Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, September 15, 2024

The agenda and materials for the September 2024 Durham Friends Business Meeting can be found here.

Agenda

 Agenda for Durham Friends Business Meeting September 15, 2024  

Clerk, Tess Hartford

1) Meeting Opening

2) Approval of Minutes of July 21, 2024

3)  Committee Reports

                  M&C

                  PS&C

                  Finance

                  Trustees

4) Other business

5) Closing Worship

Durham Friends Meeting Minutes, July 21, 2024 DRAFT

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, July 21, 2024, with 10 people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and one attending by Zoom. Tess Hartford clerked the meeting.

  1. Approval for Meeting Clerk 

Meeting approved Tess Hartford as Clerk of July Monthly Meeting for the conduct of business. 

2. Meeting Opening

To continue Meeting for Worship, Clerk read from the book “Christian Meditation” by James Finley. Harper Collins, 2004.:  

“Saint Paul writes in his Letter to the Philippians, ‘In your minds you must be the same as Christ Jesus’ (Phil. 2:5). We become the same as Christ Jesus in our minds through a lifelong process of conversion in which Christ’s mind and our mind become one mind, one way of seeing and being in the world. The faithful practice of meditation is a way of learning to follow the spirit’s prompting in being led along this self-transforming path into the mind of Christ. Let us then explore the ways in which we enter Christ’s mind in meditation. Such an inquiry will take us into the innermost recesses of Christian faith. These inner recesses consist of neither beliefs nor institutional structures, but rather a self-transforming journey into the vibrant center of reality itself As our inquiry unfolds, a portrait of Christ will emerge in which we can recognize our own true face as one destined by God to be one with God forever.” pp. 175

3. Approval of Minutes of June 16 2024 — Ellen Bennett

Meeting approved the minutes of the June meeting for business. 

4. Ministry and Counsel — Renee Cote

Renee summarized the meeting for worship schedule for message-givers and Zoom availability for the next several weeks. 

Discussion ensued about a memorial service for Lyn Clark. Considered were a special meeting, a meeting for remembrance in October for all who have passed, and honoring Lyn as part of a regular unprogrammed meeting for worship. It was agreed to note particularly what Barbara Simon had written and read to us about Lyn. The unprogrammed Meeting scheduled for August 25 was lifted up as a possibility that included inviting Barbara Simon and asking person responsible for Care of Worship to read her statement at the start of meeting.

Meeting approved M&C continuing their discussion of this, as well as the handling of memorial meetings/services in general.

M&C was asked to talk to individuals about what they would like regarding their own memorial gathering/meeting. 

5. Trustees Report — Sarah Sprogell

Sarah read the Trustee Report aloud. 

Trustees are asking for approval to continue their work with respect to the bequest of an estate of a former member. Trustees are also asking for approval, should it be necessary, to use up to $10,000 to pay for legal representation in pursuit of this matter. Trustees will seek out all avenues to resolve the situation before turning to hiring an attorney. 

Meeting approved that Trustees continue to pursue the matter.

Meeting approved use funds up to $10,000, if necessary.

Clerk reaffirmed the Meeting’s trust in Trustees, and asked for prayers for their continuing efforts. 

In addition, a member expressed gratitude to Sarah Sprogell, which the Meeting shared, for her attention to the condition of our beloved Meetinghouse.

6. Other Business

For everyone’s information, Ellen described the formation of an ad hoc event-planning working group. The group was asked to remember logistics, specifically with respect to the meeting calendar!

Meeting agreed that any members of Durham Friends Meeting who attend business sessions at NEYM be considered representatives of the Meeting.

The next business meeting will be held September 16th. 

7. Closing Worship 

Respectfully submitted,  Ellen Bennett, Recording Clerk

Attachments

Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, July 21, 2024

Materials for the July 21, 2024 Meeting for Worship for Business can be found HERE (to be posted by Friday evening).

AGENDA FOR THE CONDUCT OF BUSINESS FOR DURHAM FRIENDS MONTHLY MEETING

1) Approval needed for Tess Hartford to Clerk the Monthly Meeting for July through September

    Tess will offer an opening prayer/reading for Worship

    2) Approve June 16, 2024 Business Meeting Minutes. Any additions, questions or corrections?    

    3) Report from Ministry and Counsel

    4) Report from Trustees

    5) Finance committee and Peace and Social Concerns do not have reports this month

    6) Other business

    7) Close with waiting worship

    Durham Friends Meeting Minutes, June 16, 2024

    Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, June 16, 2024, with 9 people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and one attending by Zoom. Sarah Sprogell clerked the meeting.

    1.     Meeting Opening: Gathering, Centering and Opening Reading

    Clerk opened the meeting by reading a portion of an obituary of a life-long member of Durham Friends Meeting, Ercil Perreault, (joined 12/19/1951), who passed away in 2020. The following lovely text was authored by her husband.

