October 2011 Newsletter
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Minutes of Monthly Order of Worship September 2011
Attachments:
Property Committee Annual Report
BYM Yearly Meeting Annual Session
Fall Events
FRIENDS MEETING OF WASHINGTON
MONTHLY MEETING FOR WORSHIP WITH A CONCERN FOR BUSINESS
September 11, 2011
9/11- 1 Opening The Meeting opened at 12:14 pm with a period of silent worship. David Etheridge served as Clerk, Meg Greene as Alternate Clerk and Debby Churchman as Recording Clerk. The clerks read Advices, Queries and Voices concerning Vocal Ministry which have been proposed by the Faith and Practice Revision Committee of Baltimore Yearly Meeting.
Advices
Once meeting begins, take time to enter fully into the spirit of worship. Gently offer up distractions as you center down and open yourself to the workings of the Spirit. Come to meeting with neither a resolve to speak, nor a determination not to speak, but rather with an attitude of expectant waiting and openness.
If you feel moved to speak, take a moment to test your leading. Is your message from the Spirit, or somewhere else? If it is from God, is it meant only for yourself, or for the entire Meeting? Genuine ministry is often preceded by a physical uneasiness, a “heart pounding weakness,” from which our name Quaker is derived. Remember that silence is not just the space between messages, but a deep and living communion with the “Spirit which gives life.” Your silent prayer and openness to God are themselves a form of ministry that enriches the Meeting community. Allow adequate time between spoken messages, so that all may listen to God and truly hear the previous message.
Inevitably, not all vocal ministry will be equally meaningful to all present. Remember that ministry that does not speak to you may nevertheless be valuable to others. If you find yourself struggling with another’s words, learn to listen for the Spirit behind the words.
Queries
How do I discern when to speak and when not to speak both in Meeting and elsewhere?
How do we encourage Friends to allow ample time to absorb the previous message before speaking?
How do I practice listening to the Truth which may be revealed by others?
Voices
Ministry is what is on one’s soul, and it can be in direct contradiction to what is on one’s mind. It’s what the Inner Light gently pushes you toward or suddenly dumps in your lap. It is rooted in the eternity, divinity, and selflessness of the Inner Light; not in the worldly egoistic functions of the conscious mind. –Marrianne McMullen, 1987
Since we believe that there is in each person something divine, or what Jefferson called a moral sense, we are naturally called upon to listen to what other persons have to say, to what their hopes and aspirations and concerns are at the deepest level we can reach, There are many occasions where such listening is needed, and part of what it means to be a Friend in the world today is to slow down and listen carefully on at least some of those occasions. –Newton Garver, 1983
In Friends’ meetings also, from the fact that everyone is free to speak, one hears harmonies and correspondences between various utterances such as are scarcely to be met elsewhere. It is sometimes as part-singing compared with unison. The free admission of the ministry of women, of course, greatly enriches this harmony. I have often wondered whether some of the motherly counsels I have listened to in our meeting would not reach some hearts that might be closed to the masculine preacher.
— Caroline E. Stephens, 1890
And one day, being under a strong exercise of spirit, I stood up, and said some words in a meeting, but not keeping close to the divine opening, I said more than was required of me and being soon sensible to my error, I was afflicted in mind some weeks, without any light or comfort, even to that degree that I could take satisfaction in nothing. I remembered God, and was troubled, and in the depth of my distress he had pity upon me, and sent the Comforter. I then felt forgiveness for my offense, and my mind became calm and quiet, being truly thankful to my gracious Redeemer for his mercies. And after this, feeling the spring of divine love opened, and a concern to speak, I said a few words in a meeting in which I found peace.
–John Woolman, 1741
Offer whatever you have to God, and be prepared to let it go. …Nowadays if words come to my mind I try to remember to pray, “O Lord, if this is not for this time and place, please take it from me,” and very often he does. –Beatrice Saxon Snell, 1965
9/11 – 2 Welcome of Visitors Approximately 20 Friends were present. FMW welcomed Rachel Shaw Kidanne and Kiflu Kidanne of Silver Spring, MD. Kathy Lipp-Farr, a longtime attender at FMW, came to Meeting for Business for the first time in many years.
9/11 – 3 Clerks’ Report
FMW member Michael Jack died on August 22, 2011. His memorial meeting will be here on Saturday, October 15, at 2:00 pm.
