Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with eleven people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and two by Zoom.

1. Meeting Opening

Ingrid Chalufour, serving as clerk pro-tem, opened the meeting with an excerpt from Amanda Gorman’s poem The Hill We Climb, written for President Biden’s inauguration, January 20, 2025:

This is the era of just redemption.
We feared it at its inception.
We did not feel prepared to be the heirs
Of such a terrifying hour.
But within it we’ve found the power
To author a new chapter,
To offer hope and laughter to ourselves.
So while once we asked: How could we possibly prevail over catastrophe?
Now we assert: How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?
We will not march back to what was,
But move to what shall be:
A country that is bruised but whole,
Benevolent but bold,
Fierce and free.
We will not be turned around,
Or interrupted by intimidation,
Because we know our inaction and inertia
Will be the inheritance of the next generation.
Our blunders become their burdens.
But one thing is certain:
If we merge mercy with might, and might with right,
Then love becomes our legacy,
And change, our children’s birthright.
So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left.
With every breath from our bronze-pounded chests,
We will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one.
We will rise from the gold-limned hills of the West!
We will rise from the windswept Northeast, where our forefathers first realized revolution!
We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the Midwestern states!
We will rise from the sunbaked South!
We will rebuild, reconcile, and recover,
In every known nook of our nation,
In every corner called our country,
Our people, diverse and dutiful.
We’ll emerge, battered but beautiful.
When day comes, we step out of the shade,
Aflame and unafraid.
The new dawn blooms as we free it,
For there is always light,
If only we’re brave enough to see it,
If only we’re brave enough to be it.

2. Approval of Clerk and Recording Clerk, pro-tem.

The Meeting approved Ingrid Chalufour as clerk pro-tem.

The Meeting approved Sarah Sprogell as recording clerk pro-tem for the meeting.

3. Approval of Minutes of July 2025

The Meeting approved the Minutes of the July 21, 2025 Business Meeting.

4. Finance Committee Report — Nancy Marstaller

Nancy reviewed the attached written and numerical reports for the first and second quarters of the year. She highlighted that our income is higher than usual for this time of year because of a large financial gift received at the beginning of the year, and a large interest payment when a CD was cashed in. On the expense side, Peace and Social Concerns’ spending is high but is balanced by a grant from Obadiah Brown’s Benevolent Fund and a donation from the Meeting Care Coordinator funds. Legal fees to resolve the Babcock estate have been an unexpected expense. Despite the over-budget items, however, we continue to be in good financial shape at this point in the year.

A suggestion was made that we encourage and promote weekly giving and direct deposit giving.

5. Trustees Report — Sarah Sprogell

Please see the written report for a summary of recent work done at the meetinghouse to replace our bulkhead and the meeting sign at the corner. It was suggested that we include a history of the “Quaker” star added to the sign, for those who are not familiar with it.

Trustees request the Meeting’s approval to spend up to an additional $10,000 for legal expenses that may be necessary to carry out the probate work needed to resolve the Babcock estate. A detailed report of the history and progress of this effort is attached. The next hearing date is October 22, 2025. There was a suggestion to consider mediation if that is appropriate.

This brings the total amount approved thus far to $20,000.

6. Ministry and Counsel — Renee Cote

M&C recommends that we ask Falmouth Quarterly Meeting to address our concerns about the current environment of cruelty being expressed towards immigrants and other targeted groups in our communities.

Meeting for worship on Nov. 2 will be a Meeting for Grieving. It will be a time to remember those who have passed away this year as well as other heartfelt losses.

M&C is planning an adult-hour series of Quaker instruction called Quaker Way, to be offered at 9:30am two Sundays a month, from November through March. There was a sense of gratitude and appreciation for this opportunity.

7. Peace & Social Concerns — Ingrid Chalufour

Ingrid reviewed the attached report of updates and activities including the October 4 movie night for World Quaker Day/DMMF 250th Anniversary, the Social Justice Book Project work at Kate Furbish Elementary School in Brunswick, and a teacher training conference focusing on Wabanaki curriculum being planned for January 2026. Please see the report for details.

8. Woman’s Society — Dorothy Curtis

Women’s Society would like to hold a silent auction in November.

The Meeting heartily approved.

9. Other business

The Town of Durham request for help with parade and/or other activities to celebrate the US 250th anniversary in 2026 – carry-over from July Monthly Meeting:

We did not reach unity on this request, and it was suggested that further discussion with a larger group of Friends would be beneficial. Leslie Manning will reach out to Durham to gather more information.

10. Maker Café Update —Kim Bolshaw

There was a knitting group at the September Makers session with an excellent instructor and 10 knitters. Many non-knitters also came for the conversation, meal and music. About half of those in attendance were not associated with the Meeting. Jenny, who bought the parsonage a few years ago, came for the first time, and also came to meeting for worship today! The music and food were enjoyed by all. Donations covered our expenses with $72 to spare.

11. Meeting Closing

Business Meeting was adjourned with appreciation for everyone’s input and the beautiful fall day.

Respectfully Submitted,

Sarah Sprogell, recording clerk pro-tem.

Attachments:

The reports and other materials for the September 21, 2025 DMM Business Meeting are HERE.

Durham Monthly Meeting Agenda, September 21, 2025

1. Approval of temporary clerk
2. Approval of July minutes
3. Trustees
4. Finance
5. Ministry & Council
6. Peace & Social Concerns
7. Woman’s Society

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends Minutes, July 20, 2025

Ellen Bennett — Recording Clerk

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, June 15, 2025, with thirteen people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and two by Zoom.

1. Meeting Opening

Clerk, Renee Cote, opened the meeting with a quote that begins John Punchon’s Portrait in Grey. It is the fourth verse from the poem The Brewing of Soma, by John Greenleaf Whittier:

Drop Thy still dew of quietness

Till all our strivings cease;

Take from our souls the strain and stress,

And let our ordered lives confess

The beauty of Thy peace.

[This is also the fourth stanza of the hymn “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind”.]

2. Approval of Minutes of June 2025

In item number seven of the June minutes, “Puente de Amigos” is the organization cited that could help with Kirenia’s travel.

3. Approval for suspension of Monthly Meeting for Business in August — Renee Coté

4. Ministry and Counsel Report —Renee Coté

Supporting Juno Kay in her need for medical care. (Please see report for greater details.)

The Clerks group approved sending monetary support to Juno from the Charity account on an expedited timeline.

Clerk read the certificate of transfer from Narramissic Valley Monthly Meeting regarding Margaret De Rivera’s transfer of membership. The certificate included words of praise for her three decades of membership there and her good works on behalf of the community and Quakerism. Durham Monthly Meeting will send an acknowledgement.

The Clearness Committee assembled for Shelley Randall recommends that she be admitted to membership. In honor of her membership, Shelley will receive New England Yearly Meeting’s Faith and Practice.

5. Peace & Social Concerns — Ingrid Chalufour

An article describing the Social Justice Book Project has been submitted as a feature article for the winter issue of Friends Journal.

