by WebPost | Jan 13, 2016 | Library
Spirit Rising: Young Quaker Voices [QuakerPress of FGC 2010 356p.]
celebrates, critiques, questions, and reflects on the Quaker faith experience. Writing and visual art by teenage and young adult Quakers from around the world and across the theological and cultural spectrum of the Religious Society of Friends give readers a window on the spiritual riches and witness these Friends offer. The contributors in this volume challenge and inspire, as they witness to and celebrate Quakerism as it has been, as it is, and as it could yet be. The voices here come together in a symphony, cacophonous but also deeply resonant. Listen and you will hear that their Spirit – here called by many names – is undeniably rising.
[https://www.quakerbooks.org/book/spirit-rising]
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd [Viking Press 2014 369p]
It is a story about two women in Charleston, South Carolina in the first half of the 19th century. One of the women is a slave girl named Handful who has been raised by her mother to be strong and proud despite being treated like chattel. The other is Sarah Grimké, the daughter of wealthy landowners. Sarah is the black sheep of the family in that she sees slavery as inhumane, and also desires a profession of her own, although she is only a woman. Inspired by actual historical figures like Sarah and Angelina Grimké and Denmark Vesey, and enlivened by original creations like Charlotte and Handful, The Invention of Wings is the extraordinary story of two struggles for freedom. Much to the chagrin of her family, Sarah converted to Quakerism and moved to Philadelphia in 1821; by 1829 Angelina had also become a Quaker and decided to move north to be with her sister.
[http://www.npr.org/2014/01/11/260192246/finding-flight-in-the-invention-of-wings]
Aging in Community by Janice Blanchard [2nd Journey Publication 2013 250 p.]
As 78 million boomers turn 66 years old at a clip of 10,000 a day, aging is about to get better! The generation that fought for Civil Rights, rallied for women’s equality, and protested the Vietnam War has a track record of creating positive social change. Now boomers are confronting a social injustice that impacts us all, independent of gender, class, or color — ageism. One facet of this emerging Age Revolution is how and where we grow old. Because many have watched their parents struggle to stay in their family homes or saw them wither away in nursing homes — lonely, bored, and often helpless — they are determined to find a better way. In this anthology, editor Janice Blanchard brings together the perspectives of visionaries, practitioners, and pioneering elders who together are forging an exciting new paradigm of aging— aging in community.
[http://www.amazon.com/dp/1482302659/ref=rdr_ext_tmb]
The Girl From the Tar Paper School by Teri Channeled {Abrams Bks. for Young Readers 2014 55p.]
Lessons on Brown v. Board of Education on this 60th anniversary should not begin with the 1954 Supreme Court decision but, instead, with the decades of activism that led to the historic ruling. And there is no better way to hook young people than with the school walkout led by 15-year-old Barbara Rose Johns in Prince Edward County[Farmville], Virginia, in 1951. Carefully planned with a sworn-to-secrecy group of fellow high school students, Johns arranged to have the principal called out of the building and then held a high school assembly to announce the walkout to demand a new school building.
[https://zinnedproject.org/materials/the-girl-from-the-tar-paper-school/]
Building a Movement to End the New Jim Crow, an Organizing Guide by Daniel Hunter
The Study Guide and Call to Action spans the entirety of The New Jim Crow, engaging the critical questions of how we managed to create, nearly overnight, a penal system unprecedented in world history, and how that system actually functions — as opposed to the way it is advertised.
This important resource also challenges us to search for and admit the truth about ourselves, our own biases, stereotypes, and misconceptions, and the many ways in which we might actually be part of the problem.
[http://www.newjimcroworganizing.org]
Race to Incarceration, A Graphic Retelling by Sabrina Jones and Marc Mauer Sabrina Jones, a member of the World War 3 Illustrated collective and an acclaimed author of politically engaged comics, has collaborated with Mauer to adapt and update the original book into a vivid and compelling comics narrative. Jones’s dramatic artwork adds passion and compassion to the complex story of the penal system’s shift from rehabilitation to punishment and the ensuing four decades of prison expansion, its interplay with the devastating “War on Drugs,” and its corrosive effect on generations of Americans.
http://thenewpress.com/books/race-incarcerate
Here are the new Pendle Hill pamphlets that have arrived.
