UPDATED schedule of the Journey of Peace and Friendship

[NOTE: Durham Friends Meeting will hold its April 2025 Meeting for Business on April 27 at noon.]

Falmouth Quarter is scheduled for April 26^th and 27^th.  On April 26^th we will join A Journey of Peace and Friendship: Kindling Moral Courage, Kindness and Connection”. This is an event designed to be an antidote to the fear, division and chaos our communities are experiencing currently: it is  being planned by a multi-faith planning group gathered by Sherri Mitchell, Penobscot writer, activist and attorney. Shirley Hager and Andy Burt from Midcoast Friends Meeting are part of the organizing group. Please also see this website for more information: https://www.landpeacefoundation.org/events

Sherri writes: “We are bringing together a multi-faith, cross-cultural group to organize a 7 day processional prayer/unity walk to uplift the dignity and sacredness of every living being. We will begin with a ceremony at the Penobscot Nation Boat Landing on April 22nd (Earth Day), where Wabanaki people will welcome all those who have come to this land seeking refuge, asylum, or simply a better life. We will also honor Mother Earth who holds and nurtures us all.

We will begin our processional following the opening/welcome ceremony with a five mile walk. Each of the following days, we’ll begin and end our day of walking with a prayer, ceremony, or ritual led by one of the faith groups joining the walk. We intend to invite people to join us in those moments of prayer, even if they cannot join the walk. On the 29th, we will arrive in Augusta and hold a collective ceremony, with prayers, songs, and shared vision at the state house. 

We will also be reaching out to those with perceived differences and asking them to walk together during the walk, this includes politicians, religious groups, etc., to help connect and humanize one another. Our goal is to uplift all that we hold most dear, we want to celebrate one another, show our care for another, and amplify moral courage, kindness, and connection. “

On Saturday the 26^th  the day will begin with a prayer circle at 8:30, followed by a 5 mile walk and a midday celebration, multi-faith worship, and feast.  Friends are welcome to join the prayer circle, and the walk or just come to the feast and celebration. In the afternoon there will be another 4 mile walk.  We will send details of where the procession is, and organize carpools later.

The quarter will also gather Sunday 4/27 afternoon at a meetinghouse to be determined to receive and forward State of Society reports, Memorial Minutes and reports of those with recognized ministries.

All are welcomed and All are needed.

Report from Quarter, 1-25-25 Gathering

On January 25, 2025, Friends from Brunswick, Durham and Portland and one visitor gathered in person at Portland Friends Meeting and on zoom.

Those present shared news of and celebrated our community as meetings and as the community Friends in Southern Maine. We gathered with bagels, coffee and tea, and had lunch together.

The bulk of the morning was an exploration of what is required of us in these times. The facilitators noted that three themes informed the planning of the morning activity. These were  i.) that all of us are impacted by what is happening in our country, ii.) that we need each other – that we are stronger together, and iii.) that in considering what is required of us, the language from Micah 6:8 “[What is required is] to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God” is more relevant than language of “callings” or “leadings”.

There were moments of discomfort as we named our economic class which is one variable which impacts how we are affected, and moments of celebration as we recognized all the ways we are already doing service. We concluded with an exercise of finding our path by gathering into four groups drawn from an article by Daniel Hunter which had been shared in advance. The groups were “Protecting People”, “Defending Civic Institutions”, “Disrupt and Disobey.”, and “Building Alternatives”.

The full article can be read here: link

Before Lunch Andy Granell shared that in his work for a book about the history of Quakers in Maine he had been reading the collected archives of Falmouth Quarter.  There is an almost complete record of the quarter since it’s inception in the 1700’s.

After lunch we regathered to participate in a facilitated Visioning Session to provide our input on the future planning of NEYM Annual Sessions. The invitation was to engage in a conversation about how our Yearly Meeting’s practice of corporate discernment, our relationships with other Quakers, and our use of limited resources can most meaningfully contribute to the spiritual thriving of Friends across New England.”

Using materials provided by the NEYM Sessions Visioning Group and facilitated  by Leslie Manning of Durham, a former clerk of the Sessions Committee, and Marian Dalton, Brunswick, the current Yearly Meeting treasurer, those present shared their experiences of sessions, and their hopes and desires going forward.  Notes were taken and will be shared with the quarter separately.  The notes will also be sent to the NEYM staff to incorporate into their work.

A theme that was present throughout the day was that these times are unprecedented and challenging and will require a deeply faithful response individually and corporately.

Fritz Weiss, Wendy Schlotterbeck, Mimi Marstaller and Leslie Manning

Falmouth Quarterly Meeting

Hosted by Durham Friends Meeting

26 October 2024

Present:

Durham: Sarah Sprogell, Leslie Manning (treasurer), Martha Sheldon (online), Wendy Schlotterbeck (co-clerk online), Kim Bolshaw

Portland: Fritz Weiss (co-clerk), Ann Dodd-Collins (recorder), Jessica Eller, Paula Rossvall

Windham: Janice Beattie, Julianne Moore, Nancy Doolittle

Guests: Shirley Hager (Windham Friends), Diane Dicranian (Midcoast, representing MCC)

Opening: We opened with a time of open worship, honoring Jan Hoffman whose gifts enriched so many of us and her husband Ken.  Both were well known throughout New England Yearly Meeting and beyond.  They passed within a week of each other.

Land acknowledgement:   We meet on land that is a part of the ancestral homelands of the Wabanaki.  We are the beneficiaries of the brutal taking of this land by European Colonists.  We acknowledge this and acknowledge that the Wabanaki are still here. We know and grieve that there are many whose names we do not know, whose stories we will not hear and whose sacred songs will not be sung again.  We are responsible to the land and to our neighbors to attend to what has been damaged and to listen to what they have to tell us.

Sharing news from each meeting:

Windham: Janice read her report (attached). 

• With just a few dedicated people, Windham Friends no longer does bean suppers or the Christmas crafts fair, but this year they participated in the local historical society’s Fall Festival and raised enough money to pay the bills.
• It was suggested that the women who make crafts at the Windham Correctional Center could perhaps be invited to help with a future Christmas fair.
• Prayers are always coming from Windham Friends to us and they welcome prayers from us for them.
• It was suggested that Windham could invite Friends from the quarter to help with bean suppers in the tradition of neighbors helping each other.

Durham:  Leslie Manning is the meeting care coordinator. 

