Friend to Friend - October 1

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens           by Beth Henricks

I have been very thankful that Linda Lee started a Monday meditation group that meets in our parlor at 12:15  with a time of gathering for lunch and discussion at 1:00 with whomever can stay (all are welcome to join us).  It has been so good to start the week with unprogrammed worship and our conversations have been interesting and varied.  We were talking about the Kingdom of God this past Monday and it got me thinking about the great legacy of Quaker historical figures that were change agents in this world and who acted out of a belief that the Kingdom of God was at hand.  George Fox opened up our direct experience of the Inner Teacher, John Woolman spent 30 years encouraging Quakers to live out the equality testimony by denouncing slavery, Elizabeth Fry challenged the prison system and changed it forever, William Penn established a new type of society and welcomed all including Native Americans.  Many Quakers did not condemn Indian religious practices but saw "that of God in them".  The equality of women and the very early acceptance of female leadership within the Quaker denomination are all amazing examples of being on the leading edge of social change.  But this all came about because certain Quakers believed deeply in the proclamation from Jesus about the good news of God; ‘the time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe in the good news.’ (Mark 1:14-15) 

What might we do today if we really believed that the Kingdom of Heaven were at hand?  What leadings do you have that will continue this tradition of seeing that of God in each person and believing that we must act to ensure all are loved and accepted and treated with equality and respect? God is calling each of us to live in the Light and participate in creating the Kingdom of God here in Indianapolis, our country and the world. 

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

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.  We will continue to send care packages before finals in December and in May. Please let the office know at office@indyfriends.org if anyone is missing from this list of students: Amelia Calley, Helen Calley, Maggie Crawford, Natalie Donahue, Emma Faulkenbach, Adrian Firsich, Glennis Henderson, Greg Henricks, Lori Heusel, Portia Mastin, Will Mastin, Grace Miller, Christine Panah, Holly Pennington, Tyler Rodino, Lee Schilling, Mitch Snyder, Ben Wertz, Grif Williams, Nick Wilson, and Samuel Wilson.

Please join us for Community Soup on Friday, Oct. 3rd, anytime between 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.  Enjoy soups, bread, and dessert in a relaxed atmosphere.  No cooking, no dishwashing, and no charge. You are welcome to bring your favorite soup if you choose. After dinner, we’ll show “The Life A House Built”, a film about the 25th Anniversary of the Jimmy & Rosalyn Carter Work Project, Habitat for Humanity.  Bill Chapman has personal experience with Habitat’s founder, Millard Fuller, and will make a brief presentation regarding his experience.  There may be a local Habitat organizer in attendance to share a brief presentation concerning local Habitat efforts.  Please join us for this special evening!

Sign up for Softball! We’re trying to get a team together to play. Date and location TBD. Contact Coach Jim Donahue or Batboy Dan Mitchell if interested in playing.

Gathering Group is Tuesday, Oct. 7th at 7:00 pm. Friends gather to do all kinds of handwork: crochet, knitting, rug working, whatever you want to do. All are welcome to join in and create.

Join us for an Eco-Film Series at Epworth United Methodist Church, 6450 Allisonville Road, at 7:30 p.m. on the second Friday of each month. The next one is Friday, October 10th at 7:30 p.m. called “Rock the Boat”. When a government agency decides that the Los Angeles River is not worthy of environmental protection, a biologist becomes a whistle blower, a writer trades pen for paddle, and together with others they change the course of history in a local battle with national significance. With climate change and an impending worldwide water crisis, we are now forced to examine the impact on nature of our urban lifestyle. With striking images of the L.A. River, insightful interviews and a soft spot for humor, Rock the Boat documents the intrepid fight to renew the river and the city itself, and affirms the power of committed individuals to jump-start that change. (54 min.) www.rocktheboatfilm.com

Looking for some family-friendly fun this fall? The Meridian Street Preschool Co-Op is hosting their annual Fall Festival here at First Friends! Join us on Saturday, October 18th from 4-6pm for a chili cook-off, family photos, a costume contest, a bounce house, and family-friendly games and activities. You are welcome to add your best chili recipe into the contest – there will be prizes!

The 35th annual Indianapolis CROP Hunger Walk is on Sunday, October 19th. Indianapolis area congregations of all faiths, civic groups and other organizations are invited to participate. Walkers cover a designated route beginning and ending at the Christian Theological Seminary on 42nd St near Michigan Rd (near Butler University). Funds raised from this walk are channeled through Church World Service to help fight hunger around the world. Registration starts at 1:30 and you begin walking immediately, setting your own pace. We are putting together a team of people to participate in CROP walk. If you are interested please contact Jim Donahue at jdonahue@indy.rr.com or Beth Henricks at beth.henricks@indyfriends.org. If you would like to donate to the cause, we will have a table set up at the Meetinghouse collecting donations before the event. For more information, please visit http://www.indycropwalk.org/.  

Ladies!  Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading will be discussing Elizabeth Clines’ Overdressed on the third Tuesday of October, the 21st, at 7 pm in the Parlor.   If you would like to be on the email list or need a copy of the book list for 2014, please contact Kathy Rhyne at kathyrichelle@yahoo.com. Listening to the Light, by Jim Pym is our upcoming book for November.

Would you like to receive a copy of each First Day’s sermon?  Simply sign-up for Wednesday Word by sending an email request to office@indyfriends.org or call the Meeting Office at 317-255-2485.

Friend to Friend - September 24th

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens    by Ruthie Tippin

A recent conversation with a friend began with a story of conflict, disappointment, and frustration.  By the end of our time together, the last story shared was one of reconciliation.  What was the difference?  There were many, but the most significant was the gesture of hope.  Those who had reunited had reached out to each other with curiosity and hope, looking toward the future, wondering what it might hold. 

 To resolve conflict takes courage – not just on one side, but from both sides.  It also takes curiosity… the ability to wonder…  What might happen?  How could things change?  How might relationships be better?  How might one’s own life improve?  Might joy await?  So often, people are confined in disappointment or conflict by their own inability to imagine life any differently than they’ve always experienced it.  They choose not to see possible – only the impossible. 

