My church is experimenting with gathering in each other's homes. Every Thursday night, during April and May, a few of us (about 10) are getting together, to eat and drink together, have a discussion about a piece of scripture, talk about what's going on in our lives, and (for those that are comfortable with it) pray for each other.

You don't have to believe anything in particular to be there. Everybody promises, at the outset, to respect each other.

It starts at 7, and we make sure we finish before 8:30.

My street address is in the chatter, or if that goes away, you can email me.

I know not everybody likes them, but every day I am concluding more and more that they are a force for good.

Next week they are having their fund raising party. They still need some volunteers to do easy things like pass out nametags and watch the auction items (I will be showing people where to park/cleaning up, if you want to join me).

Even if you don't like what they do, they are a small organization, and one volunteer's opinion will be heard. You can help the EVA become what it should be.

And I know. I am still not posting for real. I better stop this or nobody will read my blog anymore.

University of Dubuque Choir. 7pm. Lafayette Church.

elmwoodjesus.org

Back to real posts soon, I promise.

Interesting story:

Yesterday was screen door day. I first went to the Bargain Outlet on West Ferry, because they are nearby and cheap.

And, to their credit, they did have cheap screen doors.

But they were wrapped up in plastic, and I couldn't see any of the hardware, or even know if there was any.

So I asked at the desk.

"It's in there" she said.

"Ok," I said, "if I take it home and don't like it, I can bring it back, right?"

"Right," she said, "as long as you don't open it. If you open it there is a $25 restocking fee."

"So I have to buy it blind?"

"Yes."

Needless to say, I did not buy from a store with such a stupid policy and bad service. Which is too bad, because they really are cheap sometimes.

But when I got to Value, on Elmwood (after checking True Value, also on West Ferry).

They had the same doors, cheaper, and (get this) assembled, on display. So I knew what I was getting.

After all of that, I ripped the screen putting it into my truck. Then it was REALLY hard to install (due to crappy instructions, mostly).



Totally unrelated: (e:janelle) and I are grilling tonight. If you want to come by, bring something to throw on the grill or drink, go for it. Email for address/directions.