New + Good Things

Hello friends! I have two new and good things to share with you in between my regularly scheduled letters this month.

First, Awakenings (the community I serve as pastor of) was recently featured in a USA Today article titled "As millions leave organized religion, spiritual and secular communities offer refuge." It’s an honor to be recognized for the work we're doing together as a community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring more visibility to our mission.

Check Out the Feature in USA Today! Read article

Second, I’m beyond excited to announce that Cole Arthur Riley, the acclaimed author of This Here Flesh and the voice behind Black Liturgies, has graciously agreed to be the keynote speaker for the upcoming Black Contemplative Prayer Summit. Her deep insights and powerful storytelling will bring so much richness to our time together!

Keynote Speaker Cole Arthur Riley Cole Arthur Riley is a writer and poet and the author of the two NYT bestsellers. See the Summit Schedule

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Share the News: Help spread the word! Forward this email to friends, family, and anyone who might be interested in the summit.
• Register Now: The early bird window for the summit is open. You and a friend can join for the price of one by October 15th. Click here to secure your spot today.
• Recommend Awakenings: The USA today article addresses the ongoing abandonment of traditional organized religion, while many long to maintain some sense of spirituality and community in their lives. This weekend a woman joined us and shared that she had't been to church in over 10 years, she read the article and decided to attend because she's been looking for something like Awakenings. Very humbling and exciting. If that sounds like you or someone you know we offer a hybrid gathering on first Sundays and Zoom options every week. Learn more here.

Thank you for sharing in the excitemet with me and for being connected in this way! My heart is full. ❤︎

Grace + Ease,
Tia Norman