- A Quietness Within: The Quiet Was as Faith and Spirituality
- Recovering Sacred Presence in a Disenchanted World
- The Door In
by WebPost | Dec 25, 2015 | Peace and Social Concerns
Submitted by Betsy Brinson & Curt Torrell
The decision to allow women to serve in all combat roles by Defense Secretary Ashton Carter on December3, 2015 should be enough to reverse Rostker v. Goldberg, the Supreme Court decision upholding women not required to sign up for Selective Service. That ruling was based on the Pentagon policy that excluded women in combat. It has been tested in the 90’s by Clinton and Congress yet reaffirmed many times since for the same reason.
Revisiting this would mean either a new Selective Service law or a new case brought before the Supreme Court, neither of which is likely to happen before Presidential elections. A case would be strengthened by the fact that Solomon and Thurmond amendments (denial of federal and state education loans, jobs and training) plus required SS registration to get a state driver’s license are imposed only on men.
The decision to open up all military positions to women complicates the issue even more. Women now presumably will be subject to draft. In Virginia when you get a driver’s license at age 16, your name is given to Selective Service. Most people do not even realize this is what they are doing when they apply for a license. If there is a draft and one gets notice, you only have about nine days to get an appeal together. This is why the Quaker House program to document now is so important to our peace testimony.
by WebPost | Dec 25, 2015 | Minutes of Business Meeting
Richmond Friends Meeting
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business
Twelfth Month 20, 2015
Meeting began with silence at 11:00 am. Forty (40) members and attenders were present. Laura Cribbs was greeter. Mary Julia Street from Ministry and Worship sat on the facing bench to hold Meeting in the Light. Brooke Davis read the Baltimore Yearly Meeting (BYM) proposed Queries, Advices, and Voices on Youth.
Religious Education: Catherine Roseberry reported that the children were engaged in a program making Christmas crafts and cookies. She invited Friends to two upcoming events: (1) Candlelight Christmas on Monday, December 21, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Although the program is family-oriented, all are encouraged to attend. (2) The “Bond Fire/S’more Time Together” gathering for pizza dinner, and making dessert around the outdoor fire pit, is planned for Friday, January 15, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Nominating Committee: Brooke Davis reported for the committee: (1) The updated, final roster of nominated positions and committee memberships for 2016 was distributed for the second reading and approval. Brooke thanked Friends for their willingness to serve in positions and on committees, and asked for comments. Two corrections were requested. A Friend asked for clarification about which committees have specified term lengths; Don Miller responded that this applies only to the four committees that require membership in Meeting (Ministry and Worship, Care and Counsel, Nominating, and Adult Spiritual Education). Friends approved the 2016 roster. (2) Brooke encouraged all committees to meet in January and choose a clerk in preparation for the New Clerks/Old Clerks meeting scheduled for February 7, 2016, from 9:30 am to 10:45 am. The Clerk expressed thanks to the Nominating Committee for their work, and to Friends for being willing to serve and create a community that binds us together. Don Miller asked committees to send the names of incoming clerks to the newsletter editors for inclusion in the list of committees to be published in the February newsletter.
BYM Camping Program: Brooke Davis “changed hats” and announced that an open house for the BYM Camping Program will be held January 3, 2016 at rise of Meeting. There will be a variety of activities, and former counselors and campers will talk about the program. Brooke asked Friends to spread the word to any children and parents that might be interested, non-Quakers included. Flyers are available on the table under the bulletin board and directly from Brooke.
