This month, I have had occasion to reflect on a few of the unsung gifts and talents that we have among parishioners. There is ample evidence all around us of how parishioners give freely and without reserve not only to this church community, but to the wider community, as well. What got me thinking about this were two unrelated events—one the receipt of a new cookbook for Christmas and the other, a closer look at the AARP bulletin of this past December. Imagine my surprise when I was looking through that new cookbook, “New Hampshire from Farm to Kitchen”, by Helen Brody to find this recipe—“Mr. Zea’s Harvest Turkey Casserole”. Upon further reading, I learned that Mr. Zea was the turkey pie expert for the Meriden Congregational Church’s fall supper during the 57 years he was the Town Clerk in that town. He and his wife, Connie, are now regular attendees here, and when I mentioned this to him a couple of Sundays ago after church, he chuckled and in his quiet way, told me that he had done lots of cooking in the army and at church suppers and even now, does his fair share of cooking at home. To see the full commentary and to get a copy of the recipe, see the Parish Nurse bulletin board. And do say hello to the Zeas.
The other event which got me thinking was the editorial comment in the December 2010 AARP bulletin—where the editor, Jim Toedtman, gave testimony to the meaning of friendship, especially in difficult times. At a difficult time in the life of this editor, when he was over age 60 and finding himself unemployed, he turned to his friend, Bill McBride. He called Bill on the day he lost his job. Bill gave him the comfort and encouragement he needed to pick up and move ahead. May we all have such friends and try to be that kind of friend to others.
The spring session of Tai Chi will continue on Tuesdays from April 5-May 24 from 2:30-3:30 in the Sanborn Room. Cost will be $35. All are welcome. Anyone and everyone can benefit. This form of gentle exercise is good for people of all ages and abilities. Tai Chi has been shown to reduce stress—both physical and mental—and improve one’s mood. If you
haven’t yet tried tai chi, this spring would be a great time to start!
Anne encourages each student to work within his or her own comfort level,
and she maintains a relaxed atmosphere throughout the class. Handouts are
provided. For more information, you can check out Anne’s website: http://www.annebower.com.
CCDC Cares lunch—Tuesday, March 8—12:30—bring a sandwich. Dessert and beverage provided. Anyone who would like to be part of a cadre of parishioners who provide assistance to others on a short-term basis is welcome. Or, if you would like your name removed from this list, please let Amy or me know.
Day of Service—Saturday, April 30. 10:00 am-3:00 pm. Volunteers will be available to help out with spring chores or any other project you may need help with. If you have a special talent or would like to offer a specific way of helping, do be in touch for this one-time event. We may even stretch it to two if this is successful. To be successful, we need both askers and givers.
May 1---3:30, Batchelder Lounge, final session of “Listening in a Healing Way” with Jeanne Childs
On the Parish Nurse bulletin board, see a spring schedule of wonderful workshops and events sponsored by the Aging Resource Center, DHMC.
Ann Bradley