There was a brief report about the planned event on October 4th, preceding World Quaker Day on October 5th — a tribute to Quaker activism, including the 99 minute film “Citizen George” about George Lakey. A list of Quaker activists, known to the Meeting, who have made significant contributions to Quakerism, their communities, and the world, is being assembled for recognition on October 4, as well. Please see report.

Printed material from a variety of sources should be made available for attendees, who are being invited to the October 4th event from a variety of faith organizations.

6. Trustees Report — Sarah Sprogell

Please see report.

Trustees seek approval of increased cost of replacing bulkhead.

Trustees seek approval for new language on the sign which is placed at the corner of the property.

The proposal from a Durham community member to purchase the 50 acre woodlot was shared. The Trustees believe it should not be sold. There was discussion about other possible uses of the tract. Any alternative/future uses of the 50 acres, e.g., putting in trails for community use, should be aligned with conservation purposes.

7. Finance: No report

8. Other business

The ad hoc committee tasked with considering ways to freshen the gathering room suggested moving the file cabinets and re-hanging historical pictures and photographs in the entry foyer as first steps.

The Meeting has been asked by the Durham Historical Society if there is interest in participating in the 250th Anniversary Parade — the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Participation would provide an opportunity to be clear about our values and our message. This request will be reviewed again in September. All are asked to think about our potential role and what we want to “say”. Meeting will respond to the request in the interim.

About 12 people met for this summer’s Falmouth Quarterly Meeting. There was time for reflections and queries and song. The steps the Quarter might take to support trans-gender individuals was discussed. The minutes addressing sexual orientation and gender identity, from Brunswick and Durham and a strong letter from Portland to the local press, will be shared at Yearly Meeting sessions.

Those gathered also discussed naming someone to the Maine Council of Churches, and building a clearness committee for that individual. The current representative has served in the role a number of years.

A Meeting member raised that this country, and the world, are going through very trying times, but the Meeting doesn’t seem to have taken firm hold of our role, our spiritual role, in facing the challenges. It was urged upon us that we think about this. Troubles have many faces and may aspects. Of all those, the unkindness to immigrants stands out. What do we have to say about this and who do we say it to? Note that there is a 2020 statement on immigration, a collaboration among Britain Yearly Meeting, Quaker Council for European Affairs, QUNO, FCNL, AFSC. Now especially we need to insist on basic humanity — the humane treatment of immigrants. The 2020 collaborative statement will be put up on the website.

It was noted that NEYM has a monthly support call for people involved in immigration issues in each of the six New England states.

Also important is the education of one another about both Quakerism and the complexity of these issues.

9. Closing

Clerk closed meeting with a moment of silence.

Respectfully submitted, Ellen Bennett, Recording Clerk

Attachments

The Agenda and Materials for the July 20, 2025 DFM Business Meeting can be found HERE

Agenda

Monthly Meeting for Business, July 20, 2025

Opening

Approval of June 2025 Minutes

Approval for Suspension of Monthly Meeting for Business in August

Ministry & Counsel Report

Peace & Social Concerns: Ingrid: Brief report about the October 4 event (George Lakey film)

Trustees: Sarah: short report. Trustees have recommended that DFM does not sell the woodlot, but would like to hear the thoughts of others.

Additionally, Sarah was contacted by Durham Historical Society about the 2026 anniversary parade. Bring before MM.

Finance has no report.

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, June 15, 2025, with eleven people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and one by Zoom.

1.     Meeting Opening

        Clerk, Sarah Sprogell, opened the meeting by reading a letter received by the Meeting from FWCC in response to a donation given on May 1, 2025. The letter is attached.

2.     Approval of Minutes of May 2025

                        Meeting approved the May minutes.

3.     Ministry and Counsel Report — René Coté

Please refer to the report.

Meeting has not yet received an approval from Naramissic Meeting for the transfer of Margaret De Rivera’s membership to Durham Monthly Meeting. Clerk will follow-up with Naramissic.

Shelley Randall’s letter asking for Meeting membership was read aloud. (Please see letter that is attached).

Meeting approved a clearness Committee for Shelley that will include Martha Hinshaw Sheldon, Wendy Schlotterbeck, andRene Cote.

A memorial minute for Diana White is in process and will be a joint effort between Portland and Durham monthly meetings, with final approval by Durham Meeting.

Rene Cote will serve as Meeting Clerk in July.

                Meeting heartily approved Joyce Gibson to serve on Ministry and Counsel.

4.     Peace and Social Concerns — Ingrid Chalufour

Please see report.

The Wabanaki studies project with Kate Furbish teachers in Brunswick was reviewed. This project grew out of the Social Justice Book project. The Brunswick School Board’s Curriculum Committee will be hearing about the success of the initiative at the next School Board meeting.

Peace and Social Concerns has taken up a project to look at strengthening Wabanaki studies K-12 in Topsham, Brunswick and Bath. The plan is to initiate this project with a one-day event some time this coming fall/winter.

The Committee requests that the Meeting approve showing the movie Citizen George here at the Meetinghouse as part of our 250th birthday celebration. Help with marketing and staging the event will be needed. It was suggested that the event take place the Saturday before World Quaker Day on October 5. Because George Lakey loves to sing, it was suggested that opening the evening with singing before the film would be appropriate.

                Meeting approved showing the movie as an event here at the Meetinghouse.

Peace and Social Concerns is always looking for members to join the committee. It was suggested that this request be repeated at every meeting, and note that people can join the work of the committee on an ad hoc basis — given areas of interest and expertise.

                Meeting expressed its deep appreciation for the amount of work that P&SC has done.

5.     Seasoned Item: Donation to Newton, NJ Quaker Meetinghouse — Sarah Sprogell.

                Meeting approved the request to donate $250 to Newton Meeting.

Doug Bennett will draft an accompanying letter.

6.     Update on Use of Building Request by Brunswick Meeting  — Sarah Sprogell

Brunswick Meeting is continuing to look more broadly into places to hold their meeting for worship. We will continue to be flexible and open to the possibility of having Brunswick meeting here.

7.     Update from Quarterly Meeting — Sarah Sprogell

        Please note the following:

• Meeting for listening, June 21— via Zoom or in-person at Portland Meeting

• Kirenia Criado Perez, Pastor of Havana Meeting, will be visiting this summer from Cuba Yearly Meeting and holding workshops at Yearly Meeting sessions. She will be in Maine in July 24 and 25, and would like to visit both Portland and Durham meetings. The Sister’s Meeting Committee is requesting use of the Meetinghouse for July 25, as well as assistance in hosting a simple event here for Kirenia. Someone from ???????? [1] will in contact with our congressional delegation to ensure that Kirenia’s travel will not be encumbered or restricted as a result of new Federal restrictions. Note that for a 7/25 event both Kristna Evans and Shelly Randall speak Spanish, as well as Margaret De Rivera, and may be available to help with translation.

