Swarthmore Friends Meeting  of the Religious Society of Friends


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Calendar Highlights: 

  • Newly Announced: Sunday, May 6, Special Faith and Play, un-programmed musical expression with Rich Schiffer
  • Saturday, May 12, Meeting Retreat: Resourcing Our Vision, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
  • Saturday, May 12, Tibetan Fund Raiser, 7:00  to 9:00 p.m.
  • Cancelled:  Home As a Sacred Space  

 

 

Newsletter for May, 2012

Navigation links within the Newsletter:

 

Queries on Ministry of Outreach  

Addressed to the Meeting: 

  • What are we doing as a Meeting to communicate our presence and our principles to the community around us?

  • Does our Meeting’s ministry of outreach lead Friends to share their spiritual experience with others?

  • What are we doing to invite persons not in membership to attend our Meetings for Worship and to encourage their continued attendance?

  • How does the Meeting welcome visitors?

  • Are we sensitive to the needs and hesitations of each visitor?

  • Are we tender to the needs of isolated Friends and Meetings, and to nearby Meetings seeking support? 

Addressed to the individual:

  • How do I ground myself in the understandings of my faith?

  • Am I clear about my beliefs?

  • How do I prepare myself to share my faith and beliefs with others?

  • Does my manner of life as a Friend attract others to our religious society?

  • Do I seize opportunities to tell others about the Religious Society of Friends and invite them to worship with us?

  • Is my manner with visitors and attenders to our Meeting one of welcome? 

Collaboration: 

Addressed to the Meeting: 

  • In what ways does our Meeting respond to opportunities to join with other faiths in worship, in social action, and in spiritual dialogue?

  • How does our Meeting encourage its members to seek opportunities to meet and work with Friends worldwide? 

Addressed to the individual:

  • What opportunities have I taken to know people from different religious and cultural backgrounds, to worship with them, and to work with them on common concerns?

  • What opportunities have I taken to know, to work, and to worship with Friends outside of my own Meeting? 

From Faith and Practice of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, 2002, pages 212-213

 

Partial Draft Minutes of Swarthmore Monthly Meeting for Business  

held Sunday, April 8, 2012

The Meeting began after a period of silent worship. Christine DeGrado, Clerk, presided. The Queries on Peace were read, contemplated, and spoken to. The importance of expressing one’s views to our Government representatives was stressed. The peaceful resolution of conflict – even in our own Meeting – is a goal worthy of our continuous effort. The new members just honored during our Easter Fellowship were mentioned as a Moment of Light.  Minutes of last month’s Meeting were considered and approved. 

Nancy Saunders reported on the upcoming Resourcing Our Vision Retreat: Childcare providers have been found. We hope that volunteers will bring a simple lunch. There is a need for extensive publicity and an effort to engage the interest of as many members and attenders as possible. The Planning Group welcomes those who might want to help in this regard. 

Barbara Grove reported for Care and Counsel Committee: our new members David Henderson and Heather Hendry have been officially welcomed. The Clearness Committee has met with our new applicant Samantha Griggs. 

Barbara Casini reported for Budget and Finance Committee: An Appeal Letter was sent out in March. The Committee would like to emphasize that periodic contributions throughout the year, as opposed to a large lump sum in December, help the Committee to keep up with its on-going financial obligations. Contributing on-line is also helpful. It is important to remember that the Meeting is switching to a new fiscal year beginning July 1. 

Christine DeGrado noted that the Record of Membership which she and Mary Mangelsdorf worked on has been set on to Yearly Meeting. In an accompanying letter, the Meeting does not always follow the Yearly Meeting’s policy of arbitrarily releasing from official membership those Associate Members who do not apply for Full membership on reaching age 21. It is the Meeting’s position that this is a difficult time in life for many young people who are still in the midst of their education and do not yet have a job, who do not yet have financial resources, and may as well be unsettled in their spiritual outlook. Mary and Christine sent PYM the number exactly as requested. 

Mary Titus gave the Secretary’s report: The new copier has been installed. She noted that when using the new copier, it is important to select the correct paper being used. She will post some instructions by the machine and while in the Office, will assist anyone wishing to learn about its operation. She asked that those who make copies keep track of the amount of paper used and leave a note if their project involves significant volume. The WIFI system has been installed in Whittier and Rushmore Rooms, but has not yet been activated by the college. More details will follow as soon as they are known. 

After a few moments of closing worship, the Meeting adjourned. 

