Wrapping up October

Hello, Friends.

We had our first frost here in Carmel Thursday morning. This wasn't a killing frost. This is a good time to clean out your beds and get them ready for the winter.

Are you ready for Halloween? Michael's has decorations 50-70% off! You might want to run over and pick up a few things. Next Friday is the big day. If you want "trick or treaters" to stop at your house, turn on your porch light. The little "spooks" expect candy; one piece of candy per child is fine. If you offer a whole bowl they will grab a handful. Check WISH TV for your community's time to trick or treat.

And about the Butter Braids: Please bring your money next week; it needs to be turned in by November 3. Checks can be made out to Operation Friendship. Thank you for helping out with this fundraiser.

In Bible Study we read John 3:1-21. Jesus teaches the Jewish teacher Nicodemus. This man came to Jesus at night to ask questions and to learn from Him. Jesus teaches him many things: that the Holy Spirit gives birth to our spirit, and that through that birth you are given new life. The most famous verse that tells everyone about why Jesus came is found here (John 3:16) and the following verse is just as important (John 3:17): For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

At International Friends we talked about making appointments and emergency calls. When you make a call:
1. Be polite with your tone
2. Small talk isn't necessary.
3. Speak slowly.
4. Have your calendar available as well as a list of the information you need for the call.
5. Keep the other person on the line until all your questions are answered.
6. Ask for the other person's name in case you need to call back.
For emergency and service calls:
1. Know your location. Practice saying your address so it is a habit.
When you dial 911:
1. Stay on the line until they tell you to hang up. They will continue to give you directions and instructions.
2. If you accidentally dial 911, stay on the line. If you hang up, they will call you back to make sure you are ok.
2. Use 911 for emergencies such as fires and accidents or dangerous situations where you need immediate help or when you can't handle
3. Expect to have a fire truck, ambulance and police officers arrive. They usually everyone out.
Call your gas/power company when you smell gas; not 911. They will give you directions to keep safe that will include not turning on lights, leaving your home, etc. and will dispatch someone immediately to investigate.

At Conversation on Wednesday we talked mostly about holidays and places to go. It was interesting to hear where people would like to go (for free) if they could go anywhere in the United States. We enjoyed some delicious snacks (thank you, Yoko) including garlic bread and artichoke dip and roasted honey maple sugar nuts.

Have a safe and delightful weekend.
Carolyn

October 28
International Bible Study, 9:00-10:30: Let's read John 3:22-36, John the Baptist testifies about Jesus. We will talk about baptism and the role it plays in our lives.

International Friends, 10:30-12:00: Let's carve pumpkins into Jack o' Lanterns
Bring a serrated knife and a pumpkin (bring a large pumpkin, not a pie pumpkin) to carve into a Jack o' Lantern for your front porch. We will roast pumpkin seeds and a pumpkin. Come ready to try some fun, traditional games. Wear your costume if you dare!

October 29
Conversation, 4:30-6:00: Let's talk about Halloween and take a field trip to see houses that are decorated.

killing frost: when temperatures are cold enough to kill everything but the hardiest plants.
clean out your beds: trim back plants and pull the dead plants out of your flower and vegetable gardens.
run over: take a quick trip
pick up: buy
is the big day: a day that is anticipated for a long time.
in or at: should you use "in" or "at" when talking about being somewhere? Either is fine. People say they are at home (never in home). Students can be in or at school.
Butter Braids: delicious pastries that are easy to make.
fundraiser:
small talk: polite conversation including such things as: how is your day, how are you.
stay on the line: don't hang up the phone. The dispatcher can tell what is going on and alert the emergency staff of your situation. They will call you back if you hang up.
dispatch: send someone.