 God is a God of hope, and asks us to move forward with gestures of hope.  It’s a risk, and one we’re often wary of making.  Do we dare?  Yes.  But what if we’re spurned?  We count ourselves courageous, we stand in what we’ve learned, and we trust God for the outcome, moving forward in thankfulness.  What if we’re accepted?  We count ourselves courageous, we stand in what we’ve learned, and we trust God for the outcome, moving forward in thankfulness.    

 Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

 Discovering God in a Changing World. You are invited to an exciting 4-part program series with Dr. Dan Moseley right here at First Friends! This seasonal, year-long series will help you learn how to develop spiritual practices that will encourage and support the life to which God is calling you as an individual and a community. Sessions will consist of a Saturday retreat from 9-1pm, Meeting for Worship on Sunday at 10:15am followed by a luncheon and then a Q&A with Dan. The first session is this Saturday, September 27-28th, when Dan will focus on discovering gifts from the community and Christian tradition to help us adapt to change. There is no fee, but you are encouraged to pre-register with Amanda Bow in the office at office@indyfriends.org. We encourage all of you to attend, even families, as child care will be provided.

 Kendal and Chelsea Tinsley will perform a short (30 minute) viola recital showcasing pieces they have learned in the past year this Sunday, September 28th, at 3:30 PM. The event will be at Munger Hall - the upper level of Meridian Music in Carmel at 12725 Old Meridian St, Carmel, IN 46032.  Friends are invited and welcome to attend.

 Two-time Olympian Amber Neben will be visiting First Friends on Sept. 28. World Champion and Olympic cyclist Amber Neben will be at First Friends 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, to share her story of faith and triumph over adversity. Amber represented Team USA in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games and rode to victory in the Time Trial at the 2008 World Championships in Varese, Italy. Along the way, she’s faced many setbacks including serious injuries from cycling crashes and a diagnosis of melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. Amber’s trust in Christ has been the foundation of her personal and professional career. Beyond racing, Amber’s non-profit group, the Dare to Be Project, seeks to inspire kids to persevere through their own adversity including provided children with physical challenges with specially designed hand-cycles. Amber, of Southern California, will be in Indianapolis to record a TV segment on the Dare to Be Project and her new book, “When Shmack Happens.” But she’s also thrilled to spend time with us. Her message will inspire people of all ages.

 Finance Committee Report – 8/31/2014. For the 8 months ending August 31, 2014, expenses exceeded income by $15,090. Although we are better than budgeted, we encourage you to prayerfully consider whether you could make an extra contribution before year-end to eliminate the anticipated deficit. We appreciate your financial support!

 Two chances to help at the Food Pantry! The Mid North Food Pantry needs volunteers on the first Wednesday of each month.  First Friends has agreed to try to staff the first Wednesday, beginning with this coming Wednesday, Oct.1.  Any time you can provide between 9:30 and 2 pm would help with the busiest time between 10 – 12 noon.  Note that this is in addition to the day that First Friends has staffed for the past several years, the third Wednesday of each month.  No experience necessary.  Mid North Food Pantry is located at 3333 North Meridian St.  Thanks for your consideration.

 Participate in our "Sponsor a College Student" project! Come this Sunday ready to select a name of one of our college students and send them notes, cards, treats, etc throughout the school year so they hear from someone at the Meeting and feel connected.  We will continue to send care packages before finals in December and in May. Please let the office know at office@indyfriends.org if anyone is missing from this list, or if you have an updated address for these students: Amelia Calley, Helen Calley, Maggie Crawford, Natalie Donahue, Emma Faulkenbach, Adrian Firsich, Glennis Henderson, Greg Henricks, Lori Heusel, Portia Mastin, Will Mastin, Grace Miller, Christine Panah, Holly Pennington, Tyler Rodino, Lee Schilling, Mitch Snyder, Ben Wertz, Grif Williams, Nick Wilson, and Samuel Wilson.

 Disciple Bible Study: A Fast Track 24-week study of the Bible will begin Oct 1st at Epworth UMC (Please note that this was originally scheduled for Sept 24th, but has been moved back a week due to an unexpected event at Epworth.) Ruthie Tippin will teach on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00-2:30, and Pat Engle will teach the same lesson Thursday nights from 7:00-8:30. If you’re interested or want more data, please contact Ruthie right away!  Materials need to be ordered.

 Please join us for Community Soup on Friday, Oct. 3rd, anytime between 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.  Enjoy soups, bread, and dessert in a relaxed atmosphere.  No cooking, no dishwashing, and no charge.

 Join us for an Eco-Film Series at Epworth United Methodist Church, 6450 Allisonville Road, at 7:30 p.m. on the second Friday of each month. The next one is Friday, October 10th at 7:30 p.m. called “Rock the Boat”. When a government agency decides that the Los Angeles River is not worthy of environmental protection, a biologist becomes a whistle blower, a writer trades pen for paddle, and together with others they change the course of history in a local battle with national significance. For the past hundred years we’ve built our cities and roads, factories, dams and agricultural centers wherever we’ve wanted to, our engineering often triumphing over the natural lay of the land, more balanced design and even common sense. With climate change and an impending worldwide water crisis, we are now forced to examine the impact on nature of our urban lifestyle. With striking images of the L.A. River, insightful interviews and a soft spot for humor, Rock the Boat documents the intrepid fight to renew the river and the city itself, and affirms the power of committed individuals to jump-start that change. (54 min. www.rocktheboatfilm.com)

 Would you like to receive a copy of each First Day’s sermon?  Simply sign-up for Wednesday Word by sending an email request to office@indyfriends.org or call the Meeting Office at 317-255-2485.

Friend to Friend - September 17

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens     by Beth Henricks

I was going to share about the wonderful inaugural Affirmation class we experienced last Sunday, and how I have been thinking about these historical icons like George Fox as real people that could be walking beside me now.  

But my heart is heavy this morning because we are going to have to put down our beloved dog Randy this afternoon due to pancreatic cancer.   Those of us who have experienced pets as children and/or adults know the power of unconditional love that is expressed through our pets.  I did not grow up with pets as my mother was afraid of animals, but in my 25 years with my husband Jerry we have had 3 dogs, each with unique personalities and good and bad habits.  But the one common thread with all of these pets was this profound love and excitement every time we walked through the door.  In particular, our dog Randy has been my husband's best friend for the last three years.   Jerry walks a difficult journey, but our dog Randy was always beside him.  I have felt God's presence through Randy so many times in how he provides companionship and love as we experience the highs and lows of life.  And who cannot help but smile when you see your dog sticking their head out of your car to catch the thrill and excitement of the wind?  

