by WebPost | Apr 21, 2017 | Committees
At a time of great intensity of feeling surrounding our national political life, some Friends seek guidance about political messages in Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business and in personal announcements. Friends are reminded that Richmond Friends Meeting is a nonpartisan organization. Messages directed at particular individuals or political parties stand in the way of our fulfilling the timeless Quaker instruction to “walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone.” Foregoing personal attack does not preclude our speaking to the deep issues of our time, particularly those that have received minuted support from the Richmond Friends Meeting community or that bear on historic Quaker commitments to peace, justice, and equality.
Perhaps further guidance may be found in this statement by Barry Crossno, executive secretary of Friends General Conference: “If our only way forward is to resist, then let us resist. However, where we can create mutual respect, where we can sow love, and where we can share a vision of the Kingdom of God where all God’s children are valued, let us do so. Rather than be the rock of righteousness, let us be a river of love that sweeps us all towards liberation.”
by WebPost | Apr 21, 2017 | Committees
Rising In the Current: Recharging and reconnecting with the spark and flow of creation, within and around us! Join us at The Clearing – our Meeting’s retreat center in Amelia County – for a weekend of fun, fellowship and connection. Friday night will feature a film screening of “Still Waters,” Barb Adams’ award- winning documentary. Saturday we will soar into a kite-making workshop with time for visiting the pond, board games, and opportunities to just…be.
At The Clearing, we can get away from the hustle-bustle and bask in the stillness of trees, far away from wi-fi, the news media, and computers. We still have the comfort of all the amenities in the Lodge with bathrooms, showers, a full kitchen, and large meeting rooms. Learn more about The Clearing (and find directions!) here.
Registration is now open! Scholarships/sliding scale fees are available. Bring your tent or grab a spot in one of the two sleeping cabins – just make sure you register by May 15th for the Early Bird Discount. Fabulous meals provided! Register online using this this link, use the form in the newsletter, or talk to a committee member at Meeting to learn more.
by WebPost | Apr 21, 2017 | Committees
If you want to have a lot of fun and make your life meaningful, come to Spring Workday at RFM on Saturday, April 29, from 9 am to 3 pm. Helpers are welcome at anytime between 9 and 3. Lunch is provided by the B&G Committee. We will be doing tasks on the grounds and in the building. Questions? Contact Bob Alexander
by WebPost | Apr 15, 2017 | Adult Spiritual Education, Peace and Social Concerns
Sponsored by the Peace and Social Concerns and Adult Spiritual Education Committees of the Richmond Friends Meeting (Quakers)
WHEN: Sunday, April 30th, 12:30 PM
WHERE: Richmond Friends Meeting, Community Room 4500 Kensington Avenue, Richmond (Please park on Commonwealth Avenue)
FORUM PARTICIPANTS:
1) Linda Rabben, PhD.., author, and anthropologist who has written several books including Give Refuge to the Stranger: the Past, Present and Future of Sanctuary” and Sanctuary and Asylum.; attender at Adelphi Friends Meeting.
2) Lana Heath de Martinez, (M. Div, Union Theological Seminary), “Welcoming All Coordinator” from Virginia Interfaith Center (VICPP), Legislative Coordinator for Virginia Coalition of Latin American Organizations (Vacolao) during 2017 General Assembly. Lana is supporting/facilitating efforts of the VICPP Circles of Protection Sanctuary Network – Central Virginia.
3) Jennifer L. West, J.D., from UNC School of Law, Immigration & Nationality Attorney at Law Offices of Hyder and Overas, Richmond, Va, since 2002, member American Immigration Lawyers Association.
This forum will focus on:
**a history of the Sanctuary movement, specifically sanctuary provided by congregations and individuals, including the more recent Sanctuary movement of the past decade;
**information about ICE detentions in the Richmond area in recent years and under the current administration; Circles of Protection Sanctuary Network (VICPP)
**support and care for the vulnerable, undocumented, immigrants who have been detained or deported and their families; Power-of-Attorney clinics;
**and the legal aspects of providing Sanctuary as a congregation and/or an individual Faith communities have been mobilizing around the Sanctuary Movement and have been considering how best to protect, care for, and be allies with the undocumented, detained immigrants, and the families and loved ones of those deported.
Additional information: contact Sally Gudas at [email protected], (804)399-8342.
Finger foods, snacks, and drinks will be provided.