Swarthmore Friends Meeting  of the Religious Society of Friends

Calendar Highlights:                                              

• Sunday, September 2, Welcome Tea for new and returning College students  
• Saturday, September 15, Nursery School/Meeting Workday
• Saturday, September 15, Cooking for the Homeless
• Saturday, October 27, Jumble Sale

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 Faith and Practice of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, 2002, page 206

Draft Minutes of Swarthmore Monthly Meeting for Business  

held Sunday, June 10, 2012 (edited for the Web)  

Please review before the September Meeting for Business.

The Meeting opened with a few moments of silent worship. Christine DeGrado, Clerk, presided. Several Moments of Light were noted: 1) A thank you from the Haitian program of Partners in Heath for the donation raised through the concert given by Keith Calmes and his student, Dean Maola 2) The amazing art exhibition in Lynn Goff’s classroom in SFNS was noted 3) A note of appreciation from John Alston and signed by members of the Chester Children's Choir was read-- this in response to the Meeting's help in providing space for their concert when their expected venue was canceled. Two new books have been given to the Meeting by the Library Committee: The Beautiful Soul of John Woolman by Thomas P. Slaughter, and Fit for Freedom, Not for Friendship: Quakers, African-Americans and the Myth of Racial Justice by Donna McDaniel and Vanessa Julye.

The Queries on Stewardship of the Environment were read, considered and spoken to. The Meeting's emphasis on recycling and on energy-saving solutions were mentioned.

The Minutes of the previous Meeting were perused and approved with several corrections: Budget and Finance is not hoping for a balanced budget by the end of June, but rather meeting their projected shortfall; the Friends Nursery School “committee” should read “board;” Keith Calmes' student, who performed with him should be recognized by name: Dean Maola.

Barbara Casini reported for Budget and Finance Committee: The Committee has managed to keep expenses down so far but is hopeful that contributions will improve by July 1 when the Meeting moves to a new fiscal year. Again, the importance of monthly or periodic contributions was emphasized as well as donating on-line. She distributed a detailed summary of the January-June projections and up-to-date figures, as well as the draft budget for 2012-2013 and its comparison to 2011.

Lois Sellers reported for Worship and Ministry Committee, specifically the Resourcing Our Vision Retreat: those present at Meeting for Business today endorsed the family Meeting for Worship started by the Schiffer family; the question arose as to whether the numbers of people attending Business Meeting should be included in the minutes; there was endorsement for the minuting of support for those with leadings upon which they wish to act.

Barbara Grove reported for House and Property Committee: 1) new door mats have been purchased—although expensive, they are of high quality; in considering the need to hose them down periodically, Barbara reminded us that there is not a hose bib for Whittier House. It was suggested that this might be something the Meeting would want to have installed; 2) the Committee plans to have the woodwork painted in Whittier Room, three entire Nursery School rooms, and the entrance area this summer. Professional window washers will be hired to do the windows in Whittier Room. Barbara suggested that we have a work day to wash the windows of Whittier House and the SFNS classrooms; this might best be scheduled for early September, so that SFNS parents can participate; 3) Mimi Hall is rotating off of the Committee. The Meeting expressed its gratitude for her dedication and service.

Susan Larson spoke of the Memorial Fund she and her husband established after the sudden death of their son, Jon, in 1992, at age 28. In view of Jon's interest in outdoor activities—scouting and hiking, for example—the Fund helps disadvantaged people seeking experience, skills and leadership in the outdoors. The Fund has supported the Outward Bound Experimental Learning, the Expedition School , and Outward Leadership Program. Originally the Fund was closely associated with the Boy Scouts and administered through the Presbyterian Church. Susan and her husband would like Meeting help in getting the Fund transferred to Swarthmore Meeting where it would be administered by a subcommittee of Peace and Social Concerns. Approved.

Susan Larson reported for Nominating Committee: She distributed an updated Roster. The Committee very much wants to re-nominate Christine DeGrado as Clerk. In deciding this, Lois Sellers became temporary Clerk while Chris excused herself during the discussion. This quickly led to wholehearted endorsement, Chris was called back, and she agreed to serve another term. Appreciation was minuted for her fine work.