Our family has been lucky to receive Randy's blessing of love and acceptance.  God continues to provide signs of being present in our life and I am thankful.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Friends, Food & Fox! You're invited to discuss this and other "Foxisms" at the renewed Indy First Friends Young Adults Fellowship! Responding to a spoken desire to rekindle a fellowship group for 20-30 ‘Somethings’, the Indy First Friends Young Adult Fellowship will have their first meeting Wednesday, September 17, 7-9 p.m. at the Meeting House. Hope to see you there! Any questions, contact Jim or Leslie Kartholl at 317-945-5578 or by email at lkartholl@gmail.com and jkartholl8@gmail.com.

Calling all ladies! USFW is having a gathering of all the ladies of the meeting this Thursday, September 18th from 6pm-8pm and would love for you to join us.  Norma Wallman will discuss her life and her walk with Christ. It is sure to be inspirational and full of flowers. Please join us for a fun filled evening in Fellowship Hall. Dinner will be provided.

Babysitting at the Meetinghouse on Saturday, September 20th from 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. will be provided for our families. We will provide dinner for the kids. Please let Beth Henricks know if you are joining us at henricksbeth2@gmail.com.

Monthly Meeting for Business is this Sunday following Meeting for Worship! Last Month’s Meeting Minutes are available through the office for your review.

‘Prayers for Peace’ Ecumenical Service: Join together, Sunday September 21st at 7:00 pm here at First Friends for a gathering with friends and neighbors, lifting up our world in prayer to God for peace.  We will be joined by Epworth United Methodist, Allisonville Christian, Cross and Crown Lutheran, and St. Pius Catholic churches. 

Quaker Men: Plainfield – the site of Western Yearly Meeting – will be celebrating “Quaker Days” this Saturday, September 20th, and needs help, directing traffic and working at various booths.  If you can help, please contact Lane Sims at pamlane@juno.com or 317-774-0787 if you are able to help.  On Saturday November 1st, help is needed to clean the YM grounds after ash trees have been cut down.   Thank you.

Disciple Bible Study: A Fast Track 24-week study of the Bible will begin Sept. 24/25 at Epworth UMC.  Ruthie Tippin will teach on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00-2:30, and Pat Engle will teach the same lesson Thursday nights from 7:00-8:30. If you’re interested or want more data, please contact Ruthie right away!  Materials need to be ordered.  

Discovering God in a Changing World. You are invited to an exciting 4-part program series with Dr. Dan Moseley right here at First Friends! This seasonal, year-long series will help you learn how to develop spiritual practices that will encourage and support the life to which God is calling you as an individual and a community. Sessions will consist of a Saturday retreat from 9-1pm, Meeting for Worship on Sunday at 10:15am followed by a luncheon and then a Q&A with Dan. The first session is September 27-28th, when Dan will focus on discovering gifts from the community and Christian tradition to help us adapt to change. There is no fee, but you are encouraged to pre-register with Amanda Bow in the office at office@indyfriends.org. We encourage all of you to attend, even families, as child care will be provided.

Kendal and Chelsea Tinsley will perform a short (30 minute) viola recital showcasing pieces they have learned in the past year on Sunday September 28th at 3:30 PM. The event will be at Munger Hall - the upper level of Meridian Music in Carmel at 12725 Old Meridian St, Carmel, IN 46032.  Friends are invited and welcome to attend.

Two-time Olympian Amber Neben will be visiting First Friends on Sept. 28. World Champion and Olympic cyclist Amber Neben will be at First Friends 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, to share her story of faith and triumph over adversity. Amber represented Team USA in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games and rode to victory in the Time Trial at the 2008 World Championships in Varese, Italy. Along the way, she’s faced many setbacks including serious injuries from cycling crashes and a diagnosis of melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. Amber’s trust in Christ has been the foundation of her personal and professional career. Beyond racing, Amber’s non-profit group, the Dare to Be Project, seeks to inspire kids to persevere through their own adversity including provided children with physical challenges with specially designed hand-cycles. Amber, of Southern California, will be in Indianapolis to record a TV segment on the Dare to Be Project and her new book, “When Shmack Happens.” But she’s also thrilled to spend time with us. Her message will inspire people of all ages.

Would you like to receive a copy of each First Day’s sermon?  Simply sign-up for Wednesday Word by sending an email request to office@indyfriends.org or call the Meeting Office at 317-255-2485.

Friend to Friend - September 3rd

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens       by Beth Henricks

I have a radical idea for you to consider - what if we were to embrace the path of Jesus without knowing the end of the story?  What if we tried to set ourselves back in the time of Jesus and explore his life in the eyes of wisdom tradition?  What if we could really consider his idea of total transformation of the mind, heart and soul?  Would we follow him if we didn't know about his crucifixion and resurrection?  I have been reading the book The Wisdom Jesus -Transforming the Heart and Mind by Cynthia Bourgeault and have been thinking about these questions in my own mind.  What if I was living 2,000 years ago and heard the message of Jesus to love my enemy - that loving my friends means nothing because anyone can do that - but the awakening of my being and the real transformation would be evident in loving my enemies - can I really do this?  We have many enemies identified in our personal life as well as our corporate life.  Jesus calls each of us to see the Light of God in them, just as we search for the reflecting Light of God within each of us.  If we really are committed to following Jesus and not just the theology of Jesus that has been established by the Church, we must confront these transforming ideas.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Community Soup is this Friday, Sep-5, from 5:30 – 6:15 pm.  Note that the time for dinner has been shortened in order to accommodate the showing of “Friendly Persuasion” at 6:30pm, a 1956 film that tells the story of a pacifist Quaker family in southern Indiana during the American Civil War.  It is a lighthearted film, appropriate for children, and has many enjoyable scenes dealing with traditional Quaker practice.  The film will begin at 6:30 pm.  Folks are invited to the dinner prior to the film or just come to see the film.  Remember the Community Soup motto...no cooking, no cleanup, no charge!!!