FMW member Eleanor Jones Henderson died on August 23, 2011 in Medford, New Jersey. She was 100 years old. Her wishes were for a private service and internment.
FMW member Russell Coile died on June 4, 2011 in Pacific Grove, California. He was 94 years old. There was a memorial service for him in Pacific Grove on June 18, but he will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, November 2 at 1:00 pm.
We recently learned that FMW member Carolyn Gage Andrews died on August 27, 2008 in Cottonwood, Arizona. She was 73 years old.
There will be a BYM Working Group on Racism at 10:00 on Saturday, Sept. 17, in the Decatur Place Room. FMW Friends are welcome.
Langley Hill Friends Meeting will celebrate their 50th anniversary on September 17 from 1:30 pm to 6 pm at its Meetinghouse at 6410 Georgetown Pike in McLean, Virginia.
9/11 – 4 Friendly Gardens Annual Report Dan Dozier, FMW board member of Friendly Gardens, presented their annual report (see attached). He joined the board in February, and thus has the perspective of a newcomer. He described this 84-unit, not-for-profit, modest-income apartment complex in Lyttonsville, MD as being something that Quakers have done “quietly and well.” This year, they will celebrate their 40th year by paying off their mortgage. The complex has provided stable housing for a number of families over the years. Recently, Friendly Gardens purchased adjacent property and plan to use it to provide supportive housing for the community. The board is still discerning the best means to do so. They may come to FMW in the future with a request for a secured loan. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve FMW in this capacity, and has found great joy in this work.
A Friend suggested, since any requests for loans to this organization would need to go through Trustees, that Friend Dozier and others begin talking with Trustees now about the need.
9/11 – 5 Membership Committee Harry Massey, Clerk of Membership, presented 3 requests for membership, all of them from Friends who are active with Religious Education at FMW.
Kathy Lipp-Farr, who has been attending since Fall 1988. She started in YAF (where she met the man who became her husband), regularly attends the Gathering at FGC, participated for many years in the Friendly Folkdancers, and has contributed faithfully to Religious Education here at FMW. The committee enthusiastically recommends approving this request.
Martha Willcox, a long-time attender who is currently working in Mexico City on a project involving indigenous maize. She applied for membership just before getting the offer to go to Mexico, but wants to continue the application process, because, she says, “FMW is home.” She is asking to become a member and for her children, Nathan and Thomas, to become Associate Members. She has contributed greatly to Religious Education here at FMW. The committee strongly recommends approving these requests.
Glenn Parkinson grew up attending a camp which was founded by Friends in the summers. She is very active in Religious Education at FMW. She started attending FMW sporadically beginning in 2002, but has been attending regularly for the past 3 years. She feels ready to become a more committed member of the Meeting. The committee recommends that Friends approve this request.
All of these recommendations lie over for one month, as is our custom.
Harry Massey also presented the committee's recommendation for Associate Membership for:
Thomas and Nathan Gale (sons of John Gale and Martha Willcox),
Olivia Gayle Harvey and Nathaniel Dunham Harvey (children of Margot Greenlee and Todd Harvey).
Friends APPROVED these memberships.
Transfers of membership: Harry Massey presented these requests:
Martin Doherty, Jr. to Charlotte (NC) Meeting
Stephen McDonnell to Morningside (NY) Friends Meeting
Beverly Reader to Herndon (VA) Friends Meeting
Patricia Kutzner to Albuquerque (NM) Friends Meeting.
Friends ACCEPTED these transfers.
Resignations: Harry Massey told the Meeting that the following members have resigned:
Susan Rice (Strasburg, VA)
Elaine Newcome French (Heathcote, Victoria, Australia)
Friends ACCEPTED these resignations.
9/11 – 6 Writers of Memorial Minutes David Etheridge, Clerk, requested that the following people be assigned to write memorial minutes:
Hayden Wetzel for Carolyn Andrews
Riley Robinson for Michael Jack
Dan Dozier for Winnie Walker Jones
Montague Kern for Elois Rogers
Friends APPROVED these writers for memorial minutes.
REPORTS AND OTHER BUSINESS
9/11 – 7 Nominating Committee Meg Greene, member of the Nominating Committee, presented the committee's recommendations as follows:
Judy Hubbard to serve on the William Penn House Board of Trustees for a term commencing January 1, 2012 and end in March 2014. Friends APPROVED
Ken Orvis to the Property Committee for a term ending in December 2014. Friends APPROVED.