• Durham is experimenting with clerks from the four standing committees serving as DFM presiding clerk in rotation. 
• They are smaller than they’ve been and they are concentrating on outreach. 
  • Durham is active with Brunswick Area Interfaith Council (BAIC) and Lisbon Area Christian Outreach (LACO). 
  • The Social Justice Book Project, which places books in classrooms, has been in place for several years. 
  • The Peace and Social Concerns committee is working on raising awareness of Wabanaki people in Maine and supporting legislative actions and has become involved with a group in Brunswick working on the same issues.
  • Durham is doing active outreach at Bowdoin and Bates Colleges and a number of Bowdin students have attended.  They have also welcomed people who live locally and people who are curious.
  • In lieu of memorial services, Durham is holding its second Meeting for Grieving in early November.
  • Peace is very much on Durham minds; two members have taught at Ramallah Friends School.  Durham asks to be held in prayer – personal and public events are breaking their hearts.

Portland:

• Youth programming has been a challenge as we try to figure out how to re-engage after the pandemic and identify leadership.  They now have one person coordinating an intermittent teen group meeting and the youngest kids now have someone offering once a month programming.  Middle school children currently join the younger children.  It was a joy that NEYM scheduled fall retreats for Junior High Yearly Meeting (JHYM) and Young Friends (YF) at Portland Friends.  Many of the YFs were teens who had never attended a meeting but were local and/or from Friends Camp.
• Sunday, October 27 was shared worship with the Friends School at Portland. 
• PFM is seeing new people who have recently moved to the area and are exploring worship services almost every Sunday.
• PFM celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day with a native foods inspired potluck followed by a video on landback and time with Sandra Bassett (Passamaquoddy, Sipayik) who offers at Passamaquoddy language class at Portland Friends and is involved in the Wabanaki studies program in the Portland Public Schools.
•  Portland Friends continues to be a partner of Greater Portland Family Promise.  The teenage youth group planned several activities with Family Promise teens over the summer, and we are currently supporting three Family Promise families at Clark House.
• PFM also connects with the wider community through Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC), the Gun Safety Coalition, and the Portland Area interfaith group
• Durham and Portland are sister meetings with Velasco Friends Church in Cuba and will be sending three members to visit Velasco and Cuba Yearly Meeting in February 2025.
• Members don’t feel a coherent sense of identity at PFM and ask for prayers for that.

Treasurer’s report (Leslie Manning):

The attached report is amended to reflect PFM’s increased contribution.  Leslie reported that we do not hold on to our money.  In October we decide how to send our money into our community. 

Decisions on expenditures will be made after Diane and Shirley speak.

Maine Council of Churches, (Diane Dicranian, Quaker Representative to the Maine Council of Churches):

Diane’s letter and report are attached.  She pointed out that while Maine Quakers support MCC, executive director Jane Field does the work.  MCC has committed to supporting Jane full time for three years, but they need financial support from their faith communities to continue that commitment.  At the same time New England Yearly Meeting (NEYM) has reduced their contributions to all outside organizations including the state councilsto zero.

            Diane also reminded us that she will complete her term with MCC next year.  The quarters in Maine will need to appoint a representative next year and MCC would like a Quaker representative from Falmouth Quarter if we can find one.

            We APPROVED a Minute of appreciation for Diane for her faithful work on the Maine Council of Churches, especially during the challenges of covid.

Consider approving a Minute from Winthrop Center in support of Shirley Hager and an emerging Wabanaki Elder-in-Residence Program at UMaine.  Both Vassalboro Quarter and Falmouth Quarter will be considering this request:

The Minute from Winthrop Center and an update on the Elder-In-Residence proposal are attached. 

Shirley spoke about her leading.  While working on The Gatherings she had the opportunity to meet with and witness the work of Wabanaki women who became Elders-In-Residence at the University of New Brunswick and Saint Thomas College in Fredericton, NB.  At a memorial service for Wayne Newell 2-½ years ago, she talked with his son Chris who said money is great but you can’t buy relationships and it is relationships that keep kids in school.

Shirley feels that the soil for this project had been prepared over years and her conversation with Chris Newall planted the seed.  Read more about Shirley’s leading in Winthrop Center’s Minute of Support.

            As a quarter we are being asked to send our support for this proposal to NEYM’s Right Relationship Resource Group (RRRG) and to the Legacy  Gift Committee.  We are also being asked to contribute as individual meetings. Portland Meeting has invited Shirley to bring her proposal the PFM on 11/10.  Supporting Native American students is an example of reparations.

            Following a time of discussion and comments, we APPROVED our support of the pilot project.  Fritz Weiss will send the Winthrop Center minute to NEYM’s RRRG and the Legacy Grant committee.

Treasurer’s Report, part 2

We APPROVED a budget for the coming year which includes these disbursements:    

Friends Camp                         $  50

                        Friends School                        $ 50

                        Maine Council of Churches    $200

                        College Guild                           $ 50

                        Jones Fund (VQM)                 $100

                        Nibezun                                   $ 50

                        Clerks Discretionary               $100

                                                                         $600

The quarter will have a balance of approximately $100. We encourage monthly meetings to consider contributing more to the Quarter.

Confirm dates for coming year:  We APPROVED meeting, God willing, on January 25 and April 26. The date for our summer meeting will be determined later.  It was also noted that All Maine Gathering will be the first Saturday in May and that Vassalboro is hosting.

January 2025 program: Leslie Manning volunteered to help plan the program.  Our co-clerks will find additional people to help with the planning.

Sharing about the Bible Half Hours from annual sessions: Jessica Elder led a rich conversation about NEYM’s Bible Half Hours which were offered by Genna Ulrich of Portland Friends Meeting.

            Jessica was not a part of the eldering team helping Genna prepare for the Bible Half Hours, but because she sensed she needed to be open to where she was called during Sessions, she was able to step in when one of Genna’s elders developed covid.  Genna came to Quakerism as a young adult.  They had offered inspirational vocal ministry and had developed welcoming booklet at Portland Friends, but being called to do the Bible Half Hours was a new experience.  Junior High Yearly Meeting changed their schedule to allow kids to attend and they, as well as Young Friends, showed up to support and listen to Genna and reported their experiences in their Epistles, reporting that for the first time they felt they belonged at the Bible Half Hours. It was amazing to feel the body accept and hold their messages. 

            Each day began with Genna grounding us in our bodies.  The theme of seeds and plants and gardening was reflected throughout the messages.  Genna’s use of different translations of the Bible, of presenting old stories in a different way made the Bible accessible and human.  Attenders felt like they were being invited into understanding the text not just with their heads but with their whole bodies, to explore the passages for themselves rather than being told what they meant.

            Jessica closed the conversation by saying how much it felt like a blessing to be invited to hold Genna and the space for the Bible Half Hours.  Videos of the Bible Half Hours are available at: https://www.youtube.com/@newenglandquakersneym3058.

Martha Hinshaw Shelton’s Letter and Queries:  One of the essential responsibilities of a Quarter is to pay attention to and nurture the spiritual health, experience and  ministry in the monthly meetings of the Quarter. Last April Martha Shelden (Durham) submitted a report on her experience as a recorded minister with queries for Friends and Meetings. We set the report aside to engage with more deeply when we had an opportunity. 

