As Way Opens
It has been a week since we learned the results of the election. It has been a week of pain, joy, uncertainty, reflection, grief, concern and a host of other emotions as we all process the results of this election. Surprise is a word that all sides would probably use to describe what happened and we are all trying to understand what this means for our future. I believe God is at work in our world today and no matter how we voted, there is potential and hope. I spent the last weekend in Washington DC with 350 Quakers for the annual meeting of Friends Committee of National Legislation (FCNL). The Indiana delegation met with staffers from Senator Coats, Senator Donnelly, Representative Susan Brooks and Representative Luke Messer offices. They were all shocked by the results last week but ready to get to work for the residents of Indiana. I felt a sense of comfort that many folks were moving forward and working for the good of our state.
We have no idea what President elect Trump will pursue. I think there will be many opportunities for collaboration between all parties. I am praying that we all put aside our prejudices, show tolerance and love to each other and step into our future together. But we must also guard against the persecution of women, persons of color, Muslims, and others that have been identified in negative stereotypes during the last 18 months. All faith communities around the country must be ready to stand with and support individuals that face discrimination. Jesus calls us to this way of loving. During times of uncertainty, our faith community becomes even more important to each of us as a sacred place of safety, certainty and the presence of the Holy Spirit. My prayer is that we find comfort in each other and be a comfort to each other during this time of change and upheaval.
Beth
Joys & Concerns
Thank you to everyone who donated blood on November 6! Our hospitals are often in critical need of blood and your donations are much appreciated! Every pint can save up to three lives!
Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
Please note: There will be no Yoga class November 18 and 25. Class will resume Friday, Dec 2.
Join us on Thanksgiving Sunday, November 20th as we welcome Jackie Stillwell, General Secretary of Right Sharing of World Resources in Meeting for Worship. We will celebrate our blessing of being a blessing, and share together in a “World Meal”, experiencing what people around the world encounter when they come to their tables each day. We will accept donations for Right Sharing during the meal. Meeting for Worship to Conduct Business will follow immediately afterward.
Follow the North Star! Please contact the office if you would like to join us. We have made a reservation for 16 to attend the Connor Prairie interactive experience called Follow the North Star on November 18th at 7:15 p.m. This is a powerful immersion experience of being a slave trying to escape. You must be at least 12 years old to attend this event. The cost is $20 (funds are available for support). We will leave from First Friends at 6:30 or meet at Conner Prairie at 7:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving with Mid North Food Pantry ~ Witness & Service is sponsoring a food awareness drive at First Friends during the month of November. The Meridian Street Preschool Co-op is also partnering with First Friends to bring in donations of food and money to the Mid-North Food Pantry. Krishan C. is working on one of his scout requirements and will head-up this food pantry drive on behalf of Witness & Service. As was done last year, W&S is soliciting cash contributions rather than food items from adults since Mid North is able to purchase from Gleaners Food Bank more than 10 times the amount of food that an individual is able to purchase, for the same amount of money, at a grocery store. We think it is beneficial for the children at First Friends to continue to contribute food items. MSPC will have a box labeled ‘Mid North Food Pantry’ that will be available in the hallway by the classrooms. Additional boxes for food are in the children’s classrooms. We hope that everyone at First Friends will work together to share their blessings during the month of November. Checks should be written to First Friends with a notation for Mid North. Thanks for your help.
A New Justice At St. Luke’s UMC Presents “13th” Documentary ~ Now, more than ever, people of faith concerned for social justice must gather in mutual support and solidarity with the poor and outcast. Roger Ebert calls this documentary a “must see” that outlines the connection between slavery and the United States’ current position as the world’s biggest jailer. The Social Action Committee of St. Luke’s UMC invites you to such a gathering to view and discuss the movie, “13th” on Friday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Luke’s Parlor. This event is free and open to the public!
Tuesday evening, November 22nd at 7:00 is the date and time set for our annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at Allisonville First Christian Church. Everyone is welcome! First Friends, Epworth, Cross and Crown, Allisonville Christian, and St. Pius congregations will join together in worship and song, as we give thanks to God for the many gifts and graces we receive. We also have a chance to share with others – an offering will be taken to benefit Schools on Wheels – a ministry to homeless children. Join us in thanksgiving!
Grief Gathering on Sunday November 27th after Meeting for Worship - Circle of Care is hosting a lunch and discussion for those who have experienced a loss of a family member or cherished friend. This lunch and time together is a tangible way our Meeting is demonstrating our care for each other during times of sadness. We invite anyone that is interested in gathering with others to share and reflect on the experience of loss. Feel free to bring any family members. Please contact the office (office@indyfriends.org) if you plan to attend. This event is sponsored by our Circle of Care.
Hello Oak Leaf Ladies! Come to our 3rd Annual Oak Leaf Holiday Pot Luck on November 29th at 7 pm hosted by Ruth K. in her home. We will be discussing “The Friendly Persuasion" by Jessamyn West. Be ready to eat lasagna! Bring a side dish and a book from home to swap. People who haven't previously attended our meeting for reading are MORE than welcome to come join us! Please feel free to invite a friend, the more the merrier! Contact the office to RSVP.
Christmas Celebrations at First Friends Meeting
Vespers Festival of Lessons & Carols
December 4th at 5:00 pm
Complimentary Light Buffet following the concert
Choirs, Cookies, and Carols!
December 11th, 2016
‘Royal Sensation Choir’ in Meeting
Christmas Tea just following Worship
Christmas Caroling
Children’s Christmas Pageant
December 18th, 2016 in Meeting
Christmas Eve Service
‘Finding the Christ Child’
December 24th, 2016 at 5:30 pm
Christmas Morning Worship
Brunch, Caroling, and Waiting Worship at 10:15