A Friend asked that those who are being nominated be present, if at all possible, at Meeting for Business.
Friends noted the “sweat equity” that Friend Orvis has already contributed to the Meeting, and thanked him for it.
9/11 – 8 Property Committee Annual Report Steve Brooks, Clerk of Property, presented the committee's annual report (see attached). He expressed gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the work on property, including those who have come to work days. He asked that Friends pay special attention to the lengthy list of property challenges, and consider where we can each contribute. Each committee is also asked to tell Property what their committee's priorities are for the Property Committee.
A Friend asked about the status of hiring someone to do property management. They are providing input on the job description for the Administrative Secretary. Once that is settled, they will be better able to discern the job description for the property manager.
A Friend asked if the building sustained any earthquake damage. It did not.
A Friend asked that we seek input from the contractors who do work on the building about what would make their job easier, and see what needs to happen on our end to follow through.
A Friend who coordinated the property management for Quaker House spoke to the complexity and depth of the continuing work on property. She has been amazed by the work of the Property Committee, and is grateful for their thoughtful approach and their hard work.
A Friend encouraged Property to do more work days as an act of community building.
A Friend had some specific advices about the storm shutters and about gaining greater access to water on the second floor. These advices were referred to Property.
A Friend made a plea that we trust our committees and their ability to discern the needs and how best to meet them with our current resources.
9/11 – 9 Report on Baltimore Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions J.E. McNeil reported on Annual Sessions. (A report, written by Michael Cronin, is attached).
We did a swimmingly good job of raising money for the pond at Shiloh.
The theme of the session was Welcoming; many small and large meetings were held to discuss how to be more welcoming.
The Carey Memorial Lecture was given by Philip Gulley, a pastor at a Friends Church in Indiana, who recommended that his church be welcoming to Gays and Lesbians. He was nearly forced to resign over this recommendation.
As BYM representative to Friends United Meeting, Friend McNeil discussed how impressed FUM is with how BYM has hung in there with them, despite differences.
The final issue covered at the Annual Sessions was Finances. BYM was originally funded by area meetings according to a rather complex formula. Many Monthly Meetings currently feel unable to pay their full share because of the Recession. BYM responded by doing fund raising, and then recommended a new system of apportionment. Friends objected to the new system. Now, BYM is asking the Monthly Meetings how they would like to work the funding.
A Friend asked how many FMW members and attenders attended BYM Annual Session. The number is not known.
9/11 – 10 Updates
Finance and Stewardship – Loie Clark, Clerk of F&S, gave an update. Our financial activity in July was negligible, and the numbers aren't yet complete for August. The FY 2011 Audit has gone to Trustees. In FY 2011, our expenses were lower and our revenue was higher; this is unlikely to be repeated in FY 2012. Annual report will be given in October, as well as a report on the attributes of our donors.
Capital Improvements Task Force – Neil Froemming of the CITF presented an update of this task force. They have come up with a rough outline of a building which has been well received by Friends, but don't want to get a full design until we get full approval by the Meeting. Instead, the Task Force is going to architects, with Meeting for Business approval, to get a better idea of whether the design we have come up with so far is feasible to build and can be approved by the City, and what the individual parts of the plan will cost to build.
A Friend asked when the Capital Campaign will begin. Friend Froemming said we need to have a more accurate sense of what we will ask for before the campaign can begin. The Friend also asked when the Capital Campaign would be completed, so that we will know how much we're likely to raise. Our consultant, Henry Freeman, believes we can raise about $1.5 million. Loie Clark, speaking as Clerk of F&S, says the rule of thumb is to run a capital campaign for only three years. We don't yet know when the Campaign will begin, or how long it will need to run before we feel ready to break ground.
9/11 – 11 Adjournment With approximately 18 Friends present, the meeting adjourned at 1:47 p.m. to reconvene as way opens on Sunday, October 9, 2011 at 11:45 a.m.
