Lifelines Vermont

Hang \ˈhaŋ\1 a : to fasten to some elevated point without support from below b : to suspend by the neck until dead

OK, so neither of these definitions really hit the nail on the head with what we’re trying to do with Wednesday afternoons, so let’s just ’splain it, shall we?

We’ve gotta hang out more.  Here’s why:

• You spend way too much time in your room
• You have questions and ideas about life, spirituality, Jesus and how to get a ride to the slopes on weekends
• You love Jon and Jenn Ayers, and/or you miss us
• You just wanna drop-by and see what’s up/Who’s here
• You have some work to do that you don’t need to be alone for
• Lifelines people are too much fun not to be around more.

That’s all I’ve got.  But seriously, stop-by Brennans this (or any) Wednesday afternoon for any of the above reasons, or just to buy me pancakes.  The “Hang” will be a totally unprogrammed time of pretty much hanging out and doing/discussing whatever comes up and even just doing homework (oh wait - was that too programmed?)   As always, e-mail or call with questions! - Jon

Besides the Tuesday Women’s Group (Time TBA) and the Fireside Men’s group (Thurs 7:15pm Davis Center Circle Pickup), you’ll not want to miss the Banff Mountain Film Festival hosted by the UVM Outing Club.  Your student ID and 10 bones will get you into what’s probably the coolest outdoor film event going.  Shout out to the Facebook group if you’re going!

There’s something so sweet about a new semester, starting fresh, carte blanche, a la carte (?), a la mode (!)  We prefer the analogy of untrodden snow - waiting to be played in.

However you start the year, we hope you’ll make Lifelines a part of your 2010.  Here’s what we have coming down the pipe:

• Fireside Men’s Group: - Yup, we’re moving the fire inside this winter.  We’re also moving the time to Wed. nights, 6:45 pickup at the Davis Center Circle.
• Women’s Group Meetings:  Times and dates are changing-up for these!  Check back here for more info.
• Snowshoeing:  We’re tackling Camel’s Hump, Mansfield and who knows what else.  We’re seriously psyched for the challenge of winter hiking.  Dates TBA
• Winter Survival:  Getting stuck in the woods in the winter ain’t no joke!  Sure, you watched Bear Grylls work his magic all winter break - but that was from your couch, under a blanket, munching on leftovers.  Come learn from experience!
• Ski Trips:  Finally!  We’re providing a few rides up to the slopes this semester.  Let us know if you want in…

For now, if any of these offerings strike your fancy, LET US KNOW!  We’d love to see you.

Close on the heels of last week’s apple picking/bake-off is the next installment in the “Lifelines Does…” series:  The Mazza Farm Corn Maze.  Five bucks and this coupon gets you into a world of perplexity and high-stakes competition.  OK, so competition and confusion isn’t your bag?  How about goats, cows and cider donuts?

Seriously, though - the Corn Maze is a classic fall tradition in Vermont and you won’t want to miss it.  RSVP for a ride and meet us at 4:45 @ the Allen House.

A Retrospective - by Kathleen Christie, Banana Boat Queen 

Photos: Sarah Paulson

The Lifelines Fall Getaway trip this fall consisted of a kayaking canoeing excursion of ten students and awesome staff across Waterbury Reservoir to a gorgeous remote camp site on the point of the peninsula. We were all challenged by the theme, “courage,” when we were strapped into a harness and given the opportunity to pull ourselves across a rope tied over the river, monkey around, and then be pulled back in by Dan. Finding a message in a bottle (thank you Alex and Nick), cliff jumping, the courage feat, learning canoe rescues (or being rescued), deep fireside chats, and wonderful food were a few of the trips’ highlights!

For me personally ,the trip was an amazing opportunity to slow down, relax, and just getaway from the craziness of life for a weekend. I was challenged by the courage feat and the insecurities that rose up within me. As a result I learned that this trip was a safe place to try new things, let the very familiar guard down, be myself, and be supported my new friendships and growing ones. Not to mention, the canoeing and kayaking rocked my socks off and the banana boats changed my life!

So you want to make a difference, grow personally/spiritually AND go to where it’s warm?  Why not join us as we care for orphans in Guatemala?  We’ll be hosting an informational meeting on Tues, Sept 29th at 9pm in the Davis Center Fireplace Lounge - 4th floor.  Come hear about the incredible experience we had last year and what we’re planning for this spring!

We’re meeting at the Davis Center again at 7:30.  The date change (THURS) should work for a lot more people - we’re looking forward to seeing what this week brings!

…At the Ayers Apt.  Call/e-mail for directions/rides.  Doing life together, talking life together, and allowing God to speak into our lives through prayer and scripture.