The following post is from Devita Parnell, CBF’s missional resources specialist, as a part of the Churchworks! e-news. You can subscribe to Churchworks! or any of our other e-newsletters at www.thefellowship.info/subscribe.

I’m that person. You know, the one who tries hard to sit quietly beside you on the plane or bus (I’m riding Megabus as I write!), but finds it hard not to look over your shoulder to see what you are doing on your computer or what book you’re reading.

I’m the one who has to call on all internal resources to not look you in the eyes and ask you where you are from, where it is you are heading and if this is your first time to ride Megabus, and … (breath) Sorry – it’s just what I do. I meet people. I ask questions. I talk.

Some (my husband) might call me nosy. I call it curious. Yes, curious. And just to let all of you who are not made in this manner in on a little secret –the reason I am curious is that I like to learn. I like to grow. I like making connections. 

And in making connections, I discover who you are – I discover who I am. I discover my story. I discover what I care about.  I discover what I don’t know. I discover what I’d like to know. I discover the what or the who or the where that connects us.  And yes, I even discover how to listen. In all of this, I discover what is between us.

When it comes to the task of resourcing the Fellowship, I find myself sitting next to many of you. You are gifted and passionate. You are full of great ideas. You are good at what you do. And I’m looking over your shoulders wondering what you are reading, what you are working on,  wondering what  energizes and sustains you, wondering what might be “between us,” if only we could begin a conversation!

I imagine we might find ourselves sharing self-published Bible studies for youth, recommending books for young parents, or connecting with one another for prayer and encouragement.  We might exchange great websites, or blogs, or conference and retreat locations or speaker information. I imagine we might collaborate on projects that make a difference in our communities.  We might begin leading one another to deep wells that nurture our souls. And in all of this, we will discover that what is between us is great! We will discover that we are abundantly rich –  together.

So, I hope you don’t mind in the coming months when we start getting a little nosy (I mean curious). CBF is building something new as we move into the future of resourcing congregations and we need you!