Newsletter, October 2008

Navigation links within the October Newsletter:

Queries
Meeting for Business
General Swarthmore Meeting Announcements
Wider News from Across Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
Calendar

Are love and unity maintained among us? When conflicts exist, are they faced with patience, forbearance, and openness to healing? Are avenues for exploring differences kept open? To what extend does our Meeting ignore differences in order to avoid possible conflicts?

Is the Meeting a safe, loving place? When we become aware of someone's need, do we offer assistance? Are the Meeting and its property physically accessible to all?

Do all adults and children in our Meeting receive our loving care and encouragement to share in the life of our Meeting, and to live as Friends? Do we truly welcome newcomers and include them in the life of our Meeting community? When a member's conduct or manner of living gives cause for concern, how does the Meeting respond?

Am I ready to offer assistance as part of my religious community serving its members? Am I equally willing to accept graciously the help of others?

Do I recognize and face disagreements and other situations that put me in conflict with others? Do I manifest a spirit ready to give or receive forgiveness?

Do I treat adults and children alike with respect and without condescension? Is my manner with visitors and attenders to my Meeting one of welcome?

Is my home a place where all members of the family receive affection and understanding, and where visitors are welcome?

Do I choose recreation and a manner of living that enriches the body, mind, and the spirit, and shows a high regard for family, community, and creations?

Is our family prepared to discuss sensitive topics such as death, faith, money, even sex and drugs, in a manner that allows openness and honesty, and also direction:

How do I help to arrange life at home so that there is an opportunity for all to learn and absorb by example what it means to live a life of Spirit-led commitment?

The Meeting for Business opened after a period of silent worship, with Mike Malone, Interim Clerk, presiding. The Queries on Spiritual Nurture, Ministry, and Religious Education were read, considered, and spoken to. Worship and Ministry Committee is studying a number of these Queries. The question was raised regarding the extent of Bible study in the Meeting --Should this receive greater emphasis? Past programs for Bible study in First Day School were mentioned. Minutes of the June Meeting for Business were considered and approved. Minutes of the July 20th Called Meeting for Business were likewise approved with the notation that Paul Joyce Collins Williams was approved as Interim Meeting Representative and Mike Malone as Interim Clerk (for one year) of Swarthmore Meeting. Many present expressed their personal thanks to Lynne Piersol for her work as Meeting Clerk. A formal Minute of Appreciation will be drafted.

Susan Larson reported for Quarterly Meeting: October 26 Quarterly Meeting will be at Media. In January, 2009, Quarterly Meeting will be here at Swarthmore. Susan mentioned their proposed theme: Philadelphia Yearly Meeting's (PYM) new program on story-telling.

Patricia Thomas reported for Worship and Ministry Committee: the Committee welcomes ideas for its sessions on religious education for the coming year. The Committee is working on connection with new attenders about our style of worship. The Committee is examining several pamphlets on vocal ministry for possible use. Mike Malone noted the Committee's discussions this past year on the practice of eldering and emphasized the importance of establishing a personal relationship with the one who is being eldered.

Lois Sellers reported for Care and Counsel Committee: Lyle Jenks has written to request the return of his sojourning letter to Old Chatham Meeting. Approved. The Meeting will compose its own letter expressing both the Meeting's joy for Lyle's time here and regret in having to send him back.

Andrea Knox reported for Budget and Finance Committee: while contributions are ahead of last year's pace, so far only 42% of that budgeted has been received. The Committee has had three responses to its letter sent out in late August. The letter was sent to all members who had not contributed in the last two years. This was not an appeal for funds. It simply asked how these members feel about their relationship with the Meeting, why they may not be able to contribute, or if they've lost interest in membership. All responses will be passed on to Care and Counsel. The Policy on Member Payment for Facilities Use was presented and approved. More advertising regarding the availability of Whittier House for groups looking to rent was discussed--as was the need to encourage the public to join us in Meeting for Worship. Budget and Finance urges all committees to get their budgets for next year in on time: that is, by November 1.

Considerable discussion followed with regard to our financial covenant with PYM. It was pointed out that our present covenant is based on our old quota as the base with annual decisions for increases.

