Swarthmore Friends Meeting

Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

Newsletter, June, 2009

Queries on Meeting for Worship

Addressed to the Meeting:

• Are our Meetings for Worship held in still, expectant waiting upon God?

• Is there a living silence as we worship in which we are drawn together by the power of God in our midst?

• Is the spirit of our worship together one that nurtures all worshipers?

• How does our Meeting respond when the vocal ministry seems inappropriate, or when the Meeting for Worship is consistently not gathered?

Addressed to the individual:

• Do I faithfully attend Meeting with heart and mind prepared for worship, clear of any predetermination to speak or not to speak, and expecting that worship will be a source of strength and guidance?

• Does worship deepen my relationship with God, increase my faithfulness, and refresh and renew my daily life, both inwardly and in my relationship with others?

• Have I experienced in worship that direct leading to listen or to speak, and have I been faithful to my own experience?

from Philadelphia Yearly Meeting's Faith and Practice, 2002, page 206

Partial Draft Minutes of Swarthmore Monthly Meeting for Business

Sunday, May 17, 2009

The Meeting opened after a period of silent worship. Mike Malone, Interim Clerk, presided. The queries on Integrity and Simplicity were read, considered and spoken to.  Minutes of the previous Meeting were perused and approved with one correction: As regards the House and Property Committee report, the estimate of $8,000 for sealing work should read $11,000.

LaDorna Pfaff reported for Care and Counsel Committee: Our long-time member James L. Malone, who has been living at Kendall  for the last 17 years, has requested transfer of his membership to Kendall at Longwood Meeting.  He says "my years as a member of Swarthmore Monthly Meeting are most precious to me" and he is confident this relationship will not suffer too much in that there are many former Swarthmore residents at Kendall. The Committee recommends acceptance of the transfer. Accepted.Our long-time member Josephine Elverson died on May 1, 2009.  She is the wife of the late Lew Elverson.  Her son, Tom, will be contacted to help write a Memorial Minute.  Our member Michelle Southworth has written to request release from membership. Approved. A letter will be sent wishing her well.  Kyle McCarthy, associate member living in Iowa City has written that she does not wish to become a full member at this time.  Likewise, Patricia Peters writes that she does not wish to become a full member at this time.  She is living in Virginia Beach.  The Committee will write to both, noting that requests have been honored and wishing them well.  Both names will be removed from the active membership list.

Improvement of the Meeting's relationship with the College:  It was pointed out that there was considerable discussion regarding this at the recent Clerks and Officers Meeting where Steve Weimar offered to head a Working Group on the subject and others, such as Mike Malone and Jon Van Til, expressed interest in helping. Phyllis Raymond will also assist.  The first objective will be drafting a letter of welcome to the new College President who will be arriving by late June.  Her academic field is religion and it is anticipated that she may give high priority to a close working relationship with the Meeting.  It has been proposed that she be invited to Meeting functions, and that after she has settled in and has time, that a meeting be arranged to discuss concerns on both sides.  In that the Inreach/Outreach Task Force also has as one of its goals improving relations with the College, it was decided that this present Working Group will suffice in that role.

Barbara Casini reported for Budget and Finance Committee: As of early May, contributions totaled approximately 28 present of our yearly budget. This is somewhat ahead of last year's pace. Still, the Committee would like to urge members to try to contribute on a monthly basis as this helps in the payment of bills throughout the year.  Only one family thus far ahs signed up for automatic bank-account deductions.  To increase awareness of Meeting activities (and the underlying cost of certain activities) the Committee is proposing that a feature be included in the Newsletter which would highlight a certain Meeting activity each month.  Topics such as Cooking for the Homeless, Student Breakfasts, etc. have been suggested.  The Committee and others will write up the features.  The proposal was accepted. The Committee is contemplating moving the contribution box (now seldom used) from its spot in the vestibule to Rushmore Room.

Chris DeGrado reported for Nominating Committee:  Phyllis Raymond and Will Star will serve on Jumble Sale Committee.  Also, Will Star will be on first Day School Committee.

Pat Thomas, speaking for Worship and Ministry Committee, noted the availability of pamphlets in the Meetinghouse and although they are free, a contribution of $4 left in the contribution box, would be helpful.

