Haley Novak’s tallow-based skincare line, Tallow & Theology, registered with the county clerk’s office in late May and launched the following week, sold out its initial product run in four days, according to figures Haley shared with the Dispatch on Wednesday. A waitlist has been established. Haley described herself as “cautiously optimistic.” Travis Novak described himself as supportive and confirmed he had recently acquired knowledge of tallow that he had not sought and could not now unknow.

The current product line includes two items: Sola Lotion, a daily moisturizer described on the label as “for the skin you were given, not the skin the world tells you to want,” and the Total Depravity Detox Bar, a facial cleansing bar whose name, Haley explained to this reporter, reflects the theological conviction that “your pores, like your nature, require thorough intervention.” Both items sold out within the first forty-eight hours of launch. The Dispatch notes that Susan Briggs accounted for six of the units sold. Susan Briggs declined to confirm the specific number but did not dispute it.

The product names have attracted attention within Prairie Ridge Reformed community, primarily from Brandon Keyes, who submitted a written request to Haley to review the theological accuracy of the marketing materials prior to the second product run. Brandon’s concern, as outlined in his request, centered on whether the phrase “total depravity” applied to facial skin constituted a category error or an appropriate metaphorical extension of Reformed soteriology. Haley responded that it was a bar of soap. Brandon said he understood that and remained concerned regardless.

Travis Novak confirmed this week that the kitchen counter situation had not materially worsened since the launch, a statement he qualified by noting that a second surface had entered service in the laundry room. He expressed continued support for Haley’s venture and said the products were, in his assessment, genuinely good. He said this with the tone of a man who had not expected to form a confident opinion about tallow-based skincare and was not entirely sure how it had happened.

Elder Hoffstead has not commented on Tallow & Theology. His silence is not unusual. He has also not commented on the new parking lot resurfacing, the updated nursery schedule, or the addition of a Keurig to the nursery room, the last of which multiple sources confirm he is aware of and has opinions about.

AT PRESS TIME: Brandon Keyes’s theological review request was still pending a response from Haley. Haley had read the request. She had set it down. She had picked it up again. She had set it down again.

DEVELOPING: The June business meeting is scheduled for Tuesday. Elder Langley has submitted a motion to form the fellowship hall renovation subcommittee. He has rehearsed his opening remarks. He has also prepared a contingency version of his opening remarks. Elder Hoffstead has not indicated which version will be necessary.