Paul Joyce Collins Williams spoke regarding the upcoming CROP walk: their goal locally is $5,000. The Meeting's Cooking for the Homeless has been and will again be a principal recipient of funds. Approval was given for use of the Meeting as a mailing address, for placement of a sign, and for temporary storage of some items, as long as there is someone connected to the Meeting to oversee. A number of Meeting members will be participating.

Mimi Hall reported for Peace and Social Concerns Committee: a coordinator is needed for Quaker Quick-Notes on September 28. The subject will be disarmament. Information is available. She noted the upcoming Willistown Meeting Environmental Fair on September 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., as well as non-violent conflict training in October.

Christine DeGrado reported for Nomination Committee: the following names were brought forward: Jon Van Til as Assistant Clerk; George Alexander as Assistant Treasurer; Barbara Grove and Joanna Sibbett for First Day School Committee; Frank Lingren for House and Property Committee; Bere Saxon for Peace and Social Concerns Committee; Jon Van Til, Chris Mulford and Catherine King for Swarthmore Friends Nursery School Committee. Terminating their stay on Personnel Committee are: Bere Saxon, Bob Turner, and Jon Van Til. Approved.

The Budget and Finance Committee thanks the many members and attenders who have contributed to our year's budget to support our Meeting's spiritual life, care for members, and community outreach. However, we still need additional contributions, totaling 58% of the approved budget, to cover all our budgeted expenses this year

The Prayer Shawl Crafters held their first gathering on September 14 in the Meeting Office. Nine of us met to share knitting lessons, stories, laughter, and fellowship. We are a diverse group and welcome all who would like to join us. A generous member donated yarn for those who need help with supplies. We will meet from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month in the Meeting Office.

The Fellowship Working Group is in need of a volunteer to provide refreshments for Fellowship Hour on the Second Sunday of each month. Please contact Ray Ripper or the Meeting Office, Telephone: (610) 328-8699; email: [email protected]

The Meeting and the local Non-violent Peaceforce chapters are hosting Non-violent Conflict Intervention Training of Trainers on October 19-12 in Rushmore Room and the Lang Center. Meals are provided there (preparation help welcome), but some participants will need a place to sleep, mainly Friday and Saturday. About two people are staying extra nights for flights. Please contact Clarkson Palmer or the Meeting Office, Telephone: (610) 328-8699; email: [email protected]

Drop-off Day is Sunday, October 19, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Stick around after the potluck and help us greet, thank, and carry donations to their sale location. Or go home, fill your trunk with stuff,

Saturday, October 25 is the JUMBLE SALE, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It is hectic, crazy, and always fun. I guarantee laughter. If you have a few hours that day, or Tuesday, October 21 to Friday, October 24, in the evenings, come join us at the Meetinghouse for set-up, arranging, pricing, and, as aforementioned, laughter.

Also...if you cannot help with any of that, please contribute home-made bake goods. Cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and breads are big sellers.

The Jumble Sale Committee is requesting that all save plastic quart yogurt and sour cream containers to be used for bulk soup and chili sales. We would be thrilled to have volunteers willing to make chili, muffins, and/or work in the kitchen, waitress, and collect money during Jumble Sale. Thanks!

There will be a special high school forum to discuss the upcoming presidential election. The Forum will be held on October 5 in Whittier Room from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.. Bagels, donuts, and juice will be provided.

The 22nd Annual Swarthmore-Wallingford CROP Walk will take place on Sunday, October 5, 2008, and Friends have started lining up to help. CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) is the major funding raising activity of Church World Service, to which Philadelphia Yearly Meeting belongs. Every local CROP Walk can request that a local domestic hunger-fighting project receive up to 25% of the total contributions raised. The Swarthmore-Wallingford CROP Walk has selected our own Cooking for the Homeless as the local hunger-fighting project. The majority of funds raised still go to support the humanitarian and development activities of Church World Service in the Third World. The walk stats at the Swarthmore Presbyterian Church at 1:00 p.m. for registration, and step-off at 1:30 p.m. The walk has two legs, the first through Swarthmore and Wallingford, and the second on the Swarthmore College Campus. Friends can designate the American Friends Service Committee to receive their contributions. We need walkers, donors, and other volunteers. Contact Paul Joyce Collins Williams or the Meeting Office for more information, Telephone: (610) 328-8699; email: [email protected]

