September is quickly slipping away, and October is upon us. My little corner of the world has been rather busy. There is much to do this time of year, especially in preparation for winter. The weather has been a bit weird too. Rainy days, but not too much. I’m looking forward to some warm fall days, which I hope will be arriving.
Last week I took a ride with Susan to deliver Leslie Greenberg (daughter of Jim and Julia Bennett) to the airport. She was returning home to Maryland after spending time with her mother during her hip replacement surgery. We went to the Market Basket in Westbrook before heading home. It’s crazy that one item they carry is $3 cheaper than at Hannaford. Of course, I bought two! They also carry crumpets, which Susan and I both like. I have really hoped that another grocery store line would come closer to this area. I’d like to have more choices. Enough about that.
The weekend was a busy one for weddings. David and I went to the wedding of my nephew, Michael Lloyd (son of Rebecca) and Jasmine Hand in South Paris. It was a beautiful setting outside at the home of Rebecca. The rain held off until later in the afternoon. It was great that they had a tent for the reception. There was a ton of food! I made a gigantic pasta salad, and I’m sure there were plenty of leftovers, but I didn’t want to take any home!
Michael’s best man was Jacob O’Leary. I was pretty sure I’d had him as a student at Andover Elementary. He confirmed my suspicion when I asked him about it. It was nice to visit with members of the Stowell family.
Happy Fifth Birthday Buck’s Ledge Community Forest! The Woodstock Conservation Commission plans to celebrate the 5th Annual Buck’s Ledge Community Forest Day on Saturday, October 10, at 1 PM with reflections on progress last year and looking forward to the next phase. Karen Rosenberg and Melissa Watkins, Phys Ed teacher at Woodstock Elementary School, will discuss the important connection between the school and Buck’s Ledge. The celebration will happen at the Scenic Overlook.
And Monday, October 12, Myles Felch will lead a geology tour on Buck’s Ledge. Meet at the parking lot at 9 AM.
October Worship Services at the First Universalist Church of West Paris
Please join us for Sunday worship services at 9:00 a.m. to experience a variety of speakers and themes you can apply to your everyday life. Music by guitarist Davy Sturtevant. Refreshments following the service. All are welcome!
October 4, “All Inclusive Grace” led by guest speaker, Darrell Dyke. His topic is ahistorical look at Universalism from the first days of the early church to modern Unitarian Universalism as we practice it today. What do the Gospels say about God’s Grace? We will investigate the truly Good News promised to us all, from the beginning.
October 11, “There Is No ‘Them’” led by guest speaker, Linda Smith. This is an eclecticservice with offerings from the Celtic, Native American and African American traditions. There is also a reading from a gentleman from India who won a Nobel Prize for literature, and a short story by an American-born, fully ordained Tibetan Buddhist nun. The service centers around a children’s parable specifically because children’s parables contain simple language whose meaning is difficult to misconstrue. While lively and fun, I believe the message to be deeply meaningful.
October 18, Our guest speaker, Maryli Tiemann, will be sharing a reflection, “Stuff Beyond Hope.” “In the midst of endless dramatic news items, I like to remind myself to continue believing in the truth of the potential of human beings. I’m sure any of us could grouse about all we’re not doing. Yet what’s interesting is to pause and look at what happens intuitively as we live, the gut stuff. The process of evolving in motion, in constant revision.”
October 25, “Repairers of the Breach” is led by The Rev. Scott Campbell. Here’s an excerpt: “I am sometimes quite envious of my friends who seem to have the gift of choosing sides and believing utterly and completely in their cause. There is a certain kind of clarity about their positions that I sometimes lack. They are often blissfully unencumbered by the concerns of those they deem to simply be wrong. They know the truth and carry no burden of caring for those who do not. I’ve never quite been able to muster that kind of certainty about my positions in relation to those of others. Way too often I find myself standing in the middle ground and trying to bring folks together. The problem is that compromise is not nearly as compelling as the cause, whatever it may be. To repair the breach often means to put oneself in a position of pleasing no one. It can be a position that is despised until both sides decide they need something that only you have—a middle place to meet. The real art, the real challenge, is to fill that middle ground in such a way that it bends towards justice. Those who would repair the breach in a way that endures are not those without conviction, but those who love all people enough to move them towards loving each other.”
For more information about the church and services, please contact Marta Clements, 674-2143, mclements96894@roadrunner.com, or Suzanne Dunham, 665-2967, dunhamfarm@msn.com. To learn more about the Unitarian-Universalist Association, visit http://www.uua.org/ . The First Universalist Church of West Paris is located at 208 Main St., W. Paris 04289
Get ready for the next meal at the Locke Mills Union Church!!!
The past week has brought a lot of added color. I took a few photos around the house and bog, where the color always starts early.
I had my second Mahoosuc Band rehearsal last Monday evening. I was handed a bell kit that had been hanging around—very dusty case—so it came home with me after the first rehearsal. This is a whole new challenge for me—playing the bells! I’m not super fast with the mallets yet, but as long as I can keep track of where I am in the music, not too worried. At least I’m familiar with the Christmas music!
Have a wonderful week, everyone! Please send me your news/events: lalalindastowell@gmail.com