Finally, it is the consensus of the Naming Committee that Chris DeGrado be our new Clerk.  She has agreed.  The choice was heartily Approved, and Chris was welcomed. The search for an Assistant Clerk continues.  Jon Van Til, of the Naming Committee, noted that he was impressed by the competence of a number of those considered and that this will be of benefit to the Meeting in the future.

After a brief closing worship, the Meeting adjourned.

Submitted by Leslie Keighton, Recording Clerk

General Swarthmore Meeting Announcements

Know Anyone Who Wants to Rent a Meeting Room or Classroom?

Mention Swarthmore Meeting!

Imagine a graduation party or shower in Whittier Room.  A children's party in Rushmore Room.  Yoga or language classes, or who knows what.  Our rooms and kitchen are available for rent.  Renting makes us more visible in the community and helps with our budget. So, tell your friends and mention our faculties whenever you can.  Rental rates and information are available from the Meeting Secretary, Mary Titus, at (610) 328-8699 or [email protected]

Submitted by Andrea Know for the Budget and Finance Committee

We Move to Whittier Room on June 14

Friends are reminded that, beginning Sunday, June 14th, Meeting for Worship will be held in Whittier Room for the summer.  Fellowship Coffee Hour will be on hiatus until September, so volunteers are needed to provide beverages and snacks over the summer, and to host potluck brunches on the third Sundays of July and August.  A clipboard will be available each week for signing up.  Supplies in the cabinets of Rushmore Room will be replenished each week by Ray Ripper.  If any item is missing, or used up, please notify Ray.  We acknowledge a debt of gratitude to all the Coffee Hour providers for their faithful service every Sunday.  They are: Ruth Cary, Bill DeGrado, Joanne Shallcorss, and a new group calling themselves "The Grateful Bread," headed up by Chris DeGrado.  They will be providing home-baked breads on the second Sundays of each month.  Thanks to all of you for this important ministry.

Our most profound appreciation, however, is reserved for the Cheung family, who prepare and serve a hot, varied, home-cooked breakfast every Sunday for the Swarthmore students who are interested enough in Meeting to sacrifice their precious one-morning-a-week's sleep-in in order to have a chance to visit with this most affable and interesting family.  It is they who present the initial interface with Quakerism, and help the students prepare for Meeting.  Please acknowledge this most important ministry that they provide for all of us each year.

Submitted by Ray Ripper

The Meeting Directory is Being Updated

The Meeting Directory is in the final stages of updating before being printed and distributed. Please take a minute to look at your information in last year's directory.  If you data has changed -- new email address, new phone number, a new baby, a new spouse -- please notify the Meeting Secretary by email, phone call, or note, (610) 328-8699 or [email protected].  Also, if you do not wish to be listed in the directory, let us know and we will honor your wishes. Updating the Meeting Directory is a massive project, and we appreciate everyone's help.

Joan Broadfield to Visit Our Meeting

Joan Bradfield will be sharing lunch with us at the June 21st potluck and then share stories from her trip afterwards (approximately 12:00 noon) in Whittier Room. Joan is Co-Clerk at Chester Meeting and Peace and Social Justice Coordinator, PYM, Religious Society of Friends. 

In March 2008, Joan was part of the Delaware Valley Interfaith Compassionate Listening Delegation to Israel/Palestine with the purpose of learning more about this protracted conflict, and be a supportive means for some reconciliation work.  Compassionate Listening is a process developed by a Quaker, Gene Knudson Hoffman. http://www.compassionatelistening.org/

Submitted by Mimi Hall, Clerk of Peace and Social Concerns Committee

Summer Camps at Whittier House

Launfal Summer Camp and Swarthmore Recreation Association will once again be using our facilities this summer.  Launfal will be assembling their campers in Whittier Room in the morning, and then again in the afternoon, Monday through Friday, from June 15 to August 14.

Swarthmore Recreation Association will be using the nursery school classrooms and Rushmore Room Monday through Friday mornings, June 29 through July 31.  These camps are an important source of rental income to the Meeting.  Friends are reminded that traffic around the Meeting will be congested at certain times of the day.