  Submitted by Leslie Keighton, Recorder

 

General Swarthmore Meeting Announcements

Thank You Corner

Thanks to:

  • Swarthmore College and Steve Weimar, for helping us acquire the new office copier; 

  • Swarthmore College , for moving the old copier downstairs to the nursery school; 

  • Paul Rosier, for donating a new set of knives to the kitchen;

  • Barbara BurgerLentz, Lili BurgerLentz, Margot Ells, and Mark Taylor, who cleaned up the very dirty kitchen on Sunday, April 15;

  • David Henderson, who stepped in and cleaned up after Fellowship on the odd third Sunday when there is no potluck brunch; 

  • And to others who serve the Meeting in silent and unacknowledged ways

 

New Meeting Directory Updates

Please see the printed Newsletter for Directory Updates.  Please let the Office know if you have moved, or have a new phone number or e-mail address. We can then update our database, and make the new directory as accurate as possible. If you’re not sure if your entry is correct, please call or email the Office and Mary will send your information back to you.  Please email changes to [email protected] 

 

Meeting Retreat: Resourcing our Vision 

Saturday, May 12, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Swarthmore Friends Meetinghouse.

How does the use of our precious resources (spirituality, time, money, physical space, energy) express (or not express) our vision of ourselves as a Spiritual community? Is there a good fit, or are some adjustments in order? Join the community of Swarthmore Monthly Meeting to explore this important issue. Our retreat will be facilitated by Lawrence Webster, longtime Friend and professional facilitator. All are welcome. Please RSVP to [email protected] if you plan to come.

 

April 28 Guitar Recital: Feed Your Soul and Your Social Concern

Master guitarist Keith Calmes and his Swarthmore student, Dean Maola, will return to Swarthmore Meeting Saturday, April 28, at 7:00 p.m. for a recital to benefit health services in Haiti . Keith will play premieres of works written for him, including one by Roger Aldridge, who like Keith is a member of the Fellowship of Quakers in the Arts. Dean will play more traditional pieces leavened with a jazz tune. Donations will benefit Partners in Health, one of the most respected providers of medical services in  Haiti , where rates of malnutrition, AIDS, and infant and maternal mortality are the highest in the  Americas . http://www.keithcalmes.com/

 

Bird Walk and Breakfast -- A First Day School Tradition   

Sunday, April 29, 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

One of the most beloved traditions of the Swarthmore Monthly Meeting Fist Day School program is the annual bird walk and breakfast. For as long as anyone can remember, Fist Day School students and Meeting members have been gathering early in the morning on a spring Sunday (this year it’s the last Sunday in April) to see and hear a symphony of birds. The walk across the campus and through the woods never disappoints, as the flowers, birds and wildlife are all worth the trek. Robins, blackbirds, doves, cardinals, and blue jays are almost guaranteed. After an hour of hiking and bird watching, the assembled group returns to the Meetinghouse for a wonderful breakfast. The Bird Walk breakfast almost always includes eggs, sticky buns and strawberries. The bird walkers will gather at 7:45 a.m. and breakfast will begin at 9:00 a.m. All Meeting members and attenders are invited. Please join us for breakfast, followed by Meeting for Worship, even if you cannot make it for the bird walk.   

 

Cancelled: Home As a Sacred Space Workshop

Cancelled:  Home As a Sacred Space.   Cancelled because participants' conflict with Tuesday evening schedule.  There may be workshops planned at a later date. Hosted by Annette Reyman of All Right Organizing. Please contact the Meeting Secretary further details, 610-328-8699 or [email protected] or Jinny Schiffer or Shelley Costa.

  

Tibetan Fund Raiser on May 12

  • Where: Swarthmore Monthly Meeting of Friends (Quakers),  12 Whittier Place , Swarthmore , PA 19081  

  • When: May 12, 2012. 7:00 p.m.

Dear friends, As some of you know, last summer I visited Tibet where I fell in love with the people, their simple yet sustainable lifestyle, their culture, and their joy despite the most oppressive living and worship conditions I have witnessed in my life. We are having a fund raiser concert to raise funds for the Tibetan causes, all of which include asking our Chinese friends to lighten up on our Tibetan friends. We will have Tibetans singing, dancing, and sharing information about the work they do to support Tibetans inside and outside of Tibet . And we will have friends of Tibet also sharing their songs, dances, and art. Thanks and blessings to you! Jennifer Elam 

Program includes: Tibetans singing, dancing, and information sharing about Philadelphia Tibetan activities Friends of Tibet sharing: Songs, dancing by Ridley Creek Band and Appalachian Cloggers, Oak Womyn’s  Drumming Circle and ending with a prayer for freedom for Tibetans in Tibet . Artists will sell art. Cost: $10 (more if you can afford it) Bring: a snack or drink to share and bring all of your friends and family.   

Religious Education Forum on Sunday, May 6

Paul Joyce Collins Williams will be sharing his spiritual journey with us on Sunday, May 6 at 11:45 a.m. in Whittier Room. Everyone is invited to attend. 

Submitted by Sue Edwards, Worship and Ministry Committee 

 

 

Wider News from Friends

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting  (PYM) News

 To view PYM News in its entirety, go to www.pym.org. for a complete list of activities.

