Two years ago, Christine Hall’s anchor committee was mulling over how to raise the additional necessary funds for the Way of the Spirit program. As is the Quaker custom, the group went into silence to Listen to how Spirit might lead.  Suddenly, Jim Hall—Chris’ husband—enthusiastically exclaimed, “I’ve got it! I love to make soap. I can make soap to sell as a fund raiser.”

The idea felt clear and the first batch of Inner Light soap was distributed last Christmas season. It was a hit. The soap is wonderful—especially for dry skin. It is organic and good for you and the environment. It has a delightful scent. And it supports a wonder-filled spiritual formation program.

As it turns out Jim is not only a soap maker, but a gifted graphic designer and ingenious creator of all the forms and tools needed for the endeavor. So last year’s the process of making soap in his kitchen with a Kitchen Aid mixer expanded into ways to make it is larger batches. This “cottage industry” caught the attention of his local Whidbey Island newspaper and a full page article just came out this week. I thought you would delight in seeing how another idea born in Holy Listening has become a “thing” that blesses folks way beyond our usual circles. Here is the link to read the article:  Jim Hall, soap maker.

And here is a link for an order form–just in case you would like to support both your skin and Good News Associates’ Way of the Spirit program through a suggested donation of $5 a bar: You can order soap through our online form, or you can download a Soap Order Form and mail it in with your payment. (The fillable option varies with different browsers and devices.  If you have trouble with it, just email your order to the email address on the form.)

And all this is to say, God’s Spirit is alive and well in our troubled world. And our hearts are ringing with Merry Christmas!