Norma Wallman will lead a late summer wildflower walk at Holliday Park on Saturday, September 6 from 10:00-11:30. Join her as she shows how to distinguish one yellow composite from another. Asters and smartweeds will also be present. Call 327-7180 to register.

Sunday School Kickoff is this Sunday and we’d like to encourage you all to wear your Pajamas! We’ll have breakfast at 8:30 with classes beginning at 9:00. We want to see you comfy in your pj’s and slippers! The children’s classes are: preK - 2nd grade led by Kathy Rhyne and Ann Panah, 3rd - 5th grade led by Amanda Cordray, and 6th - 12th grade led by Dan Lee and Jed Kay, which will meet in the brightly colored Youth Room across from Fellowship Hall. The adult classes are: Quakerism in the Parlor, Seeking Friends in the Seeking Friends Room, Wired Word in the Coffee Circle Room, and of course, the Choir will meet for rehearsal.

 Don’t miss the 2nd annual Festival of Faiths on Sunday, September 7, 1-5pm at the Veteran’s Memorial Plaza (Meridian and Michigan St).  One of the most exciting things about it is that so many Quakers are participating! First Friends, North Meadow Circle of Friends, Iglesia Amigos, WYM, AFSC, RSWR, and other Quaker meetings will have a ‘Quaker Booth’ at the Festival, including a Friends Worship Space.  We intend to host a Quaker Sing-a-Long, Unprogrammed and Programmed Worship Times.     Booths and activities will help us better understand and appreciate our neighbors from different religious traditions, as well. There will be a main stage outdoors with a grand opening ceremony.  Special speakers will join in panel discussions.  There’s something for everyone! For more info about the Festival, visit www.facebook.com/IndyFestivalofFaiths. To help, talk to Ruthie!

Join us for an Eco-Film Series at Epworth United Methodist Church, 6450 Allisonville Road, at 7:30 p.m. on the second Friday of each month. The first one is next Friday, September 12th at 7:30 p.m. called “Thin Ice”. In recent years climate science has come under increasing attack, so concerned geologist Simon Lamb grabbed his camera and set out to explore the inside story of climate research. For over three years he followed scientists from a wide range of disciplines at work in the Arctic, Antarctic, Southern Ocean, New Zealand, Europe and the United States. The film puts a human face on the huge international effort and astonishing range of human activity and scientific endeavor required to understand Earth’s climate system. (74 minutes. thiniceclimate.org/)  

The Quaker Affirmation classes begin on September 14th! Beth Henricks is looking for volunteers to help one Sunday a month for the upcoming classes for this group. If interested please email Beth Henricks at beth.henricks@indyfriends.org.

Sunday, September 14th will be a very special day for our Meeting, as we welcome new members.  Each of these folk have submitted their request for membership to Ministry and Counsel, have been visited by the same, and have been approved for membership by our Monthly Meeting.  We are thrilled to welcome Kathy Rhyne, John, Heather, Sam, and Ellie Arle and Dan, Jennifer, Paul, Bethany and Anna Lee. Come celebrate with us!  A reception will be help after Meeting, hosted by Membership Growth and Participation. 

Friends, Food & Fox! You're invited to discuss this and other "Foxisms" at the renewed Indy First Friends Young Adults Fellowship! Responding to a spoken desire to rekindle a fellowship group for 20-30 ‘Somethings’, the Indy First Friends Young Adult Fellowship will have their first meeting Wednesday, September 17, 7-9 p.m. at the Meeting House. Hope to see you there! Any questions, contact Jim or Leslie Kartholl at 317-945-5578 or by email at lkartholl@gmail.com and jkartholl8@gmail.com.

Calling all ladies! USFW is having a gathering of all the ladies of the meeting on Thursday, September 18th from 6pm-8pm and would love for you to join us.  Norma Wallman will discuss her life and her walk with Christ. It is sure to be inspirational and full of flowers. Please join us for a fun filled evening in Fellowship Hall. Dinner will be provided. Please RSVP if you plan to attend by emailing office@indyfriends.org or calling 317-255-2485.

Babysitting at the Meetinghouse on Saturday, September 20th from 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. will be provided for our families. We will provide dinner for the kids. Please let Beth Henricks know if you are joining us at henricksbeth2@gmail.com.

Discovering God in a Changing World. You are invited to an exciting 4-part program series with Dr. Dan Moseley right here at First Friends! This seasonal, year-long series will help you learn how to develop spiritual practices that will encourage and support the life to which God is calling you as an individual and a community. Sessions will consist of a Saturday retreat from 9-1pm, Meeting for Worship on Sunday at 10:15am followed by a luncheon and then a Q&A with Dan. The first session is September 27-28th, when Dan will focus on discovering gifts from the community and Christian tradition to help us adapt to change. There is no fee, but you are encouraged to pre-register with Amanda Bow in the office at office@indyfriends.org.

Don’t forget to bring in some undies for the 7th Annual Underwear Drive ‘Underneath It All’! Please donate NEW underwear, socks, t-shirts, and bras. All sizes are needed from Toddler sizes to Adult sizes for High School Students! If you don’t have time to shop, you can also donate by cash or check to First Friends, designated for Underneath it All. All donations will go to the John H. Boner Community Center, which serves some of the poorest neighborhoods in Indianapolis. Social Workers will distribute the donated items to families as needed. Please place donations in the labeled box in Fellowship Hall.  Cash or checks may be placed in offertory plates if labeled as donations to the Underwear Drive. We will be collecting until just after Labor Day. Contact Linda Lee if you have questions.

Would you like to receive a copy of each First Day’s sermon?  Simply sign-up for Wednesday Word by sending an email request to office@indyfriends.org or call the Meeting Office at 317-255-2485.

Friend to Friend - August 27th

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens 

Shared by Eric Baker in Meeting for Worship:

In singing, there is a physical foundational process of proper breathing, where you breathe from your diaphragm. It’s similar to yoga breathing, where it’s not from the chest - which is more of the hyperventilating breath - but it’s the deep calming breath that they talk about. That’s good for singing, because it helps in projection.  I’m teaching this, and I’ve found that in teaching it, it’s a good practice for me to do at the beginning of my day. Not really for the purpose of singing, but just for cleansing. I’m going to breathe out negative vibes and breathe in positive ones… what can I do in my day? What does my day look like?

