Welcome to the first official publication of renewal reflections, a newsletter by Melanie Eccles. My mission is to join Jesus in the renewal of all things. This means calling attention to the ways in which I’m glimpsing goodness, peace, and restoration in our ordinary lives. In upcoming editions of renewal reflections I will write about my work as a pastor, spiritual director, and placemaker in Ypsi. I’ll share practices for emotional and spiritual health. I will tell stories about my lived experience as an everyday missionary. I’ll seek to inspire you to join me in this work of renewal. 

Why you? I’ve included you as one of my subscribers because you have supported me over the years as I’ve pastored, taught piano, led yoga retreats, mentored youth, sang in choirs, led worship, and learned how to be a good neighbor. THANK YOU for your words of encouragement, for sharing your stories, for responding to my teaching or ministry or friendship. My connection with you has helped me discern God’s invitation to spiritual direction and missional pastoring. 

Why now? I am gathering patrons and partners in ministry to support my work. Has my presence in your life ever brought value to yours? Then I invite you to journey with me as I document my missional work. I am honored to be raising funds for myself, seeking the support of my widespread parish. I consider you to my congregation, and I will offer you prayerful encouragement and opportunities for challenging your faith. I am excited to invite visionary patrons like you to finance my missional presence in my neighborhood and in pastoring with a church plant called Evergreen. If you’d like to talk more about becoming a patron, shoot me a text or email.

What am I doing? I am serving with Evergreen Church as Pastor of Spiritual Formation and am training as a Spiritual Director. I am passionate about placemaking–creating welcoming spaces for people to be seen and loved as their truest selves and to enter into the healing & wholeness Jesus offers. Along with our co-leader, Lauren Lyons, my family hosts a house church 🏠 in our Ypsilanti neighborhood. In between gatherings, my focus is curating resources and retreats and a listening ear for all who desire spiritual and emotional health. 

Please define your terms, Mel. Spiritual Formation. Spiritual direction. Placemaking. Missional. Everyday missionary. Church Planting. What in the world do I mean by all these phrases? First of all, I invite you to keep those questions coming. And, secondly, I plan to spend time defining these terms in upcoming editions of renewal reflections. If you’re anything like my data-loving husband, Kevin, I know you’ll be especially appreciative of these definitions.🤓 

Grace + Peace. As I said in the beginning, I am grateful for you and the place you’ve had in my life already. Before you go, I have three questions:

1️⃣ I ask you to pray for me. (Or if you’re not a praying person, I’d love your good vibes.) 
2️⃣ I’d love for you to reply to this email and let me know how you’re doing and how I can support for you.
3️⃣ I would be grateful for your financial patronage in my work. Click here to donate. 

I am excited to connect with you via 📝 email conversations, 📞phone calls, ▶️zoom meetings, and ☕coffee dates.

Let’s talk soon! 

Mel