    “Ercil L. Perreault passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2020, at Brentwood Nursing Home… Born at Mrs Smart’s Nursing Home on Longfellow Avenue, Brunswick, to Ira d. White and Marie E. (Shea) White on Sept. 14, 1938, premature and ready to make life better for other people. Although short (4 feet 11 inches) Ercil stood tall in life with a heart of gold, loving all of God’s creations; humans, animals and birds. Ercil never hated nor spoke ill-will of anyone. A lifelong member of the Durham Friends Meeting House, she was always appreciative of her very strong religious and parental upbringings…. Ercil applied and was accepted as Secretary of Brunswick High School Athletic Director, a job she truly loved so she could be of help to all BHS athletes, and especially those with financial needs. She retired after 20 years in the job…. She was a true outdoor person. Ercil was brought up to learn to accept what is presented in life and to make the best of it, and keep going. Ercil is survived by her husband, William R. “Bill” Perreault [whom] she married in 1957; her sons, Stephen M., Dale W. and john M. Perreault…. Ercil’s final desire was to be cremated with her remains spread at her most loved deep woods camp in Jackman and also in her parent burial plot at the Lunt Cemetery on the Lunt Road in Brunswick… Ercil was a very shy, warm, caring, loving person who in a positive way ad a strong influence in other people’s lives. A very unique person walked on the face of the earth.”

    2.     Approval of Minutes of May 2024 — Ellen Bennett

            Recommended clarifying addition to item 7.

                   With the addition, Meeting approved the minutes.

    3.     Ministry and Counsel — Renee Cote, Tess Hartford

            M&C proposed cancelling meeting for business in August.

                   Meeting approved not holding meeting for business in August.

            Discussed reserving space for people who wish to separate and wear masks while in Meeting.

    Meeting approved removing signs for designated area, and remaining alert to any changes which may prompt us to return to signage.

            Discussed the use of Zoom during meeting. Suggest not using the projector during June and July, e.g., turn off projector after first hymn, and turn it back on for joys and concerns. Threshing session scheduled for September 22. Please see report.

    Meeting approved experimenting with turning off the projector for a portion of the Meeting, as well as the possibility of setting up a TV monitor to both cancel projector noise and cast a smaller image. For July 14 and 21, the projector will be turned off at a time M&C suggests. M&C will come up with a schedule and proposal for experimentation for August.

    FWCC has announced an outreach-oriented Quaker Connect Program, with the possibility of grants to participating meetings. To provide a basis for further discussion of this possibility, a web address for the project information will be included in the next newsletter, on the website, and in the weekly “This Week at…”

    4.     Peace and Social Concerns — Ingrid Chalufour

    The committee highlighted this summer’s primary activity, which is the work involved in establishing an ad hoc committee of the Town Council of Brunswick. The overall purpose of this new committee is to lift up the history and culture of the Wabanaki in various ways, such as in the naming of parks. A preliminary gathering will take place on 7/17, the purpose of which is to generate a draft of a mission statement and discuss the process the ad hoc committee will use to do its work. The actual ad hoc committee will be formed after the meeting. There has been a tremendous amount of interest and many have indicated that they wish to attend this first meeting. Please see report.

    5      Trustees Report — Sarah Sprogell

            Please see report. Update only.

    6.     Other

    Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services (MEIRS) has extended an invitation to Durham Meeting to attend their gala celebration, and they’ve indicated that meeting members may attend as their guests. On July 12.

    There is an opening for care of worship on June 30.

    Please consider the emotional, as well as the technical aspects of Zoom during meeting.

    7.     Closing Worship

    Respectfully submitted, Ellen Bennett, Recording Clerk

    Attachments:

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, June 16, 2024

    The agenda and materials for the June 16, 2024 business meeting for Durham Friends can be found here.

    AGENDA, June 16, 2024, Monthly Meeting for Business

    Gather and Center

    Opening Reading

    Approval of Minutes for May Monthly Meeting for Business

    Ministry and Counsel – Renee Cote

    Peace and Social Concerns – Ingrid Chalufour

    Trustees – Sarah Sprogell

    Other

    Close, and wishing everyone a happy Father’s Day

    Durham Friends Meeting Minutes, May 19, 2024

    Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, May 19, 2024, with 12 people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and one attending by Zoom. Sarah Sprogell clerked the meeting.

    1. Meeting Opening

    Clerk began the meeting reading fromthe 1985 NEYM Faith and Practice, page 113, part of the section on Meeting Leadership, entitled All Are Co-Workers:

    “The membership of Friends Meeting, or the Society of Friends, is made up of persons with varying gifts or abilities.  Each gift or each type of ability may be a form of ministry, and hence of leadership, and each member is a part of “the body” or the whole.  Each member in the exercise of such a gift or gifts of ministry is a nurturing, functioning part of the body….

    Some members have gifts of teaching and counseling, or of organization and administration, or of vocal ministry or public speaking, or other similar gifts which identify them as leaders.  Members with other gifts are not simply passive followers, but all are co-workers in the care and nurture of the body and its members.  And all are co-workers in witness to our faith and in the service of love and justice in the world.”  – from a Pendle Hill workshop report on Friends as Leaders, 1979

    2. Approval of Minutes of April 2023 — Ellen Bennett

    A correction was requested in agenda item #4 Trustees’ Report: “Reports from Maine Home” should read “Maine House”.

    With this correction, Meeting approved the minutes.

    3. Finance Committee — Nancy Marstaller

    The Quarterly Report was presented. Contributions are on track for the first quarter. Operating expenses are less than revenue at this time due to second quarter payment of contributions to sister/quaker organizations. 

    Meeting accepted the Quarterly Report, with gratitude.

    It was recommended that we resume regular passing of the offering plate. This topic will be taken up at Ministry and Counsel.

