Tuesday Talk

Last week I wrote about the squirrels having a grand time playing in a huge tree in a neighbors yard. Then on Wednesday as I was leaving for work, I heard a chainsaw. I looked out and sure enough, there was a bucket truck with workers in neon orange vests hauling down limbs from the squirrel tree. They were just getting started and I had to leave for work. My stomach was in knots not knowing what I would come home to. Since the property line features a buried high pressure gas pipeline (never mind that I protested pipelines at Standing Rock!), and the tree branched out over the clearance zone, I was ready for the worst.

Thankfully (I am grateful!) the workers just trimmed off lower branches that hung over a garage. My stomach was gradually returning to normal when I saw the squirrels. There were still plenty of branches to run, leap, and play. Whew. Close call.

Maybe I can blame the squirrels, but probably not. I knew I needed more playfulness in my life and Ms. Maddie Catty needed a playmate. Long story short, for the first time since childhood, I now have a puppy. Of course I named her Fiona (as in Fiona Hill). She is a miniature Australian Shepherd and full of puppy energy. Let’s just say, I’m on a steep learning curve and am exhausted. Good thing she is so cute.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Safe travels, happy cooking, and enjoy family, friends, and strangers – whomever is at your table. And if you can, take time out to play – either squirrel style or puppy style. 🙂

Blessings,
Rev. Marian

SHOUT OUTS!
Opportunities and Reminders

Thanks!
Bread bakers and helpers
Thank you so much for helping to make Sunday’s Bread communion so deliciously wonderful. I heard many compliments about the bread. Thank you for all of your hard work baking, slicing, preparing the baskets, and serving.

Our congregation would not be the same without each one of us contributing to the whole. Together we create a loving community – and one that knows good bread!

***Middle Hour…Middle Hour…Middle Hour***
It’s a happening place! Come early, stay late. There is something for everyone.

Middle Hour is an exciting and changing mix of Forums, Theme Talks, Learning Labs, Sampler Groups, Creative Space, Tabletop Conversations, and more! It all happens between services from 10:10–10:45.

Here is this week’s Middle Hour lineup:

Learning Lab (Library)
POSTCARD Writing Session
Host: Ohma Willette
Let your rage out — on a postcard!
Does rage boil in you about guns, bullies, crumbling bridges, income inequality, low voter turnout, racial profiling, the border wall, ICE or something else? Splash your rage boldly across a postcard — during Middle Hour — We’ll have postcards, stamps, pens and addresses. Express YOUR rage! Speak out. Express your distress. Will you get a response? Unlikely. Still, YOU have expressed your pain. Think of the postal workers who might read your words and the staff person who sorts the mail and the one who delivers it. Don’t forget the individual who empties the trash — your words could reach beyond the intended. Does it do any good? It could help you put your pain into words — that’s a positive

CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS (Room B – near kitchen)
a self-guided experience with crafts, drawing, writing…
Help make holiday postcards to send to our partner church in Bolon, Romania.

TABLETOP CONVERSATIONS (Beach Hall near the windows)
Organized by Amber Scott and Kelli McNeal
Intentional conversations on an evolving set of topics.

THIS WEEK

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