner even called me “gregarious,” and I had to laugh — because inside, I was working hard to be outgoing!

I met Kay, a produce vendor who told me about their farm in West Bend, and Mike, the “honey guy,” who shared about the farmers market at the VA Hospital. More importantly, he told me about a disabled veteran who helps him sell honey there. As a veteran himself, Mike’s passion for helping a fellow vet was inspiring.

When we returned to the flower shop, everyone introduced the people they’d met and shared their stories. We reflected on what we noticed, learned, or found surprising. Finally, we imagined ourselves as a church in that neighborhood and discussed what God might be calling us to do.

Yes, a few of us had to step out of our comfort zones. But the tasks were simple, the conversations were meaningful, and the evening left me feeling hopeful. It reminded me that this is exactly the kind of thing we can do as a congregation — walking with our neighbors, listening to their stories, and being present in our community.

​I hope more of us will give these experiments a try. No special skills are needed — just curiosity, open ears, and a willing heart. Sometimes the smallest steps can open the biggest doors.
Blessings,
Tom
 
On the calendar:

• Rooted in Love Community Yoga resumes Tuesday September 9th at 5:15 pm
• Community Pet Blessing, September 14th during and after worship.