    We canceled our employee compensation insurance as the Meeting currently has no employees, only independent contractors. Robb Spivey and Marion Dalton, conducting a financial review of Durham Meeting’s accounts, recommended consolidating some accounts to both simplify record-keeping as well as to take advantage of higher interest rates. We approved closing the Bernice Douglas Savings account (just over $12,000) and taking that money as well as $30,000 from checking and $28,000 from the capital account and moving it to our NEYM of Friends Pooled Fund account.

    The estimated budget for travelers to Cuba are approximately $3,300 per traveler. Right now, $4,000 from the Meeting is available in the Sister Meeting account. Contributions from Portland Friends Meeting have brought that balance up to $13,000. Finance recommends making an additional $4,000 contribution to cover travel expenses for both Meeting members who hope to travel to Cuba next February. Overall expenses for the trip to Cuba will be brought forward at the June Meeting for Business for discussion and decision. 

    5. Ministry and Counsel — Renee Cote

    Please see attached reports. 

    M&C discussed the use of Zoom during Meeting for worship. In response to requests for less technology during worship, beginning in January 2024, Meeting for worship is Zoom-free on 4th and 5th Sundays. Requests for less technology continue to be made. In response, two recommendations were made: 1. try a Zoom-free September, and 2. turn off the projector after the first hymn and turn it on again for joys and concerns. 

    There was no unity around this issue. Clerk recommended a listening session, including evaluating the current Zoom/no Zoom Sundays each month. 

    Craig Freshley’s letter regarding Zoom during Meeting for worship will be posted and available through the website. 

    6. Peace and Social Concerns — Ingrid Chalufour

    Please see attached report. 

    The project to rename the park in Brunswick in recognition of the Wabanaki who first inhabited this region has gained momentum. We are working to form a town committee with the mission to expand from simple renaming to lifting up the history of the Wabanaki people. Two Town Counselors are guiding the process. A proposal will be going to the Brunswick Town Council in the Fall.

    Friends had several suggestions for ways to get the word out about the very successful Social Justice Book Project publications, and the great work of this initiative via social media and at Quarterly and Yearly meetings.

    The Meeting expressed its deep gratitude for the extraordinary work of Peace and Social 

    Concerns with this project. 

    7. Second consideration of divestment letter to MEPERS

    Meeting approved having Clerk sign the letter on behalf of the Meeting. 

    8. Other Business

    Update on LACO: Town has asked LACO to leave its current location because of the state of the building in which it is currently housed. While they have not yet done so, the Town is required to give LACO thirty-days’ notice in advance of a move-out date.  The LACO Board is setting up a working group to explore options. The Local Baptist Church may have room for LACO. It was suggested that the Meeting write a letter in support of LACO and the importance of finding housing for the vital work it does This is a situation in flux. Note: Leslie continues as a second representative to LACO for the time being, until another Meeting member agrees to step into this role.

    Doug Bennett reviewed how to view and use the Meeting calendar. 

    9. Closing Worship 

    Respectfully submitted, Ellen Bennett, Recording Clerk

    Attachments

    Craig Freshley, “Screen-Free Thoughts,” March 10, 2024

    Durham Friends Meeting is currently discussing whether and how it wants to continue providing access to our Sunday morning worship via Zoom. Currently we are providing Zoom access on the 1st, 2nd and 3d Sundays of each month, and no Zoom on 4th and 5th (if there is one) Sundays. (The 1st, 2nd and 3d Sundays are the ones on which we have scheduled, prepared messages as part of worship.)

    What is below is an idea from member Craig Freshley regarding this matter that he sent to the Committee on Ministry and Counsel in March. Likely Ministry and Counsel will host a threshing session in the near future to hear that hopes and thoughts of all who worship at Durham Friends on this matter.

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, May 19, 2024

    Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends Meeting for Business, May 19, 2024, noon

    Materials for the May 19, 2024 Business Meeting can be found HERE.

    AGENDA

                            Gather and Centering

                            Opening

                            Approval of Minutes from April Business Meeting

                            Finance – Nancy Marstaller

                                                    First quarter report, attached

                            M&C – Renee Cote

                            P&SC – Ingrid Chalufour

                                                    Report attached

                            Second consideration of divestment letter to MEPERS

                            Other

                            Close

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, April 21, 2024

    The Agendas and materials for the April 21, 2024 Durham Friends Business Meeting can be found HERE.

    Agenda, Monthly Meeting for Business, April 21, 2024

    Gather and Center

    Opening

    1. Approval of Minutes from March 17, 2024

    2. Peace and Social Concerns – report attached

    3. Trustees – report attached

    4. Ministry and Counsel – report attached

    5. Women’s Society – draft memorial minute for Helen Clarkson

    6. Clearness Committee letters for Kristna Evans and Mimi Marstaller to travel to Cuba in 2025

    7. Other

    Durham Monthly Meeting Minutes, March 17, 2024

    Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, March 17, 2024 with 8 people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and 6 attending by Zoom.

    1. Meeting Opening

    Nancy Marstaller opened the meeting with a poem “How Good to Center Down”, from the book Meditations from the Heart by Howard Thurman.

    1. Approval of Clerk and Recording Clerk pro tem
    2. Nancy Marstaller was approved as Clerk of the day.
    3. Sarah Sprogell was approved as Recording Clerk pro tem.
    1. Approval of Minutes of February 2024

    Meeting approved the February minutes.

