September 2011
Printer-friendly versionCONTENTS:
Monthy Meeting Order of Worship July 2011
Attachments:
Records and Handbook Annual Report
From Personnel Committee-Minute of Appreciation
Update on Survey of Non-Resident Members
FMW NEWSLETTER
FRIENDS MEETING OF WASHINGTON
ORDER OF WORSHIP
MONTHLY MEETING FOR WORSHIP WITH A CONCERN FOR BUSINESS
July 17, 2011
7/11- 1 Opening The Meeting opened at 12:08 p.m. with a period of silent worship. David Etheridge served as Clerk and Debby Churchman as Recording Clerk. The clerks read Advices, Queries and Voices concerning Stewardship of Personal Resources which have been proposed by the Faith and Practice Revision Committee of Baltimore Yearly Meeting.
Advices
“To turn all we possess into the channel of universal love becomes the business of our lives” – this, in the words of John Woolman, is the meaning of Quaker stewardship.
This applies to all that we have and are, as individuals, as members of groups, and as inhabitants of the earth. As individuals, we are obliged to use our time, our various abilities, our strength, our money, our material possessions, and other resources in a spirit of love, aware that we hold these gifts in trust, and are responsible to use them in the Light.
Investment of assets and consumption of resources require our careful stewardship. As Friends, we can direct our investments toward socially desirable ends, avoiding speculation and activities wasteful or harmful to others. We should seek to participate constructively and without greed in the economic life of the community and to refrain from undue accumulation of wealth as well as irresponsible borrowing.
Queries
Do we regard our time, talents, energy, money, material possessions and other resources as gifts from God to be held in trust and shared according to the Light we are given?
What are we doing as individuals and as a Meeting to nurture our gifts?
How do we encourage the members of the larger community to be careful stewards of their gifts?
Voices
To turn all we possess into the channel of universal love becomes the business of our lives….Hardly anything is given us for our selves, but the public may claim a share with us. But of all we call ours, we are most accountable to God and the public for our estates: In this we are but stewards, and to hoard up all to ourselves is great injustice as well as ingratitude.
–John Woolman
In reading those short last essays of John Woolman, which are little treatises on economics, I have been struck by his intuition that wrong roads were being taken by his contemporaries, upon which we their descendants should find our direction almost irreversibly fixed. Unrighteous use of other human beings, unrighteous use of one’s own powers, irresponsible use and waste of land and other natural resources – he touches on them all. It is evident that he was convinced that the spiritual life of men and women is deeply conditioned by their economic life.
–Mildred Binns Young, What Doth The Lord Require of Thee?
For some there is a danger that care for the future may lead to undue anxiety and become a habit of saving for its own sake, resulting in the withholding of what should be expended for the needs of the family or devoted to the service of the Society. The temptation to trust in riches comes in many forms, and can only be withstood through faith in our Father and his providing care. –LondonYearly Meeting
To “stretch beyond one’s compass” grasping at shadows, and encumbering oneself with more than is needed for simple, wholesome living, is at variance with all our best traditions. –Caroline Stephens, Quaker Strongholds
7/11 – 2 Welcome of Visitors Approximately 27 Friends were present. We welcome Laura Kelch Raymond of Washington, DC, who has been attending FMW for the last year.
7/11 – 3 Clerks’ Report FMW Member M. Elois Rogers died June 26, 2011 at the age of 99. Those who remember her as asked please speak with Ministry & Worship, who have been asked to accompany the cremated remains at the burial in Rock Creek Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on August17. An effort will be made to find someone to write the Memorial minute.
There will be a meeting for discernment concerning FMW and the Quaker Peace testimony on Aug. 14, 2011 at rise of Meeting. Queries will be provided in advance. The meeting is expected to provide guidance to the Nominating Committee about the future of the Peace and Social Concerns Committee.
Major Item
7/11 – 4 Swimming Pond at Shiloh JE McNeil, Clerk of Trustees, gave the second presentation of a BYM request for FMW financial support for building a swimming pond at Camp Shiloh. Trustees support granting this request for $5000, to come from FMW's Small Bequests Fund. Friends APPROVED this request.