                Meeting approved use of the Meetinghouse for the event on July 25.

• Review of Minute of Solidarity with LBGTQIA Community from Brunswick Meeting, and DMMF proposed Minute, to Falmouth Quarter.

The Brunswick minute was read aloud. Concern was raised about the document focusing largely on political issues without reference to the divine and our testimonies. It was noted that it seems important not to focus on a single issue, but on the broader range of important issues facing us at this time.

The central question was are we in unity with Brunswick and the issue this statement addresses. The answer is, broadly, “yes”, and it prompted us to craft our own statement, growing out of the Meeting’s deep commitments to the testimonies.

Durham Friends Meeting approved a Minute on Sexual Orientation in February 2004. A proposed draft minute from Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends, building on the 2004 minute, was read. It is important that we not only protect but truly celebrate diversity in humanity and the gifts that this diversity brings to all of us. (A copy of the draft minute and the 2004 minute are attached.)

It was noted that the use of the word ‘unity’ over ‘solidarity’ better reflected the sense of the Meeting. Sharing both statements at Falmouth Quarterly meeting will generate good discussion.

                Meeting agreed that we are in broad unity of concern with the Brunswick minute.

Meeting approved the Durham MMF statement as an accompaniment to the Brunswick minute.

Meeting approved Wendy Schlotterbeck and Sarah Sprogell as representatives to Falmouth Quarter at the July 19 meeting where these minutes will be discussed.

8.     Other business

                        Meeting minuted its deep appreciation to Sarah for her service as clerk

                        Meeting minuted its deep appreciation to the Recording Clerk.

9.     Closing

Respectfully submitted, Ellen Bennett, Recording Clerk

Attachments

 [1]

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends Minutes, May 18, 2025, DRAFT2

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, May 18, 2025, with eleven people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and five by Zoom.

1. Meeting Opening

Clerk, Sarah Sprogell, opened the meeting with the following: “Words of Blessing to You in your Service.”  (From a New England Yearly Meeting postcard.)

May you remember that you are never alone. 

Invite help. Invite accompaniment. 

You have everything that is needed at this moment in time and in this place. 

May you find the courage to give yourself over to service. Let service shape your life. Though the burden may, at times, feel heavy, the blessings are great. 

May you feel the joy of service you graciously take on.

May you be bold and humble.

May you remember that you have been called.

May you receive as much as you give and give as much as you receive.

May you feel trustful of Friends and fell their trust in you, as well.

2. Approval of Minutes of April 2025 

Meeting approved the April minutes.

Martha Hinshaw Sheldon offered this update to the minutes. She announced, with regret, that she will not be traveling to Tel Aviv this coming summer due to airline challenges that could not be overcome.

3. Finance Report — Nancy Marstaller

Please refer to the finance report. 

With respect to quarterly income balances, note that a CD, having accrued interest over a few years, was cashed in and resulted in the accumulated interest being recorded. The total was put in the Meeting’s pooled fund. In addition, a grant from the Obadiah Brown Benevolent Fund added to increased revenue for this quarter. 

Expenses are all as anticipated. Note that some regular operating expenses have increased this year, e.g., electricity costs. These increases will be noted in preparing budgets for next year. 

Maker Cafe has spent $539 after hosting 6 events, leaving seed money for the rest of the year. Note that after having covered the costs for the most recent travel to Cuba, the Sister Meeting account has funds remaining as a result of several generous donations. 

The meeting accepted the report with gratitude. 

4. Peace and Social Concerns — Ingrid Chalufour

An extremely positive event that focused on Wabanki studies among teachers, presenters, and others was held at Kate Furbish Elementary School. 

Another initiative is underway to provide ongoing support for teachers who want to incorporate Wabanki studies in their classrooms, K-12. 

UU Church in Brunswick held a Working for Justice Community Partners event at which Social Justice Book project was shared at the Indigenous Awareness table.

The Meeting accepted the report, with gratitude. 

5. Trustees — Sarah Sprogell.

No written report. A small but hearty group gathered for clean-up day on Saturday. 

6. Meeting Care Coordinator Report: 

Report is attached. The Meeting Care Coordinator received an inquiry about participating in the Gay Pride celebration on June 14th and asked whether or not to join with the Interfaith Council of churches. This seemed like a good idea given that the date is also the date for “No Kings” protests across the country, which might draw people in other directions.

6.  Seasoned Item: Vestry/Fellowship Room — Sarah Sprogell

Ad Hoc work group to be formed to continue thinking about and working on the Vestry. Tess Hartford and Ellen Bennett volunteered. Renee Cote also offered to help with the doing. 

Remember that October 5 is Meeting-wide birthday celebration, so it’s important to leave calendar space on either side to prepare for that event. 

7. Report from Falmouth Quarter Called Meeting — Sarah Sprogell

Please see the minutes from the Called Meeting. 

The subject of the Called Meeting was to consider the purpose, format and length of Annual Sessions in future years, and to discuss concerns that have arisen around Yearly Meeting sessions being held this summer on the campus of UMass, Amherst. Rich discussion ensued about many things, e.g., protests on college campuses, needs on the part of Yearly Meeting in scheduling and building sessions, and what witness on the campus of UMass might look like. 

Letters from Yearly Meeting Clerk and rising Clerk addressing this will be included on the Durham Friends website, alongside material included for the Falmouth Quarter Called Meeting. Please look for all of the documentation related to this issue on the website.

NEYM is facing financial strain, with Yearly Meeting sessions taking up a large part of their operational funds. Meeting is asked to consider how we might be led as a Meeting as we approach the work of the Yearly Meeting, and our role in it.

8. Request from Brunswick Meeting — Sarah Sprogrell

Brunswick Meeting is no longer able to meet at Curtis Library this summer, and perhaps beyond. They are looking for a space, and they asked if they might share our Meetinghouse. 

The sense of the Meeting was that we would be delighted to share our space. Observations and suggestions were shared. No decision needs to be made at this time; discussions are ongoing, and we are one of the options Brunswick Meeting is considering.

9. Margaret De Rivera Transfer Request — Sarah Sprogell

Margaret De Rivera is contacting Narramissic Valley Monthly Meeting to request a transfer of her membership to Durham Friends Meeting. The request will go through Ministry and Counsel and an ensuing welcoming committee will be formed. 

10. Newton, NJ Meeting correspondence — Doug Bennett

Correspondence received from Newton Friends Meeting, which is located in the middle of Camden, NJ. They currently use a school building as their meeting space, and have a meetinghouse that was built in 182? They are seeking funds to save and restore the Meetinghouse for continuing use as a community center. It was proposed that we send $100 to honor both our birthday as well as their history and good efforts. A second proposal was that we send $250, one dollar for every year of our Meeting, which was heartily endorsed. This request will be seasoned and will return at next month’s Meeting for Business.

11. Other business

Still looking for people to fill out standing committees including M&C, Library, and Finance. Joyce Gibson agreed to rejoin M&C. We heartily approve!

