Swarthmore Friends Meeting

Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

Newsletter for January, 2010

Queries on Equality

Addressed to the Meeting:

• How does our Meeting work to overcome social, legal, economic, and political injustices, locally and in the wider world?

• How does our Meeting work for the funding of community services that does not rely on gambling income?

• Does our Meeting serve the community through action on concerns for civic improvement?

• What actions are we taking to assure everyone equal access to education, health care, legal services, housing, and employment, as well as equal opportunities in business and in the professions?

• When a member has lifted up a concern, how does our Meeting respond?

• Does our Meeting encourage those seeking clearness for their convictions of conscience to hold up such convictions with prayerful openness to the Light?

Addressed to the individual:

• Am I mindful of how my lifestyle and my investments can contribute to the improvement of the human condition, or to the exploitation of others?

• Am I open to seeking clearness on matters of conscience and to assisting others in doing so?

• How do I respond and support one who acts out of a clear leading when I am under the weight of another?

• What am I doing to work for the betterment my community to assure the maintenance of effective public services which do not rely on funding from gambling?

• Do I fulfill my civic responsibilities when they do not conflict with divine leadings?

from Philadelphia Yearly Meeting's Faith and Practice, 2002, page 210-211

Partial Draft Minutes of Swarthmore Monthly Meeting for Business

Sunday, December 13, 2009

After a brief period of silent worship, the Meeting opened with Christine DeGrado, Clerk, presiding. The Queries on Equality were read, considered and spoken to: One Friend was curious about the term "economic convenience." Why was this term chosen?  It was noted that we should bear in mind the need for equality and compassion for those who suffer emotional difficulties and personality disorders.  A number concurred with the view of one Friend that this Query deserves close attention in view of the great amount of prejudice in the world and the hardship felt by those who live in fear of such prejudice.

The Minutes of the previous Meeting were perused and approved with the correct spelling of Shelley Costa's name noted.  A Minute of Appreciation for the work of the Recording Clerk was approved.

LaDorna Pfaff reported for Care and Council Committee: A list of adult care-givers is being drawn-up.  See Pat Thomas for names on the list or if you would like to volunteer.  Friendly Gatherings are scheduled for February 27 and 28.  A letter was read from our member, Lucy Saxon, and her fiancé, Tim Ambrogi, who request to be married under the care of the Meeting.  Sue Larson, Mary Lou Parker, David Grove, Paul  and Mary Manglesdorf will be a Committee of Clearness.  At Lucy's request, our former members, Mark Cary and Anita Weber, will be asked to join in the clearness process.

Andrea Knox reported for Budget and Finance Committee: She deferred to Steve Weimar who gave the latest figures on contributions: with three weeks left there is a significant shortfall. The Committee has decided to call about 25 members who traditionally give late to ask their intentions this year.  It was pointed out that Care and Counsel does not wish to be involved due to the amount of other work they are responsible for.  Assurance was expressed that Budget and Finance alone would undertake the phoning, using as a guide a script that Budget and Finance asks Care and Counsel to help approve.  Co-Clerk Frank Costello is investigating the possibility of making contributions on-line using a website that manages on-line giving for various non-profit institutions.  This has been effective in other Meetings, e.g. Providence Meeting. Comment was made regarding PYM's Quarterly Meeting for Treasurers where information about other Meeting who have set up on-line giving was shared.  It was noted that all Monthly Meetings are facing financial difficulty.  Some have higher goals for pre-member average, as much as $700-$800 compared to Swarthmore's $500. A forum on Stewardship is planned for January 31 with Steve Weimar and Bill Ravdin. A Friend suggested that Sam Caldwell could be asked to give a benefit concert for the Meeting. 