Susan Larson and Mary Mangelsdorf presented and spoke about the recently restored painting by Quaker-born artist, Maurice Hall Pancoast. The painting was found in a closet in the Office and Mary and Susan brought it to Winterthur Museum , to have one of its graduate students restore it for only the cost of materials. This‑initiated a discussion of what the Meeting ought to do with donated works of art—should they be displayed or sold? The feeling expressed by a number of those present was that the display of art in Whittier House was not in keeping with Quaker values of plainness. This discussion will be revisited later. In the meantime, Susan Larson agreed to hang‑the painting at her house.

Mary Titus spoke on the development of published guidelines for those College groups using Whittier House. These will be based in part on Scott Arboretum’s guidelines for students using their facilities. She said that while most groups, College groups included, are very conscientious, once in awhile, as happened this spring, the kitchen can be left in a sorry mess. 

Christine DeGrado brought up discussion about our recent workshop, Resourcing our Vision. (To see a fuller discussion please consult the printed copy of the newsletter.)  It was pointed out that those in attendance united in agreement that spiritual development is our primary Meeting purpose. Ways of furthering and sharing our spiritual development will be an important consideration for Worship & Ministry Committee when they resume meeting in the fall.

The PYM Young Friends Group will not be able to meet at Burlington (as that facility has been closed by PYM) and would like to meet at Swarthmore Meeting, December 27-30, for their Christmas Retreat. Approved. The Office has information about a leadership program for high school-aged Friends at Camp Onas in August. The idea of getting a bench for the main entrance to Whittier House will remain under discussion. It can be expensive if purchased through the Scott Arboretum. It is not seen as a priority item, especially given our current budget constraints. There is a possibility that the College may donate one. It was suggested that there be a regular notice in The Swarthmorean about our program of providing food for the homeless every month.

After a few moments of silent reflection, the Meeting adjourned.

    Submitted by Leslie Keighton, Recorder

General Swarthmore Meeting Announcements

Meeting Calendar Events: 

1. Welcome Tea for College Freshmen and Returning Students 

• When: Sunday, September 2, 2012, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

• Where: Swarthmore Meetinghouse, Whittier Room

Swarthmore Friends Meeting invites everyone (new freshmen, returning students and faculty, and people from the Meeting) to a Welcome Tea, Sunday, September 2. It will be held in Whittier Room after Meeting for Worship, approximately 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We will have ginger-ale and strawberry punch, lots of savory finger foods, and desserts. Care and Counsel asks that members and attenders bring easy-to-eat goodies to share at the tea table. 

2. Work Day – Saturday, September 15, 9:00-11:00 a.m. 

We have scheduled our first Nursery School Parent/ Meeting Member work day on September 15th from 9:00- 11:00 a.m. Please come join nursery school parents and teachers in cleaning windows, filling the sandbox and other projects around the meeting house and nursery school. 

Submitted by Lyn Goff 

3. Jumble Sale is Coming!  Saturday, October 27, 2012

Why we Jumble: 

1. To help divert stuff from the waste stream, 

2. Providing local families with the opportunity to buy really cool stuff at fabulous prices, 

3. Using the stuff you donate to help raise money for the meeting, and finally, 

4. To spend time together sorting, pricing, moving and selling stuff – while building community. 

Now is the time to start getting ready for Jumble. Here’s what you need to do: 

1. Clear your calendar for October 21 thru October 27 (or whatever time in there you can spare.) 

2. Start looking around your house (and your neighbor’s house) for great Jumble donations. 

3. Tell your friends & family about Jumble and make sure you join us on Oct. 27th (don’t forget your appetite for the great mushroom soup other delectable Jumble lunch delights). 

Submitted by Barbara BurgerLentz, Clerk of Jumble Sale Committee 

Library Committee Thinking of Summer Reading? We are!

A threshing session in the spring affirmed that the Meeting values its library. Members of the Library Committee have been getting together with some regularity to keep the shelves in order. Fresh paint thanks to the Buildings and Grounds Committee makes the room bright and welcoming. Current priorities include updating the catalogue and updating our collection. Two new titles are available for check out: Fit for Freedom, not for Friendship, by Donna McDaniel  and Vanessa Julye; and The Beautiful Soul of John Woolman by Thomas Slaughter. The committee welcomes suggestions – please put a note in our box in the Office if you would like to see a particular book on our shelves. Drop by any time to check out our existing collection. 

