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with
the Spirit." Still strong is our "Friendly Dozens" program,
where Friends come together in each other's homes to share food and spiritual
discussion. "Spiritual Directions," where Friends in small groups work
together on their personal spiritual journeys, is in process of being reinvigorated.
On
the lighter side, we have participated in the Quaker Family Float trip,
a new knitting circle, and various crafts groups.
As
always, we struggle along with a tight budget. Our new Meeting House, where
we have worshipped since 1997, has required renovation, which has strained
our budget. We had our last yard sale in June, which was successful, and
we will continue to hold our Sales for Service, the next in November.
All
in all, our Meeting is thriving. Together and individually we endeavor
to live and act in the Light and to lead others to do so as well.
Urbana-Champaign Friends
By Mariellen Gilpin
Urbana Friends held a called
meeting for business in August and a regular business meeting in October,
in order to agree to begin building the new meeting house, even though
we are about $45,000 short of what we probably will need. The Fundraising
committee hopes to raise the rest through applying for loans and mortgages,
and is busily sending out fundraising letters. Please remember us
kindly if you hear from us! As our treasurer said when we looked
at the bottom line, "We are embarking on a perilous venture, Friends."
We are waiting for the contractor
to put together a contract, which we have agreed to sign when it is available.
The time creeps apace - we are spiritually prepared to break ground this
fall, but the contractor may not be. Ministry and Oversight and Advancement
committees are thinking |
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