On Sunday, October 25, the First Day School will take an afternoon trip to Fair Hill Burial Ground, followed by an overnight stay in Whittier Room. For more information, contact Barbara Burger-Lentz or the Meeting Office, Telephone: (610) 328-8699; email: [email protected]

Hola, family and Friends (Swarthmore Meeting)! As many of you know, we sold our home in Wallingford. Settlement is September 30. We will be loading the cargo trailer and putting some things in storage on September 27 and heading out to San Miguel on or about October 2. It's a 2,400-mile journey with a car, a Jeep and a cargo trailer, two dogs, some concerns, and a lot of hope and happiness. Please hold us in the Light as we begin this journey of a lifetime into a new life. Please contact the Meeting Office, Telephone: (610) 328-8699; email: [email protected], for our new address, email addresses, and phone number in Mexico.

Information and a registration forms are now available online for the PYM Young Adult Friends Retreat on October 10 to 12, in Burlington Meetinghouse and Conference Center, Burlington, New Jersey. PYM Young Adult Friends includes people from ages 18 to 35. Come connect with other Young Adult Friends and envision the community, events and support you would like to build within Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Questions? Check their website, http://www.pym.org/education/yaf/, or contact the Meeting Office, Telephone: (610) 328-8699; email: [email protected]

What are Russian and Georgian Friends Doing While Their Countries are at War?

After war broke out, Moscow Monthly Meeting adopted a Minute calling on "all believers in South Ossetia, Georgia, and Russia to pray for peace and to surmount their mutual enmities." The Quaker Worship Group in Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, is aiding refugees. See www.fwccworld.org

Friends House, Moscow, makes visits to Tbilisi, and is translating Quaker literature into Georgian and supports a Moscow center for people from the Caucasus, often targets for violence and discrimination.

Patricia Stewart, who worked at Friends House, Moscow, this summer with a Minute for Religious Service from Central Philadelphia meeting, would be happy to visit Meetings to report further on what Friends are doing in the former USSR. For more information contact the Meeting office, Telephone: (610) 328-8699; email: [email protected], for Patricia's email address.

Buckingham Friends Meeting presents a free film series on topics of peace and social concern. the films begin at 7:30 p.m. on selected Wednesday evenings at the Meetinghouse at 5864 York Road, Lahaska PA (just south of Peddler's Village). On Wednesday, October 8, there will be three short films. Refreshments and discussion afterward.

1. "The Story of Stuff:" a 20-minute fast-paced, fact-filled look at how the sale, use, and disposal of all the stuff in our lives affects communities far and near. It will make you laugh and change the way you look at all that stuff forever.

2. "School of Assassins" and 3. "Guns and Greed:" Accounts of the U.S. Army School of the Americas in Fort Benning, Georgia, which has been a school of terror in our hemisphere since its founding in Panama in 1946. Each film is 20 minutes.

For more information contact the Swarthmore Meeting Office, Telephone: 610 328-8699 or email: [email protected]

Little Egg Harbor Meeting, New Jersey, will celebrate its 300th anniversary Saturday, October 11, 2008. The observance will begin with Meeting for Worship at 10:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon at 12:00 noon. At 1:30 p.m., Christopher Densmore, Curator of the Friends Historical Library at Swarthmore College, will give a lecture, "From Vanity and Folly to Truth and Righteousness: Travels with Little Egg Harbor Quakers over Three Centuries." Throughout the 18th century and well into the 19th century, Little Egg Harbor was a leading center of Quakerism in South Jersey and produced a number of distinguished ministers.

All Friends are warmly invited to come and share in the celebration. The Meetinghouse is on Route 9, Main Street, in Tuckerton, New Jersey. For further information call the Swarthmore Meeting Office, Telephone: (610) 328-8699; email: [email protected]

Historian and author Thomas P. Slaughter will speak on "The Beautiful Soul of John Woolman" at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 12, at Burlington Meeting House, 340 High Street, Burlington, New Jersey. The event is free and open to the public, sponsored by the John Woolman Memorial Association.

In a newly published biography of Woolman, Thomas Slaughter calls him "a great moral leader in America's founding era, whose universal humanitarianism can be a model for our spiritually fissured world."