Attachments: Friendly Gardens Annual Report
Property Committee Annual Report
Baltimore Yearly Annual Session Report
FriendlyGardensAnnual Report 2010-2011
Friendly Gardens (FG) consists of 85 apartments in six three-story plus basement buildings at 2423 Lyttonsville Road, Silver Spring, MD, just a few blocks north of East-West Highway off Grubb Road. In October, 1970, having been newly built under a committee of members of area Friends’ Meetings, the apartment complex was opened. There are 22 two-bedroom, 35 three-bedroom, and 28 four-bedroom units. The apartment complex is notable for its spacious units, good maintenance and very moderate rents!
Residents
Friendly Gardens is an attractive group of residences in a comfortable neighborhood convenient to MontgomeryCounty and DC. It is a relatively stable community of households with low to moderate incomes. Of the 85 units, 8 are supported by Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) “Section 8” subsidies which make up the difference between 30% of the household income and a HUD-defined basic rent level. However, all rents at Friendly Gardens are well-below market.
The Board has directed management to survey apartment utilization by family size as a basis for better matching families to apartments with the most appropriate number of bedrooms.
In 2010 the Board laid down the annual Christmas food basket tradition. It was felt that the baskets may no longer be as meaningful to the residents as they once were.
Financial Condition
The most recent audited financial report, for the fiscal year ending 6/30/11, had no negative “findings.” Total revenue was $858,171 and total expenses (before depreciation) were $661,189.. As of June 30, 2011, cash on hand in the Friendly Gardens operating account was $37,729, the HUD–required reserve for replacement fund held $592,623 and the “residual receipts” fund held $82,588. With HUD’s approval, the latter two funds can be used for repairs and improvements. The FHA mortgage on the property will be paid in full in April, 2012, eliminating our $6528/month principal and interest mortgage payment.
Increasing Costs Lead to Rent Increases Yet Rents Remain Comparatively Very Low
With Montgomery County and HUD approval, FNPH instituted a 3.5% rent increase on October 1, 2009. This raised rents for 2 bedroom apartments from $556 to $575, 3 bedrooms from $599 to $620, and four bedrooms from $672 to $696. Previous rent increases were deemed necessary by the Board due to increased costs and were implemented most recently in 2009. No increase is scheduled in the FY 2011 budget for the year beginning July 1, 2011.
Rents at FG are estimated to be less than half of those of comparable apartments in the surrounding area. The Board has been able to keep rents low in part because Montgomery County has exempted the property from any payment of property taxes (estimated at $500-600/unit or about $50,000 a year), and because HUD permits FG to retain “excess income,” (amounts collected from tenants paying more than the HUD-defined “basic rents”) estimated to total more than $65,000 per year. In addition, the Board and management have given close attention to cost factors like water consumption.
Possible Expansion Project
The developer of the proposed housing development next door to our property fell into default on his loans. We contacted the owner of the first lien on the property, and after some negotiation, were able to reach tri-partite agreement among the lender, the developer and a new entity, Lyttonsville Land Company LLC, pursuant to which Lyttonsville Land acquired the property free and clear of all liens. Lyttonsville Land is owned by Friend Housing Trust, a sister entity to Friends Non-Profit Housing, Inc., with a similar board of directors.
The transaction was funded on a short-term basis by a Friendly source, but we will have to re-finance in some way within 12 months. We have been speaking to Montgomery County about possible land financing to bridge the gap from 2012 through a longer term plan.
Owning the land, which lies between Friendly Gardens and the likely route of the Purple Line, allows us to begin to consider expansion and other ways to serve our mission. We may decide to develop an extension of our project, perhaps with a focus on smaller units (allowing us to re-house residents who are “over-housed”, i.e., a single person in a 3 or 4 bedroom unit). We can also consider a mixed –use development, with commercial uses to partially underwrite low-income housing. We have not determined whether to work alone- or in a joint venture with another not-for-profit and/or a for-profit developer. We are fortunate in that the pay-off of our HUD mortgage allows us to carry the financing cost of the new land until we decide what to do and how to do it.
The Board’s Attention to Major Changes Coming to FG in Less Than One Year
Friendly Gardens’ 40 year mortgage will be paid in full in April 2012, eliminating our $6528/month principal and interest payment. The Board has decided to free the project from HUD management oversight at that time, although the project will continue to be regulated by Montgomery County. The Board will seek to have the residents who currently receive subsidies from HUD under Section 8 stay in their homes. One way to accomplish this will be to avail ourselves of the HUD voucher program- whereby HUD gives subsidy vouchers to Montgomery County- which then pays us the subsidy. Another way would simply be to subsidise our low income tenants ourselves.
