Wreath Making and Maker Café at Durham Friends, December 5, 2025, 5:30 pm

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On Thursday evening, December 5, there will be a hands-on wreath making session at the Meetinghouse. Supplies will be provided (or bring your own). Also a light supper. Also Music!

Wreath making, 5:30 to 7:30

Makers helping all who come: Kim Bolshaw and Wendy Schlotterbeck

Cafe, 6:30 to 8:00

Light supper (feel free to volunteer to make something); Music by Craig Freshley

This will be the first of a series of Quaker Maker sessions on Thursday evenings at the Meetinghouse. Watch this website for further announcements.

“Heart of Darkness,” by Shelley Randall

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Message given at Durham Friends Meeting, December 8, 2024

Heart of Darkness

“Jesus said, “the seeker should not stop until he finds. When he does find, he will be disturbed. After having been disturbed, he will be astonished. Then he will reign over everything. (Gospel of St. Thomas.)

Today is December 8, just shy of three weeks before we hit the winter solstice and the light begins to return, slowly. So we’re in it. The deep dark days before the light returns. Whatever is the point for us human beings around the darkness? How do we make meaning of it for us? Lately we’ve been hearing about hygge, that practice by the people of the far northern climes to honor and even revel in the darkness. We hear about the bears going into hibernation, to rest and renew. In typical western fashion we put a “happy” spin on these days of darkness. I’m all for that. Because as it turns out, I happen to be one of those people that finds the darkness to be quite useful.

Roshi Joan Halifax, a Buddhist Teacher and Abbot, founder of the Upaya Zen Center in New Mexico wrote a book about and coined the term “The Fruitful Darkness”. This is how I choose to approach this time of year.

In the early 1990s Joan Halifax, as an anthropologist and grieving daughter and ex-partner/wife, traveled to Tibet, Mexico and the Western U.S. to experience indigenous sacred practices. She wanted to understand how indigenous cultures manage personal and world wounds through initiation, storytelling, non-duality and ceremony. Roshi Halifax found that the indigenous tribe, the Utes, understand that, “[t[he secret of life is in the shadows and not in the open sun; to see anything at all, you must look deeply into the shadow of a living thing.” (The Fruitful Darkness, p. 5)

Furthermore, she writes that though this process may be difficult there is an ending and a hopeful one at that, “[t]he process of initiation can be likened to a “sacred catastrophe,” a holy failure that actually extinguishes our alienation, our loneliness, and reveals our true nature, our love. That is why we seek initiation: to heal old wounds by reentering them in order to transform our suffering into compassion.” (TFD p. 15)

Dr. Gerald G. May wrote the ominously entitled book, The Dark Night of the Soul. It is an interpretation and application of the writings of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, two christian mystics living in Spain in the 16th century. Both mystics spoke andwrote extensively about what they name The darkness or The dark night or in SpanishLa noche oscura- the hidden night.

And what is my experience with the Fruitful Darkness, or the dark night of the soul? It is a varied and ineffable experience that once I pass through, becomes difficult to describe. Often I am pulled into this darkness kicking and screaming, hauling out all my attachments to keep at bay the inevitable. I cling to busyness; food; sleep; my various external identities; where I’ve been, who I’ve been with, what I’ve done. Desperate to feel connected and grounded as I begin the descent into the darkness and down the rabbit hole of the feeling of purposelessness and self doubt. Who am I and where do I belong? I wail. I’m not enough, a failure! I cry out. Prostrate on the floor, sobbing, “again God, really, AGAIN”?

I recognize the futility of the external attachments I hold onto as I swim in the vast ocean of confusion and uncertainty. The personal uncertainty becomes the global uncertainty and with that, the overwhelm. And I ask, “Where is God? I don’t feel God! Where is my connection that I so rely on to soothe and comfort me, to reassure me that I’m on the right path, that we/the world is on the right path. I cast about for the energies of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, ArchAngel Michael, Green Tara, my parents, my trees and rocks and animals in whom I find solace. And there is none.

In his book, Dr. May confirms my experience of disconnection when he writes, “[a] much more unsettling experience is the loss of the sense of God’s presence, which can often feel like being abandoned by God. But Dr. May views this place of disconnection as a necessary piece of the transformative process. Much like Roshi Halifax found in her research.

So here I am in the nothing, the emptiness. Silence. I feel alone in the desert of my own humanity, separate from God and from others. And there I stay, roiled in rage; shame; self-loathing; abject fear and loneliness. Images of past betrayals and wounds fill my body and my mind. And there I stay.

Dr. May posits that John of the Cross viewed these dark nights as a gift; That the night involves relinquishing attachments and takes us into territory we avoid and, in the process, transforms us.(TDKS p. 71.)

The goal of the transformation, Dr. May writes, the dawn after the night, consists of 3 precious gifts for the human soul. First, the soul’s deepest desire is satisfied. Freed from their attachments, individuals are able to be completely in love with God and to love their neighbors as themselves. This love involves one’s whole self: actions as well as feelings. Second, the delusion of separation from god and creation is expelled; slowly one consciously realizes and enjoys essential union that has always been present. Third, the freedom of love and realization of union leads to active participation in God. Here one not only recognizes one’s own beauty and precious nature, but also shares God’s love and compassion for others in real practical service in the world.

So back to where I am waiting in the darkness, in the shadows, waiting for the storm of the wounds and betrayals to pass. Waiting for… I’m not even sure what.

Until….until… what?

Until there is a spark of something else. A glimmer of light peaks through the veil of darkness. Perhaps a momentary warmth in my heart. And the warmth grows. I may experience a change in perspective around the story of the betrayal or the wound. I may remember that while I was gnashing my teeth and deep in self pity the little voice inside me sent me nuggets of insight that I know are truth, a glimmer of the truth of who I am, really, authentically. Dr. May again confirms this experience through Teresa of Avila. He says, she especially emphasizes that, “(o)ne sees one’s own true nature with increasing clarity. Each time we approach the dawn when…we begin to glimpse ourselves through God’s eyes, we recognize more of our inherent goodness and beauty. “I can find nothing with which to compare the great beauty of a soul,” Teresa says.” (id. p.100)

My body begins to relax; the sense of absolute uncertainty and self doubt slowly dissipates. My attitude slowly changes, perhaps the lack of certainty evolves into a sense of mystery or even wonder, and, maybe I can lean into those bits of wisdom and with some curiosity.

