December Newsletteer

Well, Darling Denizens of the Rainbow, the place to be on November 8 was most definitely our fabulous monthly potluck at UUC Spokane. We began with a fascinating glimpse of the Spectrum Singers at morning rehearsal. Over twenty of us were treated to a preview of their upcoming concert on 12/20.

The rehearsal was followed by a most wonderful feast of gratitude that included hams, turkeys, four gallons of gravy, and so many delicious side dishes that we needed a few extra tables. Over 80, yes my dears, over 80 souls dining and happily conversing.

Thank you to UUC for allowing us to use the space, Nancy for coordinating the set up and break down and the flow of the day. Thank you to the several folks who gave generously of their time and energy to set the room up the day before, the Spectrum Singers for singing and bringing joy (and food). Thank you to the tired folks who stayed after to clean up. It was a joyous event. We are hopeful that this can become an annual event.

We sent out a special bulletin in late October that listed many locations and organizations who can be of assistance during the government shutdown. If you are in need of food or other assistance and wondering where to turn - go to our website and explore the links there. Spokane Aids Network recently reaffirmed their desire and ability to help those in need, no questions asked.

A report on the site Fix the News in October cited a longitudinal study of over 25,000 people in Australia that focused on the characteristics of longevity, health and well-being. To their surprise, it was not so much exercise, not smoking, eating healthily, etc. (all important). People living their best lives had hope. Hope. They also found that cultivating a sense of hope in individuals through community ritual, connecting with others and developing an internal belief that each person can manage their lives in a productive way leads to a sense of fulfillment that has ramifications for health, finances, relationships and so on. They also found that it is apparently never too late - as we age, we can develop a greater sense of hopefulness. As we move into December and the season of hope, maybe there is something that those 25,000 + Australians have to offer us. The article can be found at www.fixthenews.com.

Spokane Pride and IMBA are co-producing a queer round table that will be hosted by Gonzaga's Lincoln Center for LGBTQ+ students. Since November of 2024, this will be the third gathering of queer groups in the region. We will be represented there. A summary of the meeting will be in our January newsletter.

The Spectrum Singers will perform their Winter Concert on Saturday, December 20 at 7 pm at Shadle Park High School. If you can, treat yourself and loved ones to attend this unique experience of the Season.

There will be no third Friday zoom speaker in November, but don't miss the third Friday zoom speaker in December (hint: jolly, has a thing for reindeer, pronouns they/them). Need we say more?

December Event Schedule

Tuesday, December 2: no host Taco Tuesday, noon.

Saturday, December 13: potluck at noon .

Saturday, December 13: Queer Round Table - by invitation.

Wednesday, December 17: no host Lunch OUT on the Town, noon.

Friday, December 19: 4 pm special guest zoom speaker

Thursday, December 25: Yeah, that day.

Every Friday at 4 pm zoom call

There is no steering committee meeting this month.

Happy Holidays however you spend them - may you know mirth, warmth, loving kindness and hope