Property manager, Staff, and Renovation and Enlargement of the Friendly Garden’s Office
The long-time property manager for FG is Joe Rector of the Whetstone Company. Joe Rector attends all regular FG Board Meetings. The FG complex has a staffed rental office, maintenance employees, and a part-time security presence by a MontgomeryCountypolice officer. The major office renovation and expansion has been completed.
Board of Directors
Current directors are Jim Breiling (Sandy Spring FM), Andrea Giles (Bethesda FM), Ralph Hofmeister (Bethesda FM), Robin McGrew (Architect), Richard Mounts (Bethesda FM), Dan Dozier (FMW), Joe Howell (Subsidised Senior Housing Expert) and Willy Wilson (FMW), the current Board President. The Board meets bi-monthly in the Community Room, entered from the middle of the first parking lot to the right of the FG Office. Meetings are usually on the 3rd Monday, at 7:30 PM. Visitors are welcome!
Prepared by Willy Wilson, 9-7-11
Annual Report of the Property Committee
September 2011
Overview
The Property Committee is charged with planning for and maintaining the safety, security, comfort and attractiveness of the buildings and grounds of the Meeting. The Committee is responsible for the condition of building structures, exteriors, systems, furnishing, equipment, and major appliances. While maintaining the Meeting’s three historic buildings and grounds, the committee is in the midst of implementing the meeting’s ambitious repurposing of Carriage House and Quaker House, the impetus of which was the departure of two long-term space users: the School for Friends and a long-time member and former Clerk of the Meeting who resided in an apartment in the second floor of Carriage House.
Our committee membership has remained fairly stable with the addition and resignation of a handful of members. We are a busy committee and sometimes exhausted, but we are mindful of committee process and make every effort to do our work with good spirit and mutual respect.
Major activities since the June 2010 Annual Report:
• Renovated the Decatur Place Room and the storage room in the north end of the Meeting House First Floor for program use by child care, First Day School and others.
• Painted the Meeting House front office and first floor restrooms.
• Renovated and painted the entry hall and staircase of Quaker House.
• Finished renovation of Carriage House 1st and 2nd floors and received DC approval for occupancy by Tostan, a non-profit working on gender, health and development issues in Africa.
• Renovated the 2nd and 3rd floor back wing of Quaker House for occupancy by Promundo, a non-profit working on gender and health issues in Brazil.
• Renovated the front portion of the 1st Floor of Quaker House. One office has been shared by GreeneWorks Global. One desk is occupied by an AFSC fellow who is working on developing a human right curriculum for use by local schools and communities. Over the summer, two AFSC interns also occupied the space.
• Renovated the front, far corner office in 1st Floor of Quaker House. This is space is now occupied by Peace Tax Fund, our longest running space use partner.
• Increased the meeting revenue for long term space use from $36 thousand (annualized) to $106 thousand with further increases anticipated in the coming year.
• Sponsored numerous work days throughout the year that have accomplished considerable work as well as providing a community activity. A big THANK YOU to all who participated!
• Addressed safety issues including encapsulation of lead paint and asbestos tiles, removal of asbestos pipe insulation, correction of electrical hazards, etc.
• Worked with the Personnel Committee to document the meeting staffing requirements of Property Management and helped incorporate some of these functions into the new Job Description of the Administrative Secretary.
Pending:
• Complete Meeting House gutter repair due to damage from the ice and snow of last winter.
• Replace leaking Meeting House roof ridge vent, which will then allow us to repair and paint the Meeting Room ceiling.
• Refinish the Meeting House main staircase and landing.
• Renovate and find a space user(s) for the rear of Quaker House 1st floor.
• Continue working with Personnel to ensure staffing is concomitant with the needs of Property Management.
• Work with Staff to thoroughly document the FMW property systems and devise a routine maintenance schedule.
• Work with Marriage and Family Committee and staff to implement a marketing program to promote event use (weddings, meetings, seminars, public gatherings, etc.) in our space.
• Work with the Capital Improvement Task Force and the Meeting to identify capital needs, make recommendations for major property improvements and help determine ways to implement them.
• Establish regular property inspections and asset inventories.
