Since we all know that there are still strictures on many aspects of our shared lives, just what is the “this” in the subject line? That, as the kids used to say in the schoolyard, is for me to know and for you to find out. On the playground it was usually a way of sending the message, “You are not welcome to be party to this insider information”. In this instance, my intent is quite the opposite – by circumstance and responsibility, I happen to know where I’m headed in the Talky Bit, and you don’t…yet. We’ll change all that on Sunday. In the meantime, you can be assured that it’ll be a continuation of our exploration into Stage 4. In this instance, we’ll be guided in no small part by an extraordinary Palestinian/American poet, as well as by some not-quite-typical readings of a couple of parables from the Christian tradition. That’s all I’m going to say about that.

Covid Regulations – As we’ve noted in previous blurbs, our desire is both to be together and to do so in accordance with the public health orders. Under those orders, all persons 12 years of age and older need to be able to produce proof of vaccination or government proof of a medical reason for not being able to receive the vaccine.  Bring your card or phone code with you, such that it can be produced upon request. Nobody will be scanning at the door, but legally we all need to be able to comply if that were the case. In addition, expect to wear a mask indoors in situations where distancing or being in distanced family groups is not possible. With news this week about pending approval of vaccines for the young ones, I feel as though we can reasonably look forward to eventually not needing this paragraph, but for now we do. Let’s continue to do our part to care well for the young, the vulnerable and for one another in general.

And speaking of The Littles – at present, we have one person committed to providing something organized for our youngsters on the dates we gather in person, and they are available once a month. If you are interested in helping the community provide something for our Littles each time we gather (maximum frequency of this commitment would be once a month; less often if we have more people involved), please be in touch with me. You can reach me at this email address or by phone / text at 204 232 4574.

Food and Beverage – Plan to bring your own drinks and snacks. Bathrooms will be available.

Last Things – There will be no “And Lunch After” because it’s an in-person gathering. However, there will be a Wednesday Evening Zoom Hangout. As the title sugg