Update - November 16

We had another great gathering last night with three new participants and a great discussion concerning tithing facilitated by Charley. Thanks, Charley! And, welcome to Karyn, Rafael and Valerie - it was wonderful to have you.

1) A few items are still needed for our bridge Thanksgiving with International Students. We will be enjoying the meal together at the church at 3 pm on Thanksgiving Day with members of the bridge and 20 or so international students that Amy works with at Santa Monica College. If you are available to join us, please do. If you can't join us but would still like to help out with the food PLEASE DO! Here is the current list that I have. Please contact me if you would like to add your name.

Turkey - Amy
Green Been Casserole - Rebecca, Noel
Something Green -
Cornbake/Cornbread - Devin
Stuffing - Sarah
Sweet Potato Casserole - Sarah
Mashed Potatoes -
Deviled Eggs - Noel (who else?)
Rolls - Ellen
Gravy -
Chutney - Brad/Dorothy
Salad - Rachel
Fruit Salad - Devin
Cranberry Sauce - Kellie
Pecan Pie - Rachel (2)
Pumpkin Pie - Rachel (2)
Something Chocolate - Ellen
Sodas - Ashok
Lemonade -
Water -
Other -

2) We decided to have our bridge holiday party on Wednesday night December 20. The details have not been decided (what, place, etc...) but mark your calendars and stay tuned.

(On a side note, one of our newest participants, Rafael, has offered to provide his DJ services to the bridge for an upcoming event. This sounds like tons of fun to me. I wonder if we might be interested in doing this for our Christmas party? I've looked at the church calendar and Simkins Hall is not being used on the night of December 20th - at least, not yet. If any of you are interested in this idea, lets develop it. If not, we can consider having a special bridge dj'd event in the future. A huge thanks to Rafael for the offer!!)

3) The Room Renovation Task Force is working on a list of items that we can purchase that will be used as we continue to work on the room. I'm waiting for an update from the church Accounting Manager about the funds that we currently have and how long they'll be available, etc... In the meantime, the idea is that with this list we will be able to use the money before the end of the year. Again, stay tuned. We plan to proceed with work on the room after the new year. So, enjoy the holidays but be prepared for some work days in early 2007!

4) NO MEETING NEXT WEDNESDAY! On November 29, a friend of Noel's will join us for an evening focused on Islam.

Keep Jen and Charley in your thoughts as the birth of their first child draws near. They are due on Thanksgiving.

Please keep those who are traveling in yours minds as well over the holiday.

Peace and Love to all of you,

Rachel