I’ve found that as I breathe in, one of the things I do is that I pray a little prayer that I would be completely present with every person that’s going to be sitting in front of me that day. So I think about my day, specifically some of the students that I will be teaching and having conversations with and I would like to think that there is something of God in that. That in those moments, as I am completely present with that teenager sitting in front of me that I can recognize the image of God in them. And hopefully, I can represent the presence of God to them and in our conversation. I’ve found that it’s been a challenging but very good thing for me to do. Not just as I try to be present to this person as we have this conversation and as I’m listening, but really to remember and practice that God is present there with us in our conversation.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Thank you to all who participated in cleaning up the woods in preparation for this Sunday’s Worship in the Woods. We hope to see you all there, and don’t forget to bring chairs or a blanket to sit on! Please note that there was an incorrect announcement in the bulletin last Sunday that there is a Woods Work Day this Saturday, but the work day has already happened and we apologize for the miscommunication.

Gathering Group is Tuesday, September 2nd at 7:00 pm. Friends gather to do all kinds of handwork: crochet, knitting, rug working, whatever you want to do. All are welcome to join in and create.

Please join us for Community Soup on Friday, Sept. 5th, anytime between 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.  Enjoy soups, bread, and dessert in a relaxed atmosphere.  No cooking, no dishwashing, and no charge.

Norma Wallman will lead a late summer wildflower walk at Holliday Park on Saturday, September 6 from 10:00-11:30. Join her as she shows how to distinguish one yellow composite from another. Asters and smartweeds will also be present. Call 327-7180 to register.

Sunday School Kickoff is on September 7th and we’d like to encourage you all to wear your Pajamas! We’ll have breakfast at 8:30 with classes beginning at 9:00. We want to see you comfy in your pj’s and slippers! The children’s classes are: preK - 2nd grade led by Kathy Rhyne and Ann Panah, 3rd - 5th grade led by Amanda Cordray, and 6th - 12th grade led by Dan Lee and Jed Kay, which will meet in the brightly colored Youth Room across from Fellowship Hall. The adult classes are: Quakerism in the Parlor, Seeking Friends in the Seeking Friends Room, Wired Word in the Coffee Circle Room, and of course, the Choir will meet for rehearsal.

Don’t miss 2nd annual Festival of Faiths on Sunday, September 7, 1-5pm at the Veteran’s Memorial Plaza (Meridian and Michigan St).  One of the most exciting things about it is that so many Quakers are participating! First Friends, North Meadow Circle of Friends, Iglesia Amigos, WYM, AFSC, RSWR, and other Quaker meetings will have a ‘Quaker Booth’ at the Festival, including a Friends Worship Space.  We intend to host a Quaker Sing-a-Long, Unprogrammed and Programmed Worship Times.     Booths and activities will help us better understand and appreciate our neighbors from different religious traditions, as well. There will be a main stage outdoors with a grand opening ceremony.  Special speakers will join in panel discussions.  There’s something for everyone! For more info about the Festival, visit www.facebook.com/IndyFestivalofFaiths. If you’d like to help, talk to Ruthie!

Sunday, September 14th will be a very special day for our Meeting, as we welcome new members.  Each of these folk have submitted their request for membership to Ministry and Counsel, have been visited by the same, and have been approved for membership by our Monthly Meeting.  We are thrilled to welcome Kathy Rhyne, John, Heather, Sam, and Ellie Arle and Dan, Jennifer, Paul, Bethany and Anna Lee. Come celebrate with us!  A reception will be help after Meeting, hosted by Membership Growth and Participation. 

Friends, Food & Fox! You're invited to discuss this and other "Foxisms" at the renewed Indy First Friends Young Adults Fellowship! Responding to a spoken desire to rekindle a fellowship group for 20-30 somethings, the Indy First Friends Young Adult Fellowship will have their first meeting Wednesday, September 17, 7-9 p.m. at the Meeting House. Hope to see you there! Any questions, contact Jim or Leslie Kartholl at 317-945-5578 or by email at lkartholl@gmail.com and jkartholl8@gmail.com.

Calling all ladies! USFW is having a gathering of all the ladies of the meeting on Thursday, September 18th from 6pm-8pm and would love for you to join us.  Norma Wallman will discuss her life and her walk with Christ. It is sure to be inspirational and full of flowers. Please join us for a fun filled evening in Fellowship Hall. Dinner will be provided. Please RSVP if you plan to attend by emailing office@indyfriends.org or calling 317-255-2485.

Discovering God in a Changing World. You are invited to an exciting 4-part program series with Dr. Dan Moseley right here at First Friends! This seasonal, year-long series will help you learn how to develop spiritual practices that will encourage and support the life to which God is calling you as an individual and a community. Sessions will consist of a Saturday retreat from 9-1pm, Meeting for Worship on Sunday at 10:15am followed by a luncheon and then a Q&A with Dan. The first session is September 27-28th, when Dan will focus on discovering gifts from the community and Christian tradition to help us adapt to change. There is no fee, but you are encouraged to pre-register with Amanda Bow in the office at office@indyfriends.org.

Don’t forget to bring in some undies for the 7th Annual Underwear Drive ‘Underneath It All’! Please donate NEW underwear, socks, t-shirts, and bras. All sizes are needed from Toddler sizes to Adult sizes for High School Students! If you don’t have time to shop, you can also donate by cash or check to First Friends, designated for Underneath it All. All donations will go to the John H. Boner Community Center, which serves some of the poorest neighborhoods in Indianapolis. Social Workers will distribute the donated items to families as needed. Please place donations in the labeled box in Fellowship Hall.  Cash or checks may be placed in offertory plates if labeled as donations to the Underwear Drive. We will be collecting until just after Labor Day. Contact Linda Lee if you have questions.

Western Yearly Meeting (WYM) and Friends United Meeting (FUM) 2014 Projects

First Friends, Indianapolis is just one of many Friends’ Meetings that comprise WYM and FUM.  Each year WYM and FUM each sponsors a fundraising project which typically helps Quaker mission work.  Set forth below are brief descriptions of the projects for 2014.  Please help as you are led and able.  Both projects are equally endorsed by First Friends’ Witness & Service committee.  Your contributions should indicate which project (or both) you wish to support.  Checks should be made out to First Friends.  Thank you for your support.  Please refer to the websites of WYM and FUM for further information about these Quaker organizations and these projects. 

