October 11, 2017

As Way Opens

We have experienced a lot of loss over the last few months.  We have mourned and celebrated the lives of Gerald M, Marshall G, Barbara F, Ann K and this Saturday will be the memorial service for Bob H.  This just seems like too much death in the space of a few months.  We know these losses impact family and friends and the hole in our hearts can be huge.  These are individuals that have touched us in many different ways over the years and we need to keep seeing these friends in our building, our worship service, our gatherings and our work in the world. 

I shared with you several months ago my son Greg’s best friend from high school (Marshall) was killed while visiting Vietnam with friends.  This has been a terrible loss for all of Marshall’s family and friends.  This past Saturday night they had a memorial service for him that was wonderful.  Greg said that he never felt so surrounded by an almost levitating love during the weekend.  This is why memorial services are so important to us - a time for family and friends to return to town to feel a sense of home and memories and to honor and cherish the life of our loved one.   While the sadness of this loss has been immense for Greg and others, Greg also felt a power of deep happiness over the weekend.  He said he could sense Marshall’s spirit singing and dancing with them.  Greg knows that Marshall continues to breathe life into all of them and he feels a sense of renewed lust for the future.  Marshall’s philosophy of life was summed up in three words - Be Here Now. 

I pray for each of us that we can take our losses and with time turn them into a renewed lust for the future.  May we all embrace Marshall’s philosophy and be present with ourselves and with each other.  As Jesus said to us in Luke 9:24-25, “Those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.  What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?"

Beth

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Joys & Concerns

Many thanks to our food pantry volunteers last week: Kathy and Bill F; Linda L; Ray G; and Carol and Jim D. Your service is always appreciated!

Thank you to all those who contributed and helped assemble buddy bags! We had a fun time last week assembling the bags for the kids at Allison Elementary School during their fall break.

Seasoned Friends had a wonderful trip to the Huddleston Farm House and Levi Coffin House this past Tuesday. We enjoyed an afternoon together as well as the enriching stories and history of each location!

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Notice: As Dan L is still out of town for a 10 day work trip, there will be no class for the Christ Among Quakers course this Sunday.

October Monthly Meeting ~ Please note, the Monthly Meeting to Conduct Business for October is being moved to Sunday, October 22 (fourth Sunday), so as to not cause conflict with the Festival of Faiths. We hope you will be a part of the festival –see below for more details!

Did you know the directory is online? Yes, the directory is always available online to you! You can access the directory at any time, and it works on mobile devices as well. Simply go to our website at www.indyfriends.org, hover over “Attenders” and click “Private Portal.” Enter the password and find the link to the directory there. You can click Ctrl + F to search. This copy of the directory is always kept up to date, so it’s a great source for everyone’s current contact information! Please call the office at 317-255-2485 for the password.

Sing A Long Again ~ October 13, Friday, in the parlor at FF. Jim K will lead again. We had maybe 10 people at the first very fun evening. You don’t have to be a good singer, but is enough to enjoy singing. Jim is an enthusiastic leader. We begin at 7:00 and end no later than 9. Well, maybe a few minutes later. Bring books if you have them. Rise Up Singing and Rise Again. Don’t let a lack of books deter you. Questions? Need a ride? Contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.

Woods Work Day ~ we have a Woods Work Day on Saturday morning, October 14, from 9-12.  We plan to tackle the over grown shrubs in the southwest corner near the drive and Kessler. We are searching for Snowberry and other native shrubs that have been overtaken by weeds.  Come join us.  We may have some hot dogs cooked over an open fire.

Reminder: Women’s Fashion Fundraiser For “Right Sharing of World Resources” ~ As a reminder, this weekend Sara Edgerton is holding a fundraiser to benefit “Right Sharing of World Resources” this Friday, October 13th and Saturday, October 14th in the Parlor. Please call the church at 317-255-2485 to reserve your spot. RSVPs will be necessary. Trunk show times for both days are: 10:00 am, 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm at First Friends. Bring a friend along.

threshing: def.
 a gathering of men who mull over current issues or topics, where all points of view are heard, no decisions are made, and beverages are enjoyed.
Please join us for Threshing at the Tap! Bob Henry will lead conversation at various local craft breweries at 7pm every 3rd Thursday of the month. The first gathering will take place October 19th at Blind Owl Brewery, 5014 E. 62nd St. Please join us for this, or any subsequent gatherings! View the flyer here for more info and for future brewery locations: https://goo.gl/NkXUDF.

Full Circle Festival ~ Please join us downtown for Full Circle Fest on Saturday, October 14, 3-8pm! This is a FREE festival and a fundraiser for refugees in Indianapolis, organized by our own Ben W. It is a celebration of culture, reflecting the diversity of Indianapolis through food, music, and storytelling. We will be using half of the circle to highlight four musical acts and four stories told by refugees in Indianapolis. Food trucks will provide refreshments, non-profits will set up booths to educate about the issue, artists will share their work, and diverse communities will gather in celebration. The festival will culminate with a collective art project. For more information, please visit https://www.fullcirclefest.com/.
 

Festival of Faiths ~ Drumming, Gospel singers, a Jewish wedding, a regal rider on a large white steed, dancers, chanting monks.....and smiling Quakers! These are some of the things you might see at the Festival of Faiths on October the 15th at Veterans Memorial Plaza downtown. Once again we hope to have a good Quaker presence at the festival. We need volunteers to help set up, sit at tables and help take everything down at the end of the day. Set up will begin at 12:00pm and the festival officially opens at 1:00pm. Take down will begin 5:00pm. There will be a poster board sign-up in the hallway at the entrance to the main lobby in the meeting house. SIGN UP FOR WHATEVER TIME COMMITMENT WORKS FOR YOU! You can be there all day as I plan to be or you can sign up for a 30 minute shift. We particularly need people to help set up and take down. If you have any question or comments please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.

Attention Friends! Do you have a picnic or camp canopy? The kind you put up over the picnic table or by the campground tent to keep sun and rain off? If you do we would like to borrow it for a few hours this Sunday (Oct. 15) to keep our volunteers weather protected during the Festival of Faiths. Please contact the office for more details. Thanks!

Fall Festival! ~ Meridian Street Preschool Co-Op (MSPC) will be hosting their annual Fall Festival on Saturday October 21st from 4-6pm. First Friends attenders and members are welcome to attend and be a part of this fun evening. There will be a bounce house, their annual chili cook-off, crafts, food, games, prizes, and more! Please join us!

Friendly Visitors... please plan to join Circle of Care for an Appreciation Luncheon in the parlor Sunday October 29 after Meeting for Worship in the Parlor to thank YOU for your participation in this important ministry! In addition, if you are not currently a "friendly visitor", but have interest in this ministry and becoming a friendly visitor, please join us at the luncheon and learn more about it! Please RSVP to the office at office@indyfriends.org.

Blood Drive! Please join us for a blood drive held in conjunction with the Indiana Blood Center on Sunday, November 5th. It is going to be in Fellowship Hall from 9-12:30. Keep an eye out soon for a link if you’d like to sign up ahead of time. Walk-ins are welcome too!

NEW Sunday Yoga Classes - Yoga is a practice well suited to the Quaker experience. (Or, is yoga an experience well suited to the Quaker practice? ☺) We will explore asana practice, meditation, and breathwork as a way to experience inner Light. Several varieties of yoga practice will be explored, such as yin yoga, vinyasa yoga, and restorative yoga.  The class is open to all levels and members of the class will help determine the content of the practice. Class will be offered once monthly. Please note we have changed the date from the second Sunday of the month to the first Sunday of the month, from 11:45-12:45ish in the Parlor with an opportunity for a pitch-in lunch immediately following. Please join us at our next session on November 5th. If you’d like to contribute to the class, any goodwill offerings are appreciated!

Words Matter! Writing for Healing, Action, & Change ~ Indianapolis First Friends Meeting is hosting a workshop for the Spirit & Place Festival this year! Join four talented writers—Philip Gulley, Diana Ensign, Amber Stearns, and Barbara Shoup—as they explore the power of words to spark compassion, dialogue, and positive change. Words are powerful! Written language imparts knowledge, shapes thoughts, spurs ideas, and provokes action. Words inspire, uplift, and motivate. Misused, words can be a tool for manipulation or bullying. It matters how we use them. Do our words create positive change in the world? Do our words send waves of fear and anger? Or do our words unify? This panel presentation will examine the power of words and will ask attendees to answer in writing, “How have you been inspired to use your words to create change?” Selected responses will be published in NUVO. Prior to the panel discussion and after the discussion enjoy music by guitarist Michelle Qureshi. This will be held Friday, November 10, from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM in the Meetingroom. This is free and open to anyone! Walk-ins welcome, but RSVPs encouraged by Nov. 10. Please RSVP here: https://goo.gl/27bwng.

Silent Auction and Talent Show! ~ Friends, music can lift us all up into the light!  We have installed a lift in the choir room which means that the choir room had to move which means that we need a new piano.  We are having a talent show/silent auction to raise money for the new piano.  Do you have a secret talent?  Do you have something to share?  We are looking for your talents.  Please contact the office about the talent show at office@indyfriends.org.  For the silent auction we need anything but clothes.  Own Colts season tickets you can’t use?  Have a son or daughter who can cut grass?  Maybe an old piece of furniture you don’t need?  Maybe someone else can use these things!  Please donate items and leave them on the stage clearly marked for the silent auction.  Please plan to attend November 11 at 7pm for Quaker talent night and silent auction!

October 4, 2017

As Way Opens

On Monday, Beth and I attended a pastor’s conference at Earlham School of Religion led by author and pastor Mandy Smith from Cincinnati, Ohio. Mandy and I had met a little over a year ago at a conference in Seattle. On both occasions her talk was on her book, “The Vulnerable Pastor: How Human Limitations Empower Our Ministry.” Mandy is focusing on a topic that is not that popular in our world, today -- weakness. Her intent is to help us see how “God’s strength is made known in our weaknesses” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

I don’t know about you, but I do not like to be confronted with my limitations. [Our family even has a sign prominently displayed in our home that reads “Live Without Limits.”] And for that matter, most people rarely find themselves boasting about their limitations or weaknesses, especially in public. Let’s be honest, weakness is often categorized and defined by our fears and lack of trust and confidence. Why would anyone want to talk about those things? Aren’t we a people who are meant to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, suck it up, and be strong - NOT WEAK?

In her book, “The Vulnerable Pastor,” Mandy quotes the late Brennan Manning where he says,

“The American Church today accepts grace in theory but denies it in practice….We believe that we can pull ourselves up by our bootstraps -- instead, we can do it ourselves. Sooner or later we are confronted with the painful truth of our inadequacy and insufficiency. Our security is shattered and our bootstraps are cut...Our huffing and puffing to impress God, our scrambling for brownie points, our thrashing about trying to fix ourselves while hiding our pettiness and wallowing in guilt are nauseating to God and are a flat out denial of the gospel of grace.”  

I sense Mandy to be prophetic in her challenge to us as ministers - which remember we ALL are as Quakers. She asks us to take time to reflect on our weaknesses, allowing it to be a process where trust may be built, inner wrestling take place, and humility embraced.  When we face persecutions, difficulties, hardships, may we not be left asking, “Why am I not ________enough” (you fill in the blank for yourself), but rather seeking our best ministry and life to grow out of our reliance on God and collaboration with him.  

As Mandy states,

“Our call is to see beyond the gloss and comfort of life in the developed world, to avoid the violence of a quick fix, to learn to listen for the sucking sound of that “forever empty.” Our call is to admit how much we lack, how deeply we yearn. It may take losing our influence, our wealth, our connections, our institutions, our technology and everything else that gives us a sense of power for us to finally say, “We need you, God! It will then be our task to wait and watch what becomes of the space we have left for him to fill.”

Grace and peace,
Bob

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Joys & Concerns

The Thornburgs are heading to Belize! The Thornburgs left for Belize early this morning. After a layover in Atlanta they will be headed directly to Belize. We pray for their safe travels and fruitful work with the school in Belize. They will return on October 15th. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make this possible!

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Gentle Yoga notice ~ Please note that there will be no gentle yoga this Friday, October 6th.

Notice: Since Dan Lee will be out of town for a 10 day work trip, there will be no class for the Christ Among Quakers course for the next two weeks.

