Sometimes it pays off to feel left out. Many is the time I’ve been at some kind of public prayer given by a member of the Christian clergy, and felt quite connected with the sentiments expressed in the prayer until the closing words, usually some variation of “We pray for these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.” Well, I guess that leaves me out. It also leaves out any Jew, pagan, Muslim or agnostic in the crowd.

I’ve never liked that feeling of being left out, but knowing how it feels enables me to extend my own reach when offering a public prayer. I like to offer options in a prayer, and use language that draws everyone in regardless of their faith.

This is why I jumped at the chance to offer the Invocation at the Annual Dinner of the Pennsylvania State Chamber of Commerce at the Hershey Convention Center recently. I knew that there would be about a thousand business people and legislators attending from all over the state, and I was almost drooling at the chance to have their undivided attention for at least three or four minutes. Our own Laurel Belding, who works for the State Chamber, has organized this event for the past three years. When she invited one of us to give the invocation, I elbowed Duane out of the way to say “Yes, I’ll do it!”

It went well. I didn’t spill water on my suit before I went up onto the stage. I didn’t have any food in my teeth (it was, after all, before dinner) which would have shown up on the gigantic screens around the room. The sound system was superb, allowing me to speak softly and still have my voice well amplified into that huge space. Everyone was quiet (which, I learned later, is often not the case). And the lights shining on me were so bright that I couldn’t see a soul out there. The conditions were perfect.

When I came down from the stage, I overheard Floyd Warner, the President of the State Chamber, saying to Senator Jeffrey Piccola “Those Unitarians are really good at this. They know how to include everyone.” A few other politicians came up to shake my hand, including Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, who clasped both my hands and said “I love everyone in your profession! You do such good work!”

Here’s the prayer, written in collaboration with Duane, who is equally good at this kind of thing:

Please join me in that place of honesty and open-heartedness that we call prayer:

Gracious God, spirit of life and love whom we call by many names, you who are always present within us, among us, and beyond us, make us especially mindful of your presence in this gathering this evening.

We are grateful for the very breath of life, for this beautiful fall day, and for the fellowship of this gathering. We are grateful for the meal we will soon enjoy and for the labors of the many people who have made it possible, and who will remain here continuing their labors long after we leave.

We pray for those who are suffering right now, particularly for those who have lost their homes and every semblance of normal life due to the ravages of the recent hurricane. May our efforts to assist them be humane, creative, generous and wise.

We pray that each of the children, women, and men who are in harm’s way may be safe. We pray for the safe return of our troops from war. We stand with the grieving families and friends of all of those who have lost their lives. We pray for the citizens of all countries that peace and freedom may prevail. We pray for the victims of violence in our communities that they may know freedom from fear.

Beloved and loving God, extend your warmest care to this gathering, that those whose hands do your work will do it with all their hearts and with all their minds and with all their strength. We ask for the wisdom and the courage to make decisions and to take actions which will be for the common good. We, the privileged and powerful people gathered in this room this evening, have the potential to affect many thousands of lives. May we use this power with integrity, with foresight, and with compassion.

May we hear and respond to your call to bring ever more love to this marvelous world.

This we pray in all the names of the holy,

Amen.

It turns out that the next Chair of the Board of the State Chamber is a man who attended the Unitarian Universalist Church in Lancaster. He and his wife both commented on how comfortable they felt with my words, and I suddenly felt that I was among friends, even though I’ve never seen so many suits in one room before.

See you in church! Formal dress optional.

Love, Judy

October Sunday Service Topics

Sunday Services Begin at 10:30 AM

October 2 “What Would Jesus Do… If He Were FEMA Director?”

Presented by Rev. Judy Welles; Ellen Lyon, Worship Associate; Pat Spader, Musician.

Now that the floodwaters are receding from the Gulf Coast, it’s time to turn our thoughts to restoration of the area. I think of my favorite social activist, Jesus, and wonder how he might address the immediate issues of poverty, housing, racism and class inequity that confront our country in the wake of the Katrina disaster.

October 9 “May You Be Inscribed for a Good Year!”

The Rev. Duane Fickeisen and Kim van Alkemade, Worship Associate; Carole Knisely, Musician, and additional special music by Natalia Van Doren. Recorder Trio will provide music for gathering, and the UUCV Choir will sing.

