UPCOMING EVENTS

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  Good Life / Good Death Cafe Hosted by Ruth Grass

  Thursday, October 22 at 10am and 6:30pm

  On Thursday, October 22 at 10am and 6:30pm in the Lottie Peterson room, Ruth Grass will facilitate another informative, engaging discussion in the series she’s leading this fall. You are welcome to participate in the next session of Good Life/Good Death Café! Reserve a spot using the sign-up sheets in the entryway and Wood Fellowship Hall. Space is limited, so reservations are appreciated.

  The September 28th sessions featured participants’ experiences and questions, as well as introductions to some concepts (e.g., “What is a doula?”) and some resources (e.g., Five Wishes and Compassionate Choices). The conversations were rich and are just beginning! Read on as Ruth anticipates the October session.

  One of the questions that has come up in our Good Life/Good Death Cafés is this: How do I begin an end-of-life conversation with my spouse or other members of my family?

  For many of us, simply starting the conversation can be the hardest part. At our October 22 session of the Good Life/Good Death Café, we will explore this conversation-starting challenge, along with other questions and concerns participants bring to our gathering.

  Part of what makes these conversations difficult may be found in the way we grew up. Was death and dying discussed openly in your family? What was your first experience with death? Was there a trusted person with whom you could talk about your feelings?

  The way our families handled—or avoided—difficult subjects often becomes a kind of template for us. If death and dying were rarely spoken about, or were considered taboo, it is understandable that we might carry some of that hesitation into adulthood. We may simply never have learned how to begin.

  For me, that changed when my husband was on his dying journey. Walking beside someone I loved so deeply transformed the way I thought about death and dying. What had once seemed frightening became something I could approach with greater openness, tenderness, and acceptance.
  Perhaps we don’t need to have all the right words. We simply need the courage to begin the conversation.

  Hosted by Ruth Grass of The Living End with Ruth. Upcoming sessions will also be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, and Tuesday, December 15, 2026

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  Rite I Service Moves to 8:30am

  Beginning Sunday, October 4

  With sunrise occurring later in the morning as we move through autumn, the Rite I service will move to 8:30am on Sunday, October 4. The early service will continue at the later time throughout winter, returning to 8am in time for Palm Sunday.

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  Support for the Little Free Pantry

  donations ongoing

  The local Little Free Pantry is frequently used by community members and still accepts donations. Please bring items to church that won’t melt easily in the sun and leave in the designated box in the entryway.

  The following are suggested items for your shopping list, both because they store well and are popular with our neighbors:

  • Diapers and wipes
  • Toothpaste
  • Baking items (flour, sugar, spices)
  • Microwaveable rice and pasta
  • Cereal/granola/oatmeal
  • Granola bars/cracker packs
  • Just-add-water pancake and biscuit mixes
  • Iced Tea

  Thank you for your generosity!