7/11 – 5 Capital Improvement Task Force Ken Forsberg, Clerk of the Capital Improvement Task Force, reported about the work of that task force. The direction they are heading is to integrate the three buildings with an elevator that would provide 2nd floor access to all 3 buildings. After further discussion the task force discerned that it may be good to go forward with having the elevator go to the third floor of the Meeting House. Two task force members met with the D.C. Historic Preservation office. That Office's major concern is to maintain the historic integrity of the street view. A representative of that office was very discouraging about extending the elevator to the third floor. The task force met again, and agreed that it may be time to go back to the architects, with whom we have not met since last September, to check out the feasibility of the new direction we are contemplating. The task force needs approval from Trustees for any additional expenditures, as well as approval from Meeting for Business.
JE McNeil, Clerk of Trustees, said that Trustees have not yet come to clearness about this expenditure. She asks that Meeting for Business give approval for up to $5,000 to be expended for an architectural consultation, contingent on Trustees' approval. The Task Force, in an effort to keep from returning repeatedly to Meeting for Business for each small expenditure, had requested Trustees to authorize up to $20,000 for architectural consultation.
A Friend asked that issues of accessibility be included in this consultation. Friend Forsberg said that these questions are very much in the mix. He underscored that asking the architects for a consultation is not approval of this concept, but an effort to check out the feasibility of this concept. A Friend asked when the Capital Campaign would begin. Byron Sanford, on behalf of the Capital Campaign, said that the committee has been waiting for a firm direction from the Task Force before beginning to ask Friends for contributions. The Capital Campaign Committee expects to meet in September to further this discussion. Another Friend reminded us of the Quaker saying, “When it happens, you will know.”
Friends APPROVED a $5,000 expenditure, if Trustees approves, for architectural consultation.
MILESTONES
7/11 – 6 Membership Committee Harry Massey, Clerk of the Membership Committee, presented the following transfer requests:
Dennis Hartzell to Ft. Lauderdale (Florida) Friends Meeting.
Monica Jacobe to Doylestown (Pennsylvania) Friends Meeting.
Friends APPROVED these requests and celebrated these good Friends finding a place of worship.
Molly Tully, member of the Membership Committee, reported on non-resident members. The committee sent 72 letters last spring to these members, and received 24 responses. Eleven want to remain non-resident members (3 of whom enclosed a financial contribution), six want to transfer membership, and 3 want to withdraw membership. The committee is drafting follow-up letters to each of these responders. The committee will list names of those who did not respond to see if anyone has heard from them lately. The committee is also trying to contact all Associate Members over the age of 24 to see if they want to become full members.
David Etheridge, Clerk, made the second presentation for membership for Mark Meinke. Friends APPROVED this request.
7/11 – 7 Marriage and Family Relations Committee Susan Griffin, Clerk of Marriage & Family, made the following reports on weddings:
Jorge Sánchez and Mimi Edwards were married in good order on July 2, 2011 at Mimi's parents house.
Alex Painter and Sarah Apgar were married in good order on July 9, 2011 at Meridian House.
The Committee is currently reviewing their procedures to ensure that they are current and that members and couples are clear about how they are to be followed.
REPORTS AND OTHER BUSINESS
Annual reports
7/11 – 8 Mary Jane Simpson Scholarship Committee Bill Strein presented this committee's report. A written report will be available in September. The committee is made up of Friends from FMW and Bethesda Friends Meeting, who solicit and evaluate applications from DC Public School graduates for a $1000 college scholarship. Each year, FMW donates $1000. The committee also receives donations from Bethesda Friends Meeting, and from individuals. This year, the committee was able to offer four scholarships out of a pool of 60.
7/11 – 9 Records and Handbook Committee Montague Kern presented this committee's 2010 report (see attached). The committee will bring an update to the September meeting about changes made to the handbook in the last year. In 2010, the committee completed two histories of FMW, which have been published by Quaker Heron Press. Members of the committee also organized an academic panel held at the Association for Quaker Historian and Archivists in Wilmington, Ohio.
7/11 – 10 Update from the Finance and Stewardship Committee Loie Clark, Clerk of Finance and Stewardship, presented an update. FMW is in the black! The committee does not have final figures for 2010/11; however, we expect to show a net revenue. Contributions came in over budget, and our total income was over budget. Expenses are lower because of the empty staff position and limited bookkeeping hours. Site costs are under budget. Office expenses are also under budget.
7/11 – 11 Washington Post Kevin Camp, member of Ministry & Worship Committee, presented an update about FMW and the Washington Post. Three weeks ago, the Post asked FMW to participate in a religion project. The Meeting has been asked to submit weekly answers on behalf of the Meeting to a question posed by the Post. This aspect of the proposal was not met with unity within the committee, as it is feared that giving the “Quaker” answer would not express full truth. The Post also asked that we be open to be profiled by the Post occasionally, and that we submit basic FAQs about the Meeting to be listed on the Post's website. These two requests were met with unity by Ministry & Worship. Friends asked clarifying questions; however, the Post had not given the committee many clear answers. Friends recommended that, if the Committee goes forward with attempting to answer the Post's weekly questions, the answers we give reflect our religion's range of beliefs and lack of dogma.