Lynne Piersol reported for Worship and Ministry Committee: She is the new Clerk of the Committee.  Worship and Ministry would like all Meeting committees to submit a paragraph by December 21, giving highlights of the past year and their concerns -- this to form a basis for a State of the Meeting Report.  The Committee has been discussing the problem of Meetings for Worship which run over the normal closing time.  Taking care not to interfere with late vocal ministry, the Committee strongly suggests that announcements be kept short, or shortened by the Clerk of Meeting if needed.  If detail is desired, this should be made available in print form on the facing bench.  The Committee is experimenting with rearrangement of the benches to make the seating more intimate.  Those with difficulty hearing are encouraged to sit on the facing benches where the acoustics are much better.

A long discussion ensued relative to the Meeting's interest in taking part in the Quaker Quest Program of PYM.  Last Sunday Amy Kietzman presented a session here at which about 25 attended.  The reaction was quite positive.  The question is: does the Meeting want to undertake part of the program or all of it? With the session last Sunday step two of ten steps has been completed.  The Meeting could opt-out at any step along the way.  The program consists of two main parts-- inreach and outreach.  Some Meetings have chosen to do only the first part.  If the second more public part is engaged in, funds may be needed e.g. for publicity. A number of advantages were cited: helping one to articulate one's spiritual beliefs and providing insight into the spiritual journeys of others, thus strengthening the Meeting community; attracting new attenders and members. The suggestions was made that Worship and Ministry request an additional $1,000 for next year's budget in case the Meeting decides to do the outreach part.  This will be done.

Shelley Costa reported for Peace and Social Concerns Committee: She thanked the Meeting for helping her attend a recent Pendle Hill program for Committee Clerks.  The Committee wants the February Threshing Session on Gun Violence to become a Called Meeting on Peace, to include other topics such as Afghanistan.  Concern was expressed that the issue of gun violence not be pushed aside. It was suggested that an effort be made to get students form the College involved -- also, that Sam Caldwell be invited to participate. He is presenting a program at Providence Meeting on January 24 titled "Guns, Bombs, and Global." Further discussion will take place in January.

Johanna Sibbett reported for Nomination Committee: Barbara Overton will serve on Memorial Committee and on First Day School Committee; Mac Hoffman on Jumble Sale Committee.

In other business 1) A Letter of Introduction has been provided to Max Starr for his upcoming trip to Mexico. 2) Bere Saxon, Nancy Saunders, Jon Van Til, and Mark Kharas will be a Committee of Support for our Sojourning Member Margaret Fraser. 3) A request by the Traveling Ministries Committee of Friends General Conference for use of Whittier House March 11-14, 2010, was discussed.  Although overnight hospitality would be needed for only six people, there was some hesitation expressed in that the Meeting has already agreed to host several other groups next spring.  Strong support was voiced as well.  A decision will be made later.  4) The Clerk has set up a short  get-acquainted meeting with College President Rebecca Chopp and Vice-President for Facilities and Services, Stuart Hain.  5) Updated: Support Group for the Office computers are Steve Weimar, Dan Rockwell, and Barbara BurgerLentz. 6) The Office air-conditioner is to cost $565 and be installed free of charge by the College. 7) The IRS has determined that the Friends Nursery School is exempt from income tax. 8) the Nursery School raised $219.60 for the Meeting's program to feed the homeless.A Minute of Appreciation was approved for those Meeting members serving on the Friends Nursery School Board.

After a few moments of silent worship and a song, the Meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by Leslie Keighton, Recording Clerk

General Swarthmore Meeting Announcements

The "Thank You" Corner

Thanks to :

• MacFarlane Hoffman for installing improved hardware on the outside Meetinghouse doors;

• Bill Maguire and Maurice Eldridge of the College for their help in obtaining a new Office air conditioner;

• Susan Larson for hemming the drapes in Whittier Room;

• Betty Belinski of the Nursery School for service above and beyond the call of duty;

• Barbara Casini for taking on the stuffing, sealing, and stamping of the entire December appeal letter;

• Swarthmore Friends Nursery School for the lovely poinsettias to grace our Meeting activities;

• And, to all who give to the Meeting in silent and unacknowledged ways.