Martha led into the discussion of her queries by speaking about her reactions to the Bible Half Hours – a powerful recitation, rich, incredible depth, amazing insights into Biblical theology – which she found quite moving.  Martha tends to like to encourage people, to foster gifts, and was tempted to do that with Genna although she does not know them.  She was struck by Jessica saying Genna wanted to share without ego.  As Quakers we tend to focus so much on community and silent expectant waiting that we tend to overthink and ego gets in the way, but that isn’t necessarily bad.  Gifts are present with or without ego.

Questions for the Meeting on calling, gifts of the Spirit, vocation, Spiritual journey Ubuntu.  I am because of your love.  Question for meeting and for self:  Whose love brought you to where you are now? 

The importance of spiritual mentors, being invited to live into what we are being called to.  It’s a chain of people who loved us in our woundedness and saw us as whole when we felt broken.  All the ways God shows up in you and you show up in the world.  

Notice pivotal moments in your spiritual journey, moments in how you walked with God. What pivotal experiences have you had that have influenced your life to date?

Life experience, ordinary people, family, extraordinary people who touch one’s life in amazing ways. Faith, people, friendships, and chosen activities can be a lifeline no matter what happens. 

“You have made known to me the ways of life; you will fill me with joy by your countenance. At your right hand are delights, even to the end.” (Psalms 15:11)

What are your leadings?

A leading can become a way of life.  A leading is living with one’s imperfections and trying to be better.  Serving as a helper, being useful, building community can lead to a leading.

Leadings are more like an unfolding, a result of responding to need.  Something comes across the path and it seems the right thing to do and there is time and space to do it.

Martha responded that she had clearness to come to Ireland.  She wanted to be a part of a reconciliation community but that has changed and she’s not sure where she fits now. Sometimes we need to ask the question, “Were my leadings wrong?”  At this moment the one clear thing is it’s time to hibernate, to sort her life out. 

What fears go in the way?  What successes and joys encouraged you along?

In School of the Spirit, many students are doing active deep listening about what God is calling them to next. An early woman Friend resisted her call to ministry for seven years.  She wrote, “I knew I was being disobedient”. Fear shows up in an unwillingness to surrender to God’s call.  Fear is understandable, but to continue to say No when you’re invited to say Yes is something different.

Where had the Spirit taken you and where is Spirit taking you now?

Sometimes a spiritual journey feels like a sideshow.  We may be called to one thing but we’re busy doing another.  Walking with the spirit is not necessarily looking straight ahead but at the sides.   

It doesn’t seem like following Spirit should be directional but very “tributarial.”  As we do our work, Spirit may come to us and we may put those thoughts “in our pocket” to consider later.

How many times do we say Yes because it is expected of us.  “Let your yea be yea and your nay be nay.” (Matthew 5:37)       

Listen to your inner guide, stay connected.

What music makes your soul soar? When did you smile down to your toes? Who has encouraged you?  To do what?  How?  When?

If you can define what makes your soul soar, what makes you smile, you know what your leading is. 

What do others see in you? Does it suit with your own assessment? 

Grace/God/Spirit shows up in the least expected places. And whenever it shows up we need to recognize it and be grateful.

Is there a benefit in recognizing the gifts of the Spirit in IYM?  Encouragement?  Allowing for a person to focus on a leading of the Spirit?

Witnessing leadings at the yearly meeting level is inspirational and gives a profound meaning to and appreciation of the importance of the yearly meeting which can be carried back to monthly meetings. 

Ministry as vocation.  Defines self.  How much is your occupation your identity?  Who are you when no longer in a job?  

We ended our day with a moment of closing worship, with gratitude for those who are on this journey with us.

Attachments:   Report from Windham Friends Meeting

                        Treasurer’s Report

                        Letter from Diane Dicranian, Quaker Representative to MCC

                        Maine Council of Churches Report

                        Minute of Support for Shirley Hager to VQM and FQM

                        Update on UMaine Wabanaki Elder-In-Residence Proposal

Attachment, Report from Windham Friends Meeting

FALMOUTH QUARTERLY MEETING – Durham

October 26, 2024

Report from Windham Friends Meeting

Psalm 46:1 says. “God is our refuge and strength – a very present help,” His word is our guidepost at all times and in all circumstances.

Recent considerations in our times of fellowship – in worship, endeavors and through experiences, both as individuals and as a faith community, have included the following perspectives: 1) Looking to God with TRUST… 2) Standing in the assurance of our FAITH,,,3) LIVING by our faith with confidence. We’ve endured many things through time. Our own membership has depleted, but we find support in our greater community and in pure commitment in the hearts and minds of dedicated Believers – giving of their time, effort, treasures, and talents in motivation of faith and trust.

As always, the focus of Windham Friends Meeting for worship is on the awareness of God’s loving care in our lives and that of our fellow beings throughout time. For that we’re grateful and willing to walk in his Light as His children. We, as part of the town community, take delight in participating in the 3rd graders Windham History tours by sharing the Quaker story. Also Windham Friends is very grateful for financial help in the care, repair and upgrades needed for the Meetinghouse from the Obadiah Brown Benevolent Fund this year as well as for those who worked diligently to bring it all to fruition.

In recent weeks we have endured loss in the passing of two beloved and dedicated members, Sandra Wain who departed this life in her 70’s very suddenly and unexpectedly, and Elsie Haskell, having reached age 96 who met her demise with grace and fortitude. God Bless them Both. Our lives and the life of this faith family are a testimony of what God has done for us, and we know He is with us all the way.

Sincerely, Janice Beattie, Pastor Windham Friends Meeting, October 26, 2023

Attachment, Treasurer’s Report

Falmouth Quarter  Treasurer’s Report 

As of 9/30/24

Opening Balance 10/1/23    Checking     230.00                   Savings   516.52  total   746.52

Deposits  Brunswick                                    50

                Durham                                      100                                             

                Portland                                     200

                So. ME                                         50

                Windham                                      50 

                Restricted                                 1000   +1250

Transfer                                                     450                                       (350)

Interest                                                         .46                                                                                                                                                    

New balance in Savings   266.98

Disbursements    

                 Friends Camp                               50

                 Friends School                              50

                 Peace Teams                               100

                 ME Council                                    50

                 College Guild                                 50

                 Jones Fund (VQM)                      100                                           

                 Nibezun (Clerks)                            50

                 Brunswick (Clerks)                        100

                 ME Community/Lewiston               100                      

                 EQAT (AMG 2023)                         100                        

Restricted (An Iliad)                                       1000                        (1750)

New Balance  in checking                             80

Balance  (combined)                                  346.98                                              

                                             ********************************************

Proposed Budget for 2025                                                                        

Income       450                                                                                                              797

Donations  (600 )                                                                                                            197 

Clerks Fund  (100) (discretionary)                                                                                    97  

Attachment, Letter from Diane Dicranian, Quaker Representative to Maine Council of Churches

Good morning  Friends

I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. I’m excited to share with you the latest report on our activities with the Maine Council of Churches (MCC). It’s been quite a journey, and I wanted to give you a heads-up on some of the highlights.