• WYM 2014 Special Project. This project is titled “Movin’ on Down the Road”...in Belize.  WYM runs a Belize Friends School that helps challenged 8th grade boys pass a required test to obtain further education (the “further education” is equivalent to our high school).  Without such “further education” these boys would typically have little direction for their lives, mostly ending up in a gang and doing what is necessary to obtain money to live.  The Friends’ school in Belize assists approximately 20 students each year but would like to expand to include additional students.  The goal of this project is to raise $10,000 for the expansion of this school ministry.  The boys who desire to attend the Belize Friends School appreciate any help that you are able to provide.
• FUM 2014 Summer Mission Project. This project is titled “Education for Esther.”  While visiting a Friends’ school in Turkana, Kenya, Quaker Eden Grace discovered that girls begin school in the first grade about the same rate as boys, but almost all drop out by the 8th grade.  They drop out for several reasons...1) parents can’t afford to send them, 2) they are need to work in the home, 3) no sanitary towels so they stay home one week each month, fall behind, and leave school, 4) marry in their early teens and begin having babies.  Esther was the only girl in the 7th grade and it was unlikely that she would stay in school long enough to complete 8th grade. Eden Grace promised Esther that if she would stay in school and complete 8th grade, we would send her to high school.  FUM would like to ensure that all the girls who passed and qualified for high school would be given the necessary funds to continue their education in a Friends’ school in Turkana.  It costs $400 per year to cover fees for one student. The goal of this project is to raise $20,000.  Esther and many other girls in Turkana appreciate the help you are able to provide.

 Would you like to receive a copy of each First Day’s sermon?  Simply sign-up for Wednesday Word by sending an email request to office@indyfriends.org or call the Meeting Office at 317-255-2485.

Friend to Friend August 20th

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens    by Ruthie Tippin

Michael Brown.  Darren Wilson.  Two people.  One shooting.  A city in crisis.  A nation caught up in the anguish of death, violence, racism, fear.  “Alexis Tucker, 19, of Ferguson, a sophomore at Howard University, watched from the parking lot of a Family Dollar store on West Florissant as protesters lobbed a couple bottles and as police barked commands and, at times, pointed their guns and nightsticks. "It's horrible," she said, "It's not representative of Ferguson, of fighting for justice.”  And on it goes… a massive police presence now augmented by the National Guard, community leaders trying to persuade protesters to leave, a small band of agitators, some from as far away as California and New York.  Many folk, declining to give their names, believe that what began with locals committing crimes of opportunity, later drew outsiders with little or no connection to the community -‘people who had been looking for a fight’.  What price do we pay for violence?  What price do we give to fear and anger?  How much do we invest in hatred and suspicion?  When will we begin to agitate for peace?  How long will it be until people stream into Ferguson, Missouri from California, New York, Indiana, to agitate for peace?  To stand in between those in conflict and ask them to listen to one another.  To seek courage, rather than chaos.  To find similarities, rather than differences.  To find unity and purpose, rather than division and pain.  Quakers have something to speak into this crisis.  Quakers have something to do in this crisis.  We can start by speaking to God.  We can continue by speaking peace into our own communities.  We can extend peace by speaking peace to those responsible for the governance of Ferguson, Missouri.

http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-ferguson-overnight-unrest-20140818-story.html

  Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

 Come join us on August 23rd from 9:30-12:00 for a work day in our woods. We need some help pulling weeds and placing mulch around the fountain area. The weed wrench needs to be used on the ever invasive honey suckle, along with some stick clean up and general clean up along the road way. This is in preparation for our worship in the woods August 30. Please come help as long as you can.  We don’t ask that you need to stay the whole time. Thank You now from all of the Woods Committee for you time in helping us. Mindy Sommer & Mary Blackburn, Co-Chairs

  The choir is always looking for new members, and you don’t have to be a professional to join us! Our first choir rehearsal is this Sunday, August 24th at 9am. There will be no rehearsal on Aug. 31st, and we’ll start singing September 7th. Anyone interested in singing, please join us.

Stay after worship this Sunday for a Quaker Affirmation fundraiser lunch. There will be BBQ chicken and pork, baked beans and corn for a delicious lunch for your donations!  

 Jon and Ruthie invite you to an Open House!  The date is set for Sunday, August 24th.  Drop in any time from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at 2031 Mystic Bay Court, near Keystone at 80th Street. 'We're getting settled in, and would love to share our home with you.'    

 Don’t forget to bring in some undies for the 7th Annual Underwear Drive ‘Underneath It All’! Please donate NEW underwear, socks, t-shirts, and bras. All sizes are needed from Toddler sizes to Adult sizes for High School Students– they all need socks and underwear! If you don’t have time to shop, you can also donate by cash or check to First Friends, designated for Underneath it All. All donations will go to the John H. Boner Community Center, which serves some of the poorest neighborhoods in Indianapolis. Boner Center staff and volunteers work with five elementary schools every day during the school year and for six weeks in the summer. Social Workers will distribute the donated items to families as needed. Please place donations in the labeled box in Fellowship Hall.  Cash or checks may be placed in offertory plates if labeled as donations to the Underwear Drive. We will be collecting until just after Labor Day. Contact Linda Lee if you have questions.

 Finance Committee Report – 7/31/2014

For the 7 months ending in July 31, 2014, expenses exceeded income by $6,642. Although we are better than budgeted amounts, we encourage you to prayerfully consider whether you could increase your contributions to eliminate the deficit. Monthly Meeting approved a deficit budget for 2014 to allow us to expand our programs, with the faith that our members/attenders would respond positively by increasing their financial support if possible.

 We have a need! Have you been looking for an easy way to get involved in our meeting? We are starting a funeral meal ministry and would like your help. There are a couple of ways that you can help this ministry. One way is to provide a dish when called upon via a phone call. These are usually short notice so the more people we have involved, the better. The other way to help is to be available to actually serve the meal to the family in need. It usually takes a few hours of your time and maybe a little bit of shopping for fill in food. If interested, please contact Jody Long at jody.long@sbcglobal.net or 317-797-4505.

