THE ALL MAINE GATHERING WILL BE HELD ON MAY 6TH.
The All Maine Gathering (our first since the pandemic) will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 9-4 at the South China Community Church (formerly the South China Meetinghouse, home meeting of Rufus Jones). Our presenter will be Quaker activist and teacher, George Lakey, whose most recent book is Dancing With History.
Our theme is “Our Quaker Stories”.
All ages are welcome, but we ask that those under 16 pre-register by contacting durham@neym.org.
The church is located at 246 Village St., South China (parallel to Route 202) about an hour and a half from Portland.
Since we in Falmouth Quarter are hosting this event, we ask that you bring something to contribute to our pot luck lunch. For more information, you can contact us at the same durahm@nedym.org with questions.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Further information:
Falmouth Quarter hosts All Maine Gathering
Friday -Saturday, May 5 – 6, 2023 in person.
South China Community Church
246 Village St
South China, ME 04358
The theme is “Our Quaker Stories, past present and future.”
The All-Maine gathering is an opportunity to celebrate our communities as Quakers in Maine, to build relationships and to share and support our ministries. There are some very exciting possibilities. We will have a rich and wonderful time together. We welcome all ages, Quakers and Quaker-curious! Pre-register or just show up! We especially encourage those under 16 to pre-register so we can plan engaging activities for all by contacting durham@neym.org.
Our presenter will be Quaker activist and teacher, George Lakey, whose most recent book is “Dancing with History: A Life for Peace and Justice,” It is a memoir of a Quaker activist and master storyteller on his involvement in struggles for peace, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, labor justice, and the environment. His life will be the subject of a new documentary film.
The schedule for Saturday is:
- 9:00 Arrival
- Visiting – welcoming, coffee/tea and snacks will be available
- Singing in the meeting room
- 10:00 worship
- 10:30 Morning Program – including George Lakey facilitating a whole community conversation, small group focused conversation with themes of Standing on the threshold: finding clarity to say yes or no, and what sustains and nourishes our continuing faithfulness.
- 11:30 Break and lunch prep
- 11:45 lunch and visiting
- 1:00 Afternoon program An open invitation to share stories of witness, of discernment, of joy and of struggle. Friends Committee on Maine Public Policy will bring a concern and we expect to hear of Maine Quakers engagement with climate, racial justice and asylum seekers.
- 3:00 break
- 3:20 – 4:00 closing worship
! Friday Evening: !
On Friday some Friends will gather at the Belfast Coop parking lot at 123 High St. Belfast at 5:00 PM and share a picnic dinner and will then join the Belfast First Friday Community Dance and Contra Dance.
Here are the details about contra dancing Friday eve:
Belfast Flying Shoes presents the First Friday Community Dance and Contra Dance Series. The evening kicks off at 6:00 with a warm-up session for the All Comers Band, led by Willy Clemetson & Benjamin Foss and open to all musicians, instruments, and skill levels. Tune list available on the website. At 6:30, Chrissy Fowler & Lisa Newcomb call a community dance featuring music by the All Comers Band. The contra dance featuring a guest caller & musicians starts at 8:00 pm. Shoes will fly in the Fellowship Hall of the First Church in Belfast, UCC, 8 Court St, Belfast ME. Community Dance admission is $1 kids & $2 adults; Contra Dance admission is $15 suggested. Masks available for those who wish to wear them. For the BFS community care policy, First Friday FAQ, and more info:www.belfastflyingshoes.org or belfastflyingshoes@gmail.com.
For Friday overnight accommodations in Vassalboro Meetinghouse with teens or in private homes, contact: Holly Weidner <weidnerholly@gmail.com>