    1. Schedule of presiding clerks

    The clerks group set up a rotation for presiding clerks for the year 2024.  Clerks will preside over monthly meetings, review clerk’s mail, and be available as needed to work with members and others on issues that arise during those months.  The schedule is as follows:

    Jan. thru Mar. – Nancy Marstaller

    April thru June – Sarah Sprogell

    July thru Oct. – Tess Hartford

    Nov. thru Dec. – Ingrid Chalufour

    1. Clearness Committees for Mimi Marstaller and Kristna Evans to travel to Cuba in 2025

    Mimi read her letter of interest, and requested a clearness committee for her intent to travel to Cuba with the Puente de Amiga delegation. The letter is attached.

    Kristna was not present, but has also expressed interest in traveling with the same delegation and would like a clearness committee.

    1. The Meeting approved a clearness committee for Mimi with Kim Bolshaw, Sarah Sprogell and Wendy Schlotterbeck serving on the committee.
    2. The Meeting also approved a clearness committee for Kristna with Kim Bolshaw, Tess Hartford and Mimi Marstaller serving on the committee.
    3. First reading of Charlotte Anne Curtis Memorial Minute

    Dorothy Curtis read the memorial minute aloud.  It is also available as an attachment.

    1. Meeting approved the minute with appreciation.
    1. Second reading of Sue Wood Memorial Minute

    Tess read the memorial minute aloud.  It is also available as an attachment.

    1. Meeting approved the minute with appreciation.
    1. Peace and Social Concerns report and letter to Brunswick Topsham Land Trust

    The report and letter are attached.

    Ingrid gave an update on the book project. The first guidebook on creating an anti-bias classroom has been completed and sent to Martha Hinshaw Sheldon for editing.  The next guidebook is in process.  It focuses on how to set up a book project like this one, and will be sent to each monthly meeting within NEYM.

    The session to discern FCNL priorities is rescheduled for April14 at rise of meeting.

    A film titled Common Ground film will be shown at the meetinghouse on April 26 at 7pm.  It is made available by Interfaith Light and Power.  It explores agricultural practices that can help heal the soil, our health and the planet.

    The committee is asking approval of a letter to Brunswick/Topsham Land Trust requesting their support for renaming the 250th Anniversary Park in Brunswick.    Ingrid read the letter aloud.  Once approved, Ingrid will send the letter via email.

    1. The meeting approved the letter, and felt that it was masterfully written.
    1. Finance Committee report

    The report is attached.

    Nancy highlighted that  our new bookkeeper, Amanda Whidden, will start this month.

    The financial review for 2022 and 2023 was completed by Marian Dalton and Robb Spivey for 2022.  They found that the records were in good order.  They recommended some changes that will be implemented by the committee.  If anyone wants to see the full report, they should contact Nancy.

    1. Ministry and Counsel report

    The Easter Service on March 31st will include Zoom access.  The program will include readings of the Easter story and related hymns.

    Nancy read the State of Society Report, which included two possible opening paragraphs.  The report was well-received by all. The report is attached.

    1. The meeting approved the report using the first opening paragraph.
    2. The meeting also approved substituting the last sentence of the alternative paragraph in place of the one originally used in the first paragraph.

    Nancy read the proposal from the MCC search committee, recommending the composition and role of an oversight committee for Meeting Care Coordinator.  Please see the attached report for more details.

    1. The meeting approved the proposal.  Rene, Ingrid, someone from Communications, and the rotating clerk will serve on this committee.

    The clearness committee for Diana White’s membership is in full support of transferring her membership from Portland Meeting to Durham.  They recommend that the meeting approve her transfer. Diana was present and told us that her health has taken a serious turn, and that she will be moving in with her daughter who lives in Fayette, ME.

    1. The meeting approved Diana’s transfer with warmth and loving care.
    1.  Consideration of letter re Israel and Palestine

    Leslie Manning, our Meeting Care Coordinator, drafted a proposed Minute on Palestine and Israel.  Nancy read the letter aloud.  It is also attached.  The letter was well-received, with a few suggestions made, and some discussion that it could be too long for a letter to the editor.

    1. The meeting approved the Minute, adding Ramallah Friends School as a correction, and re-wording the last sentence to say “We pray that this not be done in our name.”
    2. We approved that Leslie make adjustments as needed for public distribution.
    1. Trustees report

    Sarah reviewed the attached report, highlighting the financial review and suggestions made by Robb Spivey and Marian Dalton who carried out the review.  Trustees will be following up on their suggestions. 

    1.  Statistical report

    Sarah reviewed the attached report that will also be forwarded to Quarterly Meeting and the Yearly Meeting.  In 2023 we received one resignation and one new member, for a total membership of 96.  Our numbers have been reducing gradually over the years, but for now are remaining relatively stable.  There are usually about 20-24 members and attenders at meeting for worship in the meetinghouse and on zoom, and an average of 13 people at meeting for business.

    1.  Library Committee

    Nancy reported that Dot says the library is running out of space.  She asks that if anyone finds a book they think should be removed, please pull it out and set it aside for Dot to review.

    1.  Closing

    Clerk closed with a reading from Dwight Wilson’s book Modern Psalms of Solace and Resistance.   During the pandemic, Dwight wrote a psalm each day.  This psalm was written on March 17.

    You are a connoisseur of beauty.

    May we use Your taste as our pattern.

    Even Your smallest surprises bring joy.

    You let them flow in rivulets instead of waiting

    For days that we designate as holidays.

    Patience is the key to living beside You.

    Not always do we rejoice as the road turns.

    But when we keep the faith,

    We notice that wonderful things happen every day.

    Your design shines through the darkest moments.