  You are invited to participate in a Quaker presence at the 2nd annual Festival of Faiths on Sunday, September 7, 1-5pm at the Veteran’s Memorial Plaza (Meridian and Michigan St). Booths and activities will help us better understand and appreciate our neighbors from different religious traditions. There will be a main stage outdoors with a grand opening ceremony featuring sacred performances from Gospel, Native American, Sikh, Hindu Yakshagana, Jewish Klezmer, Middle Eastern, Contemporary Christian, Qawali (Punjab), and Buddhist traditions. While we enjoy the amazing talent, we will also learn about the history and religious significance of each of the performances. For more info about the Festival, visit www.facebook.com/IndyFestivalofFaiths. First Friends, North Meadow Circle of Friends, AFSC, WYM, and other Quaker meetings will have a ‘Quaker Booth’ at the Festival.  If you’d like to help staff this, please let Ruthie know. 

 Western Yearly Meeting (WYM) and Friends United Meeting (FUM) 2014 Projects

First Friends, Indianapolis is just one of many Friends’ Meetings that comprise WYM and FUM.  WYM and FUM exist to bring Quakers together to do work that individual meetings are not able to do alone.  Each year WYM and FUM each sponsors a fundraising project which typically helps Quaker mission work.  Set forth below are brief descriptions of the projects for 2014.  Please help as you are led and able.  Both projects are equally endorsed by First Friends’ Witness & Service committee.  Your contributions should indicate which project (or both) you wish to support.  Checks should be made out to First Friends.  Thank you for your support.  Please refer to the websites of WYM and FUM for further information about these Quaker organizations and these projects. 

• WYM 2014 Special Project. This project is titled “Movin’ on Down the Road”...in Belize.  WYM runs a Belize Friends School that helps challenged 8th grade boys pass a required test to obtain further education (the “further education” is equivalent to our high school).  Without such “further education” these boys would typically have little direction for their lives, mostly ending up in a gang and doing what is necessary to obtain money to live.  The Friends’ school in Belize assists approximately 20 students each year but would like to expand to include additional students.  The goal of this project is to raise $10,000 for the expansion of this school ministry.  You might recall that about a month ago, First Friends, Indianapolis hosted Dale Graves who asked for financial assistance for his anticipated expenses to go to Belize and be chief administrator of the school for the next year.  This WYM project complements the efforts of Dale to help the school expand to accommodate additional children.  The boys who desire to attend the Belize Friends School appreciate any help that you are able to provide.
• FUM 2014 Summer Mission Project. This project is titled “Education for Esther.”  While visiting a Friends’ school in Turkana, Kenya, Quaker Eden Grace discovered that girls begin school in the first grade about the same rate as boys, but almost all drop out by the 8th grade.  They drop out for several reasons...1) parents can’t afford to send them, 2) they are needed to work in the home, 3) they don’t have sanitary towels so they stay home one week each month, fall behind, get discouraged and leave school, 4) they marry in their early teens and begin having babies.  Esther was the only girl in the 7th grade and it was unlikely that she would stay in school long enough to complete 8th grade let alone proceed to further education.    Eden Grace promised Esther that if she would stay in school and complete 8th grade, we would send her to high school.  FUM would like to ensure that all the girls who passed and qualified for high school would be given the necessary funds to continue their education in a Friends’ school in Turkana.  It costs $400 per year to cover fees for one student.  The promise that such fees will be available is a great incentive for these girls to stay in primary school and go on to high school.  The goal of this project is to raise $20,000.  Esther and many other girls in Turkana appreciate the help you are able to provide.

 Would you like to receive a copy of each First Day’s sermon?  Simply sign-up for Wednesday Word by sending an email request to office@indyfriends.org or call the Meeting Office at 317-255-2485.

Friend to Friend August 13th

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

 As Way Opens    by Ruthie Tippin

"Quaker Up!"  The Quaker Oats Company is 135 years old.  It needed a new ad campaign... something to revitalize its image.  An article in the New York Times explains, "The tag line for the new campaign, “Quaker Up,” takes the name of the brand and turns it into a verb meant to invoke the energy, or fuel, needed to get through the day, said Dan Fietsam, chief creative officer at Energy BBDO, the agency that worked on the television and print ads for the campaign." George Fox and the early Friends would have loved this... that's what they were all about.  The energy - the fuel - needed to get through each and every day for the early Friends was the power of God's Spirit.  To "Quaker Up!" was to make oneself available to what was already surrounding each person, infusing each person, within each person... God's Spirit.  

 A box of oatmeal, a package of energy bars, a jar full of cookies will not make any difference.  It's only when you consume them that change happens.  The same is true of God's Spirit.  It is something interior that must be recognized, opened, and taken in.  George Fox calls it 'tasting', 'dwelling', 'walking' in the Light.  It is the experience of God through the power of the Holy Spirit that changes us, that feeds us, that strengthens us, that helps us.  Too often, we ignore the power of God's Spirit.  We leave it packaged within us.  Let us take the time to wait, to dwell, to open ourselves to this power of love and light within.  Let's Quaker Up!

 "All Friends everywhere... in the light dwell, that you may come to learn of Christ in the Life and with it know the movings of the Spirit of Life in you, that moves against all the works of death and so works freedom,… a measure of this living Spirit and Power being known in every one... with it you are kept diligent, quick and lively to walk in the Life.  For it is the Life that redeems,... overcomes and gives an entrance into rest.  Therefore, every one of you know a measure of that Spirit, which exercises meekness, truth and faithfulness in you,... breaks that bond of iniquity and scatters the armies of the aliens.  That you may all know what it is to follow the Lamb, with joy and peace in your minds, your hearts upright to your Guide..."    George Fox, 1653

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

This Sunday, August 17th at 4:00 p.m., the Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation will meet at First Friends.  We ask all interested parties in Indiana to join us to discuss the future of this organization, determine a governing board and seek individuals in making a difference within our state as Quakers.

Ladies!  Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading will be discussing Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief on the third Tuesday of August, the 19th, at 7 pm in the Parlor.   If you would like to be on the email list or need a copy of the book list for 2014, please contact Kathy Rhyne at kathyrichelle@yahoo.com. Shakespeare Saved My Life, by Laura Bates is our upcoming book for September.