We will celebrate the ten Jewish Days of Awe that lie between the New Year (Rosh Hashanah) and Yom Kippur, when God is said to close the books of life and death that list the names of those who will live another year and those who will not. We are called during these days to examine our lives, to make amends for the harms we have done others, and to recommit to lives of virtue and charity. It is a time of repentance and renewal, for beginning again in love.

October 16 “Science, Truth and Belief”

Presented by James Caplinger. Assisted by Kathy Ellis; Julie Moffit, Musician, Ken Laws will provide music for gathering.

Our society is built on the concept of separation of church and state. This discussion explores the need for a similar wall of separation between science and belief.

October 23 “A Threat to Justice Everywhere”

The Rev. Duane Fickeisen and Virginia Jackson, Worship Associate; Pat Spader, Musician.

The criminal justice system has become a big multi-national business that costs us around $200 billion a year, but fails to achieve goals of protecting us from serious violent crime or of rehabilitating prisoners. In this service we¹ll raise some tough questions about the purpose of the system, its efficacy, and potential for reform as they relate to our principles. We’ll examine the effects of the war on drugs. We’ll include discussion of capital punishment as background for a vote during a congregational meeting after the service on a proposal from our Social Action Committee to sign onto Amnesty International¹s campaign to abolish the death penalty.

October 30 “Mexican Day of the Dead”

Rev. Judy Welles; Judy Marti, Worship Associate; Sally Beaver, Musician.

The Mexican culture has a much more matter-of-fact approach to death than we do. On November 1 and 2 they celebrate “Los Dias de los Muertos,” by creating commemorative altars to deceased loved ones, eating special foods, and decorating the graveyards and their homes. Respectfully borrowing from their tradition, we will commemorate dead loved ones (including pets) by bringing photos or memorabilia to decorate our Mexican-themed altar table, and learn more about the reasons for this both festive and solemn celebration.

Adult Religious Education Starts Up This Month!

Be sure to get your hands on a copy of the bright yellow Adult R.E. brochure (on the sign-ups table) describing our Fall Quarter offerings. Many classes and experiences are being offered, and you will want to sign up for all that interest you. Among them are a Yoga class for men; a support group for people dealing with aging parents or friends; Roots & Branches for those considering membership or for new members; and some hints for other classes coming up in the Winter Quarter. Here are details about two classes starting up in early October:

1) “A Chosen Faith”

Based on the book by the same name, this six-session class offers an excellent introduction to Unitarian Universalism by exploring the six sources of our faith. Under Judy’s guidance, we’ll discuss religious experience, heroes, personal religious mentors, and more. We’ll do some art, take a quiz or two, and spend some class time writing and sharing our words. It’s a good way to get to know fellow UUCV’ers, and to learn more about your chosen faith.

Participants should arrange to purchase or borrow a copy of A Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism, by Forrest Church and John Buehrens (it can be ordered from the UUA Bookstore at www.uua.org/bookstore ).

The class will meet on six Wednesday evenings beginning October 5 (not meeting October 19) from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Meetinghouse in the Library. Bring a journal or writing tablet and a pen. Please enroll by October 2. Minimum enrollment of six, no maximum; sign up on the Sign-Ups table in the Social Hall, or by calling or e-mailing the office (uucv@pa.net or 249-8944).

2) “Living By Heart “

Join Duane to explore several spiritual practices that have special appeal to Unitarian Universalists and require no special training or equipment to adopt. The five-session class is based on practices developed and personally used by the late Rev. Harry Scholefield, a much beloved UU minister. The practices are designed to help reduce stress and encourage relaxation, to deepen your sense of connection with the world around you and particularly with people who are dear to you, and to engage poetry in a way that invites a profound relationship with the meaning of the words.

We’ll watch Harry on videotape, and it is inspiring to hear this elder speak so clearly to our needs for care of our souls and spirits. This class would make a great pre-holiday gift to yourself, as a time to help you stay centered and grounded and focused on your own priorities in the midst of the chaos of life. The practices are simple and if you use them, they may well help you live more often in ‘the zone’ and find fulfillment. You will be asked to ‘learn something by heart’ to present at the last session.

We will meet on five Sunday evenings, in the Board Room downstairs in the Meetinghouse, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, October 9 through November 6. Open to members, friends, and newcomers. Suitable for high school youth to elders. While you’ll get the most out of it if you can come to all five sessions, you are still welcome to participate even if you know you’ll miss one of two of them. Plan to bring a journal and something to write with to the first session.

