CREATIVE FAITH

Branch Out is here!
Throughout October, we’re coming together for a month packed with workshops, connections, and fun.
Browse the workshop descriptions below and pick the ones that spark your interest—then click the button to sign up.
Branch Out – Workshop Descriptions
Make your own special greeting cards!
# of participants: 10 (Adults only)
Instructor: Janet Fowler
Date: Thursday,10/2
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Location: Worship Arts Room
Description: Get creative and never be caught without a needed card! In this class, participants will learn how to create beautiful greeting cards for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Notes: If you can, please bring a pair of small, sharp, pointed scissors, a ruler, a pencil with an eraser, and liquid glue. I strongly recommend the Tombow brand, available at craft stores. If you need some of the above items, there will be a few on hand.
Enjoying Genealogy – Let’s get you started!
# of participants: 8
Instructor: Charity Johnson
Date: Thursday, 10/2
Time: 4-6 pm
Location: Lower Commons (by the fireplace)
Description: Genealogy is a great bad-weather hobby. You learn about your family and about the times and places in which your ancestors lived. And best of all, you “steer your ship,” researching the areas and ancestors that capture your interest. This workshop is for people who are just beginning to explore genealogy and for those who need to jumpstart their search again. Learn tips and tricks to speed up the process. Bring a notebook and pen, a laptop, (phone apps are not sufficient) and your parents’ names and birthdates.
Storing up Fewer Treasures on Earth:
Learn to sell items on Facebook Marketplace and elsewhere
# of participants: 12
Instructors: Matthew Clark and Pam Hoyt
Date: Sunday, 10/5
Time: 11:30 am – 1 pm
Location: Lower Commons (by the fireplace)
Description: Downsizing in the Modern Era
Ready to clear some space and be a good steward of your stuff? In this hands-on workshop, we’ll look at Biblical principles of stewardship, explore how to assess an item’s value using eBay and Google Lens, and compare the pros and cons of different ways to pass things along. Bring an item (worth $20–$ 100), and we’ll walk through the process of listing it on Facebook Marketplace together!
Bring: An item to sell ($20–100) and your own Facebook account
Make a cozy blanket with Finger Knitting
Ginny will be available on 9/14 after Worship to show people what the project looks like and demonstrate the process.
# of participants: 8
Instructor: Ginny Hanby
Date: Sunday,10/12
Time: 11:30 am – 1 pm
Location: Worship Arts Room
Description: Kitting without Needles! Who knew! This class will teach you how to make a blanket with a fun and fast hand-crocheting method using a chunky chenille yarn. Everyone will get a good start in 2 hours, then they can bring their piece home to finish.
Notes: Participants will need to bring their own yarn to the class. They should buy chunky chenille or super bulky. The package will have #6 on the label. Here’s a rough formula to figure out how to estimate the number of skeins you will need for your project:
Determine what size blanket you want to make, width & length, then multiply those numbers and divide by 350. For example: A blanket 40″ by 50″ would be: 40 X 50 = 2,000 divided by 350 = 5.7, so 6 skeins – or 7 to be sure you have enough.
The Mainstays yarn label is sold at Walmart for $7.44 a skein. The stores don’t have a big selection of colors, but they have more colors on their website, and you can often have the yarn delivered to your Walmart store to save on shipping.
Church Family Kick Ball – All Ages Welcome!
# of participants: No limit
Instructors: Matt Clark and Niki Campbell
Date: Sunday, 10/12
Time: 4-6 pm, includes enjoying dinner together
Location: Meet on the ball field for the game and move to the Commons for food.
Description: Join us for a fun-packed church-wide (and invited guests), all-ages Kick Ball game. We will assign designated runners for those for whom running will be difficult. And afterward, we’ll enjoy a fun dinner together (pizza or something like that, we’ll determine the menu based on expected numbers). If the weather is inclement, come anyway. We will play gaga ball and other games indoors.
Budget Counseling – Getting to Mindful, Personalized Spending – Making Your Spending Plan
# of participants:10
Instructors: Bob Clarke and Micheala Zaloom
Date: Tuesday, 10/14
Time: 6:30 pm -7:30 pm
Location: Kids Church Room 304
Description: Do you know what you spend in a month in total? What it costs for you to live for six months? But more importantly, are you afraid of the answers? If so, you’re not alone! God tells us over and over – Be not afraid! Well, that goes for money, too! This class will give you the know-how to become aware of how you’re spending your money and how to do so with more intention and care. The class will provide an overview of personal budgeting and teach participants how to develop a budget (or, if you prefer – a “spending plan”). You’ll leave this session feeling confident about where your money is going and where you want it to go! All materials will be provided.
Notes: This is not a class in financial planning.