    We celebrate Your love as we celebrate

    Our lives as enthusiastic servants.

    You bring eternal joy, the prize that

    Mitigates meanness and transforms oppression.

    Respectfully submitted by Sarah Sprogell, recording clerk pro tem.

    Durham Monthly Meeting Minutes, February 18, 2024

    Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, February 18, 2024, with seven people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and five attending by Zoom. Nancy Marstaller clerked the meeting.

    Meeting approved Nancy Marstaller as Clerk of this meeting for business. Meeting also approved flexibility in scheduling those who will serve as Clerk to conduct meetings.

    1.    Meeting Opening

    Clerk opened meeting with a reading from the Interim Faith and Practice, 2014, of New England Yearly Meeting.

    “Friends express the importance of being patient, being willing to hear each other fully and openly. When we take into account our knowledge of one another in community, when we ask ourselves to listen deeply, to release our own individual opinion and surrender our individual will, we find profound connection with others and with the divine. We are all separate ingredients in a pot, each carrying our individual flavors, but simmering together until we create a flavorful soup. This unified creation can be a difficult but amazing process. It brings us closer to one another and to God.” – Mt. Toby Monthly Meeting, 2008

    2.     Approval of Minutes of January  2024 — Ellen Bennett

           Meeting approved the January minutes.

    3.     Approval of Margaret Wentworth Memorial Minute

    Margaret Wentworth’s memorial minute was read aloud. Recommendations were made to add more detail about Margaret’s life outside of Durham Meeting, including her service on the Board of Lisbon Area Christian Outreach, teaching local children, and serving as select person for Lisbon.

          Meeting approved the minute with the above additions/changes.

    The amended minute will be distributed to Meeting members before being sent to New England Yearly Meeting.

    4.     Reading of Sue Wood Memorial Minute

    Clerk read the first draft of Sue Wood’s Memorial Minute. It was suggested that the minute include specific birth and death dates, note that she served as co-clerk for several years, and that Sue was very good at holding a group in prayer, possessing great depth of spirit.

    5.     Finance Committee — Nancy Marstaller

            * 2023 End of year budget report

    Summary: Operating revenue exceeded budget. Expenses were lower than budgeted, largely because the MCC position and youth minister positions were not filled. The Meeting is in good financial shape.

            * 2023 Annual report

    Please see attached report.

           Meeting accepted the report with appreciation for the work of the committee.

    6.     Ministry and Counsel — Tess Hartford and Renee Cote

    M&C asked for feedback regarding Leslie Manning maintaining the DFM Facebook page. It was suggested the page be maintained for special events and services notices only. Note the DFM website has a link allowing for transfer of information from the website to a variety of social media sites.

    Some members lifted up the problem of using/supporting a platform built by an organization that has shown itself to be dishonest and corrupt.

    Meeting discussed the support and oversight groups for Leslie’s roles as a recorded minister, as well as Meeting Care Coordinator. The sense is that there are/should be two groups: one for Leslie’s role as a recorded minister and her ministry beyond the meeting, and one for her role as MCC. The MCC search group will bring forward a proposal for creating an oversight committee.

    Meeting approved the current ministry support committee take on renewed purpose for Leslie’s work as a recorded minister. The committee will report annually for Quarterly Meeting its sense of Leslie’s ministry work. Joyce Gibson agreed to join Leslie’s support committee for ministry. This was met with great appreciation from the Meeting.

    7.     Trustees Report — Sarah Sprogell

    The Meeting was reminded that Trustees prioritized reducing moisture, evaluating supports under meeting room, painting the exterior of the addition, and weatherizing the exit doors as upcoming tasks.

    Meeting approved Trustees using up to $3000, from the capital account, to purchase and install a commercial dehumidifier for the basement.

    Meeting approved that the Clerk of Trustees initiate conversations with pertinent parties to bring the issue of Eileen Babcock’s bequest to resolution.

    8.     Peace and Social Concerns — Ingrid Chalufour

    One addition to the submitted report was presented. A group met with Nat Shed, a Brunswick town counselor, to ask for assistance in bringing the renaming of the Brunswick park to honor the Wabanaki people back to the town council.

                   Meeting accepted the report with gratitude.

    8.     Library Committee Annual Report

                   Meeting accepted the report with gratitude.                                                                 

    9.    Other Business

    It was reported that our sister meeting in Velasco can no longer meet in their meeting room due to rotting beams. Friends from Falmouth Quarter will be headed back to Cuba in July. Between now and then, the Meeting is asked to assist Velasco Meeting in finding what can be done to ensure that their meeting space is safe and secure. Important, as well, to confer with FWCC as to the best way to be helpful.

    10.   Closing Worship

    Clerk closed the meeting with worship and a reading from the Interim Faith and Practice.