Interim Meeting, Saturday, May 12 - 9:00am - 1:30pm, Arch Street Meetinghouse, http://www.pym.org/event/interim-meeting-10 

Young Adult Friends Spring Retreat, May 19, http://www.pym.org/event/young-adult-friends-spring-retreat-2012 

Family Overnight at Camp Dark Waters, May 19, http://www.pym.org/event/family-overnight-camp-dark-waters 

Annual Sessions: July 25-29. Registration is open for Annual Sessions 2012: "Living the Holy Experiment",  at Arch Street Meetinghouse in Philadelphia and other nearby locations. http://www.pym.org/annualsessions. If you are interested in attending and need financial assistance, please apply for funds through the Price Moore Fund by contacting the Care and Counsel Committee.  

 

Friends General Conference: All God's Critters Got a Place in the Choir 

  • When: July 1 to July 7, 2012

  • Where: University of Rhode Island, Kingston RI

Welcome to the FGC 2012 Gathering.  We invite you to Rhode island this summer where Friends have been meeting for more than 350 years.  Please see our website: http://www.fgcquaker.org/gathering  Financial aid is available through FGC. Also, Swarthmore Meeting has some funds for members and attenders to attend FGC. If you are interested in attending and need financial assistance, please apply for funds through the Price Moore Fund by contacting the Care and Counsel Committee.  

 

Upcoming Programs at Pendle Hill

Pendle Hill, a Quaker study, retreat, and conference center in Wallingford, Pennsylvania, offers programs throughout the year on Quaker faith and practice.  For more information visit www.pendlehill.org  or call ext. 3 at (610) 566-4507 or (800) 742-3150.

May 13-17, (4 nights), John Woolman: Responding to the Inner Teacher, Facilitator: Michael Birkel.  Discover how John Woolman's life as both a mystic and a prophet can speak to us today.

 

Newsletter Calendar for May, 2012

Date Time Event
Tuesday, May 1 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Japanese Curry Party in Rushmore Room and kitchen
6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Jumble Sale Committee in Meeting Office
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cancelled: Home as a Sacred Space in Whittier Room
Thursday, May 3 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Care and Counsel Committee Meeting in the Meeting Office
Saturday, May 5 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Peace and Social Concerns Committee in Meeting Office
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Piano Recital in Whittier Room
Sunday, May 6 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Worship and Ministry Committee in Meeting Office
9:30 to 10:00 a.m. Student Breakfast in Rushmore Room
9:30 to 10:00 a.m. Hymn singing in Whittier Room*  
 

10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Meeting for Worship in Whittier Room*    

10:00 to 11:00 a.m. First Day School in FDS Rooms. Childcare in upstairs Whittier House* Newly Announced: Special Faith and Play, un-programmed musical expression with Rich Schiffer
 

11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Fellowship in Rushmore Room*

11:45 to 1:00 p.m. Adult Religious Education Forum in Whittier Room: The Spiritual Journey of our member, Paul Joyce Collins Williams 
3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Whittier Knittiers in Meeting Office
4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Piano Recital in Whittier Room
Monday, May 7 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. AERA Conference in Whittier Room
Tuesday, May 8 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. AERA Conference in Whittier Room
7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Cancelled: Home as a Sacred Place in Whittier Room
Thursday, May 10 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. FDS pot luck dinner and meeting in Rushmore Room
Saturday, May 12 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Resourcing Our Vision Retreat in Meetinghouse rooms
7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tibetan Fund Raiser in Meetinghouse and Rushmore Rooms
Sunday, May 13 Similar Sunday Schedule 
11:15 a.m. to 12:00 noon Reception for New Members in Whittier Room
12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Meeting for Business in Rushmore Room 
Tuesday, May 15 noon June Newsletter deadline in Meeting Office 
7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Cancelled: Home as a Sacred Space in Whittier Room
Thursday, May 17 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Newsletter Folding Party in Whittier Room
Saturday, May 19 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Cooking for the Homeless in the kitchen and Rushmore Room

Sunday, May 20

Similar Sunday schedule *
Last day of First Day School
11:14 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Reception for FDS hosted by Peach and Social Concerns and House and Property Committees
2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Vocal Recital in Whittier Room
Tuesday May 22 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Cancelled: Home as a Sacred Space in Whittier Room

Sunday, May 27

Similar Sunday schedule * 
All day Swarthmore Commencement Day

 

 

Swarthmore Monthly Meeting

  • Christine DeGrado, Clerk of the Meeting;

  • Leslie Keighton, Recording Clerk;

  • Stephen Weimar, Treasurer;

  • Susan Edwards, Clerk of Worship & Ministry Committee;

  • Mary Lou Parker, Clerk of Care and Counsel Committee;

  • Mary Titus, Meeting Secretary 

  • Meeting telephone and voice mail: 610-328-8699 

  • Meeting e-mail address: [email protected] 

  • Web: http://swarthmore.quaker.org 

  • Office hours: Tuesday through Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.