And as I reflect back on my experience in the darkness and more importantly what happens at the end of the tunnel of darkness, I realize I am left emptier, but not in the way of feeling like I’m all alone on a desert island. The emptiness more corresponds to a lightening of a burden, like I’ve shed something. My body feels more lithe and flexible, not so stiff and rigid. Have I really healed old wounds as Roshi Halifax suggests? Iknow I was pulled into those places, I felt I had no choice. And I looked at those wounds and betrayals and felt I was once again back in them. I cried and yelled and wrote about them.

It seems that the Apostle Thomas writes about the inevitability of these nights. “Jesus said: that which is hidden will be revealed to you. Nothing hidden will fail to be displayed. (Gospel of St. Thomas 2.)

And then I got to a place where I recognized that I am who I am, a flawed human being filled with petty jealousy, selfishness, resentment, just like every other human being on this planet. And I began to soften my feelings towards myself, the judgement slipping away leaving an expansiveness, a warmth in my heart. It feels good.

How does this happen? Some would characterize it as Alchemy, others would say it is God’s Grace and still others, a miracle. I subscribe to all of the above.

So what is this warming in my heart?

This is Love and according to Teresa and John, Love as it is realized in God. and that this alchemical process, this “authentic transformation leads us to desire.” The desire to love. For John and Teresa, “the essence of all human desire is for love.” (p. 73).

Dr. May writes, “The spiritual life for Teresa and John has nothing to do with getting closer to God.” It is instead a journey of consciousness. Union with God is realized as a result of Love.” “John says the soul arrives at perfect union with God through love. This deepening of love is the real purpose of the dark night of the soul. The dark night helps us become who we are created to be: lovers of God and one another.” (TDNS pp. 46-47).

And that has been my experience. Each time I move through these dark times the process sheds something, perhaps, that thick protection around my heart that I have been convinced helps me. But John writes that the darkness “becomes our guiding night”, and Dr. May extrapolates, The night is dark for our protection”. “Deep in the darkness, way beneath our senses, God is instilling “another better love”. (Id. pp. 72-73.) And furthermore, John asserts that, “[t]his dark night is an inflow of God into the soul.” (Id. 95). And this inflow is the “loving Wisdom of God.” (id. 96)

And having shed a little more of this armour around my heart, I can move into a place of loving myself more, of loving life and God, Great Spirit, Creator more; of loving the flame within me more, and that desire to love others more.

So with that flame of brightness and light in our soul, the warmth of love burning in our hearts, let us rejoice in the darkness, let it transform us and move us into greater wisdom and greater love.

“Awakening to Creator’s Love and Truth,” by Gail Melix/Greenwater

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Message given at Durham Friends Meeting, December 1, 2024                                       

“Awakening to Creator’s Love and Truth: Transformation beyond the experience of historical trauma and cultural differences”

By Gail Melix/Greenwater, Sandwich Monthly Meeting, Sandwich, Massachusetts

Friends I woke up feeling sick this morning, but so wanted to share my message, so I’m here bedside. I love worshipping with you.

Wunee keesuq Neetop, Good day Friends. It’s wonderful to be back worshipping with you, thank you for the invite…. Nutus8ees, I am, Gail Melix also known as Greenwater. I belong to the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe of Patuxet, Ma., also known by the name Plymouth. I am a member of Sandwich Monthly Meeting located on Cape Cod.

I’d like to start with a thank you to my elders, Leslie Manning and Ken Jacobsen who are holding us and this space in prayer. Ken offered to bring this message for me if I could not make it, and I’m grateful for the offer. Thank you.

 In June of this year I was invited to Durham Friends Meeting and shared a message about what it is for me to be an Indigenous Quaker and to hold two faith communities. I shared with you that I need both, I need both to be whole.

I spoke to you about my deepening relationship with Jesus Christ, my excitement when I discovered the First Nations’ version of the New Testament, my despair over Quaker Indigenous Boarding Schools, and the false Christianity that came with colonization to Turtle Island. It felt like there was more to be said, a second part, to bring today, including the power of hope and gratitude. My words have come from a place of unfolding worship from the past week.

What does land mean to Indigenous people? Land means home.

What if the meaning of home is more than the house you live in and the land that you own?

What if home is the Mashpee River running with herring come spring, the circling of osprey, the color of the morning sky over Punkhorn Point, the lay of the land when winter unfolds, the returning of the peepers every spring, the many colors of green in the pines and grass, the scent of warm damp earth and moss under bare feet, the garden waiting for seeds, the wind on the path between Mashpee and Wakeby Ponds, the fire for tobacco offering and prayer.

What if all these things are home? What if the heart of your home is the community you love? What if this is the meaning of home-land?

 Traditional Indigenous spirituality is land-based. The beauty of God’s creation is the visible truth of God’s existence. The web of life on earth includes all living beings, who are our relatives We are connected and interdependent on one another for health and survival. When you realize you belong to a family of…. Life on earth, this is the beginning of right relationship with Nature.  My father would say, “You take care of the Land and the Land will take care of you.” Land is a living breathing spiritual entity central to traditional beliefs, practices, and ceremonies, including song and dance. Everything is sacred. Nature teaches us and heals us; she provides us with opportunities for joy and delight that we can experience through our five senses… Sometimes I wonder if our sixth sense is our God sense, our birthright knowing of who we belong to….

The Harmony Way, a teaching for humanity, has been passed down through generations of Indigenous people as part of the original instructions for how to live in peace. Peace within ourselves and with all of creation, all forms of life. Peace and harmony are partnered and create balance. Without peace there is no justice, and there is no justice without peace. The systems of oppression, injustice, corporate greed, and annihilation of the earth, committed by the sins of cultural genocide, slavery, and white supremacy must stop… When I get overwhelmed with despair from feeling the suffering of the world, I give these concerns and my prayers to God. The Lord sometimes weeps with me. Hope and gratitude balance me. I discern what is mine to do and pray that I stay teachable.