Linden Jenkins is speaking tonight on her time is Israel and Palestine, on Zoom, and you have to register at NEYM.org events. 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. 

12. Closing

Clerk asked Meeting attenders to resettle and appreciate the work of this gathered group. 

Respectfully submitted, Ellen Bennett, Recording Clerk

Attachments

DRAFT

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends Minutes, April 27, 2025

Nancy Marstaller — Recording Clerk pro tem

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, April 27, 2025, with six people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and two by Zoom.

1.     Meeting Opening:

              Clerk Sarah Sprogell opened the meeting with a reading from A Mystic Garden by Gunilla Norris:

Soil

                             Sphagnum moss, compost, sand, ordinary garden soil, a little lime, perhaps, or maybe nothing- all of it needs to be turned with a fork. I turn, lift, lighten, dig, and mix.

                             I want the bed to be rich and mounded. I want the soil to fill the box to the brim, to bursting. We want so much all the time while our inner ground lies inert and helpless. Being so busy, busy, busy, we are completely taken up with our urgent wants. No fork can turn the inner soil.

                             Deep within it is dark. As I work in this lettuce box I feel an ache, a longing to be turned, to be set right. Oh, that the work of our hands and the meditations of our hearts could always be one!

What you gaze on, gazes back.

What you contemplate in faithfulness, changes you into itself.

Turning and turning you’ll come around to being

open like earth in which much can grow.

2.     Meeting approved Nancy Marstaller as recording clerk for this meeting.

3.     Approval of Minutes of March 2025

        Meeting approved the March minutes.

4.     Ministry and Counsel — Renee Cote

     Renee shared their report (attached). A request for greeters has been made, as we have more visitors lately, though some worry if enough people would be willing to do this. Ingrid Chalufour volunteered to make a sign-up sheet for greeters. Also, the half-page informational sheet available in the entryway needs updating; Sarah volunteered to update that page and send it to Ministry and Counsel for review.

5. Peace and Social Concerns — Ingrid Chalufour

Ingrid shared her report (attached).

6.     A proposal has been made to review the set-up of our vestry/fellowship room.

      The Wabanaki posters have not been hung on the walls in deference to a request to review the set-up in the vestry. Comments from people attending the Makers Cafes have been that our space is welcoming and the library area inviting.

      What is important for us to have in this space? What changes to that space would say more about who we are and what we believe? What do we want to have on those walls? How could we make the space more welcoming to new people? Can we make it easier to use our bulletin boards? We ask people to think about this and will discuss it more at our next monthly meeting.

7.     Trustees — Sarah Sprogell

        Sarah shared her report (attached). Trustees are aware that our large sign by the road needs replacement and will be looking to get this done. They appreciate any recommendations.

8.     Travel Letter for Martha Sheldon —

        Martha will be traveling to Ramallah in July with Jane and Max Carter and others, and she requests a travel letter from the Meeting. Martha taught at the Ramallah Friends School in the 1980s. Their group plans to be a presence of support and observation, doing labor in surrounding olive groves and visiting the school and Friends in the area. Sarah will write the letter and get it to Martha.

9.     Leslie Manning’s Meeting Care Coordinator report is available on the website.

Leslie noted she is now scheduling message bringers for June and July and asks that anyone who has a message rising please contact her.

9.     Closing

Sarah closed the Meeting with another reading from A Mystic Garden by Gunilla Norris:

Breathed by God clay begins to live.

See how there is no part of creation that is found unworthy of being.

Respectfully submitted, Nancy Marstaller, Recording Clerk pro tem

Attachments:

Ministry and Counsel report

Peace and Social Concerns report

Trustees report

Meeting Care Coordinator report

The Reports and Other Materials for the April 27, 2025 DFM Business Meeting are HERE.

AGENDA

Monthly Meeting for Business, April 27, 2025\

Opening

Approving Recording Clerk Pro Tem

Approval of March Minutes

M&C Report – Renee

P&SC Update – Ingrid

Request to Update aspects of the Vestry/Fellowship Room – Ingrid

Trustees Update – Sarah

Travel Letter for Martha Hinshaw Sheldon – Sarah

All Maine Gathering, May 3, at South China Community Church

Falmouth Quarterly Meeting today at 1pm at Portland Meeting and on Zoom

Close

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends DRAFT Minutes, March 16, 2025

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, March 16, 2025, with 14 people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and three people by Zoom.

1.     Meeting Opening

Clerk opened the Meeting with a traditional Irish blessing from the book Earth Prayers From Around the World.

         “May the blessing of light be on you, light without and light within. May the blessed sunshine shine on you and warm your heart till it glows like a great peat fire, so that the stranger may come and warm himself at it, and also a friend.

         “And may the light shine out of the two eyes of you, like a candle set in the two windows of a house, bidding the wanderer come in out of the storm; and may the blessings of the rain be on you — the soft, sweet rain. May it fall upon your spirit so that all the little flowers may spring up and shed their sweetness on the air. And may the blessings of the Great Rains be on you, may they beat upon your spirit and wash it fair and clean, and leave there many a shining pool where the blue of heaven shines, and sometimes a star.

         “And may the blessing of the Earth be on you — the great round earth; may you ever have a kindly greeting for those you pass as you’re along the roads. may the earth be soft under you when you rest upon it, tired at the end of a day, and may it rest easy over you when at the last, you lay out under it; may it rest so lightly over you that your soul may be off from under it quickly and up and off, and on its way to God. And now may the Lord bless you all and bless you kindly.”

2.     Approval of Minutes of February 16, 2024 — Ellen Bennett

               Meeting approved the February minutes.

3.     Ministry and Counsel — Tess Hartford, Renee Cote

The State of Society Report was read aloud. The report that was read differed from the report that was distributed in advance of the meeting; it included modification of the last paragraph.

Suggestions were made to spell out acronyms, e.g., LACO. as well as a few others. All changes to the Report are included in the attachment.

         Meeting approved the report, with gratitude.

4.     Statistical Report— Sarah Sprogell

The Statistical Report was reviewed (see attachment). A question was asked about financial contributions to New England Yearly Meeting and the connection to the number of members. There is no longer a per head requirement for the Meeting contribution to NEYM.

Looking at Yearly Meeting records for trends, the YM is losing about 1.5% of its membership every year, and at Durham Friends Meeting, we are on that trend line. This is true of most YMs in the US. We review our annual budget and consider our YM contribution every year.

          Meeting accepted the report, with gratitude.

5.     Trustees Report —Sarah Sprogell

The Gathering Room and kitchen need new light fixtures. A very reasonable quote was offered, slightly more than $2,000, for replacing all the lights, including the lights for the Exit signs. Bulbs will be replaced with LEDs.

          Meeting approved this expenditure, coming from the capital fund.