7/11 – 12 Personnel Committee Michael Cronin, Clerk of Personnel Committee, reported that the committee has minuted their appreciation of Patrick Lyman for his work as Friendly Office Presence over the last 11 years. He asked that the Meeting endorse the minute. Friends APPROVED. (Minute attached).
7/11 – 13 Interim Meeting Joe Izzo reported on Interim meeting, held June 18 at York Monthly Meeting. He spoke with deep appreciation for the Meeting's extensive hospitality. BYM is not in the black—it has a $77,000 deficit, resulting in reductions in force and severe budget cuts. Monongalia Monthly Meeting and Buckhannon Preparative Meeting have asked to become members of BYM; their request was approved. The Youth Secretary gave a report on the camping program. An update was given on Ann Riggs' service at Friends Theological seminary in Kenya.
7/11 – 14 Volunteers to report on BYM annual sessions David Etheridge asked for volunteers to report on the upcoming BYM annual sessions. Michael Cronin and JE McNeil volunteered.
7/11 – 15 Adjournment With approximately 26 Friends present, the meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m. to reconvene as way opens on Sunday, September 11, 2011at 11:45 a.m.
Attachments: Annual Report from Records and Handbook Committee
Minute of Appreciation for Patrick Lynam
Membership Committee report on non-resident members
Records and Handbook Committee, Report to Monthly Meeting for Business Concerning Activities in 2010
Montague Kern, Clerk
Committee Members in 2010: Montague Kern, Clerk, Grace Sikorski, Secretary for the first half of the year; Todd Harvey, Secretary for the second half of the year (following Grace’s resignation from the Committee); Marjorie Akins, Tara LeighTappert and Michael Jack, who rotated off the Committee following the completion of their work on two Meeting Histories amidst expressions of heartfelt thanks for their dedicated work by the Committee, J.E. McNeil, and Meeting Historian Hayden Wetzel, Ex Officio.
I – RECORDS MANAGEMENT
During 2010 Hayden Wetzel worked extensively on the files of FMW’s Standing Committees as well as the files of FMW’s Meetings for Worship with a Concern for Business. Montague conveyed copies of the recently curated FMW Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business Files to Swarthmore in December and was shown FMW’s archives there.
II – HANDBOOK MAINTENANCE
At our February 28 Meeting, the Committee decided to add the Policy to Reduce the Risk of Child Abuse to the Meeting Handbook, in response a request by the Meeting Clerk. This policy is to be placed In Appendix: Additional Documents, page A-16, beneath existing item #5, under the Religious Education Committee (RE) heading. A full text of the policy will be added to the Resource Documents Notebooks.
In March the Clerk notified the Meeting Clerk and the Clerk of the Religious Education Committee that the change had been made.
The R&H Committee also decided in February to mail each Standing Committee a copy of its charge from the FMW Handbook. We inquired concerning whether Committees wished to propose changes in the Meeting Handbook. The R&H Committee stated that it would be glad to talk with individual committees about any suggestions which they might have in this regard.
One change was suggested at the end of May. Neil Fromming, Clerk of the Ad Hoc Web Site Committee, proposed making it a standing committee. Neil met with the R&H Committee about this and other technology related issues at a fall R&H Committee Meeting. The Committee told him that we favored the idea of creating such a Standing Committee, given the long and effective service of the Web Committee to FMW.
III – PUBLIC PROGRAMMING/OUTREACH
A—PUBLICATIONS
1. Completion of Two Histories of Friends Meeting of Washington
During the first four months of the year the Committee was busy completing the design, editing and formatting of two Friends Meeting of Washington histories which were published in 2010. This followed two full years of work on one of them -- SEEKING THE SENSE OF THE MEETING: FRIENDS MEETING OF WASHINGTON, 1972-1992 (Friends Meeting of Washington, Washington, DC 2010). This comprehensive volume, written and edited over a 25 year period, is the third in a series of histories of Friends Meeting of Washington, which the Meeting Historians charged with competing. During the years that Meeting Co-Historian Marjorie (“Marney”) Akins served as R&H Committee Clerk, the Committee worked on this project with a R&H History Subcommittee. Subsequently, both under Marney’s Clerkship, and that of Susan Lepper and Montague Kern the Committee as a whole worked with Marney, and with Meeting Co-Historian Barbara Nnoka to complete the Meeting History for the years 1972-92.