• Get adequate security and fire detection systems installed in our buildings.
• Contract for professional fire loss prevention inspection and investigate potential fire suppression measures.
• Review occupancy permitting requirements.
• Get our myriad of unmatched keys and locks under control.
• Find a solution to the problems posed by the Quaker House and Carriage House heating system and inadequate air conditioning in those spaces. Improve energy efficiency and weatherization.
• Get the Decatur Place sidewalk fixed.
• Get backup systems and monitoring for our sump pumps.
• Work to improve drainage issues.
• Upgrade office phone system.
• Resolve a variety of storage issues.
• Improve our budgeting and tracking of property expenditures.
• Improve the situation in the Meeting Room and elsewhere for Friends and visitors with hearing impairment.
• Get exterior lighting systems under control and working properly.
• Continue rodent abatement in Quaker House.
• Improve safety of Quaker House back stairs.
• Improve/expand kitchen facilities in Quaker House/Carriage House.
• Other things as needed.
Challenges:
The tasks facing the Property Committee are enormous. Although a great deal has been accomplished, it has been made possible only because several members of the Committee have contributed time and effort far beyond what can be typically expected of an FMW committee member. The Property Committee mailing list has exchanged 1,888 messages since it began in January 2010, and members have contributed many work-months of their time. This level of effort cannot be sustained, and still it has not been sufficient to enable the committee to properly address the property management and maintenance needs of the Meeting.
The cutback in staff this year has contributed to the shortfall.
In the short run, our efforts to renovate neglected spaces continues, along with our efforts to address the backlog of maintenance and management needs. In the longer term, we can expect substantial additional property management demands associated with the construction of the long anticipated capital renovation project.
We believe that the Meeting will need at least one additional full-time property management staff member to make this all work.
The demand on Meeting funds for additional staffing and maintenance work can be largely met by the additional revenue now generated by the property. However, some of renovation needs (security and fire systems, heating and cooling systems) may need some help from the anticipated Capital Campaign.
Baltimore Yearly Meeting’s 340th Annual Session August 1 – 7, 2011
In 2011 the theme of BYM’s Annual Session was “Moving Forward in Community: Welcoming the Divine, Welcoming Every Person.”
Considerable attention was devoted to financial matters. The 2013 fundraising goal was lowered. The budget was cut in several areas though no staff will be laid off or be furloughed. Overall apportionments have been increased 3.9%.
Stewardship and Finance Committee suggested a query for considering how we set contributions of Monthly Meetings to BYM; the contributions are called “apportionments” and usually set by a formula, adjusted by the S&F Committee to account for a number of other factors. “Apportionments” are voluntary. The query: “If we don’t have a creed, should we have a formula?”
The Ad Hoc Committee on Gender and Sexual Diversity Concerns asked to be laid down though it may resume its work as a Working Group.
Participants heard two speakers at the Annual Session. On Tuesday August 2, Miyo Moriuchi, of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and FGC and Philadelphia YM spoke of her experiences of being welcomed and not being welcomed during here travels I the US and throughout the world. Later in the week, Campbell Plowden, State College MM, spoke and led a workshop, with exercises for all, at a plenary session on the topic of Alternatives to Violence.
On Friday August 5, Philip Gulley, Western YM gave the Carey Memorial Lecture.
As a part of our discernment about BYM’s future organization and structure, the YM approved a Vision Statement that’s been discussed for the past two years. The Vision Statement reads, “Baltimore Yearly Meeting is a worshiping community, gathered in the presence of the Divine, affirming that of God in every person. The Yearly Meeting knits Friends from the Chesapeake to the Appalachians into the larger Religious Society of Friends. As Quakers, we seek to know God’s will for us as a gathered people, to speak the truth that is revealed to us, and to listen to the truth that is revealed to others. We aspire to listen deeply and inclusively to each other, to actively welcome all, and to attend in joy and faith to the Inward Teacher, whom some call Light, some call Spirit, and some call Christ. We aspire to teach and nourish Quaker ways of worship and service for this and future generations, to uphold and promote Quaker values, and to support Friends Meetings in our region. We seek to expand opportunities for Friends to meet together and know each other in that which is eternal. We seek to serve others in love, to share our gifts and resources, to reach out to those in need, both friends and strangers, and to witness in the world to our shared experience of this infinite love of God.”