Please enroll by October 2, either by signing up in the Social Hall or by sending an e-mail message to mailto:office@uucv.net. There is a minimum enrollment of 6, no maximum.

Finishing Our Long Range Plan in October

By Priscilla Laws, UUCV Board of Trustees President

These are exciting times for our congregation. Last spring we exceeded our pledge goal, and are now poised to launch a campaign to expand our mission to “transform lives inside and out.” Our facilities have improved through new parking lot paving, a repainted dining room (well almost!), and we have signed contracts for a new heating control system and a comprehensive lightning protection system. We are already introducing a new RE program and have started a youth group. We are enjoying more live music in services. The Social Action Committee is now supporting three major initiatives – Prison Justice, the Mozambique Bursary Project, and a GLBT Support Project. SAC is also sponsoring a new discussion series. We have some outstanding new members. And, an experienced and very high energy Auction Committee has just launched its November 12^th Feelin’ Gruuvy Auction campaign. It promises to be the best ever. So what’s next for us????

Members of the Board of Trustees have been working hard to shape your comments and ideas gathered last spring and this summer into a 5-year plan that will guide UUCV activities for the next few years. We need your help in the coming month to enhance and then approve a “final” version of the plan. A summary of the Board’s current version will be distributed at the service on September 25^th.

Some highlights of the tentative 5-year plan being distributed on September 25th include: (1) a drive to increase our membership by 15% a year so that it doubles to approximately 300 by about 2011; (2) phasing in a half-time membership/volunteer coordinator and a half-time music director during the coming 5-years; (3) beginning a process of reorganizing committee responsibilities and the system of coordination among committees to support our growth; and (3) forming a new Publicity and Communications Committee.

On Sunday, October 2, the board invites you to a “hearing” after the service in the sanctuary to hear about their latest ideas and, once again, share your ideas with the Board. The plan will continue to be shaped during the following three weeks. The Board then plans to present a “final plan” to Members for approval on October 23. Childcare will be provided for both the hearing on Oct 2nd and the Congregational Meeting on Oct 23^rd.

It’s Donation “Crunch Time” for Auction 2005!

It’s the Eleventh Hour, auction donations-wise. Do you know where your auction packet is? Whaddya going to donate? How are you going to pitch in to help make the Feelin’ GrUUvy Auction 2005 the blockbuster fundraising and social event of the year? Here are some ideas:

Donate, and soon: The deadline to submit your donation form for this year’s auction is Sunday, October 9^th. You could donate artwork or other merchandise, host a social event in your home, offer a valuable service, lead a tour or skills workshop, or create a themed gift basket. With gas prices so high, we’re betting that lots of folks will enjoy staying close to home and hanging out with their UUCV friends. Our donations coordinator is Dot Everhart at 432-7795 or pinecreekde@yahoo.com.

Advertise in the Auction Catalog: There is advertising space available in the Auction Catalog for your business or that of your employer. It’s inexpensive and well-targeted toward people who know you and want to patronize your business. Submit your camera-ready copy by September 29^th (sorry, it’s too late to have us design your ad) to Missy Molino at 423-6694 or dmolino@supernet.com.

Volunteer: We need lots of people power to pull off an event like this. You could be a “Vanna” exhibiting items to the audience, a “Bidding Buddy” to bid on behalf of those who cannot attend, a cashier or clerical assistant, part of the setup or tear-down crew, or fulfill one of many other key roles. The pink volunteer form and drop-off box is available in the Social Hall, or contact Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Bittinger at 258-4812.

Provide or serve food: Part of every auction is a sumptuous buffet table, to ensure that everyone is bidding with a full belly. We need hors d’oeuvres, main dishes, desserts, and lots of assistance in keeping the table stocked, making coffee, and cleaning up before the live auction begins. To offer your help, you can use the standard pink volunteer form mentioned above.

Attend! As we always say, “Everyone comes to the auction.” No fooling! You’ll see old friends and make new ones. Wear hippie attire and add to the atmosphere. Bring your fun-loving and generous soul (and your credit card). Registration is only a few bucks, and your buffet meal is included. The party begins at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 12^th, and will run until about 10:00.

Bring a friend: The auction is a blast, and it’s a great opportunity to introduce someone to your UUCV friends in a casual atmosphere. Don’t come alone!