Financial Stewardship: (1) Treasurer Bronwyn Hughes and committee clerk Steve Humphrey handed out copies of the final 2016 General Fund Budget for approval. Bronwyn stated that the budget was the same as last year, except for two additional Quaker organizations (Monteverde Radio Station and FGC Bayard-Rustin Fund) and a decrease of $50 in the BYM apportionment. Bronwyn asked for questions. A Friend asked whether contributions had increased enough to meet the budgeted amount in the current year. Bronwyn replied that the assumption and hope is that the full amount will be received, but she will not know until mid-to-late January when all of the checks dated in 2015 are counted. At that time, she will provide an update to the Meeting. Steve commented that contingency funds would be used to cover any shortfall in contributions. Friends approved the 2016 budget. (2) Bronwyn reported that Curian, the investment vehicle currently used for ASE funds, is being closed. She has scheduled a meeting with our investment advisor on December 28th to determine where the money can be invested in a socially-conscious way. Bronwyn encourages anyone interested in attending to contact her for details. The Clerk thanked the treasurer and the committee, and reminded Friends that approval of the budget is a commitment by everyone in our community to support the Meeting with contributions.
Peace and Social Concerns: (1) Dave Depp reported for the committee: He spoke about the history of RFM in supporting refugees from a number of countries, including Cambodia, Iraq, Bosnia, Somalia, and Afghanistan. The committee is looking into how RFM might support refugees from economic conditions or war, perhaps an individual or family from Syria. The committee will provide more information in the coming weeks and will bring a proposal to a future business meeting if so led. In response, a Friend described past efforts of the Meeting and the importance of these activities as witness. Another Friend expressed appreciation to the committee for helping us engage our concerns and leadings regarding the current refugee crisis. (2) Ben Hebner, RFM representative to Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), gave a report on his recent involvement in FCNL activities. He attended a recent FCNL meeting and returned with renewed appreciation for Friends who lobby our government about our concerns. He also spoke about being inspired and moved by a collection of writings by RFM Friends on the Peace Testimony that he found in our library. FCNL is looking for ways to “wage peace,” including lobbying for permanent funding for a commission established by the current administration and guided by principles of the Great Lakes Initiative in Africa (a program with which RFM member Linda Heacock was actively involved). Ben discussed his meetings with the staffs of Virginia’s U.S. senators and Ben’s Congressman. Lastly, Ben described the big push by FCNL to engage youth and get them involved. He asked Friends to help connect interested young people with FCNL.
Ministry and Worship: The Clerk made an announcement for the committee: The Christmas Eve Meeting for Worship will be held Thursday, December 24, 2015. Singing will begin at 4:30 pm, worship will be from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Adult Spiritual Education: Howard Garner reported for the committee. He referred Friends to events listed in the agenda and to the page titled “Living the Quaker Life” attached to the agenda handout. This series grew out of a desire to build upon the old “Quaker 101” program and is designed for new attenders, attenders considering membership, and long-term members and attenders interested in a deeper Quaker experience. The “textbook” is the proposed BYM Faith and Practice (2013), copies of which are available without charge to Friends who intend to participate in the program. Howard encouraged Friends to sign and return the slip at the bottom of the page describing the series as a way of making the commitment to attend, whether or not a copy of F&P was requested.
Eleventh Month 2015 MWB Minutes: Approved, with correction of a typographical error. It was noted that Care and Counsel’s second reading of a request for membership, referred to in the minutes, is being held over until January so that the family involved can be present.
Clerk’s Business: (1) The Clerk reviewed the history of the formation of the Ad Hoc Building Use Committee and the creation of revised building use guidelines which were sent to the Richmond Zoning Office in August. Since there has been no need for committee work for a while, and a new Clerk will start in January, the Clerk requested that the committee be laid down. Friends approved. Several Friends asked whether there would be a final report from the committee. The Clerk offered the possibility that the existing documents of the committee’s work and the building use guidelines themselves, all of which have been turned over to the Archivist, were sufficient. After discussion, Friends approved. (2) The Clerk reminded committee clerks to send year-end reports to Ministry and Worship, the Archivist, and the Clerk. (3) As the Clerk announced the next potluck, Bob Alexander reported that the new oven is defective and Hospitality is trying to determine whether it makes sense to hold the potluck on the 27th. The Meeting will be notified whether a potluck lunch will be held. (3) After the Clerk asked if there was any further business, a Friend requested that personal announcements be made immediately. Friends agreed.