I want to share some ways that I experience and awaken to God’s Love:

When I place my hands on a tree I feel an exchange of energy, a back and forth greeting and response. There is a sense that we are comforting one another. Even as a child I had trouble keeping my hands off my favorite trees and why should I?  Is it a surprise that we should have favorite trees, the same way we are drawn to a closeness and fondness for certain aunts, uncles, and grandparents? 

I acknowledge and honor the relationship that I have with water during my walks by squatting on the bank of the Santuit River and submerging both hands in the water long enough to leave my scent in the river. I anoint my forehead with river water so to carry her scent. I am in the river and the river is in me. After all we are about 70 % water, of course we are related. Kinfolk. Some days I am given to singing or humming to the river.  A Soft singsong that has words or not, maybe humming, is pleasing to do, and appreciated by the object of my affection. If the songs have words, they always express gratitude and may even be the words thank you repeated over and over.  Wampanoags have appointed water keepers, always women, whose service it is to sing to the water.

My relationship with Nature is one of the things that sustains me. There’s a reawakening of my inner child, that wonder and delight of experiencing the natural world. I did not surrender the curiosity and joy of childhood. The delight of being alive in this way is still a part of me. There’s a sense that something is being made right in my world that has created a wider path to my heart.

I see the face of God everywhere on my woodland walks. Over time I’ve come to the path with a greater ability for deep listening, reverence, and joy. Nature has taught me these things. Peace is easier to come by. If we bear witness to both the beauty and the suffering of all our relations we might be led to action, to be a voice for those who have no voice. The survival of life on earth as we know it depends on the relationship that humans have with Mother Earth. We protect what we love. So I come to the path with this question: What will I fall in love with today?

Retired Episcopal bishop and Choctaw citizen Steven Charleston draws on his Native American experience to navigate collective crisis: 

My ancestors did not survive the Trail of Tears-because they were set apart from the rest of humanity. Their exodus was not a sign of their exclusivity, but rather their inclusivity. In their suffering, they embodied the finite and vulnerable condition of all humanity. They experienced what the whole tribe of the human beings has experienced at one time or another throughout history: the struggle of life, the pain of oppression, and the fear of the unknown. Their long walk was the walk of every person who has known what it means to be alone and afraid. But they walked with courage and dignity because they had the hope of the Spirit within them.… 

Hope makes room for love in the world. We can all share it, we can all believe in it, even if we are radically different in every other way. We no longer need to fear our differences because we have common ground. We can hope together—therefore, hope liberates us. It frees us from our fear of the other. It opens our eyes to see love all around us. It unites us and breaks our isolation. When we decide to embrace hope—when we choose to make that our goal and our message—we release a flow of energy that cannot be overcome. Hope is a light that darkness can never contain.

So much of our life involves relationship; the relationship we have with ourselves.. with God, with other human beings, and with Nature. Everything created is Sacred, including humans, and this is one Way that God shows his Love for us. 

When I think of my two faith communities, Indigenous and Quaker, I see the deep similarities and shared core values that far outweigh our differences.  Quaker testimonies and Indigenous values share common ground. From the soil of this common ground, I see a bountiful harvest for us, ripe with the promise of deep friendships, with the accompaniment of our Holy Ones, and the blessings of Creator.  

There is joy in doing the work and despair that cries out for it.

+++

(NRSV) Mark 12:30-31, The Two Great Commandments, Jesus said, 30 ” you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 

The Situation in Cuba and in Cuba Yearly Meeting, November 2024

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From the Puente de Amigos Committee

Dear Friends,

Once again we write to inform you about the work of the Puente de Amigos Committee and to ask for your financial support for our Friends in Cuba. 

Conditions in Cuba continue to deteriorate. There is rampant inflation.  Food and fuel are expensive and scarce. Common medicines are unavailable. This is largely due to our government’s decision to name Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism which prevents our allies from trade with Cuba.

 Earlier this fall there were nationwide blackouts when the country’s electrical grid failed due to its ancient infrastructure, lack of fuel and increased use of air conditioning.   People had to discard spoiled meat.   Before those blackouts Cubans already endured six to eight hours a day without power.  Quakers in Puerto Padre moved worship on Sundays an hour earlier because the blackouts tend to be later in the day.  Visitors from New England reported that last summer when there was no power in the night, they heard neighbors outside chatting with one another. No one could sleep in the heat without fans or air conditioning.  When the power was restored, the neighborhood cheered and went to bed. 

Another hardship is the loss of working age people, leaders in the churches.  Many people have come to the US under the humanitarian parole program.  It is sad for those left behind, and it means that they have more work to do. 

 And yet we admire the ingenuity of our Cuban Friends as they use contributed funds to create programs that enhance their local communities and that produce revenue for the yearly meeting. Cuba Yearly Meeting relies on a small bus for intervisitation and for income.  The lack of fuel and its high cost mean that people are isolated from each other, even in Havana. Last year we sent funds to replace the tires on the bus.  However, the greater need was to rebuild the engine so the funds went to that cause.  Local people outside the church also use the bus for a fee.  These fees help pay the pastors of smaller Quaker churches. 

 In Gibara, Puerto Padre, and Holguin Friends have rebuilt decrepit schools on their property.  The schools were run down because the government had taken the buildings but hadn’t used or maintained them for decades. Some years ago the government returned the buildings to the yearly meeting.  They now serve as conference centers where our Friends can host church functions.  The churches also rent the space out to community groups.  The result is that these three churches are now self-sustaining and do not rely on the yearly meeting to meet their needs. 

In the past year our delegations have continued to train Cuban Quakers in Alternatives to Violence.  They began in September 2023 and continued with delegations in February and June of this year.  This work has transcended Puente by involving trainers from Texas, New York, El Salvador, and Bolivia.  With the level of distress in Cuba, there is increased social tension, and AVP is a useful tool for churches to offer.  In addition, churches can provide workshops to the community at large and charge for them, bringing in much needed revenue. 

In October a delegation from Hanover Monthly Meeting visited their sister meeting in La Habana.   Jorge Luis Peña, clerk of Cuba Yearly Meeting, was able to travel from the Oriente to Havana in the bus, though it took him 18 hours due to the limitations of the bus. This delegation enriched the bond with their meeting, and they brought back a clearer picture of Cuba Yearly Meeting. One Friend noted a loss of hope among Cubans that conditions can improve. 