    “Spiritual discernment seems to flourish best from this contemplative, reflective, nonlinear state of mind, which is a wide, non-judgmental, almost non-attached but very alert attentiveness. Being in the Mind of Christ, however, does not mean being “spaced out,” for the analytic faculties are not suppressed; they are cushioned by a more vast mind which takes all things into account. Indeed, our analytical faculties are at least as sharp, if not sharper, in the Mind of Christ than they are at other times; the difference is that there we know that we are not just our surface mind, as we Westerners tend to assume, and the difference is that this surface mind is no longer the master, but the tool, of the more integrated person we become in the Mind of Christ.” — Bill Taber, 1985

    Respectfully submitted, Ellen Bennett, Recording Clerk

    Attachments

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Monthly Business Meeting, February 18, 2024

    The agenda, reports and other materials for the February 18, 2024 business meeting of Durham Monthly Meeting can be found HERE

    Agenda for DMMF Monthly Meeting Feb. 2024

    Opening reading

    Approval of Nancy Marstaller as clerk for meeting

    1. Approval of last month’s minutes
    2. Approval of Margaret Wentworth memorial minute
    3. Reading of Sue Wood memorial minute
    4. Finance Committee
      • 2023 End of year budget report
        • 2023 Annual report
    5. Ministry and Counsel report
    6. Trustees report
    7. P&SC report
    8. Library Committee Annual Report
    9. Other

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, January 21, 2024

    Reports and Other materials for the business meeting can be found at this site.

    Agenda for Durham Monthly Meeting Jan. 21, 2024
    
    1. Opening
    
    2. Approval of last month’s minutes
    
    3. Finance Committee report with action items
    
    4. Woman’s Society Charity Fund request for Warm Thy Neighbor
         - 2nd approval
    
    5. Ministry and Counsel 
         Margaret Wentworth memorial minute
       
    6. Trustees Annual Report
    
    7. Peace & Social Concerns Annual Report, updates
    
    8. Website 2023 Report
    
    9.Nominating Committee report
         Resignation of individual
    

    Durham Monthly Meeting Minutes, December 17, 2023

    Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, December 17, 2023, with 11 people in attendance at the Meetinghouse.

    1. Meeting Opening

    Clerk played a recording of Peace of the Earth — a Guatemalan hymn, followed by silent gathering. There were no additions or corrections to the agenda.

    2. Approval of Minutes of November 2023 — Ellen Bennett

    Meeting approved the minutes of the November meeting.

    3. Finances — Nancy Marstaller

    a. Finance Committee: The committee brought forward the proposed budget for 2024 for a second reading and approval. Changes from the first reading include: increasing the income from weekly contributions; Peace and Social Concerns carry-over grant revenue was moved to operating income and then expensed out; money allocated for Wabanaki Reach was moved to an operating expense line and will be identified for land reparations, and custodian salary was increased. The result is a deficit budget now reduced to $544. 

    Meeting approved the 2024 budget.

    b. Woman’s Society: To continue the tradition of annual support to area organizations, Woman’s Society would like the Meeting to consider giving $1,000 from the charity account, to Warm Thy Neighbor, administered through Tedford Housing in this area. 

    Meeting approved this first request.

    4. Ministry and Counsel — Tess Hartford and Renee Cote

    Visiting committee is considering Diana White’s transfer of membership from Portland to Durham.

    Renee read the minute from M&C concerning Mey Hasbrook’s resignation:

     “At Monthly Meeting on October 15, 2023, Mey Hasbrook’s letter of resignation was accepted. The final meeting encouraged by Monthly Meeting did not take place when Mey objected to the number of persons that would be present and refused to meet. During her time with Durham Friends Meeting, at the time of her resignation, and in an email in November, Mey made a number of allegations of harm that were circulated within and outside the Meeting. Ministry & Counsel investigated these allegations and found that they have no basis in fact. We are very sorry for the distress that these allegations have caused and ask that we continue to hold all involved in prayer. We remain available to respond to questions and concerns, as confidentiality allows.

    Meeting accepted this report with gratitude for the hard work of Ministry and Counsel.

    5. Trustees Report — Sarah Sprogell

    Update report available on the website.

    6. Nominating Committee — Linda Muller

    Highlighting updates on DMMF committee assignments, please see attachment. The Committee will be considering a Music Committee. 

    Meeting expressed its great appreciation for the committee and for the work that it, with Linda as clerk, has done.

    7. New Business 

    Approval of Positions in lieu of Officers:  Clerk recommends that the duties traditionally done by the Clerk and the Treasurer are delineated and assigned, regardless of who is occupying those positions. Specifically, “that the Clerk of Trustees be named as Acting Clerk for the purposes of contracts and other Meeting business and that the Clerk of Finance be named as Acting Treasurer, as needed…”

    Meeting approved this proposal, with an effective date of January 1, 2024.

    Meeting Care Coordinator: Clerk left the room. Tess Hartford was approved as interim Clerk for this portion of the meeting. Renee read the report of the MCC search committee. 

    Meeting approved Leslie Manning as MCC beginning January1, 24, a position described in the document dated February 2023.

    The question of oversight and support will be taken up in concert with Leslie. The Search Committee for this position will make a recommendation as to the composition of the support/oversight committee for the MCC at the next meeting for business. 

    8. Closing Worship 

    Respectfully submitted, 

    Ellen Bennett, Recording Clerk

    Attachments: Reports and Other Materials

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, December 17, 2023

    The Reports and other materials for this Meeting for worship for business can be found here.

    Proposed Agenda for Monthly Meeting, 12/17/24

    Opening Worship

    Approval of November 2023 Minutes

    Finance Committee Report and Requests

      Second Reading of the Budget

    Ministry and Counsel Report

    Trustees Report

    Nominating Committee Report

    New Business

       Approval of Positions in lieu of Officers

       Meeting Care Coordinator

    Closing Worship

    Durham Monthly Meeting Minutes, November 19, 2023

    Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, November 19, 2023, with people 11 people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and two via Zoom.

    1.     Meeting Opening

    Clerk opened the meeting by reading a prayer by Rabbi Irwin Keller, a prayer he wrote ten days after the attack on Israel by Hamas. The prayer is available to read through the Meeting website.