Personal Announcements: (1) A Friend expressed appreciation to Barbara Hulburt for her two years’ service as Clerk of Meeting and asked that it be minuted. (2) Janet Worsham announced her plan to create a portable lending library in Puerto Rico and asked for book donations for ages infant to adult, in Spanish and English.
All business being concluded we settled into silence until the rise of meeting was signaled from the facing bench.
Barbara Hulburt, Clerk
James Thoroman, Recording Clerk
by WebPost | Nov 19, 2015 | Minutes of Business Meeting
MWB Minutes Draft November 2015
Richmond Friends Meeting
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business
Eleventh Month 15, 2015
Meeting began with silence at 11:00 am. Fifty-six (56) members and attenders were present. Clarisse Harton was greeter. Jan Hampton from Ministry and Worship sat on the facing bench to hold Meeting in the Light. Pat Tashjian was welcomed as a first-time attender to MWB; Ellen Arginteanu and Jules Arginteanu were welcomed back after many years away. Leslie Shiel read the Baltimore Yearly Meeting (BYM) proposed Queries and Voices on Meeting for Business.
Religions Education: Catherine Roseberry announced the following upcoming events listed in the agenda and referred Friends to the Tenth Month minutes for details: (1) The RE Christmas Program will be presented on Sunday, December 13. (2) Handmade Christmas will be held on Sunday, December 20. (3) The Candlelight Christmas celebration for families and all Friends will be held on Monday, December 21, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, at the Meetinghouse. (4) On Friday, January 15, 2016, the “Bond Fire/S’more Time Together” event will be held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Friends are encouraged to attend.
Care and Counsel: (1) Clarisse Harton introduced and read the memorial minute for Marie DuBois Clark, who died on August 10, 2014. She was the wife of Robert “Bob” Clark. The memorial minute is attached. (2) Bob Alexander presented the committee’s recommendation of approval of membership for Paula McMahon, Thomas Manthey and Luke Manthey. As is our custom, approval will be held over for a month. Friends are encouraged to meet and get to know Paula, Thomas and Luke. (3) Bob also presented the committee’s recommendation to restore the membership of Dave Depp. After being a member for many years, Dave laid down his membership several years ago for reasons of conscience. Dave is now clear that he wishes to rejoin the Meeting. Friends approved.
Nominating Committee: Brooke Davis presented the roster of nominated positions and committee memberships for 2016 for the first reading. She announced two last-minute additions to the Hospitality Committee: Lori Kvam and Melissa Franco. The final roster of nominations will be presented for approval at the Twelfth Month MWB. Committee Member Don Miller encouraged any Friends still considering joining a committee to sign up; committee work is a great way to get to know the Meeting better and to deepen connections with other Friends.
Friend’s General Conference: Michelle Bellows reported on several decisions made by FGC’s Central Committee at their October Meeting. Due to fewer volunteers and reduced funding, Central Committee decided to lay down some programs and projects. Some staff is also being let go; FGC is being as considerate and supportive as possible. Two key points that Michelle mentioned were that Quaker Quest is one the programs being laid down and that the Couples Enrichment program is being spun off. A description of other affected programs is available on the FGC website.
Michelle called particular attention to QuakerBooks, which has seen revenue fall by 70%, in large part because many of the titles can be purchased from other online sources such as Amazon for a few dollars less. Many Friends consider QuakerBooks to be as much a ministry as a bookstore and, while FGC will continue to subsidize it, Michelle encouraged Friends to buy their books from QuakerBooks and spend a few dollars more as a contribution to keeping this ministry available for all Quakers. Quantity purchases of books are eligible for a discount. Friends suggested that Michelle give a more complete presentation of FGC programs at some time in the future and put the information she shared this morning in the newsletter. The Clerk encouraged Friends to visit the FGC website to learn more about FGC and its programs.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Bronwyn Hughes handed out copies of the first draft of the proposed 2016 General Fund Budget and described several changes from the 2015 budget. She asked Friends to examine the proposed budget in preparation for approval at the Twelfth Month MWB. A Friend suggested that the final presentation include the other funds, such as the Adult Spiritual Education fund, and the rules for spending them. A member of the committee commented that Financial Stewardship is considering compensation for the Treasurer, since having a CPA do this work is extremely beneficial to Meeting and should be acknowledged. More information will be forthcoming about this idea.