Despite their challenges, our Cuban Friends have deep faith, humor, amazing ingenuity and resolve.  They  depend on the bridge of love with New England Yearly Meeting to maintain their faith and resolve, to remind them that we see them and remember them.  Likewise, they inspire us. 

With the incoming Trump administration we and our Cuban Friends fear that conditions in Cuba will worsen further. Many in the new government are  hostile to Cuba.  Previously President Trump limited the amount of money that family members could send back to Cuba, and he limited travel. Hence, the Puente Committee desires to send funds and supplies to our Friends as soon as possible before doors are closed. 

We hope that you will be moved to support this vital work. Please consider making a donation to Puente by making a check out to NEYM with “Puente” in the memo line and sending to our bookkeeper: Roland Stern, 86 Barrett Street, Needham, MA 02492 OR following this link: https://www.tfaforms.com/5028973  Les agradecemos mucho.

Carolyn Stone and Richard Lindo, co-clerks, Puente de Amigos Committee

Silent Auction is On!

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Silent Auction is On!

The Woman’s Society is holding a silent auction to raise money for Tedford Housing, which runs the adult and family shelter apartments in Brunswick.

The auction opened this past Sunday (November 24) and will run until just after Meeting on December 15. Find gifts and treasures! Be generous as you can, as we support our neighbors in need.

Thanks to all who have donated items, and to all our bidders!

Pastoral Care Notes, November 23, 2024

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[UPDATE, December 2]

From Leslie Manning, Meeting Care Co-ordinator:

Sue Reilly reports her heart procedure went well and she has been released to her home, with her sister there and support from her son and others. She requests ongoing prayers for a good recovery.

+++

Update: Operation successful, Gene is at home, feeling much better.

Gene Boyington is in the ICU at Midcoast awaiting a pacemaker.  Please hold him and Theresa in the Light, as well as Betsy Muench, who relies on him for so much help and support.

Gene is in Room 405 of Med/Surg aka ICU at Midcoast on the second floor and visitors are encouraged for short visits.  His pacemaker procedure is scheduled for Monday at 1 PM.  Please keep his doctor in prayer, as he is on call this weekend.

A complication for post-op; Theresa has round trip tix to Philly to see Abby and her family leaving Monday for next week.  Her anxiety is best served if she goes, but they are asking that we try to visit Gene once he is released home, since he will be alone.  They do have neighbors, but I suggested that they might want to speak to a social worker and see if they can get him somewhere like rehab for a couple of days post-op.

Anyway, his spirits are good; I will be back tomorrow late AM and again on Sunday afternoon.

Gene is being monitored and well cared for.

Durham Friends Meeting Minutes, November 17, 2024

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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:

When you act on behalf                                      We just need to practice knowing that

of something greater than yourself,                    and remembering that we are sustained

you begin                                                            by each other

to feel it acting through you                                in the web of life.

with a power that is greater than your own.        Our true power comes as a gift, like grace,

                                                                            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

“Reflections on Quaker Indian Boarding Schools,” by Janet Hough

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At Durham Friends Meeting on November 17, 2024, Janet Hough (Cobscook Monthly Meeting) gave a message that reflected on the research that she and others connected with NEYM’s Quaker Indian Boarding School Research Group (QIBS) have conducted about New Engl;and Yearly Meeting’s involvement with Quaker Indian Boarding Schools in the 19th century.

The report the QIBS gave to Annual Sessions can be found here.

At her encouragement, we also sang a hymn, “Many and Great, Oh God, Are Thy Things,” #16 in our hymnal Worship in Song. Congregational missionaries first published the hymn in a Lakota hymnal in the 19th century. It was translated into English in the 20th century by Philip Frazer, a member of the Lakota people and a Congregational minister.

1 Wakantanka taku nitawa tankaya qa ota;
mahpiya kin eyahnake ça,
maka kin he duowanca;
mniowanca śbeya wanke cin, hena oyakihi.

2 Woehdaku nitawa kin he minaġi kin qu wo;
mahpiya kin iwankam yati,
wicowaśte yuha nanka,
wiconi kin he mayaqu nun, owihanke wanin.

1 Many and great, O God, are thy things, maker of earth and sky.
Thy hands have set the heavens with stars;
thy fingers spread the mountains and plains.
Lo, at thy word the waters were formed; deep seas obey thy voice.

2 Grant unto us communion with thee, O star-abiding One.
Come unto us and dwell with us;
with thee are found the gifts of life.
Bless us with life that has no end, eternal life with thee.

Active Hope Reading Group — An Invitation

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From Peace and Social Concerns Committee:

As we all seek to find our own path forward in the current environment, we invite you to join us in reading Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. 

We will be meeting on the 4th Sunday in January, February, and March at 9:30 am.

A section of the book will be discussed at each meeting.

To learn more about the book follow this link.

Agenda and Materials for November 17, 2024 Business Meeting

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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

Woman’s Society Minutes, October 21, 2024

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Durham Friends Woman’s Society Meeting Minutes 10.21.’24

Members gathered at the Meeting House and joined on Zoom

Present: Dorothy Curtis, President, Kim Bolshaw, Linda Muller.  On Zoom: Susan Gilbert, Secretary.

Cards: Kim will send cards friends.

Program and Devotions: Program and Devotions: We took turns reading from the USFWI Blueprints  ‘24 – ‘25 Edition,“God Still Speaks”, the program “Holy Surrender” by Gabrielle Bailey. Isiah 43:2, Hymn “It Is Well With My Soul”.  Gabrielle tells how in dealing with serious health concerns she learned to surrender and trust in God’s loving presence. 

Minutes: Susan read the 9.16.’24 minutes. 

Treasurer’s Report: In Sept. we received $115. more for jam and jelly donations for a total of $525. $35.38 was paid for Blueprints and $515. was sent to LACO. Thank you Dorothy Curtis! Our balance is now $65.58. Blueprints are $5 each and dues $5. per person. We still need to pay dues by the end of November. We have cash to buy new tablecloths and need to decide exactly what is wanted, size and how many.

Prayers: For Friends.

Tedford Meal: Nancy Marstaller’s Team E brought beef stew, potato-leek soup, rolls, cider, apples, and dessert. November’s meal will be brought by Leslie Manning’s Team F. Volunteer contributions of food or donations are always welcome. 

