About A Place to Be Spirituality Center

Our Mission

A Place to Be accompanies those who seek meaning and purpose and something beyond themselves.
Core Values
  • Sacredness:  We believe in every person and all creation dwells the indwelling Spirit.
  • Respect:  Acknowledge the dignity, diversity, and worth of each person as a unique image of God.
  • Community:  Through prayer, empathy, listening and sharing, we create a safe, nonjudgmental, peaceful place.
  • Hospitality:  Welcome all with compassion, acceptance, and celebration.
  • Professionalism:  Commit to competence, quality, trust, and personal spiritual development.​  
  • Emotions: We believe in the authentic sharing of ourselves through laughter, tears and joy.

Leadership Team

  Barbara Bode
  Email: barbara@jadair.com
"I chose to be involved long ago because this is a special opportunity to bring together God's people; people who have spiritual needs, are fed by enriching and contemplative readings, retreats, days of reflection, and more.  It is a chance to participate with people who are hurting, lonely, creative and searching. I love our "place to be," our leadership and what we offer. Because we connect at a deeper level we unite as a friendly strong parish community. We really care about eachother."
  Bob Burant
  Email: robert.burant@fisglobal.com
"I have found A Place to Be a spiritual home where I can meet others who have the same core values as I and are looking to deepen their relationship with God.  I choose to be involved as I believe in the mission of outreach to others and serve as Jesus has asked of us."
Jo-Ann Decker
Email: jodecker12@gmail.com
"When I started attending A Place to Be over three years ago, I felt like I was part of the family immediately. It is a very enriching, spiritual, friendly and loving environment. I am so honored to be asked to be part of the leadership team. I have attended almost everything the center has to offer, now as part of the leadership team I hope I can help pass on and build on what I have learned."
Chris Lear
Email: learchris@outlook.com
"I feel A Place To Be Spirituality Center fills a niche in our community life. That niche says 'there are folks out there who want to learn more about Jesus' in an environment of acceptance for all people. To help make this happen, we put together the best instruction in an environment where many new approaches stimulate new thoughts and lots of questions. All this, is offered in a warm, ecumenical environment. "
Brenda Wingard-Haynes
Email: bwingard2012@gmail.com
"Hello, All!  I am so pleased to become part of the leadership team at APTB.  I have spent many years searching for a spiritual home and finally found it at APTB.  Here, one can explore one's own spiritual journey in a caring, warm, and welcoming environment. There is something for everyone.  In terms of leadership, I have a lot of interests and a few talents as they relate to leading/organizing.  I hope I can bring those interests and talents to the leadership team and those who participate in its programming."

Our Staff

Kelly Lemens, Director
​Email: kelly.aplacetobesc@gmail.com
  Jenny Mitchell, Marketing Coordinator
  Email: jenny.aplacetobesc@gmail.com
​"I started my journey at APTB as a participant in book groups and retreats, where I learned to explore my faith on a deeper level than ever before with a supportive, caring community. Then I became the 'resident artist,' helping to find and implement creative ways to get in touch with one's spirituality... and 'Euchre queen,' teaching people to play a fun card game with other community members each month. Eventually I joined the staff as 'marketing guru.' I have gained so much from my experiences at APTB and continue to grow deeper in faith with this community. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to help others on their own journeys!"

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