A typical Sunday at the Franz's begins with a light breakfast of Semel with strawberry jam and cheese. For those of you unfamiliar with Semel, it is a simple roll made of flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and water. No one really knows its origin, but one story that makes some sense is that when the German Mennonites came over on the boat, it was a bread easily made and also in keeping with the simple traditions of the people. The dough is "stirred' up the night before, it rises into a sticky consistency, and when ready it is spooned onto cookie sheets and baked. Some sprinkle poppy seeds on top; some sprinkle sesame seeds; some leave them plain. Regardless, those of us who get to enjoy them wish every day was Sunday. After the light breakfast, it's off to church for Sunday school, Sunday service, and whatever else is on the agenda. Today, after service was the once a month potluck, followed by decorating the church for the Christmas season. With a large dose of 'tongue in cheek' today's dinner was called the Biblical Potluck. There were Moses Mashed Potatoes, Jacob's Stew, Levite Lentil Soup, Kosher Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, a plate of Unleavened Bread, Sinfully Rich Brownies, and some heaven sent Bread Pudding. There was even a bowl of mixed nuts with a sign on which read, "There are a lot of NUTS in the Bible." Regardless, the truly biblical part of the event was the communal sharing within the church community. Everyone contributed, members helped setting up, cleaning up, and taking down. From start to finish, helping hands were in motion all over the church. The spirit even moved me to pitch in. I washed dishes while Judy helped Karen with the Christmas decorations. After church, in an attempt to wear off some of the Biblical Potluck, we raked Rod and Karen's front yard. Rod was grateful, even though the Pin Oak leaves fall throughout the winter, and the raking effort will seem futile as soon as the next wind blows (tomorrow?). Finally, the weather is changing, as I've come to expect. While it's not exactly warm, the severe cold front seems to have dissipated. Frac handled the conditions well: The fresh water is flowing; the furnace is warming, the hot water heater is heating. I haven't tried to drain any tanks, but I'm trusting that things will "work" out later in the week when the temperatures are predicted to reach the fifties during the day and not drop too far under freezing at night. Mostly, we're just happy to be enjoying the Franz's for the moment. It is a time of Thanksgiving, and we've much to be thankful for, which is what makes life good, especially today.
Judy and Karen smiling smiles of plenty (They had just set out the potluck dishes).
The Biblical Potluck: Another taste of "Thin Gruel".
Kosher?
Before.
After.
The church members enjoying the food and each other.
Hanging the Jesse Tree banner
Karen and Debbie VanderWeide setting up the Advent candles.
Bob Atchison, who is a mentor to the young man (Joe Hargett) in front of him, is spreading the lights (An apt metaphor)
The traditional tree, awaiting the birth of Jesus.
The Jesse Tree banner, made many years ago by a church member named Lucinda Hardesty, represents a verse from Isaiah, "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots."
We can only help the faithful spread as easily as these Pin Oak leaves.
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