Other Business: Linda Muller requested donations of 25 pairs of nice quality mittens or gloves  for the Wabanaki youth who gather at the Meeting House. The Wabanaki group leader is Heather Augustine. There will be a “Mitten Tree” for a display, and handmade gifts or cookies would be welcome, as well. 

Dorothy ended the meeting with a quote from Harriet Beecher Stowe:

In all ranks of life, the human heart yearns for the beautiful; and the beautiful things God makes are His gift to all alike.

Respectfully Submitted, Susan Gilbert

Falmouth Quarterly Meeting Minutes, October 26, 2024

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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.

Meeting for Grieving, November 3, 2024

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On November 3, 2024, Durham Friends Meeting held a Meeting for Grieving mourning those who had passed over the past year. This was the second year we held such a service.

We especially remembered Lyn Clarke, an attender, and Diana White, a member, both of whom had passed away in the last year. We also remembered those who lost their lives in the Lewiston shooting tragedy of a year ago, and remembered too, those who lost their lives in conflicts in Ukraine and in Israel/Palestine. Members and attenders spoke lovingly of family members and friends who had passed recently.

The opening hymn we sang was “Oh Hear, My People,” #153 in our hymnal Worship in Song. The lyrics are by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, a seminal Hasidic teacher (1772-1810), and are drawn from Hosea 6:6 in the Bible: “For I desired mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” The tune is by the Polish violinist and composer Leon Lewandowki.

1 O hear, my people, hear me well:
“I have no need for sacrifice;
but mercy, loving kindness shall
alone for life and good suffice.”

2 Then source of peace, lead us to peace,
a place profound, and wholly true.
And lead us to a mastery
o’er drives in us that war pursue.

3 May deeds we do inscribe our names
as blessings in the Book of Life.
O source of peace, lead us to heal.
O source of peace, lead us from strife.

Chris Newell Lecture and Film: When Native Peoples Tell Their Own Stories, November 1, 6:00-7:30 pm

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From Peace and Social Concerns Committee:

A Lecture & Film Screening with Chris Newell

When: Nov 1st, 6 – 7:30 pm

Where: Meetinghouse Arts, 40 Main Street, Freeport

Tickets:

  • $10 for non-members,
  • $5 for members,
  • Free for Teachers & Students (ticket still required)
What is the impact of history and education when more inclusive of Native peoples of this land? How do you bring it into your learning space? Chris Newell will examine these questions and more as he discusses the far-reaching work of himself and his partners at Akomawt Educational Initiative to bring Native content to all areas of education in our society.

The lecture will be followed by a screening of the short film “Weckuwapok (The Approaching Dawn).”

Chris Newell’s book “If You Lived During the Plimoth Thanksgiving” will be available for purchase.

TICKETS

For more information about our speaker, Chris Newell, access his biography here!

Pastoral Care Notes, October 28, 2024

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Margaret de Rivera: After being hospitalized for back issues, Margaret is supposed to go home today to recuperate. Her daughter Alice Haines sent us Margaret’s address in case anyone wants to send a card. Sarah sent an email to a few of us, including Ellen, last Tuesday with the details.How should this go out to our wider community—a Friends Note or just an email to our regulars?

Her address is Margaret de Rivera/. 200 Stetson Rd.  Studio 208/. Auburn, ME 04210

Ann Ruthsdottir: Ann is to be released home tomorrow (Tuesday, October 29) with home care being provided.  

Durham Friends Meeting Minutes, October 20, 2024

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Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends Minutes, October 20, 2024 /DRAFT

Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, October 20, 2024 with 7 people in attendance at the Meetinghouse and 1 attending by  Zoom.

  1. Meeting Opening

Clerk Tess Hartford opened the meeting with a quote from Harriet Beecher Stowe: “Let us all resolve: First to attain the grace of silence; Second to deem all fault-finding that does no good a sin…Third to practice the grace and virtue of praise.”  From Prayers for Healing.

  1. Approval of Recording Clerk pro tem

Meeting approved Sarah Sprogell as Recording Clerk Pro Tem.

  1. Approval of Minutes of September 15, 2024

Meeting approved the minutes as written.

  1. Ministry and Counsel – Renee Cote, report attached.

Renee reported that M&C has carefully considered the feedback from the listening session held in September on the use of Zoom during meeting for worship.  Notes from the session were distributed to those present for review.  One additional idea was suggested, that some churches use YouTube for people who cannot attend in person.  Additional discussion ensued.

We found unity in agreeing that the Tech Team can experiment with projecting the screen in other locations or in other ways, such as tv screen, as they feel able.

Regarding the use of Zoom in general, M&C recommends that we continue with our current practice of turning off the projector after the first hymn, and turning it on for joys and concerns through the end of worship.  They also recommend that we continue with no Zoom on the fourth and fifth Sundays, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

  1. Trustees – Sarah Sprogell, report attached

Sarah read the Trustee report that included updates on building maintenance, next steps on the Babcock Estate, an abatement to our property tax bill, and planned work for the Lunt Cemetery.  

Trustees will be holding a Love Your Meetinghouse clean-up day on Saturday November 2 from 9-12.  There will be indoor and outdoor tasks.

  1. Finance Committee – Dorothy Curtis, report attached.

The Cuba dinner raised $430 so far, with additional donations sent directly to Mimi Marstaller.  The additional donations will be added to the total.  All donations will go to the Sister Meeting Account, to be given to Cuba Yearly Meeting for assistance to support their Monthly Meetings as needed.

There was a second reading of the request for $100 a month for 12 months from the Charity Fund to support the Friends missions in Turkana and Samburu through Friends United Meeting.

Meeting approved this request.

The Women’s Society asks that we give $500 from the Charity Fund for the Girl Education Program in Kenya, which would also go through Friends United Meeting. There was a general feeling of approval for this, and it will be brought back in November for a second reading.

Women’s Society wants to hold a silent auction fundraiser for Tedford Housing, for several weeks in November and possibly into December.

Meeting approved this request.

7. Outreach Proposal – Kim Bolshaw, report attached

Kim read four requests being made by an ad hoc group that wants to hold monthly “Quaker Maker Sessions” starting in 2025.  There was an overall sense of approval for this project.  It was noted that this proposal is different from the work of the Special Events Committee which is more focused on specific Meeting related activities.