Submitted by Alex Kendrick 

Fall at Swarthmore Friends Nursery School  

Things have been buzzing at Swarthmore Friends Nursery School , and the school year doesn’t even start its regular schedule until September 18th. Several rooms have been painted this summer, the floors should have been refinished by the week before school begins, and the classrooms will once again have come together in anticipation of another busy and enriching school year. We are sad to say farewell to one of our longtime staff members, Geneva Green, who has worked as an assistant in our Pre-K four year old classroom for many years following a few years before that in our Pre-K fives. We will miss Geneva ’s lovely smile and calm, steady manner with children and staff alike. We wish her all the best for her next endeavor. The rest of our staff from last year returns, and everyone is preparing “this Friendly place” for the start of the school year with our Parent’s Night on Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. We will then welcome the children and their families with open houses on Thursday, September 13 and Friday, September 14. A few openings remain in our three year old and Pre-K four year old programs, so if you know any preschoolers looking for a warm, caring environment for a few days a week, please get in touch with Joanne Swanson at the school through the Meeting Office, [email protected].  Fall is always full of getting-to-know-you projects, as well as fire protection, changing seasons, and William Penn’s birthday. Watch the classroom walls and bulletin boards for evidence of our activities. We have an open door policy welcoming visitors at any time so if you ever want to pop in to see the happy childhood play and learning that happens throughout the school year at SFNS, please contact our office and we’ll set up a visiting time that works with your schedule, [email protected]  

Cooking for the Homeless - By the Numbers 

• 286 Meals Served 

• 206 Firsts 

• 80 Seconds 

• 4 Busy Workers 

• 1 Great Idea! 

Thanks to Chris DeGrado, Jim Schell and Lois Sellers for coming out tonight and Paul Rosier for trying. It was smooth as silk, with the entire operation running ahead of schedule as we left the Meetinghouse before 6:00, served dinner at 6:30 and were packing up by 7:15 and home by 8:00 p.m. (Sorry to miss you Paul!) Our delicious Quaker Stew was well received, favorable marks for the somewhat recent addition of beans, and everyone got as much as they wanted. This evening though will go down in the history of CFH, not for our conversations about cheese steaks, running and yes, body fat, but about spoons. Let me explain. The sequence for picking up food tends to go like this: a fork wrapped in a napkin, then the main dish, then peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, then cookies and pretzels on another napkin and finally the kids candy as well as fruit. (Drinks are served on another table). The issue is that with this system we end up giving out multiple napkins to each person, often more than two. As we have struggled a bit to find a way to limit our napkin usage, one Chris DeGrado came up with the incredibly simple, yet effective idea, of putting the spoon directly into the cup of stew. Brilliant. This results in not only saving napkins, but increasing the speed of the line and food distribution. It sounds obvious and simplistic, but a subtle change in the system that makes a big difference. Nice job Chris and thanks to everyone who cooked in the morning as well as our steadfast delivery crew. The next date for delivery will be Saturday, August 18. Though I will not be able to attend, we tentatively have Paul Rosier and Lois Sellers on tap. I will drop everyone a line closer to time and know that we can't do it without you. Thanks again to all. 

Submitted by Will Starr 

The Annual Ice Cream Social 

The Annual Ice Cream Social took place in Rushmore Room, on Sunday, August 19, 2012, following Meeting for Worship.

Thanks to everyone who helped in so many ways and to all who came providing fellowship. Friends contributed donations for the Two-for-One Fund. 

Submitted by Virginia and Paul 

News about Meeting Members 

• Meeting member Steve Olshewsky, currently living in Lexington , KY , has been accepted as a residential student at The Earlham School of Religion. Steve will also facilitate a Peace Forum for them. Steve remains active in FCNL. 

• Please hold Meeting member Nancy Webster in the Light, as she recovers from leg surgery. 

• Andrea Knox has retired from Swarthmore College . For her new email please contact the Meeting Office  at [email protected].

• Long-time Meeting member, Mary Vernon Raymond, died on August 13, 2012, in Woods Hole, MA, where she lived. She is the sister-in-law of Phyllis Raymond. At Mary’s request, there will be no memorial service. Please hold the Raymond family in the Light. 

