Lifetree kickoff

After many months of visioning, planning, praying and diligent work, West Des Moines UMC gave birth to Lifetree Cafe on Grand; a new outreach ministry to the community and church, on Thursday, November 8, 2012! 

Lifetree Cafe is a new place in the Des Moines Metro area, where persons of various backgrounds gather in an informal and comfortable setting (a coffee house atmosphere) to hear and discuss real life issues and how they may impact their daily life and faith. 

The launch night had close to 35 persons gathered, engaging in conversations following the topic of discussion for the evening, "Smile, Even When You Think You Can't", led and facilitated by Duane Daby. The story of a mother and her incredible son, who has Cerebral Palsy, reminded us to look for the blessings in our lives, and to SMILE, even as we walk through the difficult journey's in life. The conversations were stimulating and invigorating around each table, as a beautiful spirit of excitement guided this launch night...many reasons to "Smile!" One participant commented, "We can't wait to see what God is going to do with Lifetree to touch and change lives!"

Next Thursday's program is titled, "Wounded Warriors, When War Comes Home," which will powerfully share and explore the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder in the lives of our military veterans, and the resources and strategies for coping with PTSD. 
The program features an exclusive film of a veteran who saw his friend killed in combat, and his return to civilian life. He'll openly share the lingering mental distress, violent tendencies, and relationship problems he experienced, yet how he also eventually found hope and stability.

We encourage you to attend, and to invite a friend, neighbor, or family member who may be touched through this story to join you. We gather every Thursday at 7:00p.m. for one hour at 720 Grand Avenue. 

At Lifetree Cafe you'll be warmly greeted and welcomed every week, share in thought provoking learning experiences, be invited into stimulating discussions and discover opportunities to build friendships with new friends.  We assure you'll leave each Lifetree Cafe experience enlightened and encouraged. 
We hope to meet and welcome you next week!

Blessings,
Paige Chapman
Director of Assimilation and Servant Ministries
Director of Lifetree Cafe