Calling all green thumbs! The community gardeners will have a meeting today, October 4th at 7 pm at the meeting house to discuss fall clean up and plans for the next gardening season. Please join if you are a current gardener or are interested in joining next spring! Please contact the office if you have any questions.

October Monthly Meeting ~ Please note, the Monthly Meeting to Conduct Business for October is being moved to Sunday, October 22 (fourth Sunday), so as to not cause conflict with the Festival of Faiths. We hope you will be a part of the festival – see below for more info!

NEW Sunday Yoga Classes - Yoga is a practice well suited to the Quaker experience. (Or, is yoga an experience well suited to the Quaker practice? ☺) We will explore asana practice, meditation, and breathwork as a way to experience inner Light. Several varieties of yoga practice will be explored, such as yin yoga, vinyasa yoga, and restorative yoga.  The class is open to all levels and members of the class will help determine the content of the practice. Class will be offered once monthly, on the second Sunday, from 11:45-12:45ish in the Parlor with an opportunity for a pitch-in lunch immediately following. The first session will be this Sunday, October 8. If you’d like to contribute to the class, any goodwill offerings are appreciated!

Shalom Zone Electronics Recycling Event ~ If an item runs (or used to run) with a plug or a battery, you can recycle it! This includes (but is not limited to) appliances, TVs, DVD/VCRs, gaming consoles, fax machines, Christmas tree lights, calculators, toner cartridges, hair dryers, and more! The Shalom Zone is holding their annual Recycle Force event at Epworth United Methodist Church, 6450 Allisonville Road, on Saturday, October 7, 10am-2pm. Please bring any items you wish to recycle to Epworth on the day of the event. A $10 donation is requested for CRT type monitors/TVs smaller than 27”; a $20 donation is requested for appliances containing Freon (fridges, freezers, A/C units, etc) and TVs larger than 27”; any other monetary contributions are also greatly appreciated.

threshing: def.

a gathering of men who mull over current issues or topics, where all points of view are heard, no decisions are made, and beverages are enjoyed.

Please join us for Threshing at the Tap! Bob Henry will lead conversation at various local craft breweries at 7pm every 3rd Thursday of the month. The first gathering will take place October 19th at Blind Owl Brewery, 5014 E. 62nd St. Please join us for this, or any subsequent gatherings! View the flyer here for more info and for future brewery locations: https://goo.gl/NkXUDF.

Silent Auction and Talent Show! ~ Friends, music can lift us all up into the light!  We have installed a lift in the choir room which means that the choir room had to move which means that we need a new piano.  We are having a talent show/silent auction to raise money for the new piano.  Do you have a secret talent?  Do you have something to share?  We are looking for your talents.  Please contact the office about the talent show.  Please contact Janis Crawford about the silent auction.  For the silent auction we need anything but clothes.  Own Colts season tickets you can’t use?  Have a son or daughter who can cut grass?  Maybe an old piece of furniture you don’t need?  Maybe someone else can use these things!  Please donate items and leave them on the stage clearly marked for the silent auction. Please plan to attend November 11 at 7pm for Quaker talent night and silent auction!

Youth Invasion! Russiaville Friends is hosting a Youth Invasion on Sunday, October 8th, 5-8pm! Come out and invade the town of Russiaville as Western Yearly Meeting launches their new year-long theme, SPOKEN: In Red Letters. All youth grades 7-12 invited. There will be pizza served at 5pm, and program starts at 6:15. If you love Quaker haven camp then you’ll love this! If you’re interested, please let them know you are coming and how many friends you are bringing: Russiaville Friends Church: 765-883-5986.

Women’s Fashion Fundraiser For “Right Sharing of World Resources” ~ In order to benefit “Right Sharing of World Resources”, Sara Edgerton will host a fashion fundraiser for First Friends members, attenders and friends on Friday, October 13th and Saturday, October 14th in the Parlor. Mark your calendars, and plan to attend! Two independent stylists from cabi (an international fashion company owned by women) will share the cabi Fall 2017 fashion line during short trunk shows with a pop-up boutique at our church. A portion of their sales during the fundraiser will be donated to “Right Sharing of World Resources”. Please call the church at 317-255-2485 to reserve your spot, or for more information and to receive a cabi invitation.. RSVPs will be necessary. Trunk show times for both days are: 10:00 am, 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm at First Friends. Bring a friend along. If you are not familiar with the cabi clothing line, you can visit independent cabi stylist Abby Marmion’s website at: AbigailMarmion.CabiOnline.com to preview the clothes.

Full Circle Festival ~ Please join us downtown for Full Circle Fest on Saturday, October 14, 3-8pm! This is a FREE festival and a fundraiser for refugees in Indianapolis, organized by our own Ben W. It is a celebration of culture, reflecting the diversity of Indianapolis through food, music, and storytelling. We will be using half of the circle to highlight four musical acts and four stories told by refugees in Indianapolis. Food trucks will provide refreshments, non-profits will set up booths to educate about the issue, artists will share their work, and diverse communities will gather in celebration. The festival will culminate with a collective art project. For more information, please visit https://www.fullcirclefest.com/. The festival is also still in need of volunteers, so if you’re interested in volunteering, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.
 

Drumming, Gospel singers, a Jewish wedding, a regal rider on a large white steed, dancers, chanting monks.....and smiling Quakers! These are some of the things you might see at the Festival of Faiths on October the 15th at Veterans Memorial Plaza downtown. Once again we hope to have a good Quaker presence at the festival. We need volunteers to help set up, sit at tables and help take everything down at the end of the day. Set up will begin at 12:00pm and the festival officially opens at 1:00pm. Take down will begin 5:00pm. There will be a poster board sign-up in the hallway at the entrance to the main lobby in the meeting house. SIGN UP FOR WHATEVER TIME COMMITMENT WORKS FOR YOU! You can be there all day as I plan to be or you can sign up for a 30 minute shift. We particularly need people to help set up and take down. If you have any question or comments talk to Ed M. or contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.

Fall Festival! ~ Meridian Street Preschool Co-Op (MSPC) will be hosting their annual Fall Festival on Saturday October 21st from 4-6pm. First Friends attenders and members are welcome to attend and be a part of this fun evening. There will be a bounce house, their annual chili cook-off, crafts, food, games, prizes, and more! Please join us!

Friendly Visitors... please plan to join Circle of Care for an Appreciation Luncheon in the parlor this Sunday October 29 after Meeting for Worship in the Parlor to thank YOU for your participation in this important ministry! In addition, if you are not currently a "friendly visitor", but have interest in this ministry and becoming a friendly visitor, please join us at the luncheon and learn more about it! Please RSVP to the office at office@indyfriends.org.

Here are more new books recently added to our library by the library committee and ready for you to check out. By publication dates and themes, one book is an historical classic, one contains the voices of youth, and one in the middle, having been published in 2003.

Friends for 350 Years

By Howard Brinton

Both Brinton and his book are Quaker classics. He was a founder and long-term director of Pendle Hill. His book "chronicles the Quaker movement in its liberal tradition, articulating principles and practices of this non-creedal faith and its testimonies of non-violence. After its 11th printing in 1997, it was reprinted in 2002 with an historical update and notes by Margaret Hope Bacon.

Chapter 10 contains an interesting discussion: "Present day democracies are devolving into the authoritative state because human selfishness cannot produce its opposite which is human inter-dependence. Brinton views Christian religion as a way toward an integrated life of co-operation because people unite in the Light of the holy Spirit.

The appendix contains Queries from Philadelphia 1955 and from 2000.

Citizenship: A Christian Calling

By Lon Fendall

The author is a graduate of George Fox University, holds a PhD from the University of Oregon and worked as campaign manager for U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield, who is quoted often in the book. Fendall combines Hatfield's comments and quotes from Wilberforce with lively Old Testament accounts where faith and politics collide. Chapters conclude with brief contemporary incidents illustrating each point, such as integrity, truth, prayer, compassion, and loyalty.

Spirit Rising: Young Quaker Voices

Edited by ten young volunteers connected with QUIP (Quakers in Publication)

A collection of short essays along with some poems and photographs by Quakers across the US and some from other countries. The authors are mostly in their 20's and 30's. Graduates of Quaker colleges and universities are well represented.  Sampling a few items, I found them engaging, heart-felt and generous in the sharing spiritual insights and growth.

ICPN Conference ~ You are cordially invited to the Indiana Center for Parish Nursing (ICPN) conference on Friday, November 3, 2017 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The location is Faith Lutheran Church 2200 S. High St., Bloomington, IN 47401. The topic is “Tools for Faith Community Nurses and Health Ministers”. The Keynote Speaker is Philip Gulley, author, pastor, & humorist. Additional speakers will provide tools for your ministries. The cost is $25 ($10 students) which includes conference fee, lunch and the ICPN annual dues. You are also invited to participate as an Exhibitor or Poster Presentation. The Vendor fee is $25 which includes 1 lunch, table, & chair. (Discount available for 501C organizations). Vendor names will appear in the handouts given to all participants. See the brochure here: https://goo.gl/brX5eQ, or for more information visit http://www.indianaparishnurses.org/.

September 27, 2017

As Way Opens

Conflict - some days it feels overwhelming and utterly destructive to read and hear about the many conflicts between countries, within our own country, between political parties as well as what we experience in our work places and our families.  I sense in so many people a weariness and an exhaustion from the conflicts that we all face.   We know in our hearts and minds that conflict has been built into our very creation from the beginning of time and if we are alive we experience conflict on a regular basis.  Often times folks will work hard to avoid conflict but all that does is take our emotions underground and these feelings are submerged and can grow deep within us and will come forward at some point.  But what seems different lately is the way many of our conflicts are debated through social media.  There is a brittle tone in our voices in expressing our positions and a digging into postures that entrench us in opposite corners.  It seems like we stop listening and just keep shouting.  Our emotions are high and we tend to make sweeping generalities about “the other”.  Studies have shown that people generalize from the worst behavior of others and from the best of their own behavior which creates a tendency to be self-righteous and indignant. I am so alarmed by this division.

What I believe with my entire being is that we are individuals with the Divine implanted in our hearts and we are united in so many ways. How do we connect with others that might believe differently in a way that unites us?  I leave tomorrow for a vacation to meet up with several of my college roommates.  I know they believe differently from me in many ways yet we love each other and share our joys and sorrows with each other.  It is because we have an authentic relationship and connect at our deepest level that we can move beyond our differences.  We know we have differences but that doesn’t define our relationship.  

One of the conflicts in our political environment that I worry most about is that we focus on symbols that generate a reaction versus the ideals that these symbols represent.  As Quakers we have rejected symbols and rituals because of the fear of worshiping that symbol or ritual versus the ideals, the principles and the experience behind the symbol. I pray every day that we answer this call of embracing the Divine in each of us and embracing the Truth behind the symbols, the shouting, the extreme positions.

Beth

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Joys & Concerns

A HUGE THANK YOU to all those who helped (not everyone is pictured) in so many ways this past weekend as we made our final move into our new home in Fishers. It was such a blessing to our family that you came (in the unusually hot weather) and helped lift heavy furniture, unpack boxes, make, buy and bring food, and join us in transforming this new space into our home. We look forward to having each of you over after we are fully unpacked!  THANK YOU ALL! The Henry Family

We’d like to recognize last week’s Mid-North Food Pantry volunteers: Kathy and Bill F; Linda and Rik L; Ray G; Christie M; Phil K; Carol and Jim D.  Thanks to all these volunteers!

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

October Monthly Meeting ~ Please note, the Monthly Meeting to Conduct Business for October is being moved to Sunday, October 22 (fourth Sunday), so as to not cause conflict with the Festival of Faiths. We hope you will be a part of the festival – stay tuned for more info!

Minute on Racial Violence and Hate Groups ~ We’d like to share that at our last Monthly Meeting (September 17), the Meeting approved a minute from West Newton Friends Church on racial violence and hate groups. To read the minute in its entirety, please visit https://goo.gl/UktVuE.

Gentle Yoga notice ~ Please note that there will be no gentle yoga for the next two weeks (this Friday, 9/29 and the following Friday, 10/6).