Samantha Griggs Profile 

Swarthmore Meeting is excited to introduce its newest member, Samantha Griggs. Samantha grew up in  New Jersey (where she had never heard of Quakers) and began attending Meeting regularly in her junior year at Swarthmore College . While there, she helped revive the Swarthmore College Young Friends. She graduated from Swarthmore in 2012 and is presently enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania , Graduate School of Education, in the International Education Development Program. She is part of the West Philadelphia Worship Group, where she serves on its Care and Counsel Committee. She is also a board member for the Young Adult Friends Leadership Institute, is the William Penn Lecture Convener for PYM and is a member of the Young Adult Friends Working Group for PYM. Her interests include international work, women’s studies, East Africa , Young Adult Friends and cooking for large groups including potlucks. Samantha wants to thank the Meeting for its support in her application for the Lockwood Grant from the College, which is helping her in her graduate work. Please give Samantha a warm welcome. 

Submitted by Care and Counsel Committee 

Friendly Book Review 

Fit for Freedom, Not for Friendship: Quakers, African Americans, and the Myth of Racial Justice, by Donna McDaniel and Vanessa Julye 

I confess, I did not read every word. The book covers U.S. Friends history from settlement to the 1990s.—I began at the beginning, but realized I was just churning my way toward the Civil War and after. So I skipped a few chapters. The story of Quakers aiding escaping slaves, making their homes into stops on the Underground Railroad is familiar to us all--and probably, a matter of pride. And after the Civil War, Quakers established more schools in the South than any other group. European Americans from PYM left Philadelphia and to establish schools, teach in them, and train African Americans to take over the day-to-day administration, while financial support continued to come from Quakers in the north.  In the 1950s and through the 1960s, to the dismay of some Friends, when the question arose regarding admitting African Americans to Quaker schools (George School, Westtown, Friends Select, Friends Central), there were a million reasons why that would not work; from the argument that the African Americans would feel isolated, their admittance would lower the academic bar, to worries about intermarriage—Friends were not living the message they espoused. Some riveting moments in the 1970s when PYM was in discussions with a Black Power organization are a vivid word picture of Quaker process at work. 

Review submitted by Lois Sellers 

Quaker Quiz.... 

Rushmore Room is named after 

• A. John Greenleaf Rushmore 

• B. Geoffrey Boudin Rushmore 

• C. Jane Palen Rushmore 

• D. Mt. Rushmore 

The correct answer is C, Jane Palen Rushmore. Jane Rushmore (1864-1958) is one of the best known women in PYM history, a renowned author and educator. Originally from New York state, Jane Rushmore attended Swarthmore College from 1880-1882, and received her Doctor of Letters from the College in 1952. She taught at Friends School in Chester County from 1824 – 1900, and later taught at Friends Central School . She was General Secretary of PYM from 1911 until her retirement in 1945; for nine years she was clerk of PYM. For 45 years she was active in religious education. She wrote many adult weekly religious lessons, was author of  the quarterly “Religious Education Bulletin” for 30 years, and was the author of three books, including Testimonies and Practices of the Society of Friends. She died in Cinnaminson , NJ in 1958 at the age of 94. Over 1,200 people attended her memorial service. 

Thank You Corner

Thanks to:  

• The volunteers who cleaned the windows in Whittier House and the Office;

• Swarthmore College, which: - repaired the back wall of the nursery school room where mold kept reappearing; - cleaned out the clogged drainpipe at the corner of the playground; this clogged drainpipe was a major source of water leading into the boiler room whenever it rained; - replaced the broken window in the Meetinghouse; 

• Sue Edwards and Pat Thomas, who volunteered in the Office while the Meeting Secretary was away; 

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

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] 

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.

1. “Making Classrooms Safe for Kids” workshop series, September 22,  at Arch Street Meetinghouse, 4th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia , PA. These workshops on anti-violence, community building and antibullying training are once again being offered free of charge to Meeting members and attenders, public school‑teachers and Friends School teachers. The two-part series begins on August 17-18 with a two-day workshop on Anti-Violence & Community Building followed on September 22 with a one-day workshop on Anti-bullying training. Educators Penny Colgan-Davis and Betsy Berger are thoughtful in their presentations on the complicated dynamics of bullying/by-standing/responding, empathetic listening, and classroom community building. Last‑year’s participants said: “I would give anything to have my fellow teachers and administrators try these techniques… when conflicts happen” and “… creating a classroom community can be an important part of a successful year.” The workshops are free but registration is required. A light working lunch is provided at no cost to participants. For more information and to obtain the registration form, please see http://tinyurl.com/NVCworkshop2012