Financial Stewardship Committee Clerk Steve Humphrey stated that, as of mid-November, only approximately 50% of the income budgeted for 2015 had been contributed. And, although it is normal for a significant percentage of contributions to come in late in the year, the amount received to date is $4000 less than this time last year. Steve reminded Meeting that last year contributions met expenses, but only because some expenses were down. If contributions are down this year, the 2016 budget will need to be changed to reflect the lower level of contributions. Steve asked the Meeting to consider our approved budget a commitment to the level of contributions it requires. The Clerk asked Friends to make contributions as an important part of our support of our community.
Ministry and Worship: Michael Pierce announced the Christmas Eve Meeting for Worship to be held Thursday, December 24, with singing at 4:30 pm and worship from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The Clerk reminded Friends that this is distinct from the family-oriented Candlelight Christmas planned for December 21, sponsored by the RE committee (see RE report), and encouraged Friends to come to both.
Adult Spiritual Education: Howard Garner announced the following: (1) The next Bible Workbench will be held Sunday, December 20, 9:30 to 10:45 am. After the first of next year, Bible Workbench will be held on the first Sunday of the month. (2) The BYM Women’s Retreat will be held January 29 -31, 2016. Scholarships are available from BYM and the ASE committee (application information is on the RFM website). Ada Hammer spoke about the Women’s Retreat and encouraged women to visit the BYM website to learn more. (3) The committee is planning a winter/spring series, “Living the Quaker Life.” The events of the series will take place at 9:00 am, on the second and fourth Sundays of February, March and April.
Peace and Social Concerns: (1) Ada Hammer reported on the meal being provided to families of prisoners returning from visiting their family members on December 12, 2014. She has all the help needed, except for several batches of brownies. (2) Denna Joy announced that the olive oil ordered from the source in Palestine was available. Orders for future deliveries are being taken. Bottles are $20; contact Verna Boos.
Building and Grounds: Bob Alexander gave an update on issues with use of our building. A neighbor filed a complaint that RFM had renovations done without the necessary permit. The City of Richmond building inspector who visited found that our recent kitchen upgrade did not need a permit. Bob reported that the inspector said his department gets complaints fairly often that are actually attempts to harass neighbors; should this individual call again, the inspector indicated that the city would deal with him.
Tenth Month 2015 MWB Minutes: Approved, with the correction of the spelling of Anne Gray’s name.
Clerk’s Business: (1) The Clerk reminded Friends that on Sunday, December 6, 2014, from 9:00 to 10:30 am, the Carol Sing and Potluck breakfast will be held at the home of Kelly and Paul DiPasquale. (2) The next potluck lunch will be November 22, 2015, at rise of Meeting. Please bring food to share. (3) The Clerk read a thank you note from the Quaker House directors who made the recent presentation on Moral Injury. Wade Smith commented that the Quaker House board recently recognized Betsy Brinson for nine years of service on the board.
All business being concluded we settled into silence until the rise of meeting was signaled from the facing bench.
Barbara Hulburt, Clerk
James Thoroman, Recording Clerk
by WebPost | Oct 21, 2015 | Topics
We sometimes call ourselves the “Agers.” We are a group of retirement age members and attenders of Richmond Friends Meeting who have formed a self-help support group. We welcome new members. There are minimal requirements to join. Annually one pays $25 a year and fills out a questionnaire stating what assistance one is able to offer to another. We have helped each other with transportation, meals, and other support.
If you are interested in more information, contact Betsy Brinson, clerk, or Ada Hammer, lead coordinator.