Spiritual Growth Small Groups ~ STARTING NEXT WEEK! We are excited to offer spiritual growth small groups this fall starting Oct 2nd and continuing for a 6-week period.  We will be studying the book by Joyce Rupp called The Cup of Our Life that examines the rich symbol of a cup in all its many forms to our everyday life. The groups will meet on different days of the week and will last 90 minutes each time. The groups will meet each week for 6 weeks. The Sunday sessions have been cancelled due to lack of interest. The Wednesday and Friday sessions have been fully booked. To sign up, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5HNGH9K or contact the office.

We have ordered the books and will have them available for pick up this Sunday on the corner table in the hallway (or feel free to come during office hours that week). If you would like to reimburse the meeting, the cost of the book is $14.

Mid North Food Pantry Drive – Just a few days left!! First Friends is doing its annual fundraising for the Mid North Food Pantry in September, rather than November, this year. The pantry is in need of funds due to heavy demand during a very busy summer.  We are, once again, requesting cash donations rather than food items as the pantry can purchase a much greater quantity of food with donated dollars than we can at grocery stores.  Children who attend Sunday School can continue to bring in food items.  Food insecurity is as great as ever in Indianapolis.  Please donate as you are led.  Checks can be made to First Friends with a notation of “Mid North” or “Food Pantry”.  Thank you.

Calling all green thumbs! The community gardeners will have a meeting on Wednesday, October 4th at 7 pm at the meeting house to discuss fall clean up and plans for the next gardening season. Please join if you are a current gardener or are interested in joining next spring!
 

Shalom Zone Electronics Recycling Event ~ If an item runs (or used to run) with a plug or a battery, you can recycle it! This includes (but is not limited to) appliances, TVs, DVD/VCRs, gaming consoles, fax machines, Christmas tree lights, calculators, toner cartridges, hair dryers, and more! The Shalom Zone is holding their annual Recycle Force event at Epworth United Methodist Church, 6450 Allisonville Road, on Saturday, October 7, 10am-2pm. Please bring any items you wish to recycle to Epworth on the day of the event. A $10 donation is requested for CRT type monitors/TVs smaller than 27”; a $20 donation is requested for appliances containing Freon (fridges, freezers, A/C units, etc) and TVs larger than 27”; any other monetary contributions are also greatly appreciated.

Youth Invasion! Russiaville Friends is hosting a Youth Invasion on Sunday, October 8th, 5-8pm! Come out and invade the town of Russiaville as Western Yearly Meeting launches their new year-long theme, SPOKEN: In Red Letters. All youth grades 7-12 invited. There will be pizza served at 5pm, and program starts at 6:15. If you love Quaker haven camp then you’ll love this! If you’re interested, please let them know you are coming and how many friends you are bringing: Russiaville Friends Church: 765-883-5986.

Join Seasoned Friends for a field trip! Seasoned Friends will be traveling together for the Levi Coffin House tour in Fountain City on Tuesday, October 10. We will leave First Friends Meetinghouse at 9:45am by van, or feel free to drive yourself if you prefer. Bring a packed meal or grab a bite at Fountain Acres where we will be stopping for lunch. The tour is $8.00 per person (First Friends can provide assistance for admission if needed). We will arrive back at the meetinghouse at about 5-5:30pm. If you’re interested, you must RSVP to the Meeting Office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485 no later than October 1st. We hope to see you there!

Participate in our "Sponsor a College Student" project! Just select a college student off the board set up in the meetinghouse hallway and send them notes, cards, treats, etc throughout the school year so they hear from someone at the Meeting and feel connected. We still have 3 students that need some love! Please make sure they’re not left out!

Women’s Fashion Fundraiser For “Right Sharing of World Resources” ~ In order to benefit “Right Sharing of World Resources”, Sara Edgerton will host a fashion fundraiser for First Friends members, attenders and friends on Friday, October 13th and Saturday, October 14th. Mark your calendars, and plan to attend! Two independent stylists from cabi (an international fashion company owned by women) will share the cabi Fall 2017 fashion line during short trunk shows with a pop-up boutique at our church. A portion of their sales during the fundraiser will be donated to “Right Sharing of World Resources”. Please call the church at 317-255-2485 to reserve your spot, for more information and to receive a cabi invitation. You can also email Sara at edgertoniccc@gmail.com. RSVPs will be necessary. Trunk show times for both days are: 10:00 am, 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm at First Friends. Bring a friend along. If you are not familiar with the cabi clothing line, you can visit independent cabi stylist Abby Marmion’s website at: AbigailMarmion.CabiOnline.com to preview the clothes.

Full Circle Festival ~ Please join us downtown for Full Circle Fest on Saturday, October 14, 3-8pm! This is a FREE festival and a fundraiser for refugees in Indianapolis, organized by our own Ben Wertz. It is a celebration of culture, reflecting the diversity of Indianapolis through food, music, and storytelling. We will be using half of the circle to highlight four musical acts and four stories told by refugees in Indianapolis. Food trucks will provide refreshments, non-profits will set up booths to educate about the issue, artists will share their work, and diverse communities will gather in celebration. The festival will culminate with a collective art project. For more information, please visit https://www.fullcirclefest.com/.

Drumming, Gospel singers, a Jewish wedding, a regal rider on a large white steed, dancers, chanting monks.....and smiling Quakers! These are some of the things you might see at the Festival of Faiths on October the 15th at Veterans Memorial Plaza downtown. Once again we hope to have a good Quaker presence at the festival. We need volunteers to help set up, sit at tables and help take everything down at the end of the day. Set up will begin at 12:00pm and the festival officially opens at 1:00pm. Take down will begin 5:00pm. There will be a poster board sign-up in the hallway at the entrance to the main lobby in the meeting house. SIGN UP FOR WHATEVER TIME COMMITMENT WORKS FOR YOU! You can be there all day as I plan to be or you can sign up for a 30 minute shift. We particularly need people to help set up and take down.

SAWS Ramp Build ~ Those who are interested in helping with a SAWS ramp build on the morning of either October 14 or October 21 should notify Jim Donahue as soon as possible.  The Shalom Zone is trying to determine which date folks would be available to build a ramp.  The date that most folks can attend will be chosen.  If you can make one of the dates, notify the office ASAP which date works best for you.  We will notify you which date is selected.  Thank you!

Buddy Bags are here again this year! We are collecting food for the kids at Allisonville Elementary School Fall Break. We are going to have 25 bags this year and they will be delivered on October 4th. What we need from you are the following donations: Microwaveable Entrees, Chicken Salad with Crackers, small jars of peanut butter, 4/packs of fruit cups, vegetables cups, pudding cups, and applesauce: small boxes of raisins, packets of oatmeal, boxes of Pop-Tarts, protein or granola bars, packages of peanut butter or cheese crackers, fruit roll ups and bags of goldfish. Cash or check donations will also be accepted. We all pulled together last year to make this work so I know we can do it again this year! Please contact the office with any questions.

New Library Books Ready for Checkout! The library committee comprised of John and Ileen Moorman, Lucy Beaver, and Shirley Earle are working to enhance our library. To make you aware of the new additions, here are others you may wish to sign out. Thank you to Linda Lee for providing these summaries!
 

Down a Winding Road: A Life Story from Missions (Roscoe and Tina Knight) by Betty M. Hockett

A young couple are led to do mission work in Bolivia, without knowing either Spanish or the local language. With the support of Oregon Yearly Meeting they purchased a farm and began a school where students could help grow crops and tend animals to pay their expenses. This is a simply written story of faith, challenges, successes. After serving in Bolivia the family moved to begin yet another mission in Peru.

The book is one in the Life Stories series published by George Fox Press.

The Active Life: A Spirituality of Work, Creativity, and Caring by Parker J. Palmer

From the back cover: "The Active Life is...a deep and graceful exploration of a spirituality for the busy, sometimes frenetic lives many of us lead. Telling evocative stories from a variety of religious traditions, including Taoist, Jewish, and Christian, Palmer shows that the spiritual life does not mean abandoning the world but engaging in it more deeply through life-giving action."

The chapter about the shadow side of the active life has some insights I found particularly interesting. Also the "paradoxical interplay of contemplation and action." in chapter 7 Loaves and Fishes.

Four Score and Ten Years: Memoirs of Dorothy Pittman By Dorothy Pittman

"About her experiences as a Friends pastor and missionary to the Indians on Oklahoma and North Dakota and to Africans in Kenya. Also included are some of her drawings and poems."

Pittman gives details of daily life there at the beginning of what has become an important Quaker mission, complete with hospital and school. Those who have been to Kaimosi, if you have not already read this, are in for a treat. Others will be impressed by the scale of mission work in Kenya.

(Fragile binding on this book, so please handle with care.) 

ICPN Conference ~ You are cordially invited to the Indiana Center for Parish Nursing (ICPN) conference on Friday, November 3, 2017 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The location is Faith Lutheran Church 2200 S. High St., Bloomington, IN 47401. The topic is “Tools for Faith Community Nurses and Health Ministers”. The Keynote Speaker is Philip Gulley, author, pastor, & humorist. Additional speakers will provide tools for your ministries. The cost is $25 ($10 students) which includes conference fee, lunch and the ICPN annual dues. You are also invited to participate as an Exhibitor or Poster Presentation. The Vendor fee is $25 which includes 1 lunch, table, & chair. (Discount available for 501C organizations). Vendor names will appear in the handouts given to all participants. See the brochure here: https://goo.gl/brX5eQ, or for more information visit http://www.indianaparishnurses.org/.

SAVE THE DATE! We need your blood on Sunday, November 5th. We are having a blood drive from 9:00-noon in Fellowship Hall. Keep an eye out for more details in coming months!

September 20, 2017

As Way Opens

A couple years ago my family gave me a NASA t-shirt that reads, “I need space.”  Growing up, I loved NASA and the possibilities of space travel, yet there was more to this shirt. As I have grown older and experienced a great deal of transition (especially this weekend as we plan to move into our new home) needing space has again been on my mind. This may be a bit different than outer space, but the sentiment still remains. We need space in our lives and we need to be aware of the spaces we occupy.

In an article I read recently titled “The Psychology of Space” by Megan McAuliffe, she states,   

“Every minute of our lives is spent in physical dialogue with the space around us. The spaces we occupy directly influence our psychological well-being and creative performance. Space has the ability to shape who we are and how we behave.”

This week, I was introduced to a new space at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. That space was Sweeney Chapel. On my day off, I spent about 2 hours in the chapel all alone. I took my camera to capture some of the sites within this space and to help remind myself of the experiences I had while there. I am not completely sure if it was the modern architecture, the utter silence, or simply the fact that I could hear my own thoughts for the first time in quite a while, that made this space special. What I do know is that it afforded me an opportunity to get out of my routine, pause, and reflect on my own well-being.  

I think too often we abuse the spaces we occupy. Our homes can seem like bunkers off the front lines of war, rather than places of solitude and nurturing. Our work spaces can seem like fortresses to the American Dream and industry rather than places where we are inspired and our creativity is expressed. Our worship spaces can seem like museums to our past instead of lively and welcoming places to engage God and our neighbors.

“Actually, space has so much influence on the way we live that it can literally empower or disempower us.” - Megan McAuliffe

I encourage you to take some time this week to reflect on the spaces you occupy. Do those spaces empower you? Do they afford you the opportunity to get out of your routine?  Do they engage your senses and release your creativity?  What new space may be calling you? It may just be the space you need.

Grace and peace,
Bob

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Joys and Concerns

We had a good work day in the Woods on Saturday.  Many thanks to Chelsea and Kendall Tinsley, Paul Sommer, Norma Wallman, Amy Perry, David Beatty and Dan Mitchell for their hard work in weeding the front entrance, the butterfly garden, the Meditational Circle and removing invasive trees and shrubs. As an added bonus, we weeded part of the courtyard and gave it a good watering.

We are exploring more stable pathway materials if funds become available in 2018.  We'll keep you informed as things unfold.

Come join us on October 14th at 9 am as we tackle the overgrown shrubs facing Kessler. Weenie roast to follow!

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

The Henry’s are moving! The Henry Family is finally moving into their new home this weekend! They could use some help unpacking their PODS this Saturday anytime after 9am at their new home (contact the office if you need the address). Your help would be much appreciated! Your help is appreciated!
 

Christ and the Quakers ~ Join Dan L. for his new Sunday School class, “Christ and the Quakers” starting this Sunday September 24 at 9:00am in the Parlor. This class will explore various viewpoints on Christ from George Fox, John Woolman, Lucretia Mott, Rufus Jones, Elton Trueblood and others.
 

