Simple Gifts

I’ve heard it said more than once in the last couple months that these economic tough times may bring with them some gifts as well as difficulties. Forced to be more frugal, we tend to be more careful in planning our free time, and how to spend what dollars we have at our discretion. Just this last week I spent some pleasantly relaxing time enjoying tea at Numi Tea Garden in Oakland. As their website says, Numi is “an urban oasis” which “awakens the palate and inspires the soul.” It felt like a mini-vacation on a weekday afternoon. And our beautiful spring weather just may prompt a long walk at one of our green grass hilly parks. I have always found my greatest peace sitting atop the spread of a picnic blanket with a friend or my family and sandwiches.

On our Celebration Sunday we had what was once a staple of our community, but has become rare in recent years—an all-church potluck.

It was obvious by the laughing and lingering that this is a needed church activity. Don’t worry, we’ll do it again, sooner rather than later. Folks also have been enjoying our Circle Suppers, where they can gather at members’ homes in a more intimate setting.

This year’s congregational Seder will be fully vegetarian for a delightful change of pace, as well as to honor our church’s theme of “Enriching Our Soil: Toward the Beloved Community.” We’ll gather on the evening of Good Friday, April 10th, which also happens to be my birthday, so I’ll have a thrifty way of celebrating my birthday as well! I really hope you’ll sign up to join me.

Let’s share with each other some of the ways we’ve found for spending meaningful time that’s easy on the budget. I’d love to hear yours.

~Love Katie