Dear Friends,

I just had a wonderful lunch with a Friend.  We were in Terra Veg’s outdoor sitting area, talking about change.  I don’t mind change if something isn’t going as great as I thought it would. But change for the sake of spontaneity has been elusive to me, more so as I get older.  (Who knew at 62 years of age I would get culture shock after traveling all over the world.)  It was warm outside, and the change of a breeze blowing was a beautiful variation to the hot stable air.  I complain about other people’s reaction to change, but honestly, I could be a bit more flexible myself.

This past Sunday we had our boundaries challenged as we told Carl and Sarah bye with a dance that she choreographed.  Lively and spirited are two words that accurately describe the atmosphere as we all tried something different for a change.  We stretched our arms and legs, but mostly we stretched our comfort zones as quiet Quakers became beings with all of the emotions on high.  Be it joy or sorrow, Sarah’s dance celebrated it, and I thought that “How wonderful to completely celebrate one of our members!”  Then I started thinking about what it would mean if we completely celebrated each other, if we got out of our comfort zones and looked for the best ways to praise the gifts and qualities of each individual.  What would we want to do to celebrate our gifts and qualities?  If each Sunday experiencing a person exactly as they would have liked to be celebrated, what would church be like?  I know we are supposed to be praising God.  But God made us in their image, so it is important to celebrate the good you bring into the world.  What if everyday was a celebration of your talents and qualities?  What would change in your life?  It’s important to be authentically the you God made you to be.  Think about it, and get with me or Joe and let’s discuss what a celebration of you would be like.  We might have to stretch our comfort zones and be willing to change to do this, but it could be a very good journey as well.

Soon (August 10) we will have our annual picnic in the park (Moore).  If you want to participate, please come and bring a dish to share and a chair to sit in.  But invite your family and friends too.  This is a time for us to get to know you, that authentic you.  Sometimes we are more ourselves when we are surrounded by those who know us best.  There is a sign-up sheet on the entry table at the church house if you would please tell us what dish you are bringing.

This Sunday is the Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business.  We have quite a few people on vacation for the week, so please come if you can and let’s have a wonderful fellowship together as we hear about and make decisions for the church.  We start at 9:45 with coffee and cookies, and worship starts at 10:00.  The Meeting for Business starts at 11:00.

Sunday August 3 from 12-6PM at the Klamath Falls Art Gallery there will be a new summer-themed exhibit, live music, food trucks, desserts, and artists demonstrating their skills.

August 11 is a cleaning day at the church beginning at 9:00 and going until finished or 10:30, whichever comes first.  There is a sign-up sheet on the entry table at the church house.

Peace, dear Friends,

Leigh