    2.     Review Agenda

            There were no changes to the agenda

    3.     Approval of Minutes of October 2023 — Ellen Bennett

                   The October minutes were approved.

    4.     Finance Committee — Nancy Marstaller

    The 3rd quarter budget report was presented. Overall, we are in fine shape. Revenue is slightly lower in weekly contributions, but is offset by increased revenue in other categories, for example receipt of grant funding for Peace and Social Concerns.

    With respect to operating expenses, we are under budget because not all committees have used their money, no children asked for scholarships for camp, and two positions have not been filled.

                   Meeting accepted the third quarter budget report.

            Reviewing the 2024 proposed budget, revenue has been decreased due to the drop in weekly contributions. Most other sources of revenue stay the same.

    Budgeted 2024 Operating expenses remain the same with the addition of a childcare worker. A contribution to Wabanaki REACH was added. In addition, annual contribution to the Yearly Meeting was increased.

    The 2024 proposed budget ends with a deficit of $1,655. It was noted that the Meeting has not yet taken a distribution from the Parsonage Fund, so this may be possible if needed.

    Discussion followed concerning the inclusion of Wabanaki Reach in the budget alongside other Quaker organizations. The dollar amount is not a concern. The Meeting could consider the contribution as addressing reparations and place the expense alongside other Physical Plant expenses. The budget will be brought back next month for approval.

    5.     Peace and Social Concerns — Ingrid Chalufour

    Kim Bolshaw read the attached report, which includes two requests: One for Wabanaki Reach (as noted in the proposed 2024 budget) and the second for $500 for AFSC’s Gaza emergency fund. Funds from AFSC would come from charity account. Given the need in Gaza, Peace and Social concerns asks that approval be made at this meeting.

                   Meeting approved the contribution.

    6.     Nominating Committee — Linda Muller                                                                           

    The committee recommended two Marian Dalton and Rob Spivey to conduct comprehensive financial review of the Meeting’s books. Note, this would not be an audit, but a careful review of 2022 and 2023 financial records. It was suggested that they be offered remuneration, which they can then donate as they please.

                   Meeting approved the recommendation.

            Wendy Schlotterbeck is recommended to serve on nominating committee.

                   Meeting approved.

    7.     Ministry and Counsel — Tess Hartford and Renee Cote

    Please refer to the report. No actionable items. Still considering the use of technology in the Meeting Room during worship. Thoughts may be shared with M&C.

    8.     Trustees Report — Sarah Sprogell

            Please refer to the report. Trustees brought forward a list of projects that will be considered for the coming 3-5 years.  Please refer to their report for more details. No actionable items.

    9.     New Business

    Do we want take corporate action on the request from NEYM, FCNL, and AFSC, to express to our members of congress our support for a cease-fire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

            Clerk noted our voice in Durham, Maine, straddles both congressional jurisdictions.

    It was agreed that the minute from NEYM to be sent to our congressional delegation on our behalf. Also encouraged us as individuals to add our own voices. Hold in our hearts what witness in the public square looks like as individuals and as part of the Meeting.

    10.   Closing

    Clerk expressed thanks to the Meeting community, who show their desire to be present for one another, and gratitude for this community being able to identify important needs, rise to meet those needs, and have the resources to do so.

            Purposing to meet again on the 3rd First-day of the 12th month.

    Respectfully submitted, Ellen Bennett, Recording Clerk

    Attachments

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, November 19, 2023

    The reports and other materials for the Durham Friends Meeting business meeting on November 19, 2023 are available at this link.

    Proposed Agenda for Durham Meeting Worship for Business

    November 19, 2023

    Opening reading

    Review Agenda

    Minutes for Approval

    Finance Committee and Draft Budget

    Peace and Social Concerns  Report

       New item: Action re: Gaza and Israel?

    Nominating Committee Report

    Ministry and Counsel Report

    Trustees Report

    Closing Worship

    Agenda and Materials for Business Meeting, September 17, 2023

    The Agenda and Materials for Meeting for Worship for Business on September 17 can be found at this link.

    Proposed Agenda for Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

    September 17, 2023

    Please note that if there is no power at the Meetinghouse on Sunday, we will postpone Meeting for Business to the following Sunday, September 24.

    Opening Query

    Minutes of Previous Meeting, July 16, 2023

    Finance Report

    Trustees Report

    Ministry and Counsel Report

    Nominating Committee Report

    Peace and Social Concerns Update

    Report from Dorothy Curtis on FUM Triennial and USFWI Conference

    New Business

    Closing Worship

    Agenda and Materials for Business Meeting, July 16, 2023

    The materials for the July 16, 2023 business meeting can be found at this link.

    Proposed Agenda, July 16, 2023

    Open with worship
    Minutes of Previous Meeting (link here)

    Second request for Approval from Finance Committee: Description of Friends International Bilingual Center (FIBC), Bolivia

    Ministry and Counsel Report

    Library Committee Request “Margaret Wentworth Library”

    Trustees Update

    Continued Discussion of use of Parsonage Funds (specific suggestions are welcome)

    Name representatives to NEYM Annual Sessions

    New Business: Consideration of Support for H.R 3421, The Medicare for All Act of 2023

    Close with worship

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, June 18, 2023

    The materials for the June 18, 2023 Meeting for Business can be found at this link.