You know, I usually compare congregants because it’s difficult to compare how much we do in the community. But let’s face it, our spirit has no price. We Quakers have always punched above our weight when it comes to making a difference, right?

Now, you might be wondering, “If Quakers do so much, why expand the Executive Director job?” Well, here’s the reason: Our Executive Director, Jane, is on speed dial with the Governor and Maine CDC. She’s one of the few people who could bring 10 major religions together for a prayer service, all thanks to her, and the Council’s reputation.

Speaking of that prayer service, it was televised with a lot of press coverage, a pretty big deal. We managed to get leaders from all seven of our member denominations, plus the Roman Catholic bishop, a representative from Maine’s Jewish community, and a Muslim Imam.  Susan Davies represented us in a prayer filled morning that included Quakers with the other religions. Talk about diversity in action.

Other important issues we are involved in are tribal sovereignty, gun safety initiatives, education concerning white nationalism, safe and fair elections,  topics of interest to all of us.  When there’s a spare minute we’re even expanding our media presence. It’s all in the report, so give it a read when you get a chance.

We, the Maine Council of Churches need financial backing. I know, I know, money isn’t our favorite topic. But think of it this way: a little support can go a long way in amplifying our voice and helping us do even more good in our community.

Falmouth Quarterly Meeting Friends would you go back to your Meetings and recommend an increased donation to the Maine Council of Churches?

Please take a look at the report, and let’s talk about it. Your thoughts and ideas are always welcome. After all, we’re in this together. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Consider asking for an increased donation to better serve Maine’s marginalized communities.

Thank you.

Diane Dicranian, Quaker Representative, Maine Council of Churches “

Attachment, Maine Council of Churches report     

Report to Maine Quarterly Meetings on Maine Council of Churches

By Diane Dicranian, Representative to Maine Council of Churches

 Introduction

As your representative to the Maine Council of Churches (MCC), I am pleased to present this comprehensive report covering our activities over the past 18 months, with a particular focus on our work with indigenous issues and the involvement of Maine Friends.

Strategic Changes and Unique Position of MCC

Over the past year and a half, MCC has undergone significant shifts in strategy and perspective:

1. Base Development Focus: The board decided to concentrate on developing our base of supporters, aiming to expand our reach and impact.

2. Executive Director Role Expansion: We’ve expanded the Executive Director’s responsibilities to enhance the Council’s capabilities and effectiveness.

3. Cross-Denominational Collaboration: MCC’s nature as a coalition of denominations allows us to facilitate partnerships and conversations across faith communities, a unique strength in our advocacy efforts.

4. Legislative Focus: As well as serving he Governor’s office and may legislators we’ve communicated, educated and involved you in Maine’s legislative process

Maine Friends and Indigenous Rights

Maine Friends have taken a leading role in MCC’s work on indigenous issues:

1. Wabanaki Alliance Coalition: MCC is a member of the Wabanaki Alliance coalition. Andy Burt, a Maine Friend, serves as MCC’s official representative at coalition meetings and on our Public Policy Committee.

2. Close Partnerships: We’ve maintained close working relationships with key figures like John Diffenbacher-Krall, the retiring Executive Director of the Wabanaki Alliance.

Constituent Outreach: Andy Burt has guided MCC’s efforts to assist the Alliance in identifying churches in key districts for constituent meetings with legislators, supporting the push for tribal sovereignty recognition.

3. Educational Initiatives: We’ve hosted Zeke Crofton MacDonald, Tribal Ambassador for the Houlton Band of Maliseets, for trainings and workshops.

Cross-Denominational Efforts on Indigenous Rights

MCC has facilitated important collaborations:

Coordinated meetings between United Methodist Church leadership and John Diffenbacher-Krall.

1. Brought together United Methodist and UCC Maine Conference leaders to build cooperation on indigenous rights advocacy.

2. Our Public Policy Committee serves as a space where Quaker and Episcopal efforts with the Alliance intersect, primarily through Andy Burt and John Hennessy.

Other Key MCC Activities

Lewiston Shooting Commemoration: On October 1, we organized a statewide prayer service for the one-year anniversary of the Lewiston mass shooting. Susan Davies, Clerk of Maine Friends, represented our community at this televised event.

1. Gun Safety Initiative: We’re partnering with the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, including Quaker Rob Levin, on a new referendum initiative for red flag laws in Maine.

2. Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition: As a partner organization we are involved in MPAC activities when invited. We often publicize and support their activities, A recent Legacy Grant was obtained by a member of Portland Friends to bring a new telling of “The Illiad” both inside and outside the Maine prison system.

Impact on Quaker Testimonies

MCC’s work aligns closely with several Quaker testimonies:

1. Peace: Our involvement in gun safety initiatives and commemoration services.

2. Equality: Efforts towards tribal sovereignty recognition.

3. Community: Cross-denominational collaborations fostering a broader sense of spiritual community.

4. Integrity: Ensuring Quaker voices are heard in policy discussions and public events.

5. Justice: In many sectors of life in Maine we equip you to fight for those on the margins.

Looking Ahead

As we continue our work, Maine Friends have opportunities to:

1. Further integrate Quaker perspectives into MCC’s policy advocacy work.

2. Expand our role in facilitating cross-denominational cooperation, particularly on indigenous rights.

3. Utilize MCC’s networks to increase awareness and engagement with Quaker-led social justice efforts.

Conclusion

The Maine Council of Churches continues to provide a valuable platform for Maine Friends to engage with other faith communities, amplify our voice on important issues, and live out our testimonies in collaboration with others. Our work with the Wabanaki Alliance coalition and on Indigenous rights is particularly significant, ensuring that Quaker values and perspectives remain an integral part of this crucial work in Maine. Your continued support and engagement with MCC activities are essential as we work towards justice, peace, and equality in our state.