6.     On the use of Rachel Carey-Harper’s Donation — Linda Muller

After conducting some research, Linda Muller and Sarah Sprogell recommend the Meeting donate the remaining $1,000 (out of the original $2,000 gift) to Safe Voices, a domestic violence, direct service organization working in Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin Counties. This is a geographic area of greater risk, many towns without standing police departments. Over 2,700 women were served last year.

          Meeting heartily approved this contribution.

Rachel has asked us to view a website called Healing Voices, which she is involved in creating. Information will be included in the April newsletter.

7.     250th Anniversary Celebration —Ellen Bennett

A proposal was made to spend, from communications line in the budget, up to $250 for a banner for the horse shed. Communications committee will research this and get back to the Meeting.

Possible event dates to celebrate our 250th are an event in July, one in October, and a lecture to be given in concert with the Durham Historical Society.

8.     Peace and Social Concerns — Ingrid Chalufour

No report.

Donations will be gratefully accepted to help defray the cost of framing the Wabanaki posters that will hang in the Vestry/Gathering room. In addtion, the request was made to check out the website to read about LD 958 that concerns eminent domain and Wabanaki lands.

9.     Library — Dorothy Hinshaw

The request was made to increase this year’s budgeted amount to $300, in part to renew the Meeting’s Pendle Hill pamphlet subscription and to purchase pamphlets not currently in our library. It was suggested that the library budget line be charged, and if we go over budget for this year, it tells us something — overages can provide important information — as we prepare future budgets.

          Meeting accepted this approach.

10.   Makers Cafe Update — Outreach Committee members

As a Maker Cafe group, we would like to continue to host these events, beyond the initial three as a trial run, and ask for approval to continue.

          Meeting approved continuing the Maker Cafés.

11.   Other Business

The request was made to honor Gabriel’s first birthday this month, with a cake and singing. Someone will check with Laura and Ezra for the best Sunday to do this.

12.   Closing Worship

        Clerk closed with a blessing by Diane Neu, from Earth Prayers from Around the World.

Blessed be the works of your hands, O Holy One.
Blessed be these hands that have touched life.
Blessed be these hands that have nurtured creativity.
Blessed be these hands that have held pain.
Blessed be these hands that have embraced with passion.
Blessed be these hands that have ended gardens.
Blessed be these hands that have closed in anger.
Blessed be these hands that have planted new seeds.
Blessed be these hands that have harvested ripe fields.
Blessed be these hands that have cleaned, washed, mopped, scrubbed.
Blessed be these hands that have become knotty with age.
Blessed be these hands that are wrinkled and scarred from doing justice.
Blessed be these hands that have reached out and been received.
Blessed be these hands that hold the promise of the future.
Blessed be the works of your hands, O Holy One.

Respectfully submitted, Ellen Bennett, Recording Clerk

Attachments

2024 State of Society Report

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, February 16, 2025, with 15 people in attendance by Zoom.

1.     Meeting Opening:

              Clerk opened the meeting with a prayer by Howard Thurman.

Open unto me — light for my darkness

Open unto me — courage for my fear.

Open unto me — hope for my despair.

Open unto me — joy for my sorrow.

Open unto me — strength for my weakness.

Open unto me — wisdom for my confusion.

Open unto me — forgiveness for my sins.

Open unto me — tenderness for my toughness.

Open unto me — love for my hates.

Open unto me — Thy Self for my self.

Lord, Lord, open unto me! Amen.

2.     Approval of Minutes of January 2025  – Ellen Bennett

                        Meeting approved the January minutes.

3.     Ministry and Counsel — Renee Cote

After positive responses to retreat, the M&C proposes holding another retreat in September. This will be discussed again at a future meeting.

Brown Lethem is asking to transfer his Meeting membership to Claremont.

It was proposed that April’s monthly meeting for business be moved from the 20th, which is Easter, to the 27th.

                        Meeting approved moving the date of meeting for business.

4.     $2000 Gift allocation — Nancy Marstaller

The Meeting received a $2,000 gift from Rachel Kerry.  She expressed a desire that the money support people who are affected by the ways in which our government is no longer funding organizations, e.g., immigrants and refugees, LGBTQ+, Women’s shelters, etc. The money may be given to more than one organization.The suggestion was made that a portion of the funds go to domestic violence survivors. Several people spoke in support of giving to MEIRS today, the need being immediate. Clerk proposed giving $1,000 to MEIRS today, and return next month to discuss allocation of the remainder.

                Meeting approved this proposal.

5.     Trustees Report — Sarah Sprogell

Please see attached report. Gratitude was expressed for the ongoing work of Trustees.

6.     Peace and Social Concerns — Ingrid Chalufour

      Please see attached report. Note that while the mission of the committee is unchanged, the focus of the committee has shifted some of its attention to participating in the Portage Mapping Project in Brunswick.

      The fourth Sunday book group that started last month is continuing and is a benefit to the meeting. Please notes that this is an activity that could be overseen by any group or committee.

The Social Justice Book project may be affected by the decrease in funding from the US Department of Education.

7.     Finance Annual Report — Doug Bennett

Please see attached report. There are four points to keep in mind regarding Meeting finances:

1. We are very good at budgeting. We spend what we say we’re going to.
2. We make other expenditures, as well as receive income that are “off budget” e.g., spend money from the capital account, charity account, from the Sister City account, etc. We should try to come up with a framework for these expenses.
3. Weekly contributions counted towards our operating revenue are down significantly. 73% of income came from weekly contributions and automatic deposits in 2018. That is down to 48% this year, a decline of 26%. Making up for this, not quite half of our income is coming from our investments.
4. The total financial value of our Meeting is about $950,000. 
5. Cemeteries, which are budgeted and managed separately, are also in good financial shape.

Suggestion was made that the Meeting articulate to all the importance of weekly contributions. Start passing the plate again!

8.     Makers Cafe update — Ellen Bennett. Craig Freshley

Good session last month with Nancy Marstaller, and excited about this upcoming session with Emily Bell-Hoerth.  We welcome ideas!  It’s all about building community. And we are all grateful.

9.     Other business

An observation: Recently we’ve had visitors to the Meeting who are interested in finding out more about Durham Friends. Things are “bubbling” around us.

For discussion at the next meeting for business, Meeting member Joyce Gibson offered the following:

1. She now has time to be more engaged in the meeting, 2. is missing adult Christian education, 3.  and is interested in documenting who we are as a Meeting and our Quaker history. She is asking M&C to think about how we might approach furthering our education about who we are as Quakers and would like others to work with.

Clerk ask that we close with prayers of gratitude and hope, and reread the Howard Thurman prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Ellen Bennett, Recording Clerk

Reports and Other Materials

The Agenda and materials for the February 16, 2025 Durham Friends business meeting are HERE.