Youth Group Kick-Off! Calling all junior and senior high students! Please join us this Sunday after Worship for our Young F riends Youth Fellowship kickoff! We’ll have lunch, play games, and talk about the coming year for YFYF. Please join us for some fun!
 

Friendly Visitors Luncheon ~ The Friendly Visitors Luncheon planned for Sunday September 24 is being rescheduled. Please keep an eye out for updated information coming soon!

Sing Along With Jim K! 
When? 7:00-8:30 Friday September 22
Where? Parlor at First Friends
Who? People who like to sing
What? Songs chosen mostly from Rise Up Singing and Rise Again, both songbooks compiled and edited by Annie Patterson and Peter Blood with early assistance by Pete Seeger.
Why? For our pleasure, delight, fun, relaxation and community building.
Future dates: October 13, December 1.
If you have either songbook, please bring it (or them). Jim will have a song list planned. If you have requests, we will have a list for the next time we get together. If you let the office know you are coming then we can be sure to have photocopies of the words for you.

Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading:   My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor book discussion will be held Tuesday, September 26th at 7 pm in the Parlor. All are welcome! Nancy Scott will be leading the group.  If you're interested in reading ahead for next month, the October 24th title will be: The Muralist by B.A. Shapiro.

 

Mid North Food Pantry Drive ~ First Friends is doing its annual fundraising for the Mid North Food Pantry in September, rather than November, this year.  The pantry is in need of funds due to heavy demand during a very busy summer.  We are, once again, requesting cash donations rather than food items as the pantry can purchase a much greater quantity of food with donated dollars than we can at grocery stores.  Children who attend Sunday School can continue to bring in food items.  Food insecurity is as great as ever in Indianapolis.  Please donate as you are led.  Checks can be made to First Friends with a notation of “Mid North” or “Food Pantry”.  Thank you.

 

SAVE THE DATE! We need your blood on Sunday, November 5th. We are having a blood drive from 9:00-noon in Fellowship Hall. Keep an eye out for more details in coming months!

 

Join Seasoned Friends for a field trip! Seasoned Friends will be traveling together for the Levi Coffin House tour in Fountain City on Wednesday, October 11. We will leave First Friends Meetinghouse at 9:45am by van, or feel free to drive yourself if you prefer. Bring a packed meal or grab a bite at Fountain Acres where we will be stopping for lunch. The tour is $8.00 per person (First Friends can provide assistance for admission if needed). We will arrive back at the meetinghouse at about 5-5:30pm. If you’re interested, you must RSVP to the Meeting Office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485 no later than October 1st. We hope to see you there!

Participate in our "Sponsor a College Student" project! Just select a college student off the board set up in the meetinghouse hallway and send them notes, cards, treats, etc throughout the school year so they hear from someone at the Meeting and feel connected. We still have 4 students that need some love! Please make sure they’re not left out!

Spiritual Growth Small Groups ~ We are excited to offer spiritual growth small groups this fall starting Oct 2nd and continuing for a 6-week period.  We will be studying the book by Joyce Rupp called The Cup of Our Life that examines the rich symbol of a cup in all its many forms to our everyday life. The groups will meet on different days of the week and will last 90 minutes each time. The groups will meet each week for 6 weeks. See the table below for details and to sign up, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5HNGH9K. You can also sign up by using the sign-up sheet that will be in the hallway this Sunday, or contact the office. 

BeFriending Creation: Bi-Monthly Newsletter of Quaker Earthcare Witness ~ This issue of shares the stories of Friends in faithful action as they question the injustice of the status-quo and listen to the Spirit to determine how to live their values. Pamela Haines asks hard-hitting questions about Friends' relationship with money and finance. Jaime DeMarco shares how he moved from individual to collective action around climate change and Honor Woodrow describes her powerful experience on July's Climate Pilgrimage in New Hampshire. Mary Jo Klingel reminds us of the importance of connecting with the quiet and taking small steps that lead to connection and inspiration. Beverly Ward and Pamela Boyce Simms report back on their groundbreaking organizing around food sovereignty in the African Diaspora at the United Nations. To view the newsletter, visit http://www.quakerearthcare.org/bfc/volume-30-number-4. For more information, feel free to visit their website at http://www.quakerearthcare.org/.

SAWS Ramp Build ~ Those who are interested in helping with a SAWS ramp build on the morning of either October 14 or October 21 should notify Jim Donahue as soon as possible.  The Shalom Zone is trying to determine which date folks would be available to build a ramp.  The date that most folks can attend will be chosen.  If you can make one of the dates, notify the office ASAP which date works best for you.  We will notify you which date is selected.  Thank you!

Buddy Bags are here again this year! We are collecting food for the kids at Allisonville Elementary School Fall Break. We are going to have 25 bags this year and they will be delivered on October 4th. What we need from you are the following donations: Microwaveable Entrees, Chicken Salad with Crackers, small jars of peanut butter, 4/packs of fruit cups, vegetables cups, pudding cups, and applesauce: small boxes of raisins, packets of oatmeal, boxes of Pop-Tarts, protein or granola bars, packages of peanut butter or cheese crackers, fruit roll ups and bags of goldfish. Cash or check donations will also be accepted. We all pulled together last year to make this work so I know we can do it again this year! Please contact the office with any questions.

September 13, 2017

As Way Opens

My heart mourns today knowing that Ann Kendall, our dear and weighty friend passed away on Sunday. But that hole in my heart for her has been there for some time as her health declined and she moved to Anderson.  I have been reflecting on some of the women that have been a part of our Meeting and had such an influence on me in my 25 years of attending First Friends. These women like Ann, Betsy Lawson, Hilda Renshaw, Georganna Tinsley,  and others who are no longer physically present with us, yet they live on in our memories and the wisdom and grace they passed on to all of us.  These women  showed us how to live in the Spirit even during the storms of life and stay grounded and faithful.  They made themselves vulnerable to us and we could see their authentic self.  They never seemed fearful (although I am sure they experienced fear) and they showed us how to accept the aging process (which many in my generation are fearful of) gracefully and faithfully. When these women would speak out of the silence during unprogrammed worship, we listened closely as they were full of the Inner Light and their openness to God’s voice was deep.  These women were not just about words but they also lived out their faith in their everyday lives.

I was talking with a friend this week about what is most important to them about First Friends.  They said the people and the relationships.  I know this first hand as this Meeting has sustained me in the last seven years of my life in significant ways.  I have experienced the care, the love, the wisdom, the listening, the fellowship and the times when I needed fun in my life.  I am so thankful for this group of Quakers where I have felt a sense of family and being at home.  I am thankful for these dear women and so many others that have brought the gospel to life and have connected us in a web of Spirit and humanity.

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Joys & Concerns

Barbara F's memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 23. Calling will be from 10am-12pm in the Parlor, and the service will begin in the meetingroom at noon. A luncheon will be served in Fellowship Hall afterward. You can read Barbara’s obituary from the Indianapolis Star here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/jconline/obituary.aspx?pid=186583280

Please pray for Houston, Florida, the Northwest, and others being affected by natural disasters. There are currently so many people suffering from storms, fires, and hurricanes - please hold in the light all those trying to come back or preparing for what is coming.

Last week our food pantry volunteers were: Christie M, Ray G, Beth S, Kathy and Bill F, Rik and Linda L, Carol and Jim D.  All were needed as 137 families were served.  This was the largest number we have served in the 10+ years that we have worked at the pantry. Many thanks to all!

Thank you, Lucy! Many thanks to Lucy K, who raised $376 for the Thornburgs with her bake sale last Sunday! It was Lucy’s idea to help the family and their trip to Belize, and she baked all the goodies! Great job, Lucy, and thank you!

Congratulations to Eric B, who has been chosen as our interim music director! He will begin this Sunday, September 17. Come hear him perform!

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Reunite with Ruthie!  Ruthie T will be in town for several days September 13th - 15th. Beth H will host an open house for her so you can have a chance to catch up with her today, Wednesday September 13th from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.  This gathering will be at Beth’s house (1123 Ivy Lane, Indianapolis 46220).

The Henry’s are moving! Bob Henry and his family will soon be moving into their new permanent home the weekend of September 22nd. During this time of transition, we are asking for any possible help! They will need assistance moving into their home, as well as meals during this busy time when they won’t be able to cook. If you are able to help with moving or would like to help provide a meal, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org. Your help is appreciated!

 

Sing Along With Jim K!
When? 7:00-8:30 Friday September 22
Where? Parlor at First Friends
Who? People who like to sing
What? Songs chosen mostly from Rise Up Singing and Rise Again, both songbooks compiled and edited by Annie Patterson and Peter Blood with early assistance by Pete Seeger.
Why? For our pleasure, delight, fun, relaxation and community building.
Future dates: October 13, December 1.
If you have either songbook, please bring it (or them). Jim will have a song list planned. If you have requests, we will have a list for the next time we get together. If you let the office know you are coming then we can be sure to have photocopies of the words for you.

Woods Work Day ~ Please join us for the Woods' Work Day this Saturday, September 16!  We will work from 9-11:30 AM.  Jobs will include cleaning up some flower beds, gathering up branches that either need to be chipped or taken to the dump and as always, trying to get out some of the invasive plants. Bring your work gloves and your favorite tools and we'll have a good time together.  Contact Mindy S or Mary B for questions.

 

Mid North Food Pantry Drive ~ First Friends is doing its annual fundraising for the Mid North Food Pantry in September, rather than November, this year.  The pantry is in need of funds due to heavy demand during a very busy summer.  We are, once again, requesting cash donations rather than food items as the pantry can purchase a much greater quantity of food with donated dollars than we can at grocery stores.  Children who attend Sunday School can continue to bring in food items.  Food insecurity is as great as ever in Indianapolis.  Please donate as you are led.  Checks can be made to First Friends with a notation of “Mid North” or “Food Pantry”.  Thank you.

SAVE THE DATE! We need your blood on Sunday, November 5th. We are having a blood drive from 9:00-noon in Fellowship Hall. Keep an eye out for more details in coming months!

Participate in our "Sponsor a College Student" project! Just select a college student off the board set up in Fellowship Hall and send them notes, cards, treats, etc throughout the school year so they hear from someone at the Meeting and feel connected. We still have 5 students that need sponsored! Please make sure they’re not left out!

Spiritual Growth Small Groups ~ We are excited to offer spiritual growth small groups this fall starting Oct 2nd and continuing for a 6-week period.  We will be studying the book by Joyce Rupp called The Cup of Our Life that examines the rich symbol of a cup in all its many forms to our everyday life. The groups will meet on different days of the week and will last 90 minutes each time. The groups will meet each week for 6 weeks. See the table below for details and to sign up, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5HNGH9K. You can also sign up by using the sign-up sheet that will be in the hallway this Sunday, or contact the office. 

 

BeFriending Creation: Bi-Monthly Newsletter of Quaker Earthcare Witness ~ All are invited to read the newest issue of Quaker Earthcare Witness’ newsletter. This issue of shares the stories of Friends in faithful action as they question the injustice of the status-quo and listen to the Spirit to determine how to live their values. Pamela Haines asks hard-hitting questions about Friends' relationship with money and finance. Jaime DeMarco shares how he moved from individual to collective action around climate change and Honor Woodrow describes her powerful experience on July's Climate Pilgrimage in New Hampshire. Mary Jo Klingel reminds us of the importance of connecting with the quiet and taking small steps that lead to connection and inspiration. Beverly Ward and Pamela Boyce Simms report back on their groundbreaking organizing around food sovereignty in the African Diaspora at the United Nations. To view the newsletter, visit http://www.quakerearthcare.org/bfc/volume-30-number-4. For more information, feel free to visit their website at http://www.quakerearthcare.org/.

 

Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading:   My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor book discussion will be held Tuesday, September 26th at 7 pm in the Parlor. All are welcome! Nancy Scott will be leading the group.  If you're interested in reading ahead for next month, the October 24th title will be: The Muralist by B.A. Shapiro

Can you find the peace rocks in our Meditational Woods? During the last babysitting co-op, our kids painted peace rocks and hid them in the Meditational Woods. Feel free to come visit, and see if you can find them!