Attachment, Minute of Support for Shirley Hager to VQM and FQM

Minute of Support for Shirley Hager’s Leading Regarding an Indigenous Elder-in-Residence Program at the University of Maine

Winthrop Center Friends, October 6, 2024

In July of this year, Shirley shared background with Winthrop Center Friends about a leading which has been growing over several years. In her experiences with co-creating The Gatherings: Reimagining Indigenous-Settler Relations book, with the Friends Committee on Maine Public Policy, and with Wabanaki peoples, Shirley has witnessed Indigenous students using their college educations to make lasting differences within their communities and indeed within the State of Maine and beyond. She has also been aware, through conversations over the years with Wabanaki individuals, of the many obstacles in the paths of Indigenous students trying to complete their education. She has had opportunities to observe efforts to support Native students staying in school, most particularly Elder-in-Residence programs at the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick.  In these programs, students are supported by people of their own culture, Elders who best understand their unique needs as they seek to survive and thrive within a “foreign” (i.e., “white” and “Western”) university culture, and who help them stay connected to their culture while pursuing their education. Experience has also demonstrated that the program (Elder-in- Residence) builds success within the greater university system, fostering mutual trust and understanding cross-culturally, both with other students and with non-Native faculty and staff.

Shirley reached out to the University of Maine Native Studies chair, Darren Ranco, and Matt Mullen, University of Maine Development Office, who agreed about the program’s need and potential, and who expressed excitement about such a program at the University of Maine. They have proposed a three-year pilot program as a “doable” start, with a budget of $30,000 per year, with the hope that such a program might become endowed in the future. 

Shirley imagined her leading as strongly in alignment with Quaker values and desired her efforts to be held by her Meeting, Winthrop Center Friends. She asked for our prayerful support as she imagined outreach to the wider Quaker community, envisioning this pilot program to be supported by Friends in Maine. Friends voiced support of Shirley’s leading, and the Meeting was in unity in supporting Shirley to continue to pursue this effort. We now consider her leading as under our care.

Further, at a subsequent special called Meeting for Business on August 11, 2024, Winthrop Center Friends pledged $6,000/year for the next three years, for a total of $18,000, which constitutes 20% of the amount needing to be raised. Individuals in the Meeting pledged funds as well—an additional $3,000 for the first year.

We, as a Meeting, are aware that the program will greatly benefit Indigenous students, enhance the diverse culture within the University system, and, indeed, blesses us with an important opportunity for which we have prayed for clearness; our pledge fulfills our commitment to share our faith, extending beyond our Meeting, to the wider community. We thank Shirley for sharing this opportunity with us, as we continue to hold her and the proposal in the Light.

We ask Vassalboro and Falmouth Quarterly Meetings to consider endorsing this leading, encouraging monthly meetings’ support, and to consider writing a minute of support to be sent to New England Yearly Meeting and to members of the NEYM Legacy Gift Committee and the Right Relationship Resource Group. The aim of this would be to further seek the possibility of funding for this project and to offer it as a potential vehicle for reparations.

Approved, Falmouth Quarter 10/26/24

Attachment, Update on Wabanaki Elder-In-Residence Proposal

UPDATE on UMaine Wabanaki Elder-in-Residence Proposal

September 30, 2024

Shirley met with Darren Ranco of Native Studies at UMaine and Matt Mullen, Assoc. Director of the UMaine Foundation, on Friday, September 27, for an update on fundraising for the Elder-in- Residence program and to share the questions that were raised at VQM’s Fall Gathering after her presentation.

Fundraising:

As of Friday, $12,000 has either been received or pledged for the first year of operation (which would likely begin in Spring Semester of next year). This amount gives Darren confidence to begin planning the program to, at a minimum, commit to salary compensation for one month during the year. The goal is still $30,000 for the first year, which would allow the Elder to be present for a longer period of time, and also provide program funds and the ability to pay travel and perhaps lodging expenses if necessary (depending upon where the Elder lived).

A total of $29,500 has so far been pledged for the full three years of the proposed pilot program, meaning that, beyond the first year, an additional $17,500 has been pledged. This means that we are roughly one-third of the way to the goal of $90,000 for the three years!

Responses to questions raised:

Neither the UMaine Foundation, nor the University, will be taking any of the funds for overhead. This means that every dollar donated will be available for the program.

The proposal, which states that the pilot would be for two months each year, doesn’t mean that it would necessarily be two sequential months full time. The pilot will be a work-in- progress—a chance to see what works well. The structure of the work week will also depend upon the person hired—their schedule, where they live, etc. If the full amount is raised, you can think of it as a two-month equivalent during the year.

How would this position differ from, or add to, what the Wabanaki Center already does? This position would add an additional layer of student support to what currently exists. Especially it creates intergenerational support for students, which is so valuable. Both Darren and Matt mentioned that it could add a synchronicity to the support they provide—an Elder might pick up on needs of a student and be able to refer them to other support in the University or beyond. They also both agreed that the position will serve to strengthen cultural ties for the students and would be a resource for the University as a whole.

Winthrop Center Friends will be bringing a minute to VQM and to FQM at their next meetings, asking for the endorsement of the Quarters (as was suggested at Fall Gathering) and also asking the Quarters to send a minute to NEYM asking for Yearly Meeting support.

[Updated April 10, 2024] How does Truth prosper among us?

Falmouth Quarter will meet on 4/27 from 9:30-2:30 at the Curtis Library in Brunswick. Brunswick Meeting will host us.

How does Truth prosper among us?

Falmouth Quarter will meet on 4/27at the Curtis Library in Brunswick. Brunswick Meeting will host us. We can gather for conversation at 9; the meeting will start at 9:30. We expect to finish before 3:00.

In April we receive any State of Society reports prepared by the meetings in Falmouth Quarter, any Memorial Minutes from the past year and hear reports from those in our Quarter with recognized or named gifts of ministry. 

We will also receive two minutes concerning the crises in Gaza – one from Portland and one from Durham and considering endorsing them and forwarding them to the Yearly Meeting.

Please let us know if there are particular concerns that you would like included as we plan for the day.

All are welcome and all are needed.

Love Fritz Weiss and Wendy Schlotterbeck, co-coordinators Falmouth Quarter

UPDATED 24.1.30 Minutes of the session can be found here.

UPDATED 24.1.24 Agenda and Materials for the Quarterly Meeting gathering can be found here

You are invited to attend the Falmouth Quarterly Meeting from 11:30 to 2:45 at Durham Friends Meeting. 

We will have a simple Meal available 11:30 to 12:30.

Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business will begin at 12:40 and conclude by 1:25. The agenda and two proposed minutes are at this link.

To attend the business meeting by zoom, use this link: durham meeting zoom link. The password is 1775

We are excited to welcome Brian Drayton, who  will lead a program and discussion, entitled “There is a Spirit which I feel… James Naylor’s Last Words” from 1:30 to 2:45.