Social Action’s Fall Discussion Series

This Fall the SAC is sponsoring a series of discussions to be held after public events at Shippensburg University and Dickinson College. The first discussion will follow a lecture by Peter Gomes of Harvard University on. Other events that will serve as a basis for discussions include lectures at Dickinson College on the “Biology of Belief,” and “Women, Knowledge and Power.” We will also discuss a “Debate on the Death Penalty” and a play on campus racism entitled “Spinning Into Butter.”

AT SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY (discussion in Huber Art Center 125)

Tuesday Sept. 27, 7:30 PM "Social Capital: Making the Most of Resources in Trying Times"

Peter Gomes of the Harvard University Divinity School

Location: Memorial Hall

AT DICKINSON COLLEGE (all discussions in Tome 214)

Thursday Oct. 6, 7:00 PM “The Biology of Belief”

Dr. Andrew B. Newberg of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Location: Great Room, Stern Center

Tuesday Oct. 11, 7:00 PM "Women, Knowledge & Power"

Dorothy Smith, professor emerita in the Department of Sociology & Equity Studies in Education at the University of Toronto

Location: Great Room, Stern Center

Friday Oct. 28, 8:00 PM "Spinning Into Butter"

Rebecca Gilman, Dramatist

Location: Mathers Theatre, Holland Union Building Fee: $5 (advance purchase)

Thursday Nov. 10, 7:00 PM Debating the Death Penalty

Robin Maher of the Death Penalty Representation Project, American Bar Association and Syndi Guido, former deputy general counsel for Criminal Justice in PA

Location: Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium

UUCV Reads and Writes!

The Writer's Group will meet on Saturday, October 8 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the home of Susan Helm, 619 Mill Race Court, Carlisle. Call Susan if you plan to attend in case of changes to the time/date/place. Tel. 218-5136. Come join us for a fun and creative afternoon. You can share prose or poetry you've written or read a favorite written by someone else. As always, new members most welcome!

Serious Stuff Book Group In conjunction with the Social Action Committee, Serious Stuff will be discussing the Helen Prejean book "The Death of Innocents" at the October 23 meeting at 6:30 p.m. Since the book will not come out in paperback until January, members are encouraged to share copies of the hardback ($23.95 at Whistlestop or $25.95 at Barnes & Noble) or locate library copies. ( For members of the Quality Paperback Book Club, QPBC has early paperback copies.) The November 27 book will be "S.", by John Updike, which is now out of print and will have to be procured through "used book" venues.

Coffee Hour News

Fair Trade Coffee Update Organic hot cocoa mix ($5 a can) and such flavored coffees as hazelnut creme and toffee caramel ( $8 a bag) are now in stock in UUCV's new coffee store in the Social Hall. Come see what we have. And remember -- every purchase helps farmers in developing countries and our own developing congregation!

Gift Cards Generating Revenues! We all read about the financial successes of last year. It has been a busy summer for this farmer, and I am finally getting around to letting you know how well the gift card program did. From start (November 1, 2004) to the end of the fiscal year on July 1, in 8 months, the gift card program generated $1325 for the UUCV. That is a great start. There are a number of people, our core group, who religiously buy and use the gift cards. I would like to announce that we have several openings left in that core group. Please see Dee Lauderbaugh, Nancy Bittinger, or myself at the rickety folding table after service. Purchases necessary (so remember to bring that checkbook). Judy Marti

S.H.A.R.E. In the News

From Sylvia Hardman

While contributions in general trended downward in September, UUCV contributed a record 93 pounds of food to S.H.A.R.E. Gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all who contributed. In August, S.H.A.R.E. serviced 677 households and a total of 1696 people. The retail cost per box was $128.83, while S.H.A.R.E.’s cost was $18.23. Donations and financial contributions really make a difference! UUCV’s contribution in August was 36 pounds.

Current needs are for beef stew, cereal, tuna, spam and macaroni and cheese. The next ingathering will be October 16, but donations can be dropped in the basket at the Social Action table at any time. Thanksgiving is coming. In the past, various churches and organizations filled special Thanksgiving Dinner Boxes. Last year, this fell 200 boxes short,, meaning 200 client families did not receive a box. Could UUCV help with this project? Think about it. More to follow.

Apply Now for a UUCV Outreach Grant!

Do you have an idea for a small project which can make the world a better place and raise the profile of UUCV in the larger community? Could a sum of up to $2,000 help to make it happen? If so, apply for a first-ever UUCV Outreach Grant.