SAWS Ramp Build ~ Those who are interested in helping with a SAWS ramp build on the morning of either October 14 or October 21 should notify Jim Donahue as soon as possible.  The Shalom Zone is trying to determine which date folks would be available to build a ramp.  The date that most folks can attend will be chosen.  If you can make one of the dates, notify the office ASAP which date works best for you.  We will notify you which date is selected.  Thank you!

Buddy Bags are here again this year! We are collecting food for the kids at Allisonville Elementary School Fall Break. We are going to have 25 bags this year and they will be delivered on October 4th. What we need from you are the following donations: Microwaveable Entrees, Chicken Salad with Crackers, small jars of peanut butter, 4/packs of fruit cups, vegetables cups, pudding cups, and applesauce: small boxes of raisins, packets of oatmeal, boxes of Pop-Tarts, protein or granola bars, packages of peanut butter or cheese crackers, fruit roll ups and bags of goldfish. Cash or check donations will also be accepted. We all pulled together last year to make this work so I know we can do it again this year! Please contact the office with any questions.

September 6, 2017

As Way Opens

This weekend I found myself embracing the idea of “reflection” in several different ways. It seems that when God speaks to me, the communication often takes place through art in a multitude of expressions. Whether it is through writing, on screen, in nature, or simply through my own creative process, I have learned to allow these gifts from God to help reflect a greater depth in my soul. Let me explain.

While preparing for bed on Friday night, I found myself engrossed in chapter one of The Wisdom Jesus by Cynthia Bourgeault. In the concluding thoughts on chapter one she says,

“He then concludes with this remarkable statement: ‘The knowledge of Jesus Christ is a unitive knowledge; it is the luminosity of my own true and eternal being.’ In other words, to quote Psalm 35, ‘in your light we see light.’ Jesus Christ standing before the Samaritan woman becomes the mirror in which she sees not only the face of God but her own true face.”

This was a rather profound thought since earlier that very day, I had been at the meetinghouse working on the art installation for our Labor of Love gathering. The vision I was given for this piece was of a pillar of mirrors that not only conveyed our reason for the event, but would allow the viewer to see their own selves as part of the creation. The piece is called “Reflections of Peace, Solidarity, and Hope” as a reminder that those three things must start first in our own hearts. It was beautiful to see as people gathered around the installation, and in the photos taken of the event, the way they were reflecting within it. Much like Cynthia described, this was Christ standing before (among) us and literally becoming a mirror in which to see not only the face of God (for there is that of God in us all) but also to reflect our own true face as it relates to peace, solidarity, and hope.

On Saturday night, Sue and I took time for a much-needed date night. I had surprised her with dinner and tickets to the new film, Columbus, an Indie film which was shot in Columbus, Indiana. Part of the night was having the opportunity to interact in a Q&A session after the movie screening with director Kogonada and lead male actor John Cho. As the lights went down and the movie began, silence fell upon the theater. Not in quite some time have I been so riveted by a movie. Actually, it was more than a movie. It again was a mirror, a reflection of the absences in our lives. Through Modernist architecture, and the well-developed characters of Jin and Casey, a mirror was formed for the viewer that reflected the depths of one’s desire for fulfillment and the many absences that one faces in life. If you are a student of Modernist art or architecture, you know that it often portrays an incomplete vision that forces the viewer to seek to complete or discover what is missing. Much like the architecture that is depicted, Columbus is a mirror to our souls that reflects what we hope will be. Again, I saw Christ standing on that screen reflecting to me and the audience the depths of our souls.

Overall, I would describe this weekend like entering a “hall of mirrors.” At each turn I was forced to look at the depths of my own being by the ever present Christ - the mirror to my soul. Our need for awareness is being reflected back to us all the time. The query that remains is, “Are we willing to open our eyes and gaze into the mirror and deal with all that we see?”

 Bob

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Joys & Concerns

What a beautiful day we had for our "Labor of Love: A Gathering of Peace, Solidarity, & Hope!" in our Meditational Woods over Labor Day Weekend. Here are some images from this powerful morning. Thanks to all those who made this response and expression of love to the atrocities of our world so meaningful! May it be a first of many responses and calls to action at First Friends.

A special thank you to Eric B, Jim K for leading music, Catherine S and Leslie K for sharing their writings, Carl B for being on the facing bench and sharing an excerpt from MLK Jr's speech, Malkah Bird for her challenging message, and for Pastor Bob Henry for sharing his art installation. Thanks also to all those working behind the scenes, Beth H for spraying for bugs, Kim H for taking care of the chairs and sound, Dan M for creating the sign on the street, Rebecca L for putting together our programs, and the Fellowship Committee and Susan Rains for the wonderful “Summer of Love” themed fellowship hour. A special thanks goes out to all who joined us from the community and other meetings and churches!

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Sunday School Kick-Off! Our Sunday School kick off will be THIS SUNDAY September 10th! We will start the morning with breakfast for everyone in fellowship hall at 8:30. We encourage everyone to come in their pajama's! Our classes will begin at 9:00 a.m. as follows:

PreK - 2nd grade in our large children’s room

3rd - 5th grade in the far northeast room

6th - 12th grade in the basement

We will use a curriculum from Church of the Brethen Press called SHINE that will focus this fall On Being God’s People

The following adult/multigenerational classes will be offered:

Christ and Quakers - Held in the parlor and led by Dan Lee. This class will explore various viewpoints on Christ from George Fox, John Woolman, Lucretia Mott, Rufus Jones, Elton Trueblood and others. Note: This class will begin September 24.

Seeking Friends - Bob Henry will lead the group through the Brian McLaren book, We Make the Road by Walking. This study will give us an overview of the Bible and guide the group through rich study, interactive learning, and personal growth. Each week will include reading scripture together, study time, and queries to ponder throughout the week.

Wired Word (in Coffee Circle classroom) - will be led by Harold Miller to talk about current events from a spiritual perspective.

Choir - will be meeting in the old children’s library.  Anyone that has a heart for singing is welcome to join.
 

Nursery care will be available during Sunday School. Please join us!

Bake Sale ~ Also this Sunday the 10th during fellowship hour, Lucy K, with help from Kwali T, will be holding a bake sale to help raise money for the Thornburgs’ trip to Belize a reality. They are nearing their goal! We at First Friends are honored to have the Thornburgs (Aaron, Michelle, Kwali, and Meshach), feeling led by God to go to Belize and help with the facility renovation and provide other assistance to the Friends school. Look for the bake sale in Fellowship Hall this Sunday after Worship!

Planting Seeds of Peace & Justice ~ All are invited to a reception that the American Friends Service Committee and Bloomington Friends are holding to celebrate the past and build the future. It is being held this Friday, September 8, at 6:00pm at Unitarian Universalist Church, 2120 N Fee Ln, Bloomington, IN 47408. Please join us for a historically rich pictorial exhibit, the exquisite music of Salaam, refreshments, and rejoicing! Find more information or to register please visit afsc.org/indianacentennial.
 

Mid North Food Pantry Drive ~ First Friends is doing its annual fundraising for the Mid North Food Pantry in September, rather than November, this year.  The pantry is in need of funds due to heavy demand during a very busy summer.  We are, once again, requesting cash donations rather than food items as the pantry can purchase a much greater quantity of food with donated dollars than we can at grocery stores.  Children who attend Sunday School can continue to bring in food items.  Food insecurity is as great as ever in Indianapolis.  Please donate as you are led.  Checks can be made to First Friends with a notation of “Mid North” or “Food Pantry”.  Thank you.

Babysitting Co-Op ~ Our babysitting co-op is happening on Saturday September 9th from 5:30 - 9:30 and is being hosted by Beth Farris and Jeff Small. Dinner will be provided for the kids. Please contact the office if you would like to have your kids join in the fun that evening!

Spiritual Growth Small Groups ~ We are excited to offer spiritual growth small groups this fall starting Oct 2nd and continuing for a 6-week period.  We will be studying the book by Joyce Rupp called The Cup of Our Life that examines the rich symbol of a cup in all its many forms to our everyday life. The groups will meet on different days of the week and will last 90 minutes each time. The groups will meet each week for 6 weeks. Contact the office for details, and if you’d like to sign up, please see the sign-up sheet that will be in the hallway this Sunday, or contact the office.

The Indiana Daylily and Iris Society invites you! The IDIS is hosting their annual plant exchange right here at First Friends, and everyone is welcome! It is being held this Saturday, September 9, 11am-3pm in Fellowship Hall. This is their annual Pitch-In and Plant Exchange and NCAP Daylily Auction. Lunch will be at 11:45am, and the auction is at 12:45pm. The event is free and everyone is welcome! For details, please visit http://www.indianadaylilyirissociety.org/.

Reunite with Ruthie!  Ruthie Tippin will be in town for several days September 13th - 15th. Beth Henricks will host an open house for her so you can have a chance to catch up with her on Wednesday September 13th from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.  This gathering will be at Beth’s house (1123 Ivy Lane, Indianapolis 46220).

SAWS Ramp Build ~ Those who are interested in helping with a SAWS ramp build on the morning of either October 14 or October 21 should notify Jim Donahue as soon as possible.  The Shalom Zone is trying to determine which date folks would be available to build a ramp.  The date that most folks can attend will be chosen.  If you can make one of the dates, notify the office ASAP which date works best for you.  We will notify you which date is selected.  Thank you!

Participate in our "Sponsor a College Student" project! Just select a college student off the board set up in the meetinghouse and send them notes, cards, treats, etc throughout the school year so they hear from someone at the Meeting and feel connected. 

Buddy Bags are here again this year! We are collecting food for the kids at Allisonville Elementary School Fall Break. We are going to have 25 bags this year and they will be delivered on October 4th. What we need from you are the following donations: Microwaveable Entrees, Chicken Salad with Crackers, small jars of peanut butter, 4/packs of fruit cups, vegetables cups, pudding cups, and applesauce: small boxes of raisins, packets of oatmeal, boxes of Pop-Tarts, protein or granola bars, packages of peanut butter or cheese crackers, fruit roll ups and bags of goldfish. Cash or check donations will also be accepted. We all pulled together last year to make this work so I know we can do it again this year! Please contact the office with any questions.

Casseroles for the Henry family ~ During this time of great transition for the Henry family, it would be most appreciated if anyone could donate a casserole to the family. We need a few casseroles delivered each week, for the next few weeks, until the Henrys have moved into their new house. We ask that the casseroles be delivered in disposable containers, so that the Henrys do not have to return dishes. Also, please avoid pineapple, as Bob is allergic. If you can bring a dish, please let the office know. We are still in need of dishes!! The Henry’s will be moving in September 21st, so any help until then is much appreciated! Thank you.

Check out our Library! The library committee comprised of John and Ileen M, Lucy B, and Shirley E are working to enhance our library. Thank you to Linda L for writing summaries of the books that were shared in Friend to Friend! Come visit the library and check them out!

August 30, 2017

As Way Opens

This past Sunday morning on my way to Meeting, I was driving east on Kessler Blvd heading close to Keystone Avenue.  Off in the distance I saw an older man with a bucket and what looked like a cane as he was leaning over on the center concrete median dividing north and south traffic on Kessler at Keystone.  From my distance the man looked homeless and I thought to myself here is another panhandler looking for money to put into his bucket.  As I approached Keystone and the man came into my direct vision, what had looked like a cane was actually a metal litter stick and the man was picking up trash on the road.  Here he was early on a Sunday morning working to beautify our street and I had assumed he was a panhandler.

How often do we make assumptions about people in the blink of an eye? We assess their race, gender, size, appearance etc. and immediately make a judgement about them.  How often is our judgement completely wrong?  And how long do we take to allow other information to influence how we see this person?

I remember watching a TV show that was testing the idea of assumptions about people.  They set up a pretend situation of a child being dragged down the street yelling that the adult was trying to hurt them to observe how strangers would respond to the situation.  Person after person just walked by - most of them looking very respectable on the outside and yet ignoring the situation.  Help came from three Hispanic young men with hoodies on and sagging pants.  They surrounded the adult and directly confronted him with the child.

Jesus showed us that people are far beyond the boxes and categories that we put them in.  During this difficult season of time in our country, I pray that we open our hearts, our minds, our eyes to all folks and to their voices and that we really do live out our Quaker foundational principle that there is that of God in every person.

Beth

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Joys & Concerns

What a great day at the ballpark! First Friends had a blast at Victory Field to watch the last Indians home game of the season. We had about 40 people -- thanks to all who came out and made the day so much fun!