“There is a spirit which I feel that delights to do no evil, nor to revenge any wrong, but delights to endure all things, in hope to enjoy its own in the end. Its hope is to outlive all wrath and contention, and to weary out all exaltation and cruelty, or whatever is of a nature contrary to itself. It sees to the end of all temptations. As it bears no evil in itself, so it conceives none in thoughts to any other. If it be betrayed, it bears it, for its ground and spring is the mercies and forgiveness of God. Its crown is meekness, its life is everlasting love unfeigned; it takes its kingdom with entreaty and not with contention, and keeps it by lowliness of mind. In God alone it can rejoice, though none else regard it, or can own its life. It is conceived in sorrow, and brought forth without any to pity it, nor doth it murmur at grief and oppression. It never rejoiceth but through sufferings; for with the world’s joy it is murdered. I found it alone, being forsaken. I have fellowship therein with them who lived in dens and desolate places in the earth, who through death obtained this resurrection and eternal holy life.”

An opportunity to stay for the second session of the webinar, Returning to the Land, “Seeing with a Native Eye”  from 3:00 to 5:30, a four part program that Peace and Social Committee of Durham Monthly Meeting is offering .  Readings for this session are available at this link: returning to the land

EARLIER POSTING:

Falmouth Quarter will meet on Saturday January 27th at Durham Meeting.

The draft schedule follows.

11: 30 gather and simple lunch

12:45 opening worship and brief business meeting

1:30 – 2:45  Program focused on James Naylor’s last statement facilitated by Brian Drayton:

“There is a spirit which I feel that delights to do no evil, nor to revenge any wrong, but delights to endure all things, in hope to enjoy its own in the end. Its hope is to outlive all wrath and contention, and to weary out all exaltation and cruelty, or whatever is of a nature contrary to itself. It sees to the end of all temptations. As it bears no evil in itself, so it conceives none in thoughts to any other. If it be betrayed, it bears it, for its ground and spring is the mercies and forgiveness of God. Its crown is meekness, its life is everlasting love unfeigned; it takes its kingdom with entreaty and not with contention, and keeps it by lowliness of mind. In God alone it can rejoice, though none else regard it, or can own its life. It is conceived in sorrow, and brought forth without any to pity it, nor doth it murmur at grief and oppression. It never rejoiceth but through sufferings; for with the world’s joy it is murdered. I found it alone, being forsaken. I have fellowship therein with them who lived in dens and desolate places in the earth, who through death obtained this resurrection and eternal holy life.”

Those who wish to can stay for the Program hosted by Durham’s Peace and Social Concerns Committee:

 3:30-5 pm: “Returning to the Land: Seeing with a Native Eye.”

Present

Brunswick: Marian Dalton, Christine Holden

Durham: Kim Bolshaw, Wendy Schlotterbeck, Leslie Manning, Susan Gilbert (Regrets, Mey Hasbrook)

Portland: Fritz Weiss, Sue Reilly, Ann Dodd-Collins, Sydney McDowell, Andy Grannell, Dorothy Grannell, Wayne Cobb

Southern Maine: Louise Sandmeyer

Windham: Julianne Moore, Janice Beattie (pastor), Penny Loura (clerk), Nancy Dolittle, Betty Davis

Theme: These are challenging times; what is before us is difficult.  Our focus is paying attention to what is exercising us, what we are feeling passionate about or called to. 

Song:  Lift Every Voice and Sing, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEjUVV4_-2w

Wendy Schlotterbeck led us into open, waiting worship with a passage from John Lewis’ memoir, Walking With the Wind, in which he wrote about a childhood memory and Beloved Community.

Following open worship we chose one of four breakout rooms and had almost 50 minutes to read or view the prompt and share our reflections.

ROOM 1 Sailing in the Fog- read and share reflections https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XxHmfEExRvFbFc8oftgSV9MDUKaCMbml/edit

ROOM 2 Praying with clay or markers https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uauG2caHYlyAepKyXlckLiyou7_pgL_DXcj6CYmMvhQ/edit#

ROOM 3 Praying with Poetry https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Dx708p_HjFprmScXl1P96cdw7A8rWX81lmgwTfslyAw/edi

ROOM 4 Movement as prayer- Parable of the trapeze https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWvV5N4hOGc

Following a short break, Wayne Cobb introduced the proposed “FQM Minute on the Inherent Right of Tribal Sovereignty of the Wabanaki”.  (Attached)   A similar minute has already been approved by Vassalboro Quarter.  Several questions and concerns were raised.  It was pointed out that this minute does not support a specific bill; it acknowledges and supports the sovereignty of the Wabanaki Tribes and Nations within Maine and supports bills that will come before the Maine Legislature that would recognize and implement tribal sovereignty.  More information is available on the Wabanaki Alliance website, https://wabanakialliance.com/, and Wayne is willing to answer questions, wcobb2@gmail.com.

WE APPROVED THE MINUTE.

Recognizing that by doing so we are also committing to further action as opportunities arise.

Wayne Cobb will send the updates on Wabanaki issues that he currently sends to Portland Friends Meeting to all the meetings in Falmouth Quarter.

We closed with a period of worship, expecting to gather again at the All Maine Gathering on May 6, 2023.

Minute on the Inherent Right of Tribal Sovereignty Of the Wabanaki People and the Support for Bills before the Maine State Legislature that would Recognize and Implement Tribal Sovereignty

Co-convenors: Wendy Schlotterbeck, Fritz Weiss; Clerk: Fritz Weiss

Twenty five Friends from all five Meetings in Falmouth Quarter with one visitor from Lawrence Meeting gathered on April 16, 2022 for the Spring Quarterly Meeting. Two Friends sent regrets.

 Martha Sheldon offered an opening prayer noting that we are gathered together to hear stories from our lives, our hearts and our souls.

FQ 2022-1. Land Acknowledgment: We are in the homeland of the Wabanaki, the People of the Dawn. We extend our respect and gratitude to the many Indigenous people and their ancestors whose rich histories and vibrant communities include the Abenaki, Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot Nations and all of the Native communities who have lived here for thousands of generations. We make this acknowledgement aware of continual violations of water, territorial rights, and sacred sites in the Wabanaki homeland.

FQ 2022-2. The agenda for this quarterly meeting was to receive reports from those in the quarter with recognized ministries, to receive and forward memorial minutes and to receive the state of society reports.