 The current planning group requests that they be recognized as an ad hoc committee of the Meeting.

Meeting approved the group as an ad-hoc Outreach Committee.  Current members are Craig Freshley, Leslie Manning, Kim Bolshaw, Ellen Bennett, Doug Bennett, and Ezra Smith.

The ad hoc committee also requests that the Meeting provide $1000 for seed money for the next 18 months to organize and carry out events and activities; an additional $200 for a new, larger outdoor sign to advertise events at the Meetinghouse; and they ask that the Meeting sponsor their activities and events.

There was a general feeling of support and appreciation for the work and requests of this group. The financial and sponsorship requests will be seasoned for the coming month and taken up at the November Meeting for Business.  This will also allow time for the Finance Committee to discern how to include these items in the 2025 budget.

8. Other Business 

The Clerk asked us to think about planning a Thanksgiving event at the Meetinghouse in November.

9. Approval of Clerk for November and December Meetings for Business

The Meeting approved Ingrid Chalufour as Presiding Clerk in November and December.

Business meeting was adjourned after a brief period of waiting worship and appreciation for those present.

Respectfully Submitted by Sarah Sprogell, recording clerk pro tem.

Agenda and Materials for the Meeting are available here.

Falmouth Quarterly Meeting, Saturday, October 26, 9:30 to 3:00

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Ubuntu – I am because of your Love*

Falmouth Quarter will meet on October 26th from 9:30 – 3 at Durham Friends Meeting

We invite you to come and share about the life and spirit in your meetings.  Our hope is that our entire time together is a time of worship, with laughter, business, connections and fellowship.  All are welcome. 

Please plan on a brown bag lunch.  

In the afternoon we will focus on Martha Shelden’s report on her experience as a Friends’ recorded minister and the queries she offers to our meetings.

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

* From FWCC World Plenary this summer

+++

Materials for nthe October 26, 2024 Falmouth Quarterr can be found here

Agenda October 26th,  2024

10:00 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 
  • Treasurer’s report (Leslie Manning)  (attached)
  • Receive a report from Diane Dicranian, Quaker Representative to the Maine Council of Churches, with a call for financial contributions from Maine Quakers and Quarters. (see attached report)
  • Approve Budget for coming year (Leslie Manning)
  • Consider approving a Minute from Winthrop Center in support of Shirley Hager and an emerging Wabanaki Elder-in-Residence Program at UMaine attached.  Both Vassalboro Quarter and Falmouth Quarter will be considering this request.  
  • Confirm dates for coming year 1/25, 4/26, summer.
  • Suggestions re January Quarter program.
  • Sharing about the Bible Half Hours from annual sessions (Jessica Eller) 

12:00 Lunch

12:30 Martha 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.  Our plan for the afternoon is to do that.  

The queries Martha shared are: 

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?
  • Notice pivotal moments in your spiritual journey, moments in how you walked with God. One of mine was at Wellesley meeting.  ‘You are very intuitive, aware of ministerial’  Thoughts began of going into ed or ministry.  Ministry instead of counselling as I wanted to include God Spirit in the conversation.   – What pivotal experiences have you had that have influenced your life to date?
  • What are your leadings?
  • What fears go in the way?  What successes and joys encouraged you along?
  • Where had the Spirit taken you and where is Spirit taking you now?
  • What music makes your soul soar? When did you smile down to your toes? Who has encouraged you?  To do what?  How?  When?
  • What do others see in you? Does it suit with your own assessment?  
  • 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?
  • Why are you a Quaker?
  • Ministry as vocation.  Defines self.  How much is your occupation your identity?  Who are you when no longer in a job?  

3:00 Wrap up, close worship.  

Agenda and Materials for Durham Friends Business Meeting, October 20, 2024

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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
  1. Approval of September minutes with any changes, corrections or additions: Minutes, September 15, 2024
  1. 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

  1. Other business
  2. Closing Worship

Durham Friends Meeting Minutes, September 15, 2024

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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

“Intentions and Identity,” by Martha Sheldon

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Message given at Durham Friends Meeting, September 22, 2024

“Sharing a message is a little like streaking.  It takes some forethought about the direction you are going to run, it is exciting, and it is definitely revealing.”  Ed Hinshaw in a keynote address at NEYM sessions, 1979.

Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world.  All things break and all things can be mended.  Not with time, as they say, but with intention.  So go.  Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally.  The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.  L. R. Knost.

Sharing a message here and other places has often been stressful. Especially when I am not prepared which has happened some.  My thinking that I can leave the message to the Spirit to lead me works sometimes but not always.  My intention is to be open to the Spirit leading me.  Thoughts that influence the outcome of that intention sometimes get in the way.   Thoughts of doubt, of arrogance, of ….

 I have enjoyed the three year break from doing care of worship and sharing messages.  The meeting I attend in Northern Ireland is a strict unprogrammed meeting.   I love it.  I also love the semi-programmed nature of Durham.  I even also love the spirit and visceral experience in Catholic, high church worships.

Every time a community has discussions that may involve changes in process and functionality a shift happens.  A community is redefined.  A community is refined. 

Pulling from my dad’s quote I ask – What are your forethoughts? what direction will this meeting run?   Where are you going?  Where do you want to go?  What are your intentions?  What do your intentions and actions reveal about the meeting?  Who do you say you are? 

In the Bible, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” in Matthew 16:13–16, Mark 8:27–29, and Luke 9:18–20. After receiving various answers, including John the Baptist, Elijah, and one of the prophets, Jesus asks Peter, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter replies, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God”. 

Some say that this question is a turning point in the gospel records, and that everything that Jesus does after this is in direct relation to the answer given. 

Who do you say I am?  Who do you say we are?  Identity.  Leads to intentions.  Intentions leads to actions and a public expression of identity.  JC’s identity.  Son of God or Prince of peace, or man suffering a lot of tribulations in his three years of public ministry. 

Who are we?  Our choices of words, our actions, our decisions define us.  Our Intentions. 

Intentions are influenced by biases, assumptions, forethoughts.  Our thoughts and reasons leading to and influencing  our intentions.   Some help us be present to the leadings of God among us and some distract us from God’s truth with us in our times of discernment.  Actions that define who we are.