    Proposed Agenda for Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business, June 18, 2023

    Opening Centering

    Minutes of Previous Meeting, May 21, 2023

    Finance Committee

    Nominating Committee

    Updates

    — Ministry and Counsel

    — Peace and Social Concerns

    Closing Worship

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, May 21, 2023

    Materials for this Meeting for Worship for Business are available at this link

    Proposed Agenda for Meeting for Worship for the Conduct of Business, Durham Friends Meeting, May 21, 2023

    Opening Worship

    Request for Clerk of the Day

    • 1 Approval of Minutes, April 16, 2023
    • 2. Finance Committee and Quarterly Report – Nancy
    • 3. Woman’s Society – Nancy
    • 4. Ministry and Counsel
    • 5. Peace and Social Concerns – Ingrid
    • 6. Trustees Report
    • 7. Other
    • Closing Worship

    Finance Committee to Hold Discussion, Sunday, April 23 after Worship

    This coming Sunday, April 23, there will be a meeting after Meeting for Worship hosted by the Finance Committee.

    For those attending via Zoom, please use the standing DFM worship link.

    The Finance Committee asks us to consider if we wish to continue our practice of tithing 10% of bequests to the Meeting’s Charity Fund and to brainstorm ideas for the use of the money from the sale of the parsonage.

    No decisions will be made at this meeting; it is for sharing ideas.

    If you are unable to attend but have thoughts, please call or write Nancy Marstaller: (207) 725-4294 or marstallern@gmail.com. We hope to see you there. 

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, April 16, 2023

    Materials for this Meeting for Worship for Business are available at this link

    Proposed Agenda for Meeting for Worship for the Conduct of Business, Durham Friends Meeting, April 16, 2023

    Opening Worship

    Approval of Minutes

    Ministry and Counsel Report

    Approval of Selection Committee (if accepted):

    Proposed: Doug Bennett, Ingrid Chalufor, Renee Cote, Leslie Manning

    Trustees Report

    Peace and Social Concerns Report

    Save the Dates:

    • April 23   Finance Committee Discussion of Parsonage Sale Funds  12 noon
    • April 30   Community Conversation about Outreach  12 noon
    • May 6     All Maine Gathering, South China Community Church  9-4 — Falmouth Quarter hosting potluck lunch

    New Business

    Proposed Minute on Reproductive Health

    Closing Worship

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, March 19, 2023

    The materials for Durham Friends Meeting’s March 19, 2023 Meeting for Business are available at this link.

    Agenda

    Opening reading and worship

    Minutes of Previous Meeting (available here)

    Finance Committee Report

    Peace and Social Concerns Report

    Ministry and Counsel Draft State of Our Society

    Statistical Report

    +++ Break +++

    Listening Session on FCNL Request for Legislative Priority (Materials here)

    Closing Worship

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, February 19, 2023

    The materials for Durham Friends Meeting’s February 19, 2023 Meeting for Business for Worship are available at this link.

    Proposed Agenda for Meeting for Worship for the Conduct of Business, February 19, 2023

    Opening Reading and worship

    Website Tour

    Minutes of Previous Meeting (available here)

    Finance Committee Report

      — Request for Threshing Session

      — Charity Fund Request

    Ministry and Counsel Report

      — Meeting Care Coordinator

      — Membership Recommendation

    Trustees Report

    Peace and Social Concerns Report

    New Business

      — Request for Concert

      — MEIR info session

    Closing Worship

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, January 15, 2023

    Reports, Proposals and Other Materials are posted here.

    Proposed Agenda for Meeting for Business, 1/15/2023

    Opening Worship

    Review Agenda

    Approval of Minutes from December 18, 2022 Meeting for Business

    Ministry and Counsel Report

        Meeting Care Coordinator

        Tech Support and Amplification (review only)

    Trustees Annual Report

    Peace and Social Concerns Update

    Proposed Minute from Falmouth Quarter

    Communications Update

    Correspondence

    New Business

    Appoint Representatives to Falmouth Quarterly Meeting 1/28/23

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Meeting Business Meeting, December 18, 2022

    Reports, Proposals and Other Materials are posted here.

    Proposed Agenda for Meeting for Business, 11/20/22

    Open with worship

    Approval of Minutes, December 18, 2022

    Nominating Committee

    Requires 1 approval

    Minute of Appreciation

    Ministry and Counsel

    Requires 1 approval

    Finance Committee

    Budget requires approval

    Recommendation requires approval

    Trustees Report

    Peace and Social Concerns

    New Business:

    Request for Funding

    Closing Worship

    Request for Funding

    Closing Worship

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Meeting for Business, November 20, 2022

    Proposed Agenda for Meeting for Business 11/20/22

    Opening worship
    Minutes from previous meeting
    Peace and Social Concerns Report
    Trustees Report
    Ministry and Counsel Report
    Nominating Committee Report
    Finance Committee Proposed Budget for 2023 (first reading)
    New Business

    Reports and other materials for this Meeting can be found here.

    Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, October 16, 2022

    The agenda, reports and other materials for the October 2022 business meeting of Durham Friends Quaker Meeting can be found here.

    PROPOSED Agenda for Durham Meeting for Business, October 16, 2022

    Centering Worship

    Review Agenda

    Minutes of Previous Meeting

    Ministry and Counsel

      Letter of Introduction

      Memorial Minute

    Trustees

      Rental Proposal

    Finance

      Lindi School Request

    Peace and Social Concerns Update

    New Business

       Letters requesting membership