FQ 2022-3. Elizabeth Szatkowski (Portland) has been recognized for her ministry working with people from marginalized populations and advocating to change the inequities created by classism, racism and poverty. Much of her work has been with people facing homelessness, mental illness, addiction and trauma. She practices deeply seeing that of God in each person and reflecting that back to them in an active way to contribute to their empowerment and self-actualization. She was granted a denomination endorsement by Falmouth Quarter in 2018 to support her work supervising the chaplains, social workers, and bereavement department at Hospice of Southern Maine. In this role she works to create and hold space in a medical model organization for psycho social and spiritual experiences.  Elizabeth  reported that the way her ministry was used this year was not something she really welcomed. In her chaplaincy role at Southern Maine Hospice, she found herself supporting a beloved colleague through her hospice journey.  This colleague had developed an aggressive cancer unexpectedly. Elizabeth found this both hard and rich, as she witnessed her colleague growing and helping others grow; helping her friends to be present and celebrating her mortality.  Elizabeth stated that she felt able to receive Spirit, share with others and make space in a public workplace for this to happen. Elizabeth has a ministry support committee from Portland which has been important in her faithfulness.  She closed with a quote from Anne Lamott: “I do not understand the mystery of grace — only that it meets us where we are and does not leave us where it found us.”

FQ 2022-4. Leslie Manning reported for Maggie Fiori’s (Portland) Ministry Care Committee.  Maggie will be sharing about her ministry on zoom on May 9^th; we are all invited.  Maggie’s ministry extends beyond her work with the Young Friends of New England Yearly Meeting to include an invitation to Friends to meet each other with love where we are and encourage us to move towards where we need to go.  Friends shared how they have experienced Maggie’s ministry in both her work with Young Friends and in her broader engagement with Friends in the world.

FQ 2022-5. We received the State of Society from Windham Meeting read by Julieanne Moore – The report noted that the meeting has met the challenges of the past year with Faith Gratitude and Perseverance.  The report is attached to these minutes.

FQ 2022-6. Report from Janice Beattie (Windham) on her ministry – Janice reported that she has been called to pastoral ministry at Windham Meeting for 25 years, noting that “God brought me to it, I did not plan it.” The ministry is expressed through the community as everyone contributes in their own way. Janice expressed gratitude for all the community gifts and talents and noted that “God is always in the lead.”

FQ 2022-7. In their reports, Windham noted that they had joined the other meetings in Falmouth Quarter in advocating for the Tribal Sovereignty legislation which is before the Maine legislature.  We shared that the bill had been approved by both the house and the senate and has been forwarded to the Governor.

FQ 2022-8. In her report on her ministry, Leslie Manning (Durham) asked us to consider what Friends mean by “ministry”. She shared her call to service among Friends, to build up, nurture, and challenge faithfulness among friends and to help us realize our prophetic vocation. Leslie reported that after decades of supporting those who have experienced violence, she is finding herself accompanying incarcerated women who have been perpetrators of violence.  She provides care, advocacy and support to the women, their families and the staff who work with them.  Leslie expressed appreciation for Durham Meeting which is appointing a support committee for her.

FQ 2022-9. Southern Maine Meeting has not written a State of Society this year. Sarah Moore reported that the meeting feels God’s presence mostly through the connections and care for each other in their small meeting.  Southern Maine is meeting together outside when the weather allows.

FQ 2022-10. We received and heard the Memorial Minute for Linda J Lyman read by Sarah Moore. The minute will be forwarded to the Yearly Meeting.

FQ 2022-11. Craig Freshley (Durham) shared that after more than 20 years of conceiving and writing, his book Together We Decide is being published.  The book is grounded in a lifelong concern for bringing people of different opinions together in dialogue. When Craig first encountered Friends at Durham meeting, he realized that the Quaker process of listening and discernment was a powerful tool for this work.  Durham meeting has provided concrete and spiritual support for the book project and for the “Make Shift Coffee House”  project which brought people together for conversations among Republicans and Democrats across the polictical divide.  In order to finish the book, Craig has had to let the coffee house languish. His hope with the book is to bring Quaker principles into the mainstream.  Craig shared his fear of being too attached to the success of the book and a fear of seeing the work as an expression of his own ego.  He also shared his awareness of and gratitude for the privileges he has of being white, relatively affluent and male which made it easier for him to do this work.

FQ 2022-12. Martha Sheldon, reported that she continued to feel that her recording in the ministry has life. She feels a deep conviction and purpose for supporting, nurturing and leading worship, and for supporting, sustaining and challenging communities.  Martha emphasized the importance of the clearness process in recognizing ministry, and the importance of recognizing the breaks we receive due to our privilege.  She also noted that she was recorded in the ministry at a time when many churches did not generally recognize or support women in ministry.  The carrying of ministry involves both being open to opportunities and every so often taking breaks. Martha has moved to Northern Ireland, she reports: “Clarity of purpose and ministry callings are, as yet, not manifest in Northern Ireland.   I continue to be present for ministry opportunities at Durham via zoom.  Before the move my ministry included my work with autistic children and their teachers.  All are welcome to visit [Ireland]!  [To share} conversation, healing walks, cobweb removing windy days, reflection…..” She is looking forward to the next stage of her ministry with exhilaration and with uncertainty.

FQ 2022 -13. Brunswick Meeting did not write a state of society report this year.  The meeting is coming together in person again at 10:00 on Sundays at the Curtis Public Library in Brunswick and welcomes visitors. It is a joy to be together again.  Brunswick expressed gratitude for the support they receive from the wider Quaker fellowship.

FQ 2022-14. We received three memorial minutes from Portland Meeting and will forward them to the Yearly Meeting.

• Arthur Fink
  • Ed Robinson
  • Anne Harwood

FQ 2022-15. Diana White has been recognized by Portland Meeting in 2021 as carrying a ministry of healing.  Diana was diagnosed with cancer in early 2020. When her cancer had been treated and her scans were clear, she asked what she was to do with the life she had been given. Diana’s profession was nursing and nursing instruction, with an interest in supporting families and working in the community. She has continued to deepen her spiritual focus in her healing work as she is developing her gifts, and working regularly with a group of Nashviille Quakers who are Reiki practitioners.  Diana shared that part of living with serious illness is learning to live each day fully. She shared that she has recently developed slow growing metastatic cancer in her lungs, while feeling healthier than she has for years.

FQ 2022-16 Jay O’Hara began his report reading an excerpt from Dr. King’s letter from a Birmingham jail where Dr. King expressed his grave disappointment with the white moderates who are more devoted to order than to justice.  Jay has been recognized for a prophetic outward ministry confronting the climate crises.  He is feeling strongly that he is also called to the uplift and rejuvenation of our Religious Society of Friends. He feels that there is a role that Quakers have in the transformation of the world which is so necessary now. This year Jay has felt at a crossroads. His confidence was shattered and he has been reeling from this experience. He has had two concrete expressions of his ministry over the past year – offering the Bible half-hours at the 2021 annual sessions of New England Yearly Meeting and a public trial with four colleagues for their action blocking a coal train bringing coal to the Bow power plant in New Hampshire.  Jay described his current condition as lonely, confused, distanced and unsettled, but trusting in God’s presence and praying for the rejuvenation of ministry in ways that are clear, humble and perhaps powerful and different from the past.

