Light Up Your Advent at Home

I have vivid memories of Christmastime in my childhood church, First Congregational Church of Berkeley, California. We attended the “midnight” service, which ranged in start time from 10 to 11 p.m. We would sit…

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Lemon Spongettes

Everything that my mother, Phyllis Petrie, made was delicious, but this recipe is my all time favorite. And it’s in my mother’s own handwriting, which is a work of art in itself. Enjoy! Beth…

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Cheddar Olive Balls

This is an adaptation of a recipe from an early Pillsbury cookbook. It is a tasty hors d’oeuvre that my family has enjoyed many times. Makes 30 to 36, depending on the size of…

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Reflections on Pentecost

In 2020, Pentecost Sunday is May 31st. The Christian observance of Pentecost recalls the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1–13, which was witnessed by travelers, or pilgrims, from all over the Roman world….

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Milestones

Jean Samson’s New Age Birthday Party The gathering of 28 family members from three states was unique.  Wearing colorful paper hats, displaying balloons, and enjoying the traditional cake and candles, they assembled technologically to honor…

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