Over the past two years, this project involved: extensive editorial work; the updating of several chapters and inclusion in the book of three major published archival efforts which will prove useful to the meeting for years to come. These latter were prepared by Marney and published as Appendices. They are: Chronology of Friends in D.C. and Friends Meeting of Washington, 1800-1992, List of Clerks and Secretaries 1930-1992; and List of Standing Committees
1972-1991.
The effort also involved writing a Conclusion which contextualizes the Meeting in regard to time, and location -- Washington, the capital of the United States. And, under the guidance of artistic designer Tara Leigh Tappert, a unique art book was created. Included were new photographs of the Meeting taken by photographer Jennifer Moss Morris; line drawing illustrations, based on the photographs, by artist Meagan Healy; and the selection by Tara Leigh Tappert of a variety of design elements, including a unique type face. Designer Jim Rose, of Patuxent Friends Meeting, completed this uniquely Quaker art book with interesting page spacing, and a page footer design based on Meagan Healy’s line drawing of the windows of the FMW building which faces Florida Avenue. In addition to her work with artistic design, and formatting for electronic publication, Tara was principal editor, in regard to style, language and content consistency. Michael Jack and Marjorie Akins continued their copy editing work, completing over 25 years of service on the Records and Handbook Committee in this capacity.
A second book was completed. It was ANNIVERSARY ESSAYS: CELEBRATING 75 YEARS AT FRIENDS MEETING OF WASHINGTON (Friends Meeting of Washington, 2010). This book included four essays by Thomas Hamm, of Earlham College, Deborah Haines, of Alexandria Friends Meeting, Barbara Nnoka, former Co-Historian, FMW, and Joe Volk, of FCNL. These were delivered at the 75th anniversary of Friends Meeting of Washington, held in 2005 and early 2006. This Anniversary Celebration was organized by Barbara Nnoka prior to her death in the fall of 2010. The book contains pictures of all of the authors, along with unique pictorial and design elements developed by Jennifer Moss Morris, Meagan Healey, Tara Leigh Tappert and Jim Rose.
Lecture transcriptions and editing were provided by R&H Committee member William Palmer who completed his term on the Committee in December 2009.
Jim Rose published both books at his Quaker Heron Press. They are distributed by Amazon.com (and can be found by entering the names of the books or the publisher, Friends Meeting of Washington). They can also be obtained at the FMW bookstore. The Committee decided that it will release the book for online publication on the FMW Website when the next Meeting History, for the years 1993-2013, has been completed.
Montague Kern wrote the first draft of the Conclusion, of Seeking the Sense of the Meeting: A History of Friends Meeting of Washington, 1972-1992. She was also responsible for overall content editing and research, and publication issues in regard to both books. This included distribution to Quaker college and university libraries, and making materials available for the FMW R&H Committee Web site, and the Baltimore Yearly Meeting bookstore .Hayden Wetzel coordinated distribution of the book to interested Washington, DC libraries and archives.
2. Celebrating the Publication of our Meeting Histories
The R&H Committee organized a Book Publication Celebration, on May 19, 2010. This festive event was marked by the return of numerous Friends from the period of the meeting histories. Several had retired to Friends House in Sandy Spring. Other guests were Riley Robinson, who had worked extensively on the Meeting History from 1972-1992 as FMW Administrative Secretary. Another was William Charles (“Chuck”) di Giacomantonio. He is a former Meeting member and a professional historian, who crafted a first draft of the Meeting History from 1972-1992. Author Arthur Kanegis flew to Washington from the West Coast for the event. The daughter, and a grandson of former FMW clerk, Guinivere Feckler Scott, now deceased, also attended, along with her family. It was a joyous gathering, and in many ways a “homecoming”!
B. CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION
The Committee Visits Wilmington College in June 2010
Montague Kern and Tara Leigh Tappert organized an academic panel held at the Association for Quaker Historians and Archivists in Wilmington, Ohio, at the end of June 2010. This conference is organized semi-annually by academics and archivists situated in Quaker colleges in the United States and abroad. Participants were William Palmer, Deborah Haines, Riley Robinson (formerly Administrative Secretary at FMW, now General Secretary of Baltimore Yearly Meeting) Tara Leigh Tappert, J.E. McNeil and Montague Kern. As the only effort to write contemporary Quaker history presented at the conference, appreciation was expressed for the Friends Meeting of Meeting Histories. The panel focused particularly on the chapters relating to peace and the years’ long effort at FMW to gain approval for same sex ceremonies of commitment, followed by same sex marriage, in addition to overviews concerning the process of writing a meeting history, and the findings of the “Conclusion” concerning the historic role of a large urban meeting based in the Washington, D.C.