Here are some projects that other UUs have undertaken with a modest outlay: 1) Funded a photography project at a juvenile detention center; 2) Developed podcasts of their minister’s sermons accessible via the congregation’s website; 3) Made a reverse Change for the World offering back to the congregation, gathering stories of how each member used his or her “micro-grant” to act on UU principles. There’s a big hurting world out there, so the possibilities are endless.

Additional details about this program were in the September newsletter and are included in the application guidelines, available on the information table in the social hall. You can also request them as a Word attachment from Dan Fancher at daniel.fancher@earthlink.net. Please submit your application to Dan via email or drop it off in the UUCV office. The application deadline is Sunday November 6^th, and the winners will be announced on Sunday, December 3^rd.

Moment Musical

From Sally Beaver, Co-Chair, Music Committee

“Music is a universal language. Where speech fails, then music begins. It is the natural medium for the expression of our emotions–the art that expresses in tones our feelings which are too strong and deep to be expressed in words.” Charles Landon 1886

We, your Music Committee, hope you are enjoying the increased presence of music in our church services. Many of you have answered our call for your participation in our Sunday morning musical presentations, and we do appreciate your offerings. Thank you! Please remember we are always looking for new talent. I f you would like to join the choir (either adult or children’s), or you play the piano or another musical instrument, please contact either me (Sally Beaver...776-8518) or Ken Laws....243-9525. We’d love to hear from you!

Besides our regular, rotating pianists playing for services in October, we shall also be welcoming the Recorder Trio on October 9^th, as well as special music from the Choir on various Sundays throughout the month. And...there could be some surprises, as well! So don’t miss a Sunday, or you could miss some wonderful music.

Remember, “When Words Fail, Music Speaks.”

Mozambique Project Update

By Priscilla Laws

In the late fall after the auction, the Social Action Committee is mounting a year-end fund raising campaign to continue supporting 25 girls in upper primary school for the 2006 school year. Actually we launched our 2006 campaign in late Spring with the month long Change for the World Collection. Then in June, Peter and Ruth Mhkwanazi Bechtel gave a talk on Sustainable Development in Mozambique at Dickinson College. About 65 people came, including about 10 of us from UUCV, to hear Ruth's first hand account of the problems young village girls face in Northern Mozambique.

Another boost to our fundraising came when the Fall Issue of UU World included a short piece on our bursary project (See page 53). Several UUs from throughout the country have already offered to contribute to our 2006 bursary fund.

The twenty-five girls we are currently helping are just finishing their 8^th month in school. I will be traveling to Mozambique in early November to meet with Karena and Bill Butt, our contacts from the Christian Council of Mozambique (CCM). Karena and I will then travel north from Quelimane, where she and Bill live, to Namorroi. There I will have a chance to visit the school and residence where the girls stay and meet some of the girls in their villages. I hope to return with pictures and some interesting stories that I can share with you!

In late November the Social Action Committee will launch its 2006 bursary fundraising campaign. If we support another 25 girls for the 2006 school year our goal will be $6250. We have already raised about $2000. Additional activities planned so far include selling gift baskets and other fair trade goods at the Dickinson College Christmas Bazaar on Sunday December 4^th, and conducting another Change for the World Collection this November. We have some new initiatives planned that we'll announce later, so standby for more information about how you can help us!

Computer Geek Update

UUCV's computer Geek project began in 1997 and has continued ever since. The key Geeks are Richard Ellis and Bruce Neylon; Duane Fickeisen is an ex officio member and others have been involved from time to time. What do the Geeks do?

1. Assistance with computer problems at no cost for members and friends of the congregation. We cannot guarantee speedy responses but our emergency record is reasonably good. Support can include replacement hardware (see item 2 below) as well as resolving difficulties with existing machinery, operating systems, or applications.

2. A hardware exchange project. The Geeks have an inventory of donated gear for IBM-standard PCs. Little of it represents the very latest goodies, but good complete systems can be and have been assembled, configured with software (also donated), and given to members who need a computer. If your keyboard, mouse, modem, display or video card, or other gear should fail, check with us first. It is possible that we have what you need, and the price is right: it's zero.

3. Support for UUCV'S web site and office systems. The present main UUCV computer was a donation to the Geek project from a friend in Chicago (!). We are the first and usually the only source to be contacted when problems develop. The Geeks also created the church's unusual, very rapid, and completely secure backup systems, which use disk images stored on removable hard drives.

4. A UUCV Auction item, usually with multiple winners: one year of general computer support. Buyers have received such services as instruction, repairs of ailing hardware and software, help with web sites, and both minor and major improvements in their overall systems.

