A pair of fast-paced storytelling hours primarily featuring Pella-area residents, the Second Reformed Church Story Slam, returns for a third year starting this evening. Inspired by the National Public Radio program, “The Moth,” the story slam features five speakers who tell real-life stories from their experiences, with each story of the evening revolving around a common theme. Speakers cannot use a script and stories are limited to 5-7 minutes. The topic this evening at 7 p.m. is “Thinking Before Leaping” while the theme for a story slam for Thursday, Feb. 20 is “Breaking the Rules.” Each event will be staged in the church’s Gathering Space near the north entrance. Among those serving as storytellers this year are former Des Moines Register staff writer Mackenzie Ryan, Voice of the Dutch Trevor Castle, Prairie City pastor Jason Taylor, Central College Frank Moore Chair of Anthropology Cynthia Mahmood, Crossroads of Pella director Jim Hibma, former William Penn University president Ann Fields and Pella city councilwoman and Vermeer Corporation corporate communication manager Liz Sporrer. The events are free and open to the public and include light refreshments. Contact the church office at 641-628-3982 for additional information.