We are excited to welcome back the preschool co-op to First Friends for the 2017/2018 school year.  The kids return next Tuesday for their first week of class.  This has been a wonderful relationship that is now entering it’s 5th year.  We work well together and have benefitted from the co-op’s presence here.  As an example, our Trustees purchased the mulch for our playground and the call was put out to help spread the mulch this week. The office looks forward to the sound of children’s voices in the hallway next week!

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Please note, in observance of Labor Day the office will be closed Monday, September 4. There will also be no Meditational Worship that day. Have a wonderful Labor Day!

Labor of Love - Join us this Sunday! ~ In response to the atrocities currently taking place in our country, we invite everyone to a peaceful gathering of neighbors and Friends on Sunday, September 3rd in our Meditational Woods. We will gather in solidarity with our community and nation to express our desire for peace, equality, unity and love. As we expect many guests that day, we ask all who are able to please bring their lawn chairs! The event will include responses and opportunities for awareness through story, song, and art, as well as, a message from guest speaker, Malkah Bird, from American Friends Service Committee of Indianapolis and music by Eric Baker. Also, a special time of waiting worship in the manner of Friends will be offered allowing participants to speak out their responses to these difficult times. To conclude we are planning a special sending and call to action to take place around our peace pole.

 

Spiritual Growth Small Groups ~ We are excited to offer spiritual growth small groups this fall starting Oct 2nd and continuing for a 6 week period.  We will be studying the book by Joyce Rupp called The Cup of Our Life that examines the rich symbol of a cup in all its many forms to our everyday life.  These small groups will be facilitated by Jim and Leslie Kartholl, Bill Heitman and Sam Ryan, Mary Blackburn and David Beatty, Barbara Oberreich and Beth Henricks, Ann and Steve Rodino.  The groups will meet on either Sunday after Meeting for Worship, Monday evening, Tuesday evening, Wednesday afternoon and Friday evening and will last 90 minutes each time.  Please start thinking about your participation in this deepening spiritual time together and watch for sign up soon.  Childcare will be provided for the gathering on Sunday.

 

Underneath It All – A message from Linda Lee - Underneath It All is coming to a close, although I do not plan to deliver your kind donations until I review what the current needs are, making sure to spend your money to the best effect. If anyone is interested in visiting the John H. Boner Center when I deliver the underwear, please let me know. Last second donations are still welcome. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. 

Mid North Food Pantry Drive ~ First Friends is doing its annual fundraising for the Mid North Food Pantry in September, rather than November, this year.  The pantry is in need of funds due to heavy demand during a very busy summer.  We are, once again, requesting cash donations rather than food items as the pantry can purchase a much greater quantity of food with donated dollars than we can at grocery stores.  Children who attend Sunday School can continue to bring in food items.  Food insecurity is as great as ever in Indianapolis.  Please donate as you are led.  Checks can be made to First Friends with a notation of “Mid North” or “Food Pantry”.  Thank you.
 

Sunday School Kick-Off! Our Sunday School kick off will be on September 10th.  We will start the morning with breakfast for everyone in fellowship hall at 8:30. We encourage everyone to come in their pajama's! Our classes will begin at 9:00 a.m. as follows:

PreK - 2nd grade in our large children’s room

3rd - 5th grade in the far northeast room

6th - 12th grade in the basement

We will use a curriculum from Church of the Brethen Press called SHINE that will focus this fall On Being God’s People

The following adult/multigenerational classes will be offered:

Christ and Quakers - Held in the parlor and led by Dan L. This class will explore various viewpoints on Christ from George Fox, John Woolman, Lucretia Mott, Rufus Jones, Elton Trueblood and others.

Seeking Friends - Bob Henry will lead the group through the Brian McLaren book, We Make the Road by Walking. This study will give us an overview of the Bible and guide the group through rich study, interactive learning, and personal growth. Each week will include reading scripture together, study time, and queries to ponder throughout the week.

Wired Word (in Coffee Circle classroom) - will be led by Harold M. to talk about current events from a spiritual perspective.

Choir - will be meeting in the old children’s library.  Anyone that has a heart for singing is welcome to join.

Nursery care will be available during Sunday School. Please mark your calendars!

Babysitting Co-Op ~ Our babysitting co-op is happening on Saturday September 9th from 5:30 - 9:30. Dinner will be provided for the kids. Please contact Beth if you would like to have your kids join in the fun that evening!

Reunite with Ruthie!  Ruthie Tippin will be in town for several days September 13th - 15th. Beth Henricks will host an open house for her so you can have a chance to catch up with her on Wednesday September 13th from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.  This gathering will be at Beth’s house (contact the office for address).

Saws Ramp Build ~ Those who are interested in helping with a SAWS ramp build on the morning of either October 14 or October 21 should notify the office as soon as possible.  The Shalom Zone is trying to determine which date folks would be available to build a ramp.  The date that most folks can attend will be chosen.  If you can make one of the dates, notify the office as soon as possible which date works best for you.  We will notify you which date is selected.  Thank you!

Buddy Bags are here again this year! We are collecting food for the kids at Allisonville Elementary School Fall Break. We are going to have 25 bags this year and they will be delivered on October 4th. What we need from you are the following donations: Microwaveable Entrees, Chicken Salad with Crackers, small jars of peanut butter, 4/packs of fruit cups, vegetables cups, pudding cups, and applesauce: small boxes of raisins, packets of oatmeal, boxes of Pop-Tarts, protein or granola bars, packages of peanut butter or cheese crackers, fruit roll ups and bags of goldfish. Cash or check donations will also be accepted. We all pulled together last year to make this work so I know we can do it again this year! Please contact the office with any questions.
 

The Thornburgs in Belize ~ The Thornburgs are nearing their goal for their Belize fundraiser! We at First Friends are honored to have the Thornburgs (Aaron, Michelle, Kwali, and Meshach), feeling led by God to go to Belize and help with the facility renovation and provide other assistance to the Friends school. The Thornburgs will need your financial assistance in order to make their Belize leading a reality. If you can, please donate to this cause and help the Thornburgs reach their goal!

Casseroles for the Henry family ~ During this time of great transition for the Henry family, it would be most appreciated if anyone could donate a casserole to the family. We need a few casseroles delivered each week, for the next few weeks, until the Henrys have moved into their new house. We ask that the casseroles be delivered in disposable containers, so that the Henrys do not have to return dishes. Also, please avoid pineapple, as Bob is allergic. If you can bring a dish, please let the office know. We are still in need of dishes!! Thank you!

New Library Books Ready for Checkout! The library committee comprised of John and Ileen Moorman, Lucy Beaver, and Shirley Earle are working to enhance our library. To make you aware of the new additions, here are others you may wish to sign out.

The Word Within: Essays on Prophetic Quaker Faith By Patricia Dallmann
The author has ministered and taught among liberal Friends since the mid-1980's.  The titles of her essays are intriguing: The Gift of the Scriptures, From Heaven or of Men, The Cross in Quaker Faith, Declaring the New Creation, That All May Be One.

Imagination and Spirit: A Contemporary Quaker Reader Edited and Introduced by J. Brent Bill
This collection gets high praise from the Senior Editor of Atlantic Monthly who writes: Readings that offer both food for thought and a surprise around every corner." From prominent Quaker writers, these fifteen well-selected writings will delight you.

Letters to a Fellow Seeker: A Short Introduction To The Quaker Way By Steve Chase
An excellent read for newcomers interested in Friends. The author pretends he is writing to a person he met at a train station and engaged in conversation about spirituality. His perspective is that of an FGC un-programmed Quaker. He is director of Antioch U. New England's program in Advocacy for Social Justice and Sustainability.

 

SAVE THE DATE! Shalom Zone Electronics Recycling Event ~ If an item runs (or used to run) with a plug or a battery, you can recycle it! This includes (but is not limited to) appliances, TVs, DVD/VCRs, gaming consoles, fax machines, Christmas tree lights, calculators, toner cartridges, hair dryers, and more! The Shalom Zone is holding their annual Recycle Force event at Epworth United Methodist Church, 6450 Allisonville Road, on Saturday, October 7, 10am-2pm. Please bring any items you wish to recycle to Epworth on the day of the event. A $10 donation is requested for CRT type monitors/TVs smaller than 27”; a $20 donation is requested for appliances containing Freon (fridges, freezers, A/C units, etc) and TVs larger than 27”; any other monetary contributions are also greatly appreciated.
 

Earth Care 101: Faith in Action ~ Every faith tradition recognizes the importance of caring for God’s creation.  If you would like to learn more about environmental action from a faith perspective, you may consider attending a 4-session workshop hosted by Indianapolis Green Congregations entitled “Earth Care 101: Faith in Action”.  This free workshop will be given on 4 consecutive Saturday mornings (September 16, 23, 30, and October 7) from 8:30 to 10:30 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 4600 N. Illinois Street, 46208.  Attendance at all four sessions is encouraged, but each session stands alone.  For more information and to register, send an email to greencong1@gmail.com or call Alice Miley, 317-842-7901.

August 23, 2017

As Way Opens

Thank you to Dan Lee, who wrote this week’s ‘As Way Opens.’

Major Taylor – A Champion for the Ages

Our nation’s recent expressions of racial hate got me thinking about a personal hero of mine, Marshall “Major” Taylor, an African American cycling champion of more than a century ago. Born in 1878 in Indianapolis, Taylor picked up the nickname “Major” performing cycling stunts outside a Pennsylvania Street bike shop. When he was 16, Taylor won a 75-mile race against older white riders. By 1898, he held seven world records. In 1899, he became a world champion.

Taylor did all this facing overt and unrelenting racism. On numerous occasions he was excluded or, when racing, was choked, blocked, or knocked off his bike. He responded with a non-violent determination inspired by his Christian faith. “Life is too short for a man to hold bitterness in his heart,” Taylor said.

News reports of the day tell of Taylor reading his Bible between races. He was a faithful member of John Street Baptist Church in his adopted hometown of Worcester, Mass. Taylor was generous to other African-American riders, paying for one to attend the 1908 London Olympics. Taylor also helped white riders, encouraging Hoosier Frank Kramer to turn pro. Yet racism wore him down, mentally and physically. He became estranged from his wife and his health deteriorated in middle age. He wrote an autobiography, expressing empathy for young African-Americans: “I can hardly express in words my deep feeling and sympathy for them, knowing as I do, the many serious handicaps and obstacles that will confront them in almost every walk of life.”

Yet he always encouraged a higher response to hatred. In the final words of his autobiography, Taylor lists “a Dozen Don’ts” that read like a Ten Commandments for young athletes:

Don't try to "gyp."

Don't be a pie biter*

Don't keep late hours.

Don't use intoxicants.

Don't be a big bluffer.

Don't eat cheap candies.

Don't get a swelled head.

Don't use tobacco in any form.

Don't fail to live a clean life.

Don't forget to play the game fair.

Don't take an unfair advantage of an opponent.

Don't forget the practice of good sportsmanship.

(* riders who collude to box in a stronger rider in exchange for a share of the winner’s purse)

In 1932, Taylor died in the charity ward of a Chicago hospital and was buried in an unmarked grave. In 1948, ex-racers had his body moved to a more prominent spot with a marker reading, “World champion bicycle racer who came up the hard way without hatred in his heart.”

Today MajorTaylorAssociation.org is dedicated to recognizing sportsmanship, promoting nonviolence and caring for those less fortunate.

Dan Lee

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Follow us on Instagram! First Friends is now on Instagram! Follow indyfirstfriends to keep up to date with all the exciting things happening at First Friends. View our posts for updates, inspiration, and more!

Spiritual Growth Small Groups ~ We are excited to offer spiritual growth small groups this fall starting Oct 2nd and continuing for a 6 week period.  We will be studying the book by Joyce Rupp called The Cup of Our Life that examines the rich symbol of a cup in all its many forms to our everyday life. The groups will meet on either Sunday after Meeting for Worship, Monday evening, Tuesday evening, Wednesday afternoon and Friday evening and will last 90 minutes each time.  Please start thinking about your participation in this deepening spiritual time together and watch for sign up soon.  Childcare will be provided for the gathering on Sunday.