You Can Receive the Newsletter by E-Mail

Friends can receive the monthly Newsletter by e-mail, if you prefer.  The e-newsletter arrives sooner and saves paper and postage.  If you want to receive future newsletters by e-mail, send an email to the Meeting Secretary, [email protected], and she will add you to the list.  You can also notify the Office by phone, 610 328-8699.

Directory Updates

New email addresses and mailing addresses can be found in the printed copy of the newsletter.  If you have a new address, phone number, or email, please notify the Office so we can keep our records up-to-date.  If you would like to receive a directory, please contact the Office, 610 328-8699.

Security Reminder

Recently the Meeting has experience a series of security issues -- lights being left on, doors left unlocked, etc.  This is a great concern, since we need to have our building properly secured at night.  We have sent a letter to our renters, reminding them to keep the front door locked while they are in the building, to turn off all the lights when they leave, and to double-check the doors to make sure they are locked.  We are asking our members to do the same -- if you come to the Meetinghouse or Whittier House for any reason, please make sure you pull the front door shut behind you.  Do not leave the front door wide open during a meeting; anyone can walk in, especially now that it is dark in the early evening.  Please turn off all the lights, and double-check all doors to make sure they are fully closed.  Thank your for your help in making our building more secure.

Swarthmore Friendly Quaker Gatherings -- February 27 and 28, 2010

In the dreary days of winter, add a little Light to your life by attending one of the Meeting's Friendly Quaker Gatherings, Saturday, February 27, or Sunday, February 28.  These gatherings are held in people's homes. You can offer to host a group for a meal, tea, or potluck; or you can choose to attend one of your choice.  It is a wonderful way to get to know the people in our Meeting.  Sign-up sheets will be available at Fellowship starting in February.  Mark your calendar! Save the dates! Sign up early!

    Submitted by Care and Counsel Committee

Scholarship Funds Available for Quaker Schools

Modest scholarship funds are available for the children of Meeting members who will be attending Quaker schools in the 2010-2011 school year.  Members who are interested in applying for scholarship funds should stop by the Meeting Office and pick up an application form.  All scholarship applications should be returned to the Meeting Office by February 8.

Submitted by Mark Taylor, Budget and Finance Committee

E-Newsletter from Friends General Conference

Friends General Conference (FGC) offers a very good newsletter on-line to which Friends may subscribe.  The quarterly publication, "Vital Friends," has information on the 2010 FGC Gathering, articles on Learning to Listen, and much more.  You may subscribe to it at www.fgcquaker.org

Submitted by Sharon Gunther, Worship and Ministry Committee

Meeting Portrait: Our Meetinghouse

One of the things that we, as a Meeting, support  is the maintenance of the Meetinghouse.  The building in which we gather, contemplate, share, and serve has a long and storied past.

The Swarthmore Friends Meetinghouse was build in 1879.  It was designed by Swarthmore College engineering professor Arthur Beardsley.  Allegedly, it was sited on the highest point on campus to be as close to God as possible.  For years the Meetinghouse was the largest single room on campus and was used as a lecture hall for visiting speakers.  The rear entrance to the Meetinghouse was the main entrance at that time.

The Meetinghouse was enlarged in 1901 with the addition of both of the wings on either side. In 1911, Whittier House, which was designed by the accomplished Rose Valley architect William Price, was added. The yard to the side of Whittier House was used as a bowling green into the 1960's.

The kitchen and the classroom across form the kitchen were added sometime after.  Rushmore Room, the Office, and the classrooms now used by the Nursery School and First Day School, which were designed by member Clarence deMoll, were added in 1954.  A copy of the original blueprints still resides in the Office, bearing the signature of Edmund Jones, who was the Clerk of the Meeting.

Before that time, the First Day School met in the basement underneath the Meetinghouse, which is affectionately, and somewhat accurately, called "the dungeon."

Like any aging structure, the building is not without its challenges.  At one time, due to the various additions and repairs, there were 13 separate electrical systems, which have eventually been tamed into a more manageable number and configuration.  We have spent significant sums of money on major repairs in the recent past and are contemplating similar projects in the future, including replacing the roof. The Meetinghouse will continue to provide physical and spiritual comfort to all of us as long as we provide it with the care that it requires.