Contributions Needed for the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Annual Fund!

The PYM Annual Fund is closing June 30th.  As of May 8, 2009, 52 % has been raised, with several telethons to go.  This fund is part of the budget which runs the Yearly Meeting and keeps its many programs functioning, many of which benefit Swarthmore Meeting -- from workshops for treasurers -- to gatherings for Middle and High School-age students -- to First Day School curricula, and more.  Thanks to those of you who have already contributed!  If you have not yet sent a donation, please send one to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, 1515 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102.  If you might be interested  in helping with a telethon (calling previous donors only), contact Lynne Piersol.

Submitted by Lynne Piersol, Annual fund Representative

Two-for-One Donation Campaign of 2009

The Discretionary Fund Working Group invites you to participate in the Meeting's Two-for-One donation campaign.  Members and attenders who donate to any of the three organizations below will have their donations matched by the Meeting's Discretionary Fund, up to a maximum of $500 per organization.  Donations can be made through representatives of this working group. Watch for our table after the rise of Meeting.  Alternatively, members or attenders can make donations directly to any of the organizations below, and inform any member of the working group (Paul Greene, Sue Larson or Mac Hoffman). The campaign ends on June 14, 2009. 

To make a donation to this campaign, make your check out to Swarthmore Friends Meeting, noting which groups you wish to donate; or write a check directly to the chosen groups to which you wish to donate. For more information, contact Paul Greene.

    American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)). The American Friends Service Committee carries out service, development, social justice, and peace programs throughout the world. AFSC's work is based on the Quaker belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice. http://www.afsc.org

    Friends Committee for National Legislation (FCNL)).  The Friends Committee on National Legislation is the largest peace lobby in Washington, D.C. founded by Quakers.  FCNL is nonpartisan and has played a pivotal role in the creation of the Peace Corps, the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, the Civil Rights Act, and led efforts to oppose both the Iraq wars.  http://www.fcnl.org

Voice of Women Organization (Afghanistan). The Voice of Women Organization, directed by Suraya Pakzad, seeks to improve the status of Afghan women by promoting their human rights, reducing poverty, and empowering women's active participation and action in decision-making and nation-building, at all levels.  http://vwo.org.af

Submitted by Paul Greene

Wider News from Friends

Job Opportunities:

Meeting Care and Aging Resource Development Coordinator PYM is looking for a Meeting Care and Aging Resource Development Coordinator, to fill a part-time (70%) position, term-limited: 18-24 months. This position is funded by a grant and will assist in establishing programs trainings, tools, and resources for the Yearly Meeting community.

Administrative Assistant (part-time 60%).  This position supports and collaborates with the Associate Secretary for Program and Religious Life to enhance the vitality of the standing committees, working groups, and programs in the care of the department, through administrative and clerical support, data collection and maintenance, referrals, and communication facilitation. Contact: Ginny Connolly, Human Resources Coordinator, at [email protected] or 215-241-7225.  Visit the PYM website at http://www.pym.org/pm/jobs.php

Children's Summer Sessions is looking for Volunteer Staff Enthusiastic volunteers are needed to create an incredible Sessions experience for children.  No experience is needed.  The Children's Sessions Planning Group and PYM staff will support volunteers with an orientation/retreat in July, curricula plans and activities, and fellowship with other Children's Sessions staff.  The Children's Sessions focus this year is Earthcare.  Children's Sessions volunteers receive a fee waiver covering up to the full cost of attending Sessions.  There are different levels of time commitment.  Find one that works for you and join us as we worship, play, and learn about Earthcare in the Spirit! Contact Children's Sessions Coordinator, Elizabeth Piersol Schmidt, [email protected], (215) 241-7236.