Andrew and Chris live across the street from each other.  They both thought they made an effort to meet the other.  But did not. In looking at others how are we influenced by negative and positive thoughts?   For both the intention was to be friendly.  Assumptions or some forethoughts got in the way.   Andrew.  The people living here already should take the initiative to come to my door and knock.  Vs anyone take the initiative. Chris.  The person who says little is a snob and unfriendly.  VS The person may be an introvert.

To not take the Ramallah Friends School job.  Forethoughts.  There is much danger and risk involved.   I need to be safe.  True or not true?  A third way?  Doing work for RFS from the States. Supporting organizations who support RFS.

To keep children in worship to a minimum to decrease distractions.  Forethoughts.  Children are noisy and distract us from our worship.  True or not true? Part true? Third way.  Bring the children in for part of the Meeting.

To welcome all no matter how they access the meeting.  Forethoughts. That is our call no matter how hard it is to maintain the system.    Third way?  TBD

To not use zoom to decrease distractions in worship.  Third way? TBD

To be a vibrant, spirit filled meeting for worship. 

Intentions. Leadings.  To go, to speak, to act.  To purify a leading an intention may we be aware of possible biases, assumptions, thoughts that blind us to the leading of Spirit.  May we be open to the forethoughts that led to the intention.  May we be open to the leading of the spirit that may lead to a third way of living out our intentions. 

The orange.  One orange and two kids want it.  A conflict.  Until we learn what they want it for.  Learn their intentions.  I want the rind. I want the juice. When deciding on what to do with a decision are we aware of the needs, wants and desires of the other?  The intentions of the other. Are we aware that there is often a third, or more, option to most decisions.

“The Bible as a Big Story,” by Doug Bennett

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Message given at Durham Friends Meeting, October 13, 2024

You all know the story of Adam and Eve.  They live in the Garden of Eden.  The deal is, they get to live in this paradise, but they are not, definitely not, to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge.  God told Adam he would die if he ate that fruit.  But Adam and Eve disobeyed.  They ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge.  And – surprise! – God didn’t put them to death.  Instead, he expelled them from the Garden of Eden.  He visited other consequences on them, too, but he did not kill them.  We might say he gave them a new deal.  Pretty surprising. 

You all know the story of Noah in the Bible.  God is so fed up with humankind that He sends a flood to wash the world clean.  Everyone and everything is killed except for Noah, his family, and two of each of kind of animal.  When it is over, God is horrified by what He (or She) has done.  God promises – surprise! – never, ever to do this again.  Whatever deal God had with humans before the flood, God now has a different deal  It’s  another new  deal.  

The Bible is full of stories: Adam and Eve, the Flood, Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors, Moses in the basket and Moses and the Ten Commandments, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Ruth and Boaz, David and Goliath, David and Bathsheba, Joshua at the Gates of Jericho, Jonah and the Whale, the Manna from Heaven, the Loaves and the Fishes, Lazarus Raised from the Dead, the Crucifixion and the Empty Tomb: stories, lots and lots of stories.

Some of the stories are tragic, some comic, some just plain weird  Some of them purport to tell history, like the parting of the Red Sea or the Babylonian captivity of the Israelites.  Some, especially in the New Testament, are timeless parables, like the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son. 

All the stories seem to have something to do with our relationship to God: what God expects of us, and what happens to people who don’t live up to God’s expectations.

Many of the stories are about people who have stopped paying attention to God and who are brought up sharp by God.  God, apparently, intervenes to express God’s displeasure in some dramatic ways. 

Some are stories about God helping to rescue people in difficult circumstances.  Some are stories about people who thought they were doing what God asked only to find that God, apparently, is asking them to do something completely different. 

You can read these stories one at a time and that’s what most of us do most of the time.  But you can also try to fit them into one big story.  It’s the one big story that’s on my mind this morning.  The one big story: we don’t talk about that as often as we do the many little stories.

I want to pause here to say that I do not ask you to believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God.  I do not ask you to believe that every word of it is the literal truth.  I don’t believe that.  But I do think the Bible is an extraordinary account (or really a collection of accounts) of people trying to seek the truth and to be faithful to God to the best of their understanding.  So, what’s the big story that runs through all the stories? 

When you try to see the stories as fitting into one big story, the striking things is how often the story changes abruptly.  We seem to be headed in one direction and then, whoops, we’re headed in another quite different direction. 

Adam and Eve, Noah: these aren’t the only times we see an abrupt shift in the big story, a change in the basic deal. 

— Following the Flood, we follow the stories of Abraham and subsequent patriarchs  — Isaac, Jacob, Joseph.  The Israelites, and the Israelites alone, become God’s Chosen People.  We follow them through their wanderings and their captivity in Egypt.  It seems like God has abandoned his people.  And then we get their amazing escape, the Exodus, the parting of the Red Sea. 

— The story changes again, pretty dramatically, with Moses and the Ten Commandments.  Once again, God’s Chosen People haven’t been very faithful, haven’t been paying attention.  They are lost in the wilderness.   Again, God tries something new.  He gives them a kind of cheat sheet in the form of two rock tablets.  Simple.  Clear.  Thou Shalt!  Thou Shalt Not!  It’s another new deal.  Get it?

Got It!  The Bible story continues with that Mosaic Law the framework for quite a while.  In this portion of the story, sometimes people remember, sometimes they abide by the rules, but more often they don’t.  Still, that’s the deal.  Obey the law.

Or: that’s the deal until it isn’t.  We get a dramatically new deal with the coming of Jesus, another abrupt turn in the story.  Jesus says “I come not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it.”  And then we’re surprised, even shocked, when he’s crucified.  Now, no more God’s Chosen People.  Now the deal is for everyone.  An epoch of law gives way to an epoch of loving God and loving your neighbor.  It’s a more demanding deal but probably a better one.

It’s a zig-zag story.  It just isn’t the case that the Bible presents us with God’s expectations as never-changing.  So what’s going on here with all these new deals?

Some theologians, especially some Bible literalist evangelicals who are penecostals or charismatics (not my people!) have a fancy way of talking about these abrupt shifts in the story about what God expects of us.  They call each of the new deals a “dispensation.”  Some of these theologians list as many as seven dispensations, seven different deals between God and human beings.  But however you count, when you look at the big story in the Bible, it’s hard not to see some very abrupt shifts — zig-zags — each one a new deal.