FRIENDS MEETING OF WASHINGTON NEWSLETTER
October 2011
Fall Events
William Penn House
William Penn House, a Quaker Center on Capitol Hill, hosts monthly potluck dinners on a scheduled Sunday at 6:30 p.m. There is a topic, speaker, and open discussion afterwards. The potluck starts at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome to the potlucks – bring a dish to share. In addition to monthly potlucks the William Penn House provides low cost accommodations and Quaker centered programs and seminars. William Penn house is located at 515 East Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC 20003. (202)543-5560.
On Sunday, October 9 at 3 p.m. the William Penn House and Sidwell Friends School are celebrating William Penn’s birthday and the William Penn House with an Open House. Everyone is invited to see the new Quaker meeting house at Sidwell Friends School. At 3 p.m. there will be campus tours and a photo exhibition: Silent Witness: Quaker Meetings Houses of the Delaware Valley. At 4 p.m. a Meeting for Worship is scheduled in the Robert L. Smith Meeting Room. At 5 p.m. tea and a refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Sidwell Friends School at (202) 537-8102 or William Penn House at (202) 543-5560. Over the past 10 years, hundreds of students from Sidwell Friends School have participated in Washington Quaker Workcamps programs directed by William Penn House. This event celebrates the continuation of a close collaboration between Sidwell Friends School and William Penn House, and introduces Baltimore Yearly Meeting Friends to the beautiful simplicity of the new Quaker Meeting House at Sidwell Friends Scholl, completed in April of this year.
On Sunday, October 16, the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area ad the National Parkinson Foundation is sponsoring a walk to raise awareness, Join Byron Sandford and his team as they walk and celebrate Byron’s 65th birthday. This is the first “Moving Day” sponsored by the organizations, the “gentle 2.5 mile walk” starts at 8:30 a.m. and begins at the Washington National Ball Park and Navy Yard. For more information “Google” the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area, There is no registration fee.
The next scheduled potluck is on Sunday, November 6 at 6:30 p.m. Brad Ogilvie will discuss Quaker service among the Lakotas. Brad is a staff member of William Penn House and a member of Downings Grove Monthly Meeting in Illinois.
Friends are reminded that every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Yoga classes are held in the Cory Room at William Penn House. All levels are welcome and a suggested donation is $15 for adults and $12 for students. The classes are taught by Certified Anusara Yoga instructor Elizabeth Goodman.
FMW Adult Study Group
The Adult Study Group will meet on Sunday, October 9 at 9:15 a.m. in the Assembly Room. On the 9th, Patrick Lynam will share and discuss the book – American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us, by Robert Putnam and David Campbell. This is a sociology by the author of Bowling Alone, based on a thorough survey of different religious groups: Mainline Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, and Evangelicals. The book explores attitudes towards other religious groups, politics in different denominations and charitable activities.
The group will meet on Sunday, October 23 at 9:15 in the Assembly Room, and John Scales will share readings on The Life of John Greenleaf Whittier. All F/friends are welcome to come to one of more of the study groups. Advance preparation or a reservation is not needed to attend. For more information contact John Scales.
Inquirer’s Class Continues in October
For newcomers to Friends, or not so new-comers to Friends the autumn Inquirer’s Class continues on Monday, October 3, and Monday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Decatur Place Room. Come and learn about the Religious Society of Friends, our history and our “spiritual ways”. Perhaps attending this class will help you understand your spiritual path? Attendance at previous classes is not required. For more information please contact either Michael Cronin or Gerri Williams.
FMW’s Senior Center
Programs of slides or talks are held the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in the Decatur Place Room at 1:30 p.m. All Friends are welcome- regardless of age. On Wednesday, October 12 Maurice Boyd will present a talk on the “Leading Lyricists in American musical history-for example, “I’ll Be Around” by Alec Wilder. The Program for Wednesday, October 26 is yet to be determined, but will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the Decatur Place Room.
BYM Interim Meeting
Baltimore Yearly Meeting will hold Interim Meeting On October 22, 2011 at Stony Run Friends Meeting in Baltimore. The one day meeting will focus on the business of the Yearly Meeting. All F/friends are invited to attend and to prepare for the event it is important that F/friends register ahead of time by calling Baltimore Yearly Meeting or going to the BYM website and filling out the form. The day will start with coffee and rolls at 10:00 a.m. and then F/friends will go to committee meetings. Lunch will be provided and the afternoon is dedicated to BYM business. Everyone is welcome to attend and if you have never attended an Interim Meeting this is an excellent way to meet Friends from BYM and understand the greater Quaker fellowship.