Agenda for February 16, 2025 Durham Friends Monthly Meeting

1. Decide if we want to continue to meet today or postpone until next week (considering if people have power and any are able to join by zoom) – Clerk, Nancy Marstaller

2. Approve January 19, 2025 business meeting minutes

3. Ministry & Counsel report- Tess Hartford or Renee Cote: action item, move monthly meeting in April to the 27^th, as the 20^th is Easter

4. Nancy Marstaller- $2000 has been gifted to the Meeting specifically to use for people in this area who are struggling or may struggle due to our government’s policy changes, especially for work with immigrants and refugees, LGBTQ people, or those who’ve suffered domestic and/or sexual abuse. Several people have suggested the Maine Immigrant & Refugee Services, as they have lost federal funding. We do not have to give all to one group. Looking for suggestions and possible action.

5. Trustees Annual report- Sarah Sprogell, no action item

6. Peace & Social Concerns annual report- Ingrid Chalufour, no action item

7. Finance Annual report- Doug Bennett, no action item

8. Makers Café update- Ellen Bennett

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, January 19, 2025, with  eleven  people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and three by Zoom.

1.     Meeting Opening:

Clerk Nancy Marstaller opened the meeting with a reading by Thomas Kelly.
And the third step in holy obedience, or cousel, is this: If you slip and stumble
and forget God for an hour, and assert your old proud self, and rely upon your own
clever wisdom, don’t spend too much time in anguised regrets and self-accusations,
but begin again, just where you are.
Yet a fourth consideration in holy obedience is this: Don’t grit your teeth
and clench your fists and say, “I will! I will!” Relax. Take hands off. Submit
yourself to God. Learn to live in the passive voice — a hard saying for modern
man — and let life be willed through you. For “I will” spells not obedience.

2.     Approval of Minutes of December 2024  – Ellen Bennett

                        Meeting approved the December minutes.

3.     Rotation of Clerks

        Clerk reviewed the rotation of Clerks through 2025.

              Nancy Marstaller: January, February, March                                                                 

              Sarah Sprogell: April, May, June

              Tess Hartford/Renee Cote: July, August, September

              Ingrid Chalufour: October, November, December

4.     Nominating Report — Wendy Schlotterbeck

Regarding term limits, for this year, people will be asked if they would like to continue their committee work through 2025. Going forward, three-year terms will resume with people being asked at the end of each term if they would be willing to continue. This is an issue that will be  talked about at the retreat to be held February 8th.

Additional retreat topics will include the number of standing committees, Meeting priorities, and how we can best continue our work and meet our needs without overtaxing people.

The full list of position and committee responsibilities within the Meeting was read. Please see attached.

      Meeting approved the list of Meeting members, committee assignments, and responsibilities for 2025.

      Meeting approved the addition of Martha Hinshaw-Sheldon as member of the nominating committee.

Note: If anyone has suggestions about the upcoming retreat, please contact Renee, Tess or Leslie. Further information about the retreat will be added to the Meeting website.

5.     Clerks Group Meeting Care Coordinator Recommendation.

As approved at the December Meeting for Business, the clerks’ group met and agreed to bring forward the recommendation that the position of Meeting Care Coordinator continue through 2025.

             Meeting approved the clerks recommendation, with gratitude.

6.     Ministry and Counsel — Tess Hartford

      The position of Meeting Care Coordinator (MCC) was reviewed.

      The MCC Oversight Committee consists of representatives from M&C, the Communication Committee, and Peace and Social Concerns: Renee Cote, Doug Bennett, and Ingrid Chalufour.

      The MCC Care and Accountability Committee consists of Linda Muller, Martha Hinshaw Sheldon, and Joyce Gibson.

      Meeting approved a process reviewing and approving the MCC position at the December meeting — first to have M&C review and recommend the continuation of the position itself, and second to have the Oversight Committee recommend an individual to take on the MCC responsibilities.

          Meeting approved the proposal for M&C make its recommendation no later than November.

          Meeting approved the proposal for the Oversight Committee to make its recommendation no later than November.

Meeting approved Leslie Manning continue as MCC for 2025

The ability of Meeting attendees to hear what is being said was discussed. The recommendation was made to start with a podium microphone to see if it is adequate to address the issue of being heard, both in the meeting-room as well as on Zoom. It was also noted that speakers need to be reminded to speak within the circle outlined on the floor, not down or into a book, and to project. It was agreed to test a podium mike at the 1/27 meeting, which while unprogrammed, may give us a sense of the usefulness of a microphone.

7.     Makers Group Report — Doug Bennett

Mission of Makers Group was discussed, reinforcing its goal of outreach to the wider community, providing a screen-free place to interact and enjoy broadening our community of friends.

8.     Peace and Social Concerns — Ingrid Chalufour

Ingrid read the report.Please see report.

9.     Trustees — Sarah Sprogell

Please see report. Clerks recommended giving prior approval to Trustees to give the piano to another person if so asked.

                Meeting approved this recommendation

        Sarah Sprogell remains the contact for cemetery issues.

10.   Finance Committee — Nancy Marstaller

There was no monthly report. The annual report for 2024 will be brought to the February Meeting.

Respectfully submitted, Ellen Bennett, Recording Clerk

Attachments HERE

The agenda and materials for the January 19, 2025 Durham Friends Business Meeting are HERE.

Jan. 19, 2025 MM Agenda     

Approve last month’s minutes (December 15, 2024)

Approve rotation of clerks

Nominating report

Retreat update

Clerks group recommendation re continuing MCC position this year

Ministry and Counsel

Makers Café group report

Peace and social concerns

Trustees

Finance

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, December 15, 2024, with twelve people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and four by Zoom.

1.   Meeting Opening:

        Ingrid Chalufouropened the meeting with a moment of silence, followed by the introduction of guest Shirley Hager. Shirley joined the meeting to answer questions about a proposed Wabanaki Elder in Residence Program. There was a question about role of the University of Maine, as an institution, in support of the program. The response was that everyone has been verbally very supportive. Moreover, the institution will take no money for overhead costs. There is a Wabanaki Center on the U. Maine campus that would be the location of the Elder program. Will funding to support this come from the world beyond Quakerism? The plan is to start with Quaker Meeting support, and then expand outward. There has already been funding success from individuals outside the world of Quakers..

Discussion was followed by a reading from Active Hope: What. is Active Hope?

“The word hope has. two different meanings. The first involves hopefulness, where our preferred outcomes seem reasonably likely to happen. If we require this kind of hope before we commit ourselves to an action, our response gets blocked in areas where we don’t rate our chances high…. 

“The second meaning is about desire…. It is this kind of hope that starts our journey – knowing what we hope for and what we’d like, or love, to take place. It is what we do with this hope that really makes the difference. Passive hope is about waiting for external agencies to bring about what we desire. Active Hope is about becoming active participants in bringing about what we hope for.

“Active Hope is a practice. Like tai chi or gardening, it is something we do rather than have. It is a process we can apply to any situation….”

from Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone

2.     Approval of Minutes of November 2024  – Ellen Bennett

                        Meeting approved the November minutes.

