The theme for November is “Holding History.” I’ve been reflecting on how I think our congregation has done an admirable job of holding the complexity of this moment, while being willing to adapt. We are far from finished, but we are on the path of coming to terms with history, and making an effort to live into our principles. In truth, I think that is what is required of us: to make that effort. I’m pleased to receive updates from our committee on the 8th principle, to see how we can further live into justice and antiracism as a congregation. I’ve had good conversations with members of that team, and I’m glad we’re moving forward.

Last Sunday was the first time we’ve had an in-person worship service in 18 months. It was a hybrid service with virtual and in person participation. It was beautiful, and many people expressed joy and gratitude to me and each other during and after the service. Many thanks to our tech team for setting this up in advance, with the help of our endowment committee to make that setup possible. It was moving to me too. I didn’t realize how much I had missed in person worship, until I gave the invocation and recognized all the people in the pews, many of whom I hadn’t seen in over a year. Our setup feels good to me: requiring vaccination for people over 12, and requiring masking. Based on the one service, there didn’t seem to be much trouble with this setup as long as we had adequate greeters. It seems ideal now to have 4 greeters per Sunday: 2 at the front entrance on Elm St, and 2 at the side door on Illinois. Linda Mohn and Carole McWilson are coordinating the greeters – thank you.

I’ve spoken with our musicians and they are prepared to play live while masked every Sunday going forward beginning 11/21. I’ve thought about whether it would be worth it to have a live in-person service if we have extensive virtual worship leadership: worship associate, guest minister, etc. I’m thinking currently that it’s worth having live in-person worship as well as a virtual component in nearly all scenarios I’ve played out in my head. But I’m open to your thoughts about this. I’m thinking going forward that unless there is dangerous weather, there will be ongoing live in-person worship with a simultaneous virtual option. This will require an added commitment from our membership to maintain successfully.

Trunk-or-Treat was a great success, thanks to the leadership of Kathleen Hogue, our Director of Religious Education. Nearly all the children and families were from the neighborhood or Youngstown city limits, and appreciated our offering. I learned that Trunk-or-Treat has a long history going back 50 years or more, beginning in church parking lots like ours, to ensure a bit more safety for children. I think we should make it an annual activity, regardless of pandemic or not. Kathleen Hogue originated the idea, and it was great fun, and very fulfilling to see all these kids in costume, enjoying the holiday, grateful for the gift of candy from our church.

I’m thinking of Christmas Eve service, and am in the process of putting together a list of musicians and choral members who can participate. It will be in-person with a virtual component, and I think it will be beautiful. We can utilize some of the choir recordings, and include a live voice in the sanctuary to accompany: merging hybrid and live. I say this is a

non-singer, so I’ll talk with musicians and see if they think this is doable.

Gary Davenport is leading an upcoming conversation on “Seeds,” literally and metaphorically, setting an intention for the kind of seeds we wish to plant. This will take place at the beginning of December. Gary also represented our congregation at a regional conference in Pittsburgh with a facilitator who helped write the original 8th principle at All Souls Washington DC. Gary did a good job representing our congregation. I’ve also had a good conversation with Ryan Stryffeler about the possibility of holding some theological conversations sometime in the

Winter. Right now we are still in the hypothetical phase, and am hoping something will become more concrete before the New Year.

My contract as anAdjunct Professor was renewed for the Spring, so I’ll continue teaching Tuesday and Thursday mornings: Intro to World Religions. I was on-call as a police chaplain this last week: it was quiet and the police cruiser is being serviced. So I drove my own car. I’ve been speaking with Rose Carter about an upcoming grant ACTION received to work on the question of environmental sustainability in the valley. I think this will be exciting for some of our members to engage with, since they know they’ve already been engaging this question through various efforts already. The more people we can get to work and think about this, the better for all of us.

I plan to be away Wed. Nov. 24 – Mon. Nov. 29 for Thanksgiving. We plan to go to Ithaca, NY, to have dinner with Jennifer’s sister. I will be available by phone in case there is an emergency. Kristina Spaude will be the Guest Minister on Sunday, 11/28. Cynthia and Tom Smotzer are prepared to play live in the sanctuary that Sunday.

See you all soon, Rev. Joseph