By Elizabeth Corbett, Programs & Membership Coordinator
This church never stops! And I love it. Let me recap a few recent highlights:
● The Water Communion service on September 1 attracted lots of people with water stories and samples from their summer journeys. Reverend Carol challenged us to think beyond the physical journey and to share any emotional journeys also.
● You’ve probably noticed that the bulletin board on the left in the narthex is gone. The Aesthetics committee is working on giving a new look to this space, both on the left and the right. The left will become a spotlight for rotating art displays, and soon you’ll notice changes on the right!
● Westside has seen enough children visiting in the last year that we are now offering childcare. We have two volunteers available each Sunday for any children that show up. While we are not offering a sustained educational program at this time, volunteers may plan activities appropriate for the children.
● Building & Grounds volunteers put up the display monitor to the right of Carol’s office last Sunday. You’ll see many of the messages that you saw on the narthex bulletin board. Thanks, guys!
● Reverend Carol is offering two Adult Religious Exploration classes this fall (and into the winter). The first, that Carol spoke about this past Sunday, is called Building Your Own Theology. It’s a chance to explore your past experiences with religion and to think about those existential “big questions” and your answers that may guide your present and future religious convictions. The second is based on a recommendation from The Bottom. Based on a workbook called Do the Work: An Antiracist Activity Book, this class will explore systemic racism and lead participants through discussions and games to think about how to deconstruct it.
● What else? All those unrecognized people and actions who keep the church going. I’ll just name a few: Anne and Michele who are in the kitchen with coffee and snacks most every Sunday; Alice and so many others who greet visitors; Yetta who picks flowers for the chancel table; and Nathan who faithfully puts away the hymnals after service.
Last month I updated you about Westside’s recent Share the Plate partners. One item I forgot to mention is that although many grocery stores and restaurants have joined the Fair Food Program, other chains have not. I know many factors go into where you choose to shop, but maybe the following information will influence you:
● Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Fresh Market, and Whole Foods support this program by sourcing their tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables from farms that have implemented the FFP guidelines.
● Restaurants that source food from FFP farms include Burger King, McDonalds, Subway, Chipotle, and Yum Brands (KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut).
● Kroger, Publix and Wendy’s have repeatedly refused to join this program.
● And, breaking news (for me), Three Rivers Food Co-op in Knoxville is part of the FFP program!!!!!!!
● This link to the Fair Food Program gives you information if you have more interest.
Please contact me at membership@westsideuuc.org if you have any questions or new ideas.
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