3.     Finance Committee — Nancy Marstaller

Last month’s proposal to move $3,600 from checking to the Sister Meeting Fund to help pay for our travelers to go to Cuba, and carry the maximum donation allowable, was reviewed.

                Meeting approved the transfer of funds.

The proposed 2025 budget was reviewed, noting changes from last month that included: putting $3,600 in Sister Meeting fund, correcting facility insurance and Quickbooks on line amounts, and removing the cost of binding meeting minutes that will most likely happen in 2027.

                Meeting approved the budget

4.     Woman’s Society —Dorothy Curtis

Two months ago, a request was brought forward to spend $500 to support the girls’ education fund in Kenya. The request was brought forward again.

                 Meeting approved the request.

        The Memorial Minute for Kitsie Hildebrand was read.

                        Meeting approved the minute, with gratitude.

5.     Trustees Report — Sarah Sprogell

First item brought forward concerns the piano in the Gathering/Community Room. There has been some interest shown in moving the piano to a local classroom. Discussion followed, sharing ideas about the history and potential use of the piano.

The recommendation was made to let this issue season and review it again in January.

                Meeting approved this recommendation.

Update on disbursement of Eileen Babcock bequest. The Meeting will now need an attorney familiar with probate court to work on this matter. Please see report.

6.     Ad Hoc Outreach Group Report – Doug Bennett

A summary of the first Makers event was shared. Twenty people enjoyed wreath-making and one-another’s company. There are plans for Maker Sessions in Jan., Feb., and Mar.  The group debriefed and will meet again before the January event. The next Maker’s Cafe will take place January 23rd.

7.     Peace and Social Concerns — Ingrid Chalufour

Please refer to the report. Clerk of the committee lifted up the overwhelming support from the Brunswick Schools’ Chief Academic Officer and Principal for bringing Wabanaki Studies to all 37 classrooms at the Kate Furbish School. This is the early childhood version of the “Peace Curriculum” described by Colman McCarthy:

“Give peace a chance, yes, but why not get serious and give it a place in the curriculum: peace courses in every school, every grade, every nation. Unless we teach our children peace, someone else will teach them violence.”

8.     Bob Eaton and Wendy Batson’s transfer request

                          Meeting accepted, with regret, the transfer to Brunswick Friends Meeting

9.     Extending Leslie Manning’s Meeting Care Coordinator work

Clerks recommend extending Leslie’s work as MCC through 2025. Two questions are important to drive this process: Do we want to continue the position of MCC? And if so, who should fill that role? It was proposed that Clerks bring the recommendation this year, to continue the position, and that the MCC oversight committee bring a recommendation to have Leslie continue in this role in 2025.

                The Meeting approved this process for this year.

Regarding process, there is nothing in the job description, currently, that indicates the position would be reviewed each year. M&C is asked to consider amending the job description to include regular review and bring it back to Meeting for approval.

10.   Other Business/ Clerk Schedule for 2025

Linda  Muller is stepping out as Clerk of the Nominating Committee. Best practice is to have at least three members make up the Nominating Committee. Members of this committee are proposed and approved by Monthly Meeting. 

M&C has continued discussion about setting aside a day for a spiritual retreat. Current proposed dates are Feb. 8/9. They will be continuing this conversation.

Note that Brown Lethem will ask to transfer his membership to Claremont Meeting.

There was a recent request from a member to share their individual joy/concern to the person next to them, rather than to entire Meeting. Another suggestion is to establish prayer partnerships and re-establishing a prayer box. M&C will consider these requests and bring recommendations.

In lieu of filling the role of Meeting Clerk for 2025, the Clerks’ group propose continuing rotating clerks every three months.

                Meeting approved this schedule. 

Respectfully submitted, Ellen Bennett, Recording Clerk

Attachments

The agenda and materials for the December 15, 2024 Durham Friends Business Meeting can be found HERE.

Agenda – December 15, 2024, Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends

1. Opportunity to ask Shirley Hager questions about the Wabanaki Elder in Residence Program

2. Approval of November Minutes

3. Finance Committee Report

4. Woman’s Society: Kitsie’s Memorial Minute and request for $500 for the Kenyan woman’s education program

5. Trustee’s report

6. Ad Hoc Outreach Group report

7. Peace & Social Concerns report

8. Bob and Wendy Eaton’s transfer request

9. Extending Leslie Manning’s work as Meeting Care Coordinator

Clerking for the next year and a suggested schedule

• Nancy – January through March

• Sarah – April through June

• Tess or Renee – July and September

• Ingrid – October through December

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends DRAFT Minutes, November 17, 2024, Ellen Bennett — Recording Clerk

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, November 17, 2024, with 15 people in attendance at the Meetinghouse.

1.     Meeting Opening

        To open the meeting, Ingrid Chalufour, Clerk, read the following:

                                                                            because in truth it is sustained by others.

This is grace.

Today, as we take risks                                       If we practice drawing on the wisdom

for the sake of something greater                        and beauty

than our separate, individual lives,                     and strengths

we are feeling graced                                          of our fellow human beings

by other beings and the Earth itself.                   and our fellow species

                                                                            we can go into any situation

Those with whom and on whose behalf we act  and trust

give us strength                                                   that the courage and intelligence required

and eloquence                                                     will be supplied.

and staying power

we didn’t know we had.                                 Joanna Macy, “Grace and the Great Turning,”

2.     Approval of Minutes of October 2024 — Sarah Sprogell* (October recording clerk pro tem)

               Meeting approved the October minutes.

3.     Finance Committee — Nancy Marstaller

1. Third quarter Budget Report: 
   • Income: Note that contributions have improved since last quarter, leading to optimism we’ll meet our budget. In addition, pooled funds have generated more interest.
   • Looking at line items outside of our operating budget, note that Portland Friends meeting has contributed significantly to the Sisters Meeting Account.
   • Charity Account monies have been used to help support a member in need over the winter. Requests for support of this nature will come through Meeting clerks.

b. Proposed 2025 Budget: Think about funding for travelers to Cuba and material supplies that may go, e.g., medical supplies and tech. Right now, there is enough money in the account to pay for the three travelers’ basic expenses, and almost enough to cover $3600 donation for each traveler to carry. In the future, would like to have money remaining in the account to build for the upcoming February trip.

c. Suggestion for an approach to budgeting for funding items outside of the operating budget (Please see report).  Specifically consider approaches for annual capital and charity expenses. It was suggested that we think not of limits for charity and capital accounts, but thresholds, not a ceiling but a floor.

Finance committee proposes adding more money to the Sister Meeting account this year. Also, increasing the amount budgeted in 2025. Idea: Separate travel money from donation money, and fund to ensure that travelers can take the total of $3,600 each for donations for future trips.

The proposal was made to put $3,600 in Sister Meeting Account both for this year and for next year.  Meeting will sit with these proposals to be discussed again in December.

