by Mark Cutshall

Do you feel trapped in a job that doesn’t satisfy you?

Are you already missing your grown kids, or dreading the day they go off to college and move out?

Do you feel lonely, wanting friends who share your journey?

If you’re still reading along—perhaps smiling and wincing at the same time--you’re not alone, because other men at Bethany in their 40s, 50s and 60s are right there with you. In fact, a few have already begun talking openly and honestly with each other about hitting midlife and the grinding (and graying) realities that hit back.

What began as a conversation between two guys in a hurried hallway between services last winter is now an open invitation to all men:

“We’re calling it Navigating Midlife, three consecutive Sundays—September 12, 19 and 26 at 10:45 am in the Parlor,” says Mark Plunkett, who’s helping organize the September gatherings. “There’s no syllabus, no required reading. What we’re building is a “campfire” fed by good conversation—the challenges you’re facing, a personal setback in need of healing, a lifelong dream still within reach, and especially, a desire to know Jesus deeper and better than before. “These first three Sundays are really drop-in sessions so you can get a taste of what future gatherings might look like. The good thing is men are already chattering this up. Put it on your calendar. We hope to see you in a few weeks.”

Join the conversation:

Mark Plunkett (m.plunkett@seattleaquarium.org)
Mark Cutshall (mcutsh@aol.com)
Tosh Hayashi (chayashi@comcast.net)
Mike Purdy (mpurdy@mpurdy.com)