Our summertime tradition at WellSprings returns… our annual “Neighbors & Helpers” message series is back, starting August 3rd!
Every summer, we invite guests from the community to join our preacher for a conversation, during each Sunday service in August – to help us get to know our neighbors, and to hear about their experience of life in this corner of the world that we share. We know that even though we live close to each other, we don’t all have the same experience of our community. Life looks a little bit different for each one of our neighbors – and it helps us all to learn from the stories of people who move through the world with a different perspective.
Read below for the schedule of guests who’ll be joining us this month – and remember, this is a great series to invite a friend to! Bring along a neighbor of your own: someone who might want to learn more about our local community, or who has an interest in one of the topics below.
August 3
Keith Burress, Phoenixville Juneteenth Committee
Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 – but has been celebrated within the African-American community since the mid 1800s. Rev. Lee will be joined by WellSprings members Jenn Nettingham and Tonie Scullion to talk with Keith about the legacy of Juneteenth, what it means for our country to celebrate it today, and how non-Black allies can respectfully engage with the holiday.
August 10
Eric Schmidt, Way Forward
Eric is a local business owner and a founder of Way Forward, a progressive citizen action group rooted in Quaker values and principles. Their mission is to “defend the vulnerable, engage in courageous dialogue, and resist injustice and fear.” Rev. Lee will talk with Eric about what motivated him to organize his community, and about the many ways that ordinary people can step up, get engaged, and find their own ways to act and speak out in these difficult times for our country.
August 17
Alexander Stefanini, Arrive Therapy
Alex founded Arrive Therapy in 2019 as a gay- and trans-focused counseling practice that prioritizes the mental health and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ population. Arrive provides therapeutic services, support groups, trainings, and community resources for individuals, families, and organizations across our area. Alex and Rev. Lee will discuss how the changes in our national climate have affected the community he serves; how allies and folks within the community can share support; and how all of us can talk with our neighbors about the real human stories behind “hot button” gender and sexuality issues.
August 24
Kate Camarda, Kate’s Casa
Our HeartWorks Team is proud to host this conversation with Kate’s Casa, one of our many community partners at WellSprings. Kate’s Casa offers local immigrant families a space for connection and support through adult ESL programs; student scholarships and microloans; and supplies like clothing, household items, and books, to help all families meet their material needs. Kate will talk with members of our HeartWorks Team about what our immigrant neighbors in Chester County are facing at this moment, and how all of us can find a way to share aid and support.
AUGUST 31
Marian Uhlman, Healthy NewsWorks
Healthy NewsWorks helps children in the Philadelphia area create “school news teams” to report on health and wellness in their own communities. Marian, a reporter with the Philadelphia Inquirer, co-founded the organization to empower local students to become researchers, writers, critical thinkers, and confident communicators. WellSprings member Rodney Whittenberg will talk with Marian about developing young leaders, engaging people of all ages in the work of justice – and how important it is to encourage every kid to share their voice.
We hope you’ll join us on Sundays at 10am for these fruitful conversations – whether in-person in Bell Hall, or online at our YouTube Channel!