4.     Makers Ad Hoc Committee — Craig Freshley

The proposal to support the Makers activities was made at an earlier meeting: both the use of the Meetinghouse space and $1,000 for an 18-month trial period, plus $200 for signage. Finance suggested the $1000 come from the charity account and for the sign from our maintenance and supplies budget. The charity account has also been used to support leadings for ministry and outreach, and this fits that category well.

Meeting approved use of $1,000 from the Charity Account and $200 for the sign from our maintenance and supplies budget.

5.     Ministry and Counsel — Renee Cote (co-Clerk)

No action items. Renee referenced the Winthrop Friends Guidelines about Winthrop’s new worship practice since they no longer have a pastor that was brought to our attention by Sarah Sprogell. We are reviewing the guidelines (and the brochure). Martha Sheldon has made suggestions for updating our brochure, as well. Will send current information around for people to see.

6.     Trustees Report — Sarah Sprogell

No action items. Please see report.

7.     Nominating Committee — Wendy Schlotterbeck

Please see report. Note particularly the idea of convening a day-long retreat to do some celebration and some visioning moving forward.

8.     Peace and Social Concerns — Ingrid Chalufour

Please see report for description of full array of activities undertaken by this committee. Request that the meeting provide a letter of support to apply for funding from Obadiah Brown foundation. M&C Clerk, Renee Cote, agreed to write the letter.

9.     Items of Interest

• LACO Christmas Fair is 12/7 and starts at 9 a.m. at the Lisbon Falls Baptist Church.
• UU Church sponsoring a vigil on 12/14 in memory of the shooting in Lewiston, and in memory of all those taken from us due to gun violence; 2-4 pm.
• Please look for a sign-up sheet in the Gathering Room to attend and/or assist with the first Makers event, wreath-making, on December 5th.
• Thanks to Jo-an Jacobus, there will be a Christmas Eve service at Durham Friends at 7 pm.

10.   Closing Worship

Respectfully submitted, Ellen Bennett, Recording Clerk

Attachments

The Agenda and Materials for the November 17, 2024 Business Meeting for Durham Friends can be found HERE.

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends
Agenda – November 17, 2024

Ingrid Chalufour, Clerk

1. Approval of October Minutes
2. Finance Committee Report
   • 3d Quarter Budget Report
   • Proposed 2025 Budget
   • Budgeting for Things that are Off-Budget
3. Makers Ad Hoc Committee – Item brought forward from October meeting
4. Ministry and Council Report
5. Trustees Report
6. Nominating Committee Report
7. Peace & Social Concerns Report

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

Agenda for Durham Friends Monthly Meeting for Business, October 20, 2024

                                              Acting Clerk, Tess Hartford

1. Opening Worship

2. Approval of September minutes with any changes, corrections or additions: Minutes, September 15, 2024

3. Committee Reports

 a) Ministry and Council- co-clerk Renee Cote

 b) Trustees – Sarah Sprogell

 c) Peace and Social Concerns –   Ingrid Chalifour – no formal report, but many things in progress

d) Finance- no formal report, but a few action items

 e) Request for support for the ad hoc committee created for Outreach Activities

4. Other business
5. Closing Worship

DRAFT, September 15, 2024

Ellen Bennett — Recording Clerk

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, September 15, 2024,

with 6 people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and 2 via Zoom.

1.     Meeting Opening

Tess Hartford, serving as Clerk of the meeting, opened the meeting with thanks for another beautiful day for gathering followed by a moment of silence.Followed by a reading:

Quoted from the “Wisdom of Yogananda, volume 7”

     Give to God not only the good that you do, but also the bad. I do not mean that you should deliberately do things that are wrong. But when you cannot help yourself because of too-strong habits, feel that God is acting through you. Make HIM responsible. He likes that!

     It is He after all, who has dreamed your existence. You have merely hypnotized yourself with the thought of your weaknesses. If you make the Lord responsible for your weaknesses, it will help you break the false hold they have on your imagination. You’ll find it easier, then, to recognize in yourself the perfect image of God.

     As long as you are making the effort, God will never let you down!

2.      Approval of Minutes of July 2024 — Ellen Bennett

               Meeting approved the minutes.

3.     Ministry and Counsel — Tess Hartford and Renee Cote

Meeting Care Coordinator Support Committee will discuss publishing an MCC report for a wider audience, quarterly, via the newsletter

A Meeting representative to LACO was discussed, stepping in for the current representative who will be stepping off after the October meeting. Kim Bolshaw requested information so that she might attend the October meeting. 

A listening session is scheduled for September 22nd, at the rise of meeting, pertaining to technology during meeting for worship.

4      Peace and Social Concerns — Ingrid Chalufour

The committee report was read aloud. In addition, the committee hopes to get social justice book/Wabanaki reading materials into every classroom at the Kate Furbish Elementary School in Brunswick.

Connecting with the Durham elementary school was discussed. A meeting member has contacts at the Durham elementary school and offered to facilitate a connection. It was noted that it is important to strengthen our ties to Durham and Lisbon. The Meeting’s 250th anniversary celebration is one avenue to do this, and representatives from the town of Durham have been receptive to initial inquiries about collaboration around this milestone. It was noted that many students from Durham go on to Freeport HS.

The question arose as how DFM came to occupy/own the land the Meetinghouse sits on. Historical deeds for the meetinghouse property are available that may provide some answers to this question. It is a something to highlight for the anniversary celebration

5.     Finance Committee — Nancy Marstaller

Looking at the financial report, the largest concern is that weekly contributions are down significantly. The question was raised: Is second quarter income from these contributions typically low? It was suggested that the newsletter include a note to encourage continued weekly giving. The mentions should also highlight the fact that automatic monthly donation are an easy way to support the Meeting, and forms to initiate this are available via Sarah. It was suggested that a “one click” option, via technology, be explored.

There is $7,000+ in charity account. The Meeting agreed to propose ongoing support through Friends United Meeting for the Turkana and Samburu Friends Missions in the amount of $100/month for one year, for a total of $1200. This proposal will be be revisited for approval at the October meeting for business.

The Meeting expressed its deep appreciation to Nancy Marstaller for overseeing the work on the budget. Finding a Treasurer that has the financial background and skill set to pick up this work is important.

6      Trustees Report — Kim Bolshaw

Report was read aloud.

Doug Bennett gave an update on the settlement of the Eileen Babcock estate. The financing for a lawyer, should it be needed, has been approved.

7.    Other Business

Announcement: MCC stipend is being used to support Friends’ initiatives. Some funding is going to support Anna Fritz, accomplished musician from Multnomah Meeting.Anna is on tour to provide performances for prison inmates. Anna will be in Maine in October, performing a contemporary version of the Iliad. Two community performances will be held in the area, one at the Friends School of Portland and the other at the UU Church in Rockland.

8.     Closing Worship

Clerk expressed gratitude to those in attendance for service to the Meeting, followed by closing silent worship.

Respectfully submitted, Ellen Bennett, Recording Clerk

Attachments: https://www.durhamfriendsmeeting.org/?p=7184

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

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 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:

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 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