A Labor of Love
Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • August 29, 2023
Lessons from Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
This weekend we continue our Children's Literature series looking at Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel. Virginia Lee Burton wrote this beloved story in 1939, when the United States was still trying to find a way out of the Great Depression. On this Labor day weekend, we celebrate a story about a working class man and a steam shovel which reminds us of the "can do" spirit that lives even in a changing world.

A blog post in which Betty Brandt explores the alarming rise in antisemitism, recent tragic events, and the impact on Jewish communities, urging readers to stand in solidarity and foster awareness. It highlights personal reflections, concerns for safety, and meaningful ways to support and engage with Jewish friends and neighbors.

Betty Brandt comments on how two films—Conclave and Penguin Lessons—have taken on unexpected relevance in 2025. Conclave offers a glimpse into the process of selecting a new pope, coinciding with Pope Francis’s passing, while Penguin Lessons delves into Argentina’s turbulent 1970s, raising questions about justice and moral responsibility. Explore their significance in today's changing world.