IV – 2011 PROJECTED ACTIVITIES
The Committee will continue to work on records management. By the beginning of September 2011 it should have completed its work mining changes in the Meeting Handbook which were made over the past two years from our Monthly Meeting with a Concern for Business Minutes, and entering them into the Meeting Handbook. It hopes to report to September 2011 Monthly Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business with regard to the update, and plans for systematizing the publication of future updates.
It will also work on a “Friends Meeting of Washington Lives” project. The first phase involves developing a loose leaf binder with a Collection of Memorial Minutes for Meeting members who died between 1972 and 1992. The Records and Handbook Committee hopes to include photographs of FMW members who died between 1972 and 1992 with their Memorial Minutes.
From the Personnel Committee a Minute of Deep Appreciation for Patrick Lynam
Friends Meeting of Washington minutes its deep appreciation to Patrick Lynam for his decade-plus of service to the meeting as a Friendly Presence.
Patrick has faithfully served as a devoted presence at all manner of occasions held at the Meeting from the late 1990’s until 2011. He has welcomed and shepherded thousands of visitors who’ve attended weddings, memorial meetings, conferences, workshops, and other gatherings. Patrick’s service to the Meeting and its visitors has been characterized by knowledge about the Meeting House, supportive patience with newcomers, and a spirit of genuine humility. For more them eleven years Patrick’s presence has been a precious gift to the Meeting, and it is a pleasure to recognize and appreciate his gift.
UPDATE ON SURVEY OF NON-RESIDENT MEMBERS
FRIENDS MEETING OF WASHINGTON
JULY 2011
In April of this year we sent out 72 letters to non resident members of FMW asking them to respond to a series of questions about whether they wished to remain a non-resident member, to transfer to another Meeting where they currently attend, or to withdraw their membership.
We have received 24 responses:
1. Want to remain a non-resident member 11
2. Want to transfer membership 6
3. Wish to withdraw membership 3
4. Miscellaneous (undeliverable, deceased, returned, etc)
Of the eleven who wish to remain a non-resident member only three enclosed a financial contribution.
Of those who wish to remain non-resident but did not send a financial contribution, we will send a letter reminding them of responsibilities of membership as outlined in our recent revision of Membership documents.
We are drafting a letter to those wishing to transfer asking for the name and clerk of their new Meeting so we can notify them of our approval of the transfer once it is approved at our Meeting for Business.
For those for whom we have no current address we shall include their names in the newsletter in case any current members can help us find them.
FMW NEWSLETTER
September 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.
On Saturday, September 10 from 9:00 a.m. the Baltimore Yearly Meeting (BYM) Peace and Social Concerns Committee will be hosting its Annual Networking Day. The keynote speaker is Bonnie Tamres-Moore, a human rights activists focused on the issue of torture, She is a founding member of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture and has recently founded “torture is wrong”, a secular organization opposing torture through activism and education. Following her talk, there will be an opportunity to hear what Monthly Meetings are engaged in- in the name of Social Justice and Action. Networking starts at 9:00 a.m. Bonnie’s talk will be at 10:00 a.m. and will finish around 2 p.m. All are welcome, and there is no fee. Please RSVP to Brad as lunch is being served.
On Sunday, September 11, the topic is Reflections and Future Directions. Bridget Moix, Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) Legislative Secretary for Peaceful Prevention of Deadly Conflict, will be sharing thoughts and reflections on what we have learned from the past decade that we can take into the future. Prior to returning to FCNL in 2008 (where she started her career in 1996), Bridget had worked at QUNO, OxFam, AFSC, Casa de los Amigos, and the World Policy Institute. She brings a truly global voice from experience.
On Sunday October 16, 2011 the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area and 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 Nationals Ball Park and Navy Yard. For more information “Google” the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area. There is no registration fee.
Join the weekly Yoga class at the William Penn House on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. All ages and all skill levels are welcome. There is a charge of $15 per class.
For more information contact the William Penn House. It is located at 515 East Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC 20003. (202) 543-5560.