2. The 13th Annual Peace Fair, September 22, 2012, at Buckingham Friends Meeting (next to Peddler’s Village),  Lahaska , PA. This is an event for the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents. We are looking for authentic crafts, non-profit exhibitors and volunteers to join us. Participants each year include organizations like the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging, Camp Onas , LEPOCO, the United Nations Association, the Peace Center , and A Woman’s Place; and potters, weavers, woodworkers, artists and others who exhibit and sell their works. There is good food, live entertainment, poetry, kids’ games and a host of other activities to keep visitors happily engaged as you learn what Bucks county area non-profits are doing to help make a better world. This year we are encouraging vendors, exhibitors, and workers to dress in period costumes, if they have them, to add to the old-fashioned, small-town atmosphere of the Fair. There will also be a Peaceable Kingdom pet show for kids and grown-ups to show off their most cherished or unusual pets. Area non-profits who want to spread the word about their work, residents who wish to bring their crafts, and volunteers who wish to work during the summer or on Peace Fair day should contact Peter Ray http://www.quakerpeacefair.org/ 

3. Gatherings for Discussion and Discernment: Growth Dilemma Project, October 2, 2012, at Friends Center ,  Philadelphia , PA. The Growth Dilemma Project aims to help Friends understand ecological and social dilemmas of our growth-based economy. Our monthly gatherings are opportunities to share views about reforming our economic system so it serves justice and the commonwealth of life. For more information, check the PYM website, http://www.pym.org/  

4. Couples Enrichment Workshop - October 12 -14, 2012, (Friday, 7:00 p.m. through Sunday 1:00 pm) in beautiful Bucks County, Pennsylvania with Mary Ellen Scott and Stu Bush, Jacob and Gretta Stone (both couples from Doylestown Meeting) A wonderful, relaxing weekend opportunity for you and your partner to: - Take stock, reviewing together what you value in each other - See how other couples relate - Learn how to improve your communication skills - Take time to work through differences or disagreements - Learn how to use conflict creatively - Celebrate the strengths and joys of your relationship - Allow the love between you to flow. The workshop is an opportunity for a couple to celebrate their relationship, enhance communication skills, and deepen their appreciation of each other. It is not therapy, but a way to make good relationships even better. The workshop creates a safe and comfortable community, where each couple has the time and space to focus on each other. The program is not confrontational, and the ground rules assure safety and comfort for all participants. There will also be time for worship, rest, and recreation. The workshop is open to any couple in a committed relationship, regardless of sexual orientation, marital status, or religious affiliation. During the program we will have exclusive use of Camp Onas on 73 acres of deep woods and rolling hills in upper  Bucks County . Each couple will have a private room in a modern building. More at: http://www.pym.org/front  The program will run from 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 12, to 1:00 pm Sunday, October 14. Directions to Camp Onas , what to bring, and a detailed schedule will be sent in advance to registrants. Mary Ellen Scott and Stu Bush, and Jacob and Gretta Stone will facilitate this weekend. Both couples are certified Friends General Conference Couple Enrichment leaders and longtime members of Doylestown Friends Meeting. Contact for further information, please check the PYM web page http://www.pym.org/front   The total cost of the weekend is $200 per couple. This fee includes five meals, snacks, private accommodations, use of the Camp Onas facilities, and approximately 15 hours of couple enrichment programming. 

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.

Listed below are a few of Pendle Hill’s upcoming events. Please view the entire program at www.pendlehill.org

• September 7-9, LGBTQ Couple Enrichment Retreat (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer)  with Marijke van Roojen and Danae Steele; we offer the workshop to LGBTQ couples who may have unique needs not always addressed in mixed groups.

• September 14-16, Preparing the Way, with Lloyd Guindon and Bob Denison.  Join Pendle Hill maintenance team for a working weekend of fun, service, and fellowship.

• September 16-20, Faithful Listening, Faithful Living, with Ben Pink Dandelion and Deborah Shaw, a retreat to help us reflect on our gifts and to develop ways to be true to ourselves and faithful to God

• September 21-23, Inquirers' Weekend, with Ernie Buscemi and Stephen Willis Dotson, an introduction to Quakerism.

September Calendar, 2012

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.