There will be an informal reception and book singing after the lecture. For more information visit www.woolmancentral.com

Mary Anne McClintock will be remembered at the dedication of a new marker stone at Historic Fair Hill Burial Ground in Philadelphia, Saturday, October 18, 2008, at 12:00 noon. McClintock and Lucretia Mott were two of the five organizers of the historic Seneca Falls Convention of 1848. both are buried at Fair Hill with their husbands -- partners in the work for abolition of slavery and equal rights for women and other oppressed people. Each year in the fall, the Quaker burial ground has a volunteer work day and historic dedication. Past honorees have been Lucretia Mott, Robert Purvis, Edward Parrish, and Anna Jeanes, all buried at Fair Hill. The October 18 work day begins at 10:00 a.m. Friends are encouraged to participate in the Fair Hill book drive to continue the work of the reformers and educators buried at Fair Hill. New and gently used books are being collected for the neighboring elementary schools. (see the next entry.) For more information visit www.fairhillburial.org

Once again, Friends are invited to collect new and gently used books for children from Pre-K to 8th grade at Fair Hill elementary schools in North Philadelphia. Many of the children who plat and garden in the historic Quaker burial ground are first-generation English speakers with no books at home. The 100 boxes of books contributed so far have been received in classrooms and homes with much appreciation. Friends can help by setting up contributions boxes in Meetings and schools. For more information check the Fair Hill website, www.fairhillburial.org

The Fair Hill Friends Ministry of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting invites you to a reading of the book, "Walk With Us: Triplet Boys, Their Teen Parents, and Two White Women Who Tagged Along" by Elizabeth K. Gordon. The Quaker writer will be at Friendship House/Casa Amistad, 2615 North 4th Street, Philadelphia, for the reading, at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, October 25.

This book chronicles the journey of Elizabeth and her partner, Kaki, as they housed and provided adult supervision to two North Philadelphia teenagers and their newborn triplets. Elizabeth's is a memoir of love and authenticity, as she struggles to answer her call to heal racial divides while fulfilling her responsibilities as a family elder. Come and listen to Elizabeth tell her insightful and inspiring story with humor and compassion. For more information contact the Meeting Office, Telephone: (610) 328-8699; email: [email protected]

Gwen Ifill, moderator and managing editor of "Washington Week" and senior correspondent for "The News Hour with Jim Leherer," will deliver the keynote address at the American Friends Service Committee's 2008 Annual Public Gathering. The gathering starts at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2008, at the Fourth and Arch Street Meetinghouse in Philadelphia. Gwen Ifill will bring a wealth of reporting and broadcasting experience to her analysis of the 2008 Presidential election in her presentation. Prior to joining the Public Broadcasting System in 1999, Gwen Ifill worked as chief congressional and political correspondent for NBC News, covered the White House and politics for The New York Times, and reported on national and local affairs fro The Washington Post, Baltimore Evening Sun, and Boston Herald American. following the keynote presentation, AFSC will present two panel discussions, including one involving a delegation to China. The panels start at 3:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn across the street from the Meetinghouse. All of these events are free and open to the public.

Tom Etherington of Mullica Hill Meeting, new Jersey, will speak on "The History of the English Bible" at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, November 15, at the Magill Library of Haverford College. The lecture is sponsored by the Bible Association of Friends in America, in collaboration with the Adult Religious Education Working Group of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.

Bibles from the collection of the Bible Association of Friends in America at Haverford College will be on display in Magill Library. Tom Etherington recently completed cataloguing the collection. Haverford College is located at 370 Lancaster Avenue, Haverford PA 19041.

A dinner will precede the lecture; for details contact Swarthmore Meeting Office, Telephone: (610) 328-8699; email: [email protected]

On Saturday, November 22, Friends will gather for a whole morning of extended worship, followed by fellowship and worship sharing. These gatherings are a valuable way to keep in tune with the movement of the Spirit deep within, and a blessed occasion to connect with other Friends seeking to be faithful. All are welcome. The event will be Saturday, November 22, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Chester Meeting, 520 East 24th Street, Chester, PA 19013. Please bring a bag lunch. Beverages provided. There is no fee, but donations are welcome. To arrange childcare, please contact us at least two weeks in advance. For more information, please contact the Swarthmore Friends Meeting Office, Telephone: (610) 328-8699; email: [email protected]

Mike Malone, Clerk of the Meeting; Leslie Keighton, Recording Clerk; Stephen Weimar, Treasurer; Mary Titus, Meeting Secretary