FQ 2022-17. Theresa Oleksiw shared the story of how she recognized and accepted her calling to ministry and a brief summary of how God is working through her. Theresa described her experience of being called using the phrase from Rufus Jones as “the warm intimate Touch of a guiding hand.”  This Touch began with a clarity that she was to take a break from her career as a city planner and go to Music School. However, once she had earned her degree in music, she was unable to find another job in city planning in spite of her training, experience, connections and credentials. Instead, there were opportunities to work in youth ministry and to begin writing.  The intimate touch seemed to be consistently guiding her to the writing.  In accepting the call, Theresa’s spent her savings and found herself with her child living in poverty.  At times she was lonely, frustrated and angry with God.  However, once she finally accepted that this was the path she was to travel, she was able to get funding from a number of sources. Theresa shared how she felt most clearly seen by the impoverished women she met and shared stories and dinner with at community dinners. She had to learn to trust the inner voice and the inner guide in the face of people who judged her for her poverty.  She is continuing to write and share the stories of those she has met in her journey, to share with food banks handbooks she has written and to advocate for the disposed in Maine.

FQ 2022-18. The State of Society report from Portland Meeting is attached to these minutes.

FQ 2022-19. We closed with Prayer grateful for the remarkable and varied ministries alive in the quarter.

Attachments: State of Society reports from Windham, and Portland. (Durham’s State of Society is not yet finalized and will be shared with the quarter when it is ready.

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Windham Monthly Meeting of Friends, State of Society Report 2021

            In considering the content of this report, three words came to the forefront: FAITH, GRATITUDE and PERSEVERANCE. Faith is the trusting in our Creator and His abilities and His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which mankind is justified or saved. We stand by Him as faithful believers and loyal members of His house of worship, ready to serve our calling by way of our gifts and talents as His children, ready to meet the challenges and to endure.  Gratitude is feeling or being thankful, which comes from the benefits received by way of our Creator, Redeemer and friend, through life experiences and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Perseverance is a steady course of action or purpose or state of circumstances, to hold on, to continue on course and to maintain in spite of difficulties … tenacity.

            Scripture gives us plenty of examples of this:  i.e., Abraham’s consistent faith was rewarded (Genesis 12:10) and Daniel gives an example of being faithful regardless of circumstance (Daniel 3:16-18).  Faith!

            When the giving of thanks is an integral part of life, we find that our attitude toward life will change, i.e., being more positive, loving, gracious and humble. (Ps 92:1,2). Gratitude!

            Because Christ lives in us, as believers  we can remain courageous and hopeful and endure the hard times.  It’s our faith revealed: True Christians vs. fair-weather believers.  Perseverance!

            Our meeting has been confronted with many challenges in recent years, among which are a shrinking congregation (due to losses by way of deaths, relocations, illnesses) and the upkeep of a historic Meetinghouse.  The Pandemic and other situations have affected everything from participation to finances which affect us personally and as a group. 

            We are meeting all this with faith, gratitude and perseverance, remaining faithful to God’s provision, to a desire to continue as a Meeting for worship, and to being open to ways to continue on.  We seek opportunities to introduce the community to our past history and ways, keeping in touch with the greater Quaker community as much as possible via Falmouth Quarterly Meeting ZOOM meetings, annual contact with our Quaker Ridge brethren, and continued support of the Girl Scout Troop that gathers in our Meetinghouse weekly.  We remain prayerful with sharing Bible Study times and being grateful for opportunities to work together to increase our finances by replacing the semiannual bean suppers with a Christmas Fair in the fall.  We recently received a grant from the Obadiah Brown Benevolent Fund for needed repairs to the building addition which are scheduled to begin the end of May.  We welcome guests to our times of worship throughout the year and are thankful for God’s ever present help through the work of the Holy Spirit.  One of our new attendees was responsible for drafting a letter to the Maine Legislature and Governor Mills voicing our support of LD1626,  the Maine Indian Tribes request for more autonomy.  We accept all this as God’s presence among us.

            To quote Charles R. Swindoll: “God designed us to live in friendship and fellowship and community with others.  That’s why the church – the body of Christ, is so very important, for it is there that we are drawn together in love and mutual encouragement.  We’re meant to be a part of one another’s lives .”         

            This concludes the review of our thoughts and outlook as for the State of our Society here in Windham, Maine, for the year of our Lord 2021,

                                                                        Respectfully submitted, Janice L. Beattie, Pastor,

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Portland Friends Meeting, State of Society Report 2021

A Rough Draft Year

Last year as the pandemic continued, we gathered to listen to God in new ways. Spirit is alive and singing amongst us, sometimes by its joyful presence, or too often by the sensation of its absence. We know that to be a community of faith is to piece together glimpses of God that each of us receives until together we see the whole, and this is hard to do right now. It’s hard to see God’s whole vision for us when we can’t find a way that we can gather all together that works for every person. Sometimes, finding ways to be together as one and feel Spirit’s presence takes so much creativity and energy and hope that we get tired or lonely, and we forget our unconditional belovedness.

Sometimes Spirit’s presence (or our awareness of it) flows with ease and grace, even while the pandemic continues to surprise and disappoint us. Hope rose through the spring that vaccination would open the door to join together again in our Meetinghouse as a gathering of Faith. Our opportunities for whole meeting worship on zoom made us grateful to be able to hold worship during the pandemic for those able to be there, and sometimes Spirit would burst forth through the computer screen. We experimented with hybrid worship, but found that there was not life in it for us. This fall we had the gift of outdoor intergenerational worship and fellowship gatherings at Friends School of Portland. We were grateful for the chance to be with so many families that we have missed for the last few challenging years. The trees swayed and the clouds sashayed with joy. Some of us found just what our hearts needed in the sanctuary of a small group, often in person, like faithfulness groups or a weekday worship or a spontaneous opportunity for fellowship, where we could nurture fresh connections with each other and the Divine. Too many of us have not been able to find a way to be present with our community and this pains us.

As the cold weather arrived, we moved to zoom for first Sundays with the whole community invited to worship together to do business and to be in waiting worship. We are experimenting with nurturing new fluid small gatherings, hoping to build new connections even as we are separated.

Spirit nudges us to continue to engage in big questions even in these times when it can feel hard to hold the center. We’re not yet sure what these questions are but we’re working on finding them. We feel invited to explore: What is our purpose as a community? What is our role in the wider community? What is our responsibility to our  neighbors?  Two examples are our work with Family Promise helping to provide support for our neighbors in need of housing, and another is advocating for sovereignty for our Wabanaki neighbors.

We’re doing hard work on an empty belly. We are hungry for connection. We’re praying to receive the nourishment we need each day to put one foot in front of the other, together.

Portland Friends Meeting is being shaped and reshaped by the Ever-changing  and the Eternal.