Many people who talk this way, about “dispensations” want us to believe we are in the next-to-last of these dispensations.  They want us to believe that there is one more to come and they know exactly what that deal will look like.  I’m far from persuaded they know what they are talking about.

When I look at the Bible as a story with some very abrupt changes of direction, here’s what catches my attention..

One is that because the deal keeps changing, it is a little risky to go backwards to some moment in the Bible and say, “that’s what God expects of us because that’s what God expected of Adam and Eve.”  Or “because that’s what God expected of Abraham.” Or “because that’s what God expected of Moses.”  The rules in Leviticus may have been appropriate then, but now we have a whole new deal.  God’s expectations keep changing.  At least in the Bible telling, God keeps changing her mind. 

Another thing that fascinates me about seeing the Bible’s big zig-zag story is that it shows us God is acting in history.  Bible isn’t a story of God setting things up one way and letting the whole thing run just the way She expected.  God seems to be surprised at what human beings do – or disappointed might often be the better word –, and so deals with this by changing the deal.  There simply isn’t one deal for all time. 

Some of us are parents, and maybe this behavior sounds familiar.  A child of ours strays from our expectations.  We try one thing, then we try another, and another.  Our approach is not fixed.  I don’t myself know whether God is ever surprised.  I don’t pretend to understand God, and I don’t think any other human truly does.   I’m just saying that this is how the Bible presents God:  as surprised, and therefore as trying something new, and then something new again.  

A third thing I find fascinating in all this is that no human being sees these abrupt changes coming.  No one accurately foresees what God is about to do.  Adam and Eve didn’t, Noah didn’t, Isaac didn’t Joseph didn’t, Moses didn’t. 

Now you might be thinking that the coming of Jesus at least was foretold   There are prophecies in Isaiah aren’t there, that told us to expect the Messiah.  Sure, I guess.  That’s the way some of the Gospels tell the story.  But for me, that’s not very convincing.  In truth, Jesus was a big surprise to everybody:

· He certainly was a surprise to Mary and Joseph,

· a surprise to the Disciples,

· a surprise to the Pharisees and Sadducees,

· a surprise to Herod and Pilate,

· a surprise to Paul.

· I’d say, a surprise to everyone. 

And if Jesus was a surprise, then we don’t know what’s going to happen next.  We have to keep listening to God.  God is still talking to us, and that’s something Quakers understand unusually well. 

God has been acting in history the Bible tells us.  For all we know, God is still acting in history.  And maybe God has another surprise for us. 

One of most important things that has drawn me to Quaker worship is that Quakers work from the assumption that God has more to say to us.  We are confident that we can hear God, now, in the present, if we will still our hearts and listen.  That’s why we gather for worship in the way we do. 

So stay tuned, I tell myself.  That’s an essential part of the big story.   

Also posted on River View Friend

Passing of Jan Hoffman

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From Mt. Toby Meeting, on October 9, regarding their member Jan Hoffman:

Friends:

Over the last week, Jan’s condition has continued to worsen. Yesterday, Ken and Jennie (Jan & Ken’s daughter) decided to place Jan in palliative care. Today her condition continued to decline and she was placed in hospice. Ken & Jennie have decided to have Jan remain at Baystate during this last phase of her life. She is resting comfortably with Ken at her side. Please hold Jan, Ken, and their family in the Light. 

When the time comes Jan will be buried at Mt. Toby in a green burial. 

Peace
Cynthia Jacelon

Jan passed on October 10, 2024.

Here’s a link to an essay Jan Hoffman wrote about Clearness Committees.

Woman’s Society Meeting Minutes, September 16, 2024

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Durham Friends Woman’s Society Meeting Minutes, September 16, 2024

The meeting was held at Nancy Marstaller’s home.

Present: Dorothy Curtis, President, Nancy Marstaller, Treasurer.  On Zoom: Susan Gilbert, Secretary, Dorothy Hinshaw, Martha Sheldon, Leslie Manning, and Qat Langelier.

Cards: Nancy will send cards this month, to Friends.

Program and Devotions: We took turns reading from Blueprints “A Holy Joy” by Katherine Murray. Scripture: John 15: 9 – 11. Hymn: “Joys Are Flowing Like a River”. At a time of great stress in Katherine’s young adult life, she envisioned “Joy – if not now, when?” . This calmed her, bringing wonder, curiosity, and humor.  Her discovery of joy continued to enhance Katherine’s spiritual development throughout her life. 

Minutes: Susan read the 6.17.’24 minutes. 

Treasurer’s Report: As of our meeting, we had received $410 in donations for jam, earmarked for LACO. We have a balance of $490.96, with $410 for LACO, leaving $80.96 available. We need to pay dues ($5 per member) and for Blueprints. A separate donation for Dorothy’s relish earned $80, to put toward buying new tablecloths. We discussed donating to Getry Agizah’s program to support education for African youth. Nancy will request an additional contribution from the  Charity Fund. Money gained from a silent auction in November could support Tedford.

Prayer’s: For Friends.

Tedford Meal: Team D prepared hot dogs,  potato salad and ice cream on September 2. Nancy Marstaller’s Team E will bring the October 7 meal. Volunteer contributions of food or donations are welcome. 

Other Business: Durham Friends will host a fundraising dinner for LACO on October 5. Shiloh Chapel and UCC Church of Durham are to share preparations. The Woman’s Society annual potluck supper was held August 19th, combined with a birthday party for Ed Hinshaw. We received a thank you note from the Hinshaws.

Respectfully Submitted, Susan Gilbert

Makers Sessions Planning Dinner, October 4, 5pm

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Maker Sessions — A Planning Meeting, October 4, 5pm

Craig, Leslie, Ellen, Doug, Kim, and Ezra have met a couple of times to talk about “Maker Sessions” — a way build community within and beyond Durham Friends Meeting.

Please join us to share ideas, hopes and aspirations at 5 p.m. on October 4 at the Meetinghouse.

A pot-luck “soup-er supper” will be served.

Details about ideas generated up to this point can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/55fea32z And you can always ask questions or send comments to craig@Freshley.com.