Catholic Social Services is Looking for Foster Parents

 Catholic Social Services is looking for single or married adults to become foster parents to children of all ages and races.  there is a special need for families who can provide care to teenagers -- a population that needs love, guidance, and support as they move into adulthood.  To learn more about becoming a foster parent, please contact Catholic Social Services at (215) 587-2458, [email protected].  Website:http://www.css-phl.org/index.html#

June 13 - Habitat Work Day

Join with Trenton Friends Meeting, Saturday, June 13, for a day of work with Habitat for Humanity. Wear work clothes.  We may be working inside or out, so dress accordingly.  Wear sturdy work boots or shoes.  Please bring work gloves if you have them.  Registration is necessary.  Participants must be 16-years-old or older.  All participants will be asked to sigh a liability waiver.  Please contact Trenton Friends Meeting at (609) 278-4551.

PYM Summer Sessions "Renewing the Women's Retreat"

A workshop on Renewing the Women's Retreat will be held at PYM summer Sessions.  If you have found memories of the Women's Retreat at Burlington Meetinghouse and Conference Center, please come to the workshop so we can think about programming.  Our theme is "Rejuvenation, taking Care of the Caregiver."

Native Peoples, Environmental Concerns and Sacred Sites

The PYM Indian Committee would welcome the opportunity to share two DVD documentaries that speak eloquently to environmental and Native American concerns.  In these two films --"In the Light of Reverence" and "Homelands" Native peoples speak about their concerns to protect sacred sites and the environment.  Members of the Indian Committee would be pleased to share these films and conversation about them with interested Monthly Meetings or Quarterly Meetings. We would especially like to share them with Young Friends and Young Adult Friends.  To make arrangements, contact the PYM Indian Committee http://www.pym-indiancommittee.com/contact.htm

From the Greater Pennsylvania Region of the Climate Action Network:

Many vested interests are constantly lobbying our legislators to NOT enact needed climate legislation and treaties.  In 2008 there 2340 paid lobbyists in Washington working on climate change issues.  Of these, 7 our of 8 were advocating against needed climate action.  The amount spent on lobbying and political contributions by opponents of global warming action last year was about $450 million dollars. Our legislators need to hear from us.  They need to know of our support for strong action on global warming.   We cannot match the dollars available to the opponents of global warming action , but we have science and the long-term good of humanity backing us in our legislative contacts.  We can promote strong global warming action by raising public awareness for the need for it through personal communications and letters to the editor.

Upcoming Quakerism Programs at Pendle Hill

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

Young Adult Leadership Development Program

Friends age 18-24 are encouraged to apply for Pendle Hill's seven-week Young Adult Leadership Development Program (YALD), designed for young people serious about serving as leaders in their communities and among Friends, developing the tools for social transformation, and living a life grounded in God's Spirit.  This summer's program will take place June 14 to August 1, 2009. Applications are due March 20, 2009. For more information and applications materials, visit YALD at www.pendlehill.org or contact Emma Churchman at [email protected].The YALD program includes:

• Community-based service, both inside and outside Pendle Hill

• Spiritual formation and religious education

• Diverse community experience practicing sustainable living

Pendle Hill's Summer Speaker Series Promotes Radically Faithful Living

Pendle Hill's Summer Speaker Series, "The Kin-Dom of God: Living into the Covenant," will take place at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays from June 18 to July 23, in the Barn at Pendle Hill in Wallingford PA. The series is free and open to the public.  For details visit www.pendlehill.org or call (800) 742-3150

Pendle Hill Weekends Support Meetings

Do you serve as Clerk of a small Meeting? Are there new attenders or members of your Meeting who would welcome a Quakerism weekend with others new to Friends? Are you looking for support for your peace and justice work? This summer and fall Pendle Hill offers several weekend workshops designed to bring together Friends around common concerns to support the life of local Meetings. These workshops include:

• Clerking the Small Meeting, July 10-12, with Peggy Dyson-Cobb and Katherine Smith, who have clerked extensively in Baltimore Yearly Meeting;

• Inquirers' Weekend: An Introduction to Quakerism, July 24-26, with Erin McDougall and Carl Magruder;

• Faithful, Effective Work for Peace and Justice: 5th Annual retreat for Clerks and Members of Peace and Social Concerns Committees, September 18-20, with presenters from the American Friends Serve Committee, the Friends Committee on National Legislation, and other Quaker organizations. 

Newsletter Calendar for June, 2009

SWARTHMORE MONTHLY MEETING

Mike Malone, Interim Clerk of the 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