From the Vault
A monthly series of edited extracts from the historical material of the Friends Meeting of Washington.
I thought Friends might be interested to see what matters occupied an early Meeting for Business. Below is a barebones resume of the issues discussed at the October, 1932 meeting, a fairly typical one. The full minutes fill two pages.
-- Minutes of the previous meeting are approved.
-- Ministry and Oversight Committee recommends membership for six new members, who are approved.
-- Friends "direct" that a letter be sent to an absent Friend urging her to retain her FMW membership.
-- The Secretarial Committee reports hiring an Administrative Secretary to serve FMW-Alexandria jointly.
-- A correspondent urges us to arrange for a visiting German speaker to meet with us, which the Clerk will try to arrange.
-- Property Committee is approved to cut a mail slot in the front door "if such seems necessary."
-- First Day School Committee reports classes proceeding well.
-- Friends direct a special committee to "prepare a letter to all of the independent meetings in the US and Canada" but we do not know what the letter is about.
-- Reps to joint sessions of BYM meetings are appointed.
-- A Friends will represent us at the groundbreaking of a meetinghouse in NJ.
-- Advancement Committee "was given permission" to mimeograph the Meeting directory.
-- Friends approve the expenditure of $1.50 for "announcement cards for one past meeting of the Economic Inquiry."
FILE: MfB Minutes
Hayden Wetzel
FMW Historian
End of Life Planning Workshop
As we have seen in our own Meeting community as well as outside it, serious illness and death can occur unexpectedly, and frequently without any preparation for the legal, financial, and medical issues that accompany what is usually a highly emotional period. Based on our own awareness of the burden and turmoil these questions can provoke, as well as interest expressed in having more information and help on these matters, the Personal Aid Committee is holding an End of Life Planning Workshop at FMW on Saturday, November 12 from 10 a.m. to noon.
We hope you will attend and you are welcome to bring others who may be interested. The subjects covered will include: 1) advance medical directives; 2) powers of attorney; 3) wills and living trusts; and 4) beneficiary designations for retirement plans. The Workshop will be held in the Assembly Room at the Friends Meeting of Washington. There will be no charge to participants.
The Workshop will be lead by Joseph Lapp, JD, who is a representative of Everence Financial and the Mennonite Foundation and a former President of Eastern Mennonite University. Mr. Lapp’s perspective is a spiritual as well as a legal one, and we believe his Mennonite beliefs align closely with Quaker values. Some may recall that several years ago the Finance and Stewardship Committee sponsored a successful Financial Planning workshop led by a representative of Mennonite Mutual Aid, the predecessor organization to Everence.
Because Everence employees do not provide individuals with legal or tax advice, the Personal Aid Committee plans to put together a roster of local advisors/attorneys whom participants may contact to obtain specific post-Workshop documentary assistance. Please let us know whether you would like to be included on that list or can recommend other experienced professionals in the local area. We would prefer to confine the list to professionals in the Meeting community, but that may not be possible. Please include a thumbnail sketch of your background in providing end-of-life assistance as well as contact information. If you have a standard fee for such services, that could be included. Note: we are not suggesting attorneys or others provide free services.
Please let us know as soon as possible whether you plan to attend the Workshop as it will be helpful to know the number of participants we can anticipate in terms of materials, etc. If you have questions about the Workshop or would either like to register as a participant or volunteer as an advisor, please contact Jim Steen at jimsteen@starpower.net (202) 244-2195, or Janet Dinsmore at jldinsm@aol.com (202) 686-1035.
Sitting Head of Meeting Schedule
Oct. 2 Garden Committee
Oct. 9 Young Adult Friends
Oct. 16 Finance & Stewardship
Oct. 23 Info & Technology
Oct. 30 Property
Nov. 6 Marriage & Family Relations
Nov. 13 Trustees
Nov. 20 Nominating
Nov. 27 Hunger& Homeless Task Force
Dec. 4 Young Adult Friends
Dec. 11 Nominating
Dec. 18 Young Adult Friends
Dec. 25 Ministry & Worship