Hiking the Snow Hole with Sara and Joe Fritz
# of participants: 20
Instructors: Joe and Sara Fritz
Date: Saturday, 10/18 (Rain Date: Saturday, Oct 25)
Time: 9:00 am (Returning mid-afternoon)
Location: Meet at Brunswick Church
Description: Join us for a hike on the Taconic Crest Trail to the “Snowhole,” a rare 40–50-foot-deep bedrock chasm that keeps snow and ice even in summer. Along the way, we’ll enjoy sweeping views across three states—MA, NY, and VT. The hike begins with a short, steep climb, then continues over rolling terrain for about 1–1.5 hours. It’s a good idea to wear layers (including rain gear) and good hiking shoes. Bring a lunch, water and snacks for this unique adventure! We will meet at church at 9:00 am and drive to the Petersburgh Pass trailhead. (Approximately a 30-minute drive.)
People should bring lunch, water, and rain gear People should wear comfortable clothing, preferably in layers. You should wear good footwear for walking, (e.g. hiking boots, or sneakers.).
Notes: All ages are welcome, but a responsible adult must accompany children under the age of 18. Meet at the church at 9:00 am for the 30-minute drive to the Petersburgh Pass trailhead.
Meditative Forest Walk
# of participants: 10
Instructors: Margie Swartz and Annette Crawford-Harris
Date: Sunday, 10/19 (Rain Date 10/26)
Time: 12:30 pm Walk is approx.1 mile (plan on 1.5 hrs)
Location: Church Commons – drive to the location
Description: Join us for a peaceful and meditative walk through God’s creation in the Valentino Family Community Forest Trail, part of the beautiful Hudson Taconic Lands, just off Route 2. As we walk, we’ll take time to reflect on the beauty and wonder of the natural world, a gift from our Creator.
We’ll meet in the Commons and leave for the trail around 12:40 PM. Feel free to bring a lunch to enjoy after Worship. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes suitable for easy to moderate trails. You may also want to bring bug spray and a light jacket, depending on the weather. In case of rain, the walk will be postponed to the following Sunday.
Gentle Yoga
# of participants: 10
Instructor: Terry Wingate
Date: Monday, 10/20
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Location: Low Commons (by fireplace)
Description: This class will introduce participants to some gentle yoga stretches and poses that will support your journey to greater mobility and strength. No previous yoga experience is needed. Participants are asked to bring a yoga mat, blocks, and blanket (optional), if you have them. But extra supplies will be on hand if you do not have these items.
Check-Out Checklist – Practical Conversations for PrePlanning your Funeral
# of participants: 50+
Instructors: John Cannon and Bill Henderson
Date: Tuesday, 10/21
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Location: Worship Center
Description: Being prepared for the end of life involves many considerations, from estate planning and creating wills or trusts to deciding what to do with your Aunt Tess’s cherished china tea set. This kind of thoughtful planning is an act of kindness for those we leave behind, helping to ease their burden during a time of emotional distress.
This class will focus on pre-planning your funeral. By making these arrangements in advance, you’ll ease your family’s worries, as they’ll know exactly what you want. Pre-planning can also reduce their financial strain and provide them with peace of mind. It’s an opportunity to personalize your ceremony so that your remembrance is meaningful, personal, and easier for your loved ones to celebrate when the time comes.
Fall & Halloween Cupcake Decorating
# of participants: 10
Instructor: Kathleen Claydon
Date: Wednesday, 10/22
Time: 6 – 8 pm
Location: Worship Arts Room
Description: Have you always wanted to learn some fabulous cake decorating techniques? In this class, you’ll have a sweet time learning the tricks of the trade and decorating a dozen cupcakes. With your $8 fee, you will take home 12 beautifully decorated fall cupcakes and the frosting tips for making more at home.
Notes: Kids 10 and up are welcome with an adult. The cost for the decorating supplies plus 12 take-home cupcakes is $8.
Learn Pickleball Without Pressure
# of participants: 16
Instructors: Alison Brinkman, Judy Dinan, Jeff Deal, Kim Deal, Liz Jamison, Paul Jamison
Date: Saturday, 10/25
Time: 10 am -12 noon
Location: Church Upper Parking Lot
Description: Have you been curious about pickleball but not sure how to start? Join us for a relaxed, two-hour session where you can learn the basics, practice with others, and have fun! This session is designed for beginners, whether you are new to the game or have tried pickleball a few times and want more practice.
No equipment? No problem. We will have extra paddles to share. Please wear athletic shoes and comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement.
This gathering is all about beginners. When you sign up, let us know a little about your experience so we can set up groups that work well for everyone. If you already play and would like to lend a hand, we would love that too, just let us know.
Since the event will be held outside, it is dependent on the weather. Please include your phone number so we can reach you quickly if plans change.
Want to play the ukulele or guitar? Give it a try!
FULL FULL FULL
# of participants: 8
Instructors: John Johnson and Lucas Abate
Date: Sunday, 10/26
Time: 11:30 – 1:30 pm
Location: Worship Arts Room
Description: Would you love to learn how to play a ukulele or guitar? This class will get you started! This workshop is designed to help you learn some basic guitar chords and to play a simple song with other learners. Bring your instrument if you have one. (We will have some extras on hand)