Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends Business Meeting Minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n
June 21, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, June 21, 2026, with nine people in attendance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nancy Marstaller was approved as recording clerk pro tem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Clerk Renee Cote read the New England Yearly Meeting of Friends Faith and Practice Advices on Corporate Discernment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBeing orderly come together [you are] not to spend time with needless, unnecessary and fruitless discourses; but to proceed in the wisdom of God, not in the way of the world, as a worldly assembly of men, by hot contests, by seeking to outspeak and overreach one another in discourse as if it were controversy between party and party of men, or two sides violently striving for dominion, not deciding affairs by the greater vote. But in the wisdom, love and fellowship of God, in gravity, patience, meekness, in unity and concord, submitting one to another in lowliness of heart, and in the holy Spirit of truth and righteousness, all things [are] to be carried on; by hearing, and determining every matter coming before you in love, coolness, gentleness and dear unity. (Edward Burrough 1662)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember that we are only able to act according to our present sense and judgment, in the faith that the light we are given is enough for our needs today. Let us be humble both with one another and in anticipating that there may be more and different steps to take tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Think it possible that you may be mistaken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In searching together for the will of God in matters before the meeting, Friends are seeking the truth, so that all may join in its affirmation. We are not engaging in debate, or trying to win an argument. Know that working together as a community of spiritual seeking is often more important than simply getting things done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On entering the meeting, avoid falling into conversation. Take your seat quietly, entering into a receptive silence. As the meeting moves forward, listen carefully to what others say, that you do not burden the meeting by repetition. Allow time for quiet reflection after each speaker so that their words may sink in and receive due consideration. Should you disagree with what has been said, show respect for those who have spoken by offering another viewpoint in a humble spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Address the clerk rather than another individual and speak only to the matter under consideration. Do not attempt to speak for Friends who are absent as they are not present to sense the movement of the Spirit in the gathered group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hold the clerks and the whole group in prayer, especially when difficult matters are being considered.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. The meeting approved the minutes from the May 17, 2026, monthly meeting.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Trustees report<\/strong> was presented by Sarah Sprogell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outside lighting \u2013 Trustees have been working on replacing our exterior light for the parking lot with lighting that complies with Dark Sky standards which the State is adopting effective this fall. The current light has not been functioning for several months. Both Trustees and Finance agree this is a good time to move towards this more environmentally friendly lighting standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lincoln Electric has given us an estimate of $1424.31 for this work. In discussing with Finance, we agree that this can be paid by our capital account. We ask for the meeting to consider approval of this expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Loving our Meetinghouse \u2013 The window inserts have been removed for summer months and new filters have been installed in the air purifiers. Ezra Smith is looking at some minor outdoor repairs on some of the window frames and an area of deteriorating clapboards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Babcock estate \u2013 We have no update from the court yet regarding the settlement of the estate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Meeting approved having Trustees contract with Lincoln Electric to install the outside light and pay the cost from the capital account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. The Ministry and Counsel Report<\/strong> was presented by Tess Hartford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The second listening session with Liesa Stamm and Janet Hough of the NEYM Meeting Accompaniment Group about the issues that arose during the sale of the parsonage and the new heating system for the meetinghouse took place on June 14. Liesa and Janet led those present in the meetinghouse and on Zoom in worship sharing for an extended discussion in which everyone participated. Ministry and Counsel considered whether the session met the needs of our community, and it\u2019s our sense that it did and that both sessions benefited our meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will welcome Susan Gilbert as a new member of Durham Monthly Meeting on July 19 at the rise of meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The last session of the adult religious education discussion of Parker Palmer\u2019s Healing the Heart of Democracy will take place next week, on June 28, at 9 AM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ministry and Counsel has scheduled November 1 as the day to hold a Meeting for Grieving, a time when we can loving remember those persons who have passed, including David Dexter. Meeting noted the need for a memorial minute for David Dexter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leslie noted that she has message bringers scheduled through August, and is always looking for suggestions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gratitude was expressed for the Ministry and Counsel arranging the session with the NEYMF Meeting Accompaniment Group. Members felt having someone from outside the meeting community was helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. The Maker Caf\u00e9 support committee report<\/strong> was presented by Nancy Marstaller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In November of 2024 Monthly Meeting approved we use $1000 from the Charity Account to pay expenses to organize and carry out Maker Cafes through May 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As of the Maker Caf\u00e9 in May, 2026, we received $3221.50 in donations, paid $531.18 for expenses from the Charity account, and paid $3195.86 for expenses from donations. In sum we have paid out $505.54 more than was donated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We have operated mostly on a cash basis, paying for maker teachers, maker supplies, musicians and food immediately from that night\u2019s donation, sometimes using our cash reserve as donations and expenses have varied. Many maker teachers and musicians donated their time and food is mostly donated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We feel the Cafes have been very successful, with neighbors and people from farther afield coming. Many have come back more than once. Several have told us they\u2019ve driven by for years but never stopped, and the Caf\u00e9 drew them in. The maker sessions and music have been met with much enthusiasm and appreciation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The committee asks for $500 from the Charity Fund to be used as needed for continued support of the events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The meeting approved that the Maker Caf\u00e9 be allocated up to $500 from the Charity Account for expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Martha Sheldon <\/strong>had asked for a travel minute for travel to Ramallah originally planned for June, 2025. That trip was cancelled for safety reasons and rescheduled for June of this year. That trip was also cancelled for the same reason. Sarah Sprogell, our clerk in May, 2025, had written the minute (attached). Here is Martha\u2019s update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n June 14, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dear Friends, Thank you for this letter of support for the Ramallah Friends community and myself. My apologies for this tardy response. The group led by Jane and Max Carter planned to visit the West Bank in June 2025 as referenced in your letter. When that did not happen we aimed for June 2026. We were to depart this past Friday for Tel Aviv. We knew the trip was off, again, a few months ago, when flight reservations were to be made, due to the war in Iran and other conflicts throughout the Middle East. I was not ready to admit the trip was off until last week. Even though we will try again next year to travel to the West Bank, it is time to send this letter of appreciation and explanation to you, the very supportive, caring faith community I call home. I will keep you informed of any progress that may occur in the future.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you for your support.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Blessings of peace to you. Martha Hinshaw Sheldon<\/em>June 14, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. A draft of Ed Hinshaw\u2019s memorial minute<\/strong> was read and suggestions were made. The minute will be brought back to the July monthly meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8. The Lisbon Area Christian Outreach food pantry<\/strong> is looking to buy a new truck, price approximately $50,000. Peace and Social Concerns has made helping LACO one of their priorities. One fundraising idea is to hold a harvest dinner the day before World Quaker Day (first Sunday in October) and maybe combine that with a contra dance, perhaps at the Two Echoes community building if that might be available. We will consider this and other ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a brief worship, the clerk closed the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectfully submitted, Nancy Marstaller, recording clerk pro tem<\/p>\n\n\n\n Attachments<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends Business Meeting Minutes June 21, 2026 Durham Monthly Meeting of Friends met for the conduct of business on Sunday, June 21, 2026, with nine people in attendance. Nancy Marstaller was approved as recording clerk pro … Continue reading