Linn United Methodist Church, on the campus of Central Methodist University, will kick off the academic year by offering an event meant to help students and the community create a culture of hospitality and care. In partnership with the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church, Linn UMC and CMU will host author Joe Keohane, who will speak on how to “Master Talking to Strangers” at 7 p.m., August 19.
“We always want to be inclusive and invite new people but don’t know how,” said Rev. Bill O’Neal, pastor of Linn Memorial. “Students want to have holy, deep conversations but don’t [have the tools].”
O’Neal began the process of bringing Keohane to campus after reading his book, The Power of Strangers: The Benefits of Connecting in a Suspicious World. In addition to being a published author, Keohane is a screenwriter and veteran journalist. He is a former editor at such publications as Esquire, Medium, and Entrepreneur Magazine.
Keohane’s workshop, which will be free and open to the public, will use humor to discuss the reasons people don’t speak to strangers, as well as the benefits of what happens when they do. He will also give a crash course in simple methods that will equip participants in the art of talking to strangers. Audience members will break out into small groups as they try out their new found skills.
“I want everyone to know that it’s normal to be anxious. I think that’s the most important thing,” Keohane said of his presentation in a conversation with the Missouri Conference. “Then, we will go through pointers on how you can easily find your feet and how you can easily start doing and seeking out these interactions without making yourself too uncomfortable.”
The event will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 19, at Linn UMC (409 N. Church Street). For more information, email communicationslinnumc@gmail.com or call the church office at 660-248-3157.