No one knows it all where computers are concerned, and the Geeks have their limitations. Our only resident Macintosh person is Duane, and while we do assist people in resolving problems on machines that are using Windows XP, we don't use this most recent version of Windows ourselves and we don't recommend its use to others. We are experienced with other Microsoft operating systems. We are also familiar with Linux (see below).

From time to time people ask us about other sources of computer support. We're not able to comment about shops outside Carlisle, but in this area we have had good experience dealing with serious hardware problems at Aardvark on East North Street and the Computer Barn on Newville Road. Tony Santana or his son Jeremy will come to your location and are good with XP problems.

The next big thing, we expect, will be increasing numbers of people switching over to Linux-based systems, which can coexist on a machine with Windows and in some cases can replace Windows completely. Linux is more secure, more reliable, and cheaper. With software such as Open Office, a Linux computer is all one will ever need for basic word processing, spreadsheets, internet surfing, and email. In the past we have hesitated to recommend Linux, because it required more computing skill than most users have. This barrier is rapidly diminishing and it is likely to disappear completely during the next year or two. It has already vanished for everyday use; advanced skills are needed only for initial installations and system administration.

If you need help, or have gear to contribute, or are just curious, you can get in touch with the Geeks by contacting Ellis (218-9818 or raellis@earthlink.net).

Our Meetinghouse Serves Others

We have again offered pro-bono use of our building to host the bi-weekly meetings of a Girl Scout group. They began in our space not many years ago as a Daisy group, grew into a Brownie group, and this year have aged into a Junior Troop. They will meet every other Wednesday in the early evening in the Dining Room.

A Head Start program based at Shippensburg University is also using our space two mornings a week. They will pay a rental fee that we expect to cover our costs and have already moved in some equipment and supplies. Please respect their stuff, which is in the Board Room and the classroom next to it.

Both of these uses are consistent with our values. In addition to providing space for these programs as a service to the community and part of our outreach efforts, perhaps their presence in our space will bring us a few new Sunday visitors. Make them welcome!

Hurricane and Transylvania Relief Funds

Our special collection on September 11, which was designated to be split between the UUA Gulf Coast Relief Fund and the UUA Transylvania Flood Relief Fund generated nearly $5,000. Thank you for your generosity! The Gulf Coast Fund had received over $1 million by mid-September, and the Transylvania Fund had received over $25,000. Additional contributions may be made on line to either fund by following the links at www.uua.org <http://www.uua.org/> .

All in the UUCV Family

Congratulations to Ellen Buller, who is retiring from her job at Peerless Insurance on October 7 and leaving shortly thereafter for a month’s trip to Australia. Let’s look for ways to keep her busy! Congratulations to Thom and Judy Marti, who have self-published their book Getting By: A Primer for Turning Your Farm Dream Into a Dream Farm. A copy has been donated to the UUCV Library; talk to them if you’d like your own copy. And more congratulations, these to Char and Tom Klein, whose son Shem is engaged. Still more to Kathy Bell, who has begun a new job with United Way. We’re glad that Sherri Holston is recovering well from recent surgery. And we’re sorry that Dot Everhart lost her job on very short notice, when her entire work unit was laid off due to a budgeting snafu. Whoopee! Ed Glasgow and Liz Hoffman will be getting married on October 29! And lots of congratulations to Ann Marie Wolf and Lettie Kress, who were legally married in Canada recently.

Parking Reminders

Please help us remain good neighbors by attending to where you park when you come to the Meetinghouse. Our own parking lot is very limited, but we have negotiated permission to use the school parking lot kitty corner from us across the intersection. You can also park along the roadway in front of the school, but only on the side of the road nearest the school buildings. And you can park along Forge Road if your vehicle is completely out of the travel lanes.

The Township Road Master has requested that we not park on the side of the school road opposite the school buildings nor on the side of the road opposite our own parking lot. This is to assure safe clearance for emergency vehicles.

In addition, our neighbors along High Street lack off-street parking and have asked us not to park in front of their homes. It¹s public right-of-way, so we can’t enforce a parking ban there, but let’s be good neighbors and cooperate with them. A bit of good will is likely to be returned by their keeping an eye on our property when it’s not in use.

Please leave the two spots marked “Visitor Parking” in our lot open for newcomers and if you see someone arrive who appears confused about where to park, offer some directions. Diagrams indicating where you can park safely have been posted near the exterior doors.