Submitted by Budget and Finance Committee, with acknowledgements to the book, "Images of America: Swarthmore Borough," by Susanna K. Morikawa and Patricia C. O'Donnell, and Swarthmore Friends Meeting member and Quaker historian, Nancy Webster.

Your Money or Your (Spiritual) Life: Stewardship and the Un-programmed Meeting

Sunday, January 31 at 11:45 a.m.,Whittier Room, Swarthmore Friends Meeting

Our Speakers:

• William Ravdin is a member of Kendal Monthly Meeting. He has had an active career in business and banking.  He is a frequent speaker on Friendly Stewardship and a consultant to Friends schools in the areas of development and financial planning.

• Steve Weimar is treasurer of Swarthmore Meeting and a member of the Meeting's Budget and Finance Committee.

The speakers will examine how Friends at un-programmed Meetings financially support their Meetings and Swarthmore Meeting's particular situation.  They will explore the ways in which we think about our participation in the financial stewardship of our Meeting's work, its ministry, and the upkeep of its property.

Thou Shalt Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself

We are much concerned about the whole content of human relationships, about the meaning of "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" in the full range and depth of its implications.  Loving does not merely mean doing good works; it goes further than feeding the hungry and clothing the naked.  It means warmth and intimacy, openheartedness and overwhelming generosity of hand and sprit. It means a desire to know and a courageous willingness to be known. Loving implies commitment to the other person, involvement in that person's life, whatever it may cost in suffering, whether that suffering comes through being repudiated or through identification and sharing.

The life of society desperately needs this warmth of giving and receiving.  Everywhere we see sociability without commitment or intimacy, and especially in our towns, intense isolation and loneliness. We see human energy that should be creative and loving deflected into activities that are coldly power-seeking we see love inhibited, frustrated, or denied, turning into its opposite -- into ruthlessness and aggression.

    Excerpt taken from: Quaker Home Service, London Yearly Meeting, 1961 (PYM Faith and Practice, #251, page 162)

Wider News from Friends

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting  (PYM) News

Only one item has been transcribed here.  For a complete list of activities go to www.pym.org .

News from the Quaker Parenting Initiative

The Quaker Parenting Initiative's (QPI) programs offer Meetings a means of further supporting Meeting members as they search to deepen their spiritual lives and as they nurture their children.  The programs encourage members to explore questions such as" What does Quakerism have to say to me about how we nurture children? Can nurturing children deepen my spiritual life?

Programs include one-session workshops on such topics as "Integrating Quaker Values into Family Life" and "Raising Quaker Children in a non-Quaker Word." A discussion series allows parents to consider in greater depth how their Quaker faith can support and guide their family life. QPI facilitators seek to adapt the programs to the needs and interests of the Meetings and participants.

The QPI's newly published book, Paths to Quaker Parenting Using Quaker Beliefs, Testimonies, and Practices, provides a brief overview of some Quaker tenets.  The major part of the book is the writings of parents sharing their experiences and insights.

For more information see the Quaker Parenting Initiative's website: www.quakerparenting.org

To plan a workshop or discuss issues contact Harriet Heath through the Quaker Parenting website. The Quaker Parenting Initiative is a project of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting's Education Standing Committee and Friends Counseling Service and sponsored by Friends Institute.

Upcoming Quakerism Programs at Pendle Hill

For a complete list of programs and registration information visit www.pendlehill.org or call (800) 742-3150, extension #3.  Matching scholarships are available.

Newsletter Calendar for January, 2010

SWARTHMORE MONTHLY MEETING

Christine DeGrado, Clerk of Meeting; Leslie Keighton, Recording Clerk;  Stephen Weimar, Treasurer; Mary Titus, Meeting Secretary

Office hours: Tuesday though Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Telephone: (610) 328-8699; email: [email protected], website: http://swarthmore.quaker.org