Durham Friends Woman’s Society Meeting Minutes September 21, 2026 Hybrid Meeting
Present: Dorothy Curtis, President, Nancy Marstaller, Treasurer, Sarah Sprogell, Kim Bolshaw, Dorothy Hinshaw, Marian Baker. On Zoom: Susan Gilbert, Secretary, Joyce Gibson.
Cards: For Friends.
Program and Devotions: We took turns reading from the USFWI “Blueprints” Volume 82, Lesson 10: “A Scripture Related To The Lesson Of Love” by Everlyne Odongo Ailaro. 1st Corinthians 13: 4 – 7. “Love is patient and kind, love does not envy or boast, it is not arrogant or rude, it is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice at wrong doing, but rejoice with the truth.” Everlyne wrote of her experience with an American friend “Mama Karen” in the Rural Assistance Program, bringing hope, medicine, clothing, and constructing housing for vulnerable widows and orphans. These efforts in Western Kenya strengthened Evelyne in love, action and faith. We joined in “I am So Glad Jesus Loves Me” in Swahili, assisted by Marian who knew the words and melody.
Treasurer’s Report: Our current account balance is $499.20, of which $95.24 is not earmarked. Nancy requested a minute of thanks to Dorothy Curtis for her jam ministry which so far has earned $404, earmarked for LACO.
Minutes: Susan read the 6.’26 minutes.
Tedford Meal: Team B brought the July meal of baked ham, potatoes, a big salad, drinks and desert to Tedford House. The August meal by Team C was vegetarian and meat chili, nacho chips, cheese, sour cream, cornbread, salad and cookies. For September 7, Team D provided hot dogs and rolls, condiments, corn on the cob, salad, watermelon and ice cream. The October 5 meal will be prepared by Team E, Nancy Marstaller Team Leader. Contributions of prepared food or money for Tedford meals on the first Monday of each month are always welcome.
Next Meeting: October 19
Other Business: Dorothy Hinshaw acquired “The Story of Charity Cook – The Frontier Chrysalis,” a book recommended by USFWI. Nancy’s niece is expecting and she would like to make a group quilt for the new baby, with volunteers creating patches as well as using Nancy’s fabric designs. A gathering for Cush Anthony will be held October 10 at the Portland Meeting House. Durham Friends are asked to provide finger food, for which there is sign up sheet. Marian Baker shared that the USFWI board has determined how to bring African board members to the US for the spring gathering. She would like it to be held at DF Meeting House, and hopes to gather members of the African diaspora to join the meeting.
Dorothy closed the meeting with these words of William Penn:
We meet on the broad pathway of good faith and good will; no advantage shall be taken on either side, but all shall be openness and love.
Respectfully Submitted, Susan Gilbert