The Thornburgs in Belize ~ The Thornburgs are nearing their goal for their Belize fundraiser! We at First Friends are honored to have the Thornburgs (Aaron, Michelle, Kwali, and Meshach), feeling led by God to go to Belize and help with the facility renovation and provide other assistance to the Friends school. The Thornburgs will need your financial assistance in order to make their Belize leading a reality. If you can, please donate to this cause and help the Thornburgs reach their goal!

Casseroles for the Henry family ~ During this time of great transition for the Henry family, it would be most appreciated if anyone could donate a casserole to the family. We need a few casseroles delivered each week, for the next few weeks, until the Henrys have moved into their new house. We ask that the casseroles be delivered in disposable containers, so that the Henrys do not have to return dishes. Also, please avoid pineapple, as Bob is allergic. If you can bring a dish, please let the office know. We are still in need of dishes!! Thank you!

Sunday School Kick-Off! Our Sunday School kick off will be on September 10th.  We will start the morning with breakfast for everyone in fellowship hall at 8:30. We encourage everyone to come in their pajama's! Our classes will begin at 9:00 a.m. as follows:

PreK - 2nd grade in our large children’s room

3rd - 5th grade in the far northeast room

6th - 12th grade in the basement

We will use a curriculum from Church of the Brethen Press called SHINE that will focus this fall On Being God’s People

The following adult/multigenerational classes will be offered:

Christ and Quakers - Held in the parlor and led by Dan L. This class will explore various viewpoints on Christ from George Fox, John Woolman, Lucretia Mott, Rufus Jones, Elton Trueblood and others.

Seeking Friends - Bob Henry will lead the group through the Brian McLaren book, We Make the Road by Walking. This study will give us an overview of the Bible and guide the group through rich study, interactive learning, and personal growth. Each week will include reading scripture together, study time, and queries to ponder throughout the week.

Wired Word (in Coffee Circle classroom) - will be led by Harold M. to talk about current events from a spiritual perspective.

Choir - will be meeting in the old children’s library.  Anyone that has a heart for singing is welcome to join.

Nursery care will be available during Sunday School. Please mark your calendars!

Indians Ball Game with Friends! Join First Friends on Sunday, August 27th at 1:30 PM to see the Indianapolis Indians! This is a time of fun for anyone to join in from First Friends and ticket costs will be free! Friends are encouraged to carpool with each other to save on parking, and we will all meet at the ballpark. It’s also the last home game of the season and kids 14 and under eat free! We have 4 tickets left! Contact the office if you're interested. Please RSVP as soon as possible—first come, first served!

Valley Mills Friends invites you to a Quaker Concert with Annie and Peter Blood Patterson TOMORROW, Thursday, August 24 at 7pm. If you know the songbook "Rise Up Singing" that has been used at many fun Quaker sing-alongs, you might know of Annie Patterson and Peter Blood-Patterson who compiled it. They are released Friends who travel in Quaker circles bringing their ministry of community-building through singing together. Committed to fostering Hope, they are coming to Indiana in August. This is a fundraiser for Valley Mills Friends and the Blood-Pattersons' with a suggested donation at the door and opportunity to buy songbooks and CD's. The concert & singalong will take place in the meeting room of Valley Mills Friends, 6739 W Thompson Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46241.  Refreshment to follow. For more information, see the flyer here: https://goo.gl/f814qw, or visit www.riseupandsing.org/events.

Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading:  The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty book discussion will be held Tuesday, August 29th at 7 pm in the Parlor. All are welcome! Ruth K will be leading the group.  If you're interested in reading ahead for next month, the September 26th title will be: My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor.

Beneath it all some children go bare.
Those kids need some underwear!
So go and shop because Quakers care.
Briefs and bras, undershirts and camisoles,
socks for the feet, new things without holes.

Underneath It All – First Friends ninth annual underwear drive has begun and goes on until August 31st! We are asking for donations of new underwear, as well as socks, t-shirts, bras, etc, from toddler to adult sizes! We are collecting for the John H. Boner Center on east 10th Street. Cash or checks are also accepted and may be made out to First Friends and placed in offertory plates if labeled as donations to the Underwear Drive. Contact Linda Lee if you have questions.

Labor of Love ~ In response to the atrocities currently taking place in our country, we invite everyone to a peaceful gathering of neighbors and Friends on Sunday, September 3rd in our Meditational Woods. We will gather in solidarity with our community and nation to express our desire for peace, equality, unity and love. The event will include responses and opportunities for awareness through story, song, and art, as well as, a message from guest speaker, Malkah Bird, from American Friends Service Committee of Indianapolis and music by Eric Baker. Also, a special time of waiting worship in the manner of Friends will be offered allowing participants to speak out their responses to these difficult times. To conclude we are planning a special sending and call to action to take place around our peace pole.

New Library Books Ready for Checkout! Here are brief descriptions of three more new additions to our library.  To borrow a book, please sign it out on the clipboard in the library. The library is particularly helpful to newer attenders seeking to learn more about the Quaker faith, values, and history.

A Family of Friends: Friends Church Membership Course by Jack Willcuts
Written in 1977, updated in 1995, this is a ten-week course in Quakerism of the programmed variety. Topics include plain speech, history, the sacraments, worship, ministry, war and peace, stewardship, basic Christian beliefs, and church membership.

Levi Coffin, Quaker: Breaking the Bonds of Slavery in Ohio and Indiana, by Mary Ann Yannessa
An excellent book to read before visiting the Levi Coffin home where more than 1,000 escaped slaves were safely sheltered while traveling on the underground railroad by Levi and his wife Catherine. The author raises questions for today. And if you have already visited the home in Fountain City, Indiana, it is still worth reading of the desperate and heroic struggles of those times.

The Rich Heritage of Quakerism by Walter R. Williams an edited reprint with epilogue by Paul Anderson
From George Fox and the widespread growth of Quakerism, through quietism and divisions among Quakers, to the many sub-organizations such as American Friends Service Committee and Friends World Committee on Consultation this is a comprehensive account of Quakerism in its many aspects.

SERVING THE LORD WITH GLADNESS - USFW Women’s Fall Retreat ~ All women are invited to participate in the 46th Annual Fall Retreat of the Wester Yearly Meeting USFW and Indiana USFW, September 11-12th at Quaker Haven Camp (111 EMS D16C Lane, Syracuse, IN 46567). The theme this year is ‘Serving the Lord with Gladness.’ Ruthie Tippin will be the Keynote Speaker! Deadline for reservations is August 29th. Please contact Liz Nielander to make your reservations and requests: call 765-513-7439, e-mail Lnielander@aol.com or write to 1503 S. Union, Kokomo, IN 46902. The cost is $70 and your check should be made out to WYM-USFW. This includes a night's lodging and 3 meals (please bring your own bedding and towels.) We hope to see you there!

August 16, 2017

As Way Opens

I am very excited that we will be offering a small group program this fall to engage us in our spiritual reflection and development.  We will be studying the book The Cup of Our Life and I have been reading the book this past week in preparation for this (you all will hear a lot more about this in the next few weeks).  I was drawn to the chapter that speaks about our readiness to receive in our cup of life.  Lao-Tsu says “Clay is molded into vessels, and because of the space where there is nothing, you can carry water.  Space is carved out from a wall, and because of the place where there is nothing, you can receive light.  Be empty, and you will remain full.”  I have been reflecting on the need to empty my life of the busyness and shuffling that has taken control.  I need to empty my cup so I can become full of God’s spirit.  These thoughts have been whispering in my head and heart and then I heard Bob’s message this past Sunday and it knocked me to my knees.  I need to empty my cup and get out of my boat of fear and step into the water and trust Jesus. 

During our Western Yearly Meeting annual session we had a workshop on Alternatives to Violence.  I partnered with another friend and we had to share with each other what our impression was of our fears.  He shared with me that he had a sense that I was raised in financial security and that I was afraid of risk because I wanted to be secure.  Wow - I have been processing this impression for the last few weeks.  Have I been afraid of really following God’s call because I seek security?  Have I avoided the risk of a radical faith because I want financial security?  Have I played everything safe for me because I am not willing to risk and trust Jesus to get out of the boat and really follow him?

And then I started thinking about my beloved Jerry and how brave he was during our 27 years of marriage.  He stepped into God’s call when it was difficult.  He was fearless in standing against the war on Iraq after 9-11 even when he faced opposition in his own faith community.  He always supported equality, peace, community, integrity and stood with those in the margins of our society.  He gave his money, time, energy, and effort in supporting these causes throughout our life together. 

At times, I have been afraid to stand in God’s truth when it has been difficult.  I have taken a stance of silence in times where I probably should have been vocal.  I have not shared my voice enough in proclaiming our Quaker testimonies.   I have been rattled this week as I reflect on my fears.

Dear friends - I am praying for courage to stand in the message of Jesus.  I am praying that we can make a difference in our communities.  I am praying that our fear of our future will not paralyze us.  We need Quakers to stand up for peace and justice.  Will you step into the water today?

Beth

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Seasoned Friends ~ Join us for the Seasoned Friends luncheon and fellowship for all who are retired or of retirement age on Wednesday, August 23, at 11:30am. Lunch will consist of picnic food. Hamburgers and veggie burgers on the grill, potato salad, and more will be provided. Additional salads and desserts are welcome but not required. Afterward we will hear a presentation from David Frederick of First Friends and the Indiana Historic Landmarks Association on historic churches in Indiana. Please contact the office if you’ll be able to join us. Hope to see you there!

Casseroles for the Henry family ~ During this time of great transition for the Henry family, it would be most appreciated if anyone could donate a casserole to the family. The desire would be for 1-2 casseroles to be delivered each week, for the next few weeks, until the Henrys have moved into their new house. Overflow can always be stowed in the freezer at the Meetinghouse, so exact dates don’t need to be coordinated. We ask that the casseroles be delivered in disposable containers, so that the Henrys do not have to return dishes. Also, please avoid pineapple, as Bob is allergic. If you can bring a dish, please let the office know. Thank you!

The Thornburgs in Belize ~ The Thornburgs are nearing their goal for their Belize fundraiser! We at First Friends are honored to have the Thornburgs (Aaron, Michelle, Kwali, and Meshach), feeling led by God to go to Belize and help with the facility renovation and provide other assistance to the Friends school. The Thornburgs will need your financial assistance in order to make their Belize leading a reality. If you can, please donate to this cause and help the Thornburgs reach their goal!

Sunday School Kick-Off! Our Sunday School kick off will be on September 10th.  We will start the morning with breakfast for everyone in fellowship hall at 8:30. We encourage everyone to come in their pajama's! Our classes will begin at 9:00 a.m. as follows:

PreK - 2nd grade in our large children’s room

3rd - 5th grade in the far northeast room

6th - 12th grade in the basement

We will use a curriculum from Church of the Brethen Press called SHINE that will focus this fall On Being God’s People

The following adult/multigenerational classes will be offered:

Christ and Quakers - Held in the parlor and led by Dan L. This class will explore various viewpoints on Christ from George Fox, John Woolman, Lucretia Mott, Rufus Jones, Elton Trueblood and others.

Seeking Friends - Bob Henry will lead the group through the Brian McLaren book, We Make the Road by Walking. This study will give us an overview of the Bible and guide the group through rich study, interactive learning, and personal growth. Each week will include reading scripture together, study time, and queries to ponder throughout the week.

Wired Word (in Coffee Circle classroom) - will be led by Harold M. to talk about current events from a spiritual perspective.

Choir - will be meeting in the old children’s library.  Anyone that has a heart for singing is welcome to join.

Nursery care will be available during Sunday School. Please mark your calendars!

Valley Mills Friends invites you to a Quaker Concert with Annie and Peter Blood Patterson Thursday, August 24 at 7pm. If you know the songbook "Rise Up Singing" that has been used at many fun Quaker sing-alongs, you might know of Annie Patterson and Peter Blood-Patterson who compiled it. They are released Friends who travel in Quaker circles bringing their ministry of community-building through singing together. Committed to fostering Hope, they are coming to Indiana in August. This is a fundraiser for Valley Mills Friends and the Blood-Pattersons' with a suggested donation at the door and opportunity to buy songbooks and CD's. The concert & singalong will take place in the meeting room of Valley Mills Friends, 6739 W Thompson Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46241.  Refreshment to follow. For more information, see the flyer here: https://goo.gl/f814qw, or visit www.riseupandsing.org/events.

Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading:  The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty book discussion will be held Tuesday, August 29th at 7 pm in the Parlor. All are welcome! Ruth K. will be leading the group.  If you're interested in reading ahead for next month, the September 26th title will be: My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor.

Indians Ball Game with Friends! Join First Friends on Sunday, August 27th at 1:30 PM to see the Indianapolis Indians! This is a time of fun for anyone to join in from First Friends and ticket costs will be free! Friends are encouraged to carpool with each other to save on parking, and we will all meet at the ballpark. It’s also the last home game of the season and kids 14 and under eat free! We have 3 tickets left! Contact Beth Henricks if you’re interested (beth.henricks@indyfriends.org). Please RSVP as soon as possible—first come, first served!

IFCL New Brochure – Please take a look at IFCL’s brochure here: https://goo.gl/ZTVZH4. This new brochure cites recent IFCL statistics and unsolicited quotations from legislators which encapsulate IFCL's vigorous, effective, and bipartisan influence in being a positive voice for our Friends' community at the Indiana Statehouse. All interested are always encouraged to follow IFCL's Twitter feed at @INQuakerPolicy.  This is the portal through which an exponentially growing number of followers seek to learn of IFCL news, outlooks, and priorities.  Starting with only 40 followers about a year ago, we now have over 2300 engaged citizens who find this type of social media to be a worthwhile part of their day.  See how IFCL's faith-based, bipartisan advocacy elevates public discourse, and seeks to improve the lives of all Hoosiers. Please join with us to be informed and inspired by IFCL's Quakerly dynamism - and thank you for your ongoing support!

Beneath it all some children go bare.
Those kids need some underwear!
So go and shop because Quakers care.
Briefs and bras, undershirts and camisoles,
socks for the feet, new things without holes.

Underneath It All – First Friends ninth annual underwear drive has begun and goes on until August 31st! We are asking for donations of new underwear, as well as socks, t-shirts, bras, etc, from toddler to adult sizes! Cash or checks are also accepted and may be made out to First Friends and placed in offertory plates if labeled as donations to the Underwear Drive. Contact Linda L if you have questions.

SERVING THE LORD WITH GLADNESS - USFW Women’s Fall Retreat ~ All women are invited to participate in the 46th Annual Fall Retreat of the Wester Yearly Meeting USFW and Indiana USFW, September 11-12th at Quaker Haven Camp (111 EMS D16C Lane, Syracuse, IN 46567). The theme this year is ‘Serving the Lord with Gladness.’ Ruthie Tippin will be the Keynote Speaker! Deadline for reservations is August 29th. Please contact Liz Nielander to make your reservations and requests: call 765-513-7439, e-mail Lnielander@aol.com or write to 1503 S. Union, Kokomo, IN 46902. The cost is $70 and your check should be made out to WYM-USFW. This includes a night's lodging and 3 meals (please bring your own bedding and towels.) We hope to see you there!

Earth Care 101: Faith in Action ~ Every faith tradition recognizes the importance of caring for God’s creation.  If you would like to learn more about environmental action from a faith perspective, you may consider attending a 4-session workshop hosted by Indianapolis Green Congregations entitled “Earth Care 101: Faith in Action”.  This free workshop will be given on 4 consecutive Saturday mornings (September 16, 23, 30, and October 7) from 8:30 to 10:30 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 4600 N. Illinois Street, 46208.  Attendance at all four sessions is encouraged, but each session stands alone.  For more information and to register, send an email to greencong1@gmail.com or call Alice Miley, 317-842-7901.

Did you know the Quakers helped the Japanese after WWII? All are invited to visit a small exhibit at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center in Indianapolis to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the signing of executive order 9066, which sent Japanese Americans into the internment camps. Around the country, and here in Indianapolis as well, Japanese families had to start their lives over. As it turns out, Quakers, who could see the injustice of this incarceration of innocent people, stepped in and helped many Japanese families restart their lives during this time. The exhibitor herself, Anne Moore, was part of a family that was helped by the Quakers. Come see her exhibit--running through October 1, 2017. More details can be found at http://www.discoverirvington.com/venue/bona-thompson-memorial-center/

August 9, 2016

As Way Opens

I read the following quote in a book I picked up this week by the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.

“Sometimes we think we want to resolve conflicts, but our methods just make things worse. We turn angry and intimidating, thinking we will make people do what we want. But attacks and criticism and threats of punishment backfire with both children and adults. Our angry responses cause the battles to escalate. We become bullies, not realizing the bullies ultimately aren’t powerful at all. Those who display meanness and a berating style on the playground, in business, or in political campaigns are usually the weakest and most insecure. Bapuji [name of endearment given to Mahatma Gandhi] taught me that being able to understand another’s viewpoint and forgive is the sign of real strength.”  - Arun Gandhi (The Gift of Anger)

Many of us are concerned with all that is going on in our world right now. Just turn on any media source and you quickly become overwhelmed with intimidating, criticism, anger, bullying, and a great deal of insecurity. It seems too many of us have reverted to living our lives in fear or at the least by fear. A problem I am noticing is that these disturbing behaviors we are presented with are popping up more regularly in our day-to-day lives, not just on TV or in politics, but in meetings, churches, classrooms, even at the local baseball diamond. Its as if there has been a license given to be angry, a bully, and insecure in America (sadly, something other countries have been saying about us for quite some time).  

Much like what Gandhi taught, Quakers believe more can be accomplished by appealing to our capacity for love, goodness, and understanding other’s and our own viewpoints, than can be hoped for by threatening punishment or retaliation if people act badly. The early Quakers would have said we needed in these times to turn to the “weapons of the spirit” (i.e. love, speaking truth, non-violence, imagination, laughter, forgiveness) allowing God to reach out through us to that of God in those with whom we are in conflict. I am afraid that many Friends, instead of embracing the Quaker distinctives, have simply given up or given into the behaviors they see in the media.

Arun Gandhi’s words must ring true in our lives, “You may think that making a small change in your life doesn’t solve anything, but all those little actions add up.” Friends, we may not be able to directly change what is happening in the news, but every time we choose to love, speak truth, choose a non-violent solution, use our imagination, laugh, forgive someone, we will make a difference in the lives around us. Our children, friends, neighbors, and enemies will see an alternate example of “real strength” and hopefully it will begin to rub off.  

This week, join me in picking up a “spiritual weapon” and be the change you want to see in the world.

Grace and peace,
Bob

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Joys & Concerns

Many thanks to our Food Pantry volunteers last week: Kathy and Bill F; Dan R; Phil K; Linda and Rik L; Christie M; Carol and Jim D. We were very busy...105 families served. Thank you, all!

Kendal and Chelsea T. entered the National History Day competition with an exhibit about Quakers and advanced to the state level. This display is very creative and informative and it was available for everyone to see at Western Yearly Meeting annual session. Well done Kendal and Chelsea!

This past Sunday we honored our Friends Educational Fund (FEF) Scholarship recipients with a special reception hosted by the FEF Committee. What a joy to share the story of John Williams and Quakers in the Indianapolis area still helping African American children today.

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Free ink – Thanks to Laura G, we have two ink HP 564XL ink cartridges up for grabs. They are free to anyone who needs them. Please contact the office if you’re interested.

Casseroles for the Henry family ~ During this time of great transition for the Henry family, it would be most appreciated if anyone could donate a casserole to the family. The desire would be for 1-2 casseroles to be delivered each week, for the next few weeks, until the Henrys have moved into their new house. Overflow can always be stowed in the freezer at the Meetinghouse, so exact dates don’t need to be coordinated. We ask that the casseroles be delivered in disposable containers, so that the Henrys do not have to return dishes. Also, please avoid pineapple, as Bob is allergic. If you can bring a dish, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or phone.
 

Beneath it all some children go bare.
Those kids need some underwear!
So go and shop because Quakers care.
Briefs and bras, undershirts and camisoles,
socks for the feet, new things without holes.
Underneath It All – First Friends ninth annual underwear drive ends August 31st! We are asking for donations of new underwear, as well as socks, t-shirts, bras, etc, from toddler to adult sizes! Cash or checks are also accepted and may be made out to First Friends and placed in offertory plates if labeled as donations to the Underwear Drive. Contact Linda Lee if you have questions.

Indians Ball Game with Friends! Join First Friends on Sunday, August 27th at 1:30 PM to see the Indianapolis Indians! This is a time of fun for anyone to join in from First Friends and ticket costs will be free! Friends are encouraged to carpool with each other to save on parking, and we will all meet at the ballpark. It’s also the last home game of the season and kids 14 and under eat free! Contact the office if you're interested. Please RSVP as soon as possible—first come, first served!

Did you know the Quakers helped the Japanese after WWII? All are invited to visit a small exhibit at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center in Indianapolis to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the signing of executive order 9066, which sent Japanese Americans into the internment camps. Around the country, and here in Indianapolis as well, Japanese families had to start their lives over. As it turns out, Quakers, who could see the injustice of this incarceration of innocent people, stepped in and helped many Japanese families restart their lives during this time. The exhibitor herself, Anne Moore, was part of a family that was helped by the Quakers. Come see her exhibit--running through October 1, 2017. More details can be found at http://www.discoverirvington.com/venue/bona-thompson-memorial-center/

New Library Books Ready for Checkout! Now that the library committee under John M's direction has purchased 30 new books, brief descriptions of them will slowly appear in Friend to Friend. In the library, you will find a clipboard with a sign out sheet. Please remember to let us know when you return the book, as well as when you check it out. Here are some more of the new Library Books Ready for Checkout:
 

Living the Quaker Way: Discover the Hidden Happiness in the Simple Life
By Philip Gulley
In his usual lively style, Phil Gulley, perhaps the most famous contemporary Quaker, conveys the elements of what makes this faith so attractive. Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality—each of our testimonies is given a chapter and then a 30 day guide to spiritual reflection is included. This book was a Publishers Weekly "Top 10 in Religion" selection.
 

Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality
J. Brent Bill
This is a revised and expanded edition, 2016, of the 2006 book about the uses and practices of silence. Brent Bill shares personal experiences along with poems, quotes, and lyrics from other writers. Added to the new edition is a section of 12 practical steps to experience silence. The queries in each chapter remain. As Parker Palmer wrote it is "A beautiful introduction to the depths and riches of silence." I am reminded of the joke, "I'm a Quaker. In case of emergency please be quiet."
 

Decision Making and Spiritual Discernment: The Sacred Art of Finding Your Way
By Nancy L. Bieber
The author is a Quaker, clinical psychologist, workshop leader, spiritual director, and author. In this book she examines Willingness—to be open, to face fears. Attentiveness—listening to the inner self, noticing, making a habit. And Responsiveness—step by step testing our decisions. ""With the Spirit illuminating the complexities of our decisions, we can see and understand more about ourselves and our choices." "Staying spiritually grounded and open to divine wisdom as you shape your life."  She has included practices with each chapter and at the end a guide for six group sessions that could be used by one of our Sunday school classes.

Valley Mills Friends invites you to a Quaker Concert with Annie and Peter Blood Patterson Thursday, August 24 at 7pm. If you know the songbook "Rise Up Singing" that has been used at many fun Quaker sing-alongs, you might know of Annie Patterson and Peter Blood-Patterson who compiled it. They are released Friends who travel in Quaker circles bringing their ministry of community-building through singing together. Committed to fostering Hope, they are coming to Indiana in August. This is a fundraiser for Valley Mills Friends and the Blood-Pattersons' with a suggested donation at the door and opportunity to buy songbooks and CD's. The concert & singalong will take place in the meeting room of Valley Mills Friends, 6739 W Thompson Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46241.  Refreshment to follow. For more information, see the flyer here: https://goo.gl/f814qw.
 

Earth Care 101: Faith in Action ~ Every faith tradition recognizes the importance of caring for God’s creation.  If you would like to learn more about environmental action from a faith perspective, you may consider attending a 4-session workshop hosted by Indianapolis Green Congregations entitled “Earth Care 101: Faith in Action”.  This free workshop will be given on 4 consecutive Saturday mornings (September 16, 23, 30, and October 7) from 8:30 to 10:30 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 4600 N. Illinois Street, 46208.  Attendance at all four sessions is encouraged, but each session stands alone.  For more information and to register, send an email to greencong1@gmail.com or call Alice Miley, 317-842-7901.