As Way Opens by Beth Henricks
Friends United Meeting(FUM) - what is this organization that just held their Triennial Meeting at Indiana Wesleyan College, where Ruthie and I attended last week? It is an international association of Quakers primarily made up of 34 Yearly Meetings (our own Western Yearly Meeting is affiliated with FUM). Its goal is to work together in evangelism, global partnership, leadership development and communications. FUM was formed as an association called Five Years Meeting in 1902 that organized the more orthodox Quaker Yearly Meetings within the United States. As we all know, there is a great diversity of theology among our body of Quakers and FUM is an association that includes both pastoral and unprogrammed meetings that are Christ centered. FUM historically was the organization that sponsored new church plantings in East Africa which is now home to far more Quakers than meet in the United States. FUM sponsors schools in Belize and Ramallah sponsors work teams to Cuba, and supports a number of projects like scholarships for Kenyan youth (Education for Esther Summer Project). It publishes the magazine Quaker Life. Please visit their website to learn more about this Richmond, Indiana headquartered organization (www.fum.org).
The featured speaker at this year's Triennial meeting was the well-known Quaker author Richard Foster. Ruthie had been asked to join him on stage with Colin Saxton, the head of FUM for a discussion after his message. Ruthie, Colin and Richard had met for lunch that day and had a lively discussion about a number of topics. That evening, after some back and forth with questions from Ruthie and Colin to Richard answering and giving his perspective, Richard turned to Ruthie and said, "You have a great spirit - how about you teach us now" and turned his chair towards her. This was totally unplanned and unexpected, and here were 250 people waiting to hear what Ruthie would say. It was an amazing experience to watch how Ruthie allowed God to speak through her and asked us to enter into silence, and then gave a prayer that was inspiring. Ruthie's prayer was healing, inclusive and encompassed all the aspects of how we individually may see Christ. I just wish all of you had been there to experience this incredible moment of Christ's Presence in that room. This was a reminder to me to take an uncomfortable situation and not think about my own words, but to turn to God to allow God's Presence to take over.
Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
Monthly Meeting for Business is this Sunday following Meeting for Worship! Last Month’s Meeting Minutes will be available for your review.
There will be Unprogrammed Worship in the Woods at 9 a.m. every Sunday through the summer. Also, the Coffee Circle/Wired Word and the Quakerism class will each continue to meet through the summer at 9:00 a.m as well. All friends are welcome, including members of other classes not meeting during the summer. Childcare will be available; the children will meet in the Nursery.
Babysitting will be provided for our families at the Meetinghouse this Saturday, June 21st from 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. We will provide dinner for the kids. Please let Beth Henricks know if you are joining us at henricksbeth2@gmail.com.
The USFW gathering set for Thursday, June 26th has been postponed. We will look forward to hearing from Norma Wallman, and enjoying a time of fellowship together at a date to be set in the future.
Western Yearly Meeting Sessions Request – AFSC fundraiser – From Ann Panah:
I have volunteered to host the Friday session lunch on July 18th at the Yearly Meetinghouse in Plainfield. This will be a fundraiser for our local AFSC Indiana Peacebuilding Program, led by Erin Polley. I would like to start planning this meal and I’m looking for volunteers to cook/serve/clean-up. AFSC (American Friends Service Committee) hosts local events such as the ‘Windows and Mirrors’ exhibit and works towards promoting programs to bring about peace and justice in the world. If you need more information on the organization please visit http://afsc.org/. Please contact me at a_panah@yahoo.com or 317-250-4161 if you are interested in helping plan and/or serve.
You are invited to enjoy art, gourmet food, and ‘Music for the Heart’ at Nancy Noel’s restaurant and art studio called ‘The Sanctuary’ in Zionsville. Guess who are the musicians are? Helena Riley and Sylvia Noble, who play chamber music from 12:30 to 3:00 every 2nd and 4th Saturday throughout this summer. Come and enjoy lunch, music and art! Located at 75 N Main St, Zionsville, IN 46077.
Amy Perry feels privileged to have helped Nancy Vargas, build her new Habitat for Humanity home in Westfield on May 30. Nancy is working (two jobs!) her way through nursing school. Her two sons, who currently share a king-size bed with their mom in their studio apartment, are looking forward to having more privacy and to playing in their new back yard. As a participant, Amy is being asked to raise $250 to help cover materials, and she’s almost met her goal. If you feel so led, please contribute by visiting Amy Perry's Women Build Page. If you don't have internet access, please contact Amy at 696-5074 or Natalie Proudfoot at 896-9423, ext. 102. The deadline is today, June 18th.
Energizing Indiana is a program funded by utility rates (no cost to you) that can raise your home’s performance, lower energy consumption, improve in-home air quality and increase your home’s value. Sign up and schedule an appointment. After your home energy assessment is completed, First Friends will receive $25 from Energizing Indiana for each assessed home. Both you and First Friends will benefit!!! More info concerning this program is on the table in the hall.
The Peace Learning Center has many upcoming camp opportunities, including: Peacebuilders Enrichment Camp from June 9-July 25, Make Some Noise: Upstanders Unite! on June 27, Dare Me for Charity on July 5th and many more. Please visit the Peace Learning Center for information on these and other programs.
Save the Date for Wilderness Escape, our Vacation Bible School program which will begin on Sunday, July 27th at 11:30 a.m. and will include lunch. It will continue Monday, July 28th through Thursday, July 31st at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Our Fellowship Hall will be transformed into Cam Israel with a variety of tents and tribes! Kids up to fifth grade are welcome and volunteers are needed!
Would you like to receive a copy of each First Day’s sermon? Simply sign-up for Wednesday Word by sending an email request to office@indyfriends.org or call the Meeting Office at 317-255-2485.