FMW Adult Study Group
The Adult Study Group will meet on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 9:15 a.m. in the Assembly Room. The Group will continue to discuss Quaker leaders, writers, as well as interesting contemporary subjects. On September 11, John Scales will share reading about James Michener’s life from his autobiography. On Sunday, Sept. 25, members of the group will discuss James Michener’s major writings from the perspective of how they reflect on his Quaker background (including Tales of the South Pacific and Chesapeake). It is not mandatory to attend every group meeting if a F/friend is interested in participating. For more information contact John Scales.
Inquirer’s Class Starts September 12
For newcomers to Friends, or not so new-comers to Friends, the autumn Inquirer’s Class is starting on Monday, September 12, 2011. 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 every meeting is not mandatory. The group will meet in the Parlor on Mondays from September 12 through (and including) Monday, October 10, 2011. For more information contact either Michael Cronin or Gerri Williams.
FMW’s Senior Center
Programs of slides or talks are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in the Decatur Place Room at 1:30 p.m. On Wednesday, September 14, a representative from AARPwill give a talk about Medicare Fraud. On Wednesday, September 28, Clem Swisher will be presenting a slide show of “Cruising the Blue Danube”.
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.
BaltimoreYearly Meeting Committee Service Opportunities
Have you ever wondered how the Religious Society of Friends continues to thrive and change? The secret is Spirit-led friends willing to dedicate time energy, and hard work.
Serving on a BYM committee can be a very special experience. It is an opportunity to engage in meaningful work, deepen Quaker roots, and widen horizons by working with Friends with similar interests from some of the other 53 Monthly Meetings, Preparative Meetings, and Worship Groups that make up our Yearly Meeting, The knowledge and inter-visitation experience gained strengthens the Friend serving your Monthly Meeting as well.
Areas of interest and service include administration; advancing our testimonies in areas such as advancement and outreach, peace and social concerns, and camping programs and other youth work; and representing BYM at various Friends organizations. See BYM’s website (bym-rsf.org) for full descriptions.
Service is generally a three year commitment, beginning at the August Annual Meeting held at Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland. Most committees meet together at Interim and Annual meetings as well as undertaking various activities throughout the year.
To discuss further gifts you may bring to the various openings, contact your Monthly Meeting clerk, or a BYM Nominating Committee member: Molly Tully or Rebecca Rawls, Clerk of the BYM Nominating Committee at (301) 942-7875
FROM THE VAULT
A monthly series of edited extracts from the historical material of the Friends Meeting of Washington.
Athens5/3/48
Dear Young Friends,
I wish you, my letter will find you and all your family in best health. On account of my silence don't think that we have forgotten you. Never, my family and I will forget your kindness.
Dear Friends, until now we have received 3 letters from you. Also, we received thrice packages. We thank you very much for them. Really, they have brought us great fun. The last box came at the Christmas Day! I am sad, for I don't know well English to write you all the sentiments which we feel for you! We thank you for your help as individuals and also as country. Because our pour and little Greece without the help of the big and generous America were losed!
Now I will tell you some from our family. At 1940, when Italy and Germany came to enslave our fatherland my father, with his only will, came back to the army. At the same time was also in the war my brother John. He is dead on account of the wounds he took in the war. During the occupation my father worked in the army for our fatherland and at that time we losed all our fortune, our money, furnitures, and clothes, etc. After the occupation we have hoped that my father would work as engineer and so we would be happy again. But a new war is begun against our little Greece, and all the people of our country fight for our liberty and we think that we fight for the Liberty of the world!
You see, my good Friends, that my story is enough sad and of course I must have tired you and I beg you thousand times pardon for it. But I have written you all these for I feel that you are really our friends and you have nobly sentiments of mutual guarantee. My family sends to you all and to your families many, many salutations. I wait your answer and I salute you with lot of friendship.
Vivian Karkosulakon
File: SPECIAL GROUPS: Young (Adult) Friends -- Misc 1930-40s
Hayden Wetzel, FMW Historian
Sitting Head of Meeting- Schedule
Sept. 4 Membership November 6 Marriage and Family
Sept. 11 Hunger and Homeless TF November 13 Trustees
Sept. 18 Religious Ed November 20 Nominating
Sept. 25 Young Adult Friends November 27 Hunger and Homeless Task Force
October 2 Garden Cttee. December 4 Young Adult Friends
October 9 Records and Handbook December 11 Nominating
October 16 Finance and Stewardship December 18 Religious Education
October 23 Information Technology December 25 Ministry and Worship
October 30 Property