Come join us on August 23rd from 9:30-12:00 for a work day in our woods. We need some help pulling weeds and placing mulch around the fountain area. The weed wrench needs to be used on the ever invasive honey suckle, along with some stick clean up and general clean up along the road way. This is in preparation for our worship in the woods August 30. Please come help as long as you can.  We don’t ask that you need to stay the whole time. Thank You now from all of the Woods Committee for you time in helping us. Mindy Sommer & Mary Blackburn, Co-Chairs

The choir is always looking for new members, and you don’t have to be a professional to join us! Our first choir rehearsal is Sunday, August 24th at 9am. There will be no rehearsal on Aug. 31st, and we’ll start singing September 7th. Anyone interested in singing, please join us.

Mark your calendars for August 24th and our Quaker Affirmation fundraiser lunch after Meeting for Worship - this will be our Quaker hoedown as we will provide BBQ chicken and pork, baked beans and corn for a delicious lunch for your donations.  

Jon and Ruthie invite you to an Open House!  The date is set for Sunday, August 24th.  Drop in any time from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at 2031 Mystic Bay Court, near Keystone at 80th Street. 'We're getting settled in, and would love to share our home with you.'    

The 7th Annual Underwear Drive ‘Underneath It All’ has begun! Please donate NEW underwear, socks, t-shirts, and bras. All sizes are needed from Toddler sizes to Adult sizes for High School Students– they all need socks and underwear! If you don’t have time to shop, you can also donate by cash or check to First Friends, designated for Underneath it All. All donations will go to the John H. Boner Community Center, which serves some of the poorest neighborhoods in Indianapolis. Boner Center staff and volunteers work with five elementary schools every day during the school year and for six weeks in the summer. Social Workers will distribute the donated items to families as needed. Please place donations in the labeled box in Fellowship Hall.  Cash or checks may be placed in offertory plates if labeled as donations to the Underwear Drive. Begins now and ends Sunday, August 31. Contact Linda Lee if you have questions.

We have a need! Have you been looking for an easy way to get involved in our meeting? We are starting a funeral meal ministry and would like your help. There a couple of ways that you can help this ministry. One way is to provide a dish when called upon via a phone call. These are usually short notice so the more people we have involved, the better. The other way to help is to be available to actually serve the meal to the family in need. It usually takes a few hours of your time and maybe a little bit of shopping for fill in food. If interested, please contact Jody Long at jody.long@sbcglobal.net or 317-797-4505.

Western Yearly Meeting (WYM) and Friends United Meeting (FUM) 2014 Projects

First Friends, Indianapolis is just one of many Friends’ Meetings that comprise WYM and FUM.  WYM and FUM exist to bring Quakers together to do work that individual meetings are not able to do alone.  Each year WYM and FUM each sponsors a fundraising project which typically helps Quaker mission work.  Set forth below are brief descriptions of the projects for 2014.  Please help as you are led and able.  Both projects are equally endorsed by First Friends’ Witness & Service committee.  Your contributions should indicate which project (or both) you wish to support.  Checks should be made out to First Friends.  Thank you for your support.  Please refer to the websites of WYM and FUM for further information about these Quaker organizations and these projects. 

• WYM 2014 Special Project. This project is titled “Movin’ on Down the Road”...in Belize.  WYM runs a Belize Friends School that helps challenged 8th grade boys pass a required test to obtain further education (the “further education” is equivalent to our high school).  Without such “further education” these boys would typically have little direction for their lives, mostly ending up in a gang and doing what is necessary to obtain money to live.  The Friends’ school in Belize assists approximately 20 students each year but would like to expand to include additional students.  The goal of this project is to raise $10,000 for the expansion of this school ministry.  You might recall that about a month ago, First Friends, Indianapolis hosted Dale Graves who asked for financial assistance for his anticipated expenses to go to Belize and be chief administrator of the school for the next year.  This WYM project complements the efforts of Dale to help the school expand to accommodate additional children.  The boys who desire to attend the Belize Friends School appreciate any help that you are able to provide.
• FUM 2014 Summer Mission Project. This project is titled “Education for Esther.”  While visiting a Friends’ school in Turkana, Kenya, Quaker Eden Grace discovered that girls begin school in the first grade about the same rate as boys, but almost all drop out by the 8th grade.  They drop out for several reasons...1) parents can’t afford to send them, 2) they are needed to work in the home, 3) they don’t have sanitary towels so they stay home one week each month, fall behind, get discouraged and leave school, 4) they marry in their early teens and begin having babies.  Esther was the only girl in the 7th grade and it was unlikely that she would stay in school long enough to complete 8th grade let alone proceed to further education.    Eden Grace promised Esther that if she would stay in school and complete 8th grade, we would send her to high school.  FUM would like to ensure that all the girls who passed and qualified for high school would be given the necessary funds to continue their education in a Friends’ school in Turkana.  It costs $400 per year to cover fees for one student.  The promise that such fees will be available is a great incentive for these girls to stay in primary school and go on to high school.  The goal of this project is to raise $20,000.  Esther and many other girls in Turkana appreciate the help you are able to provide.

 Would you like to receive a copy of each First Day’s sermon?  Simply sign-up for Wednesday Word by sending an email request to office@indyfriends.org or call the Meeting Office at 317-255-2485.

Friend to Friend August 6th

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens   by Beth Henricks

 What a joy to be with our children each evening last week to experience Wilderness Escape - Trusting God Vacation Bible School.  There were so many wonderful volunteers that hosted tents, were Tribe Leaders, led our singing, helped decorate fellowship hall and brought the stories of Moses to life.  I am so thankful for all of their help to create a special experience for our kids.  The picture here is of our dear Helen Davenport helping with our snack table.  Just as meaningful was her inspiring prayer during our Monday meditation for our children and the impact that Vacation Bible School will have on them.  As my mother would often say, the things we do for our children nurture their root system - but we often don't see the blooming above ground for some time - we need to trust God that the root system is growing deep and strong for the future.  

What I enjoyed most during the week was to experience the pure joy and happiness that our children easily and naturally display.  I experience God's presence in such a profound way through our children - they are a wonderful conduit of what God's love and acceptance is all about.  I so agree with Art Linkletter (who remembers him?) that "kids' say the dardest things".  I love their insight and ability to cut to the heart of a matter.  They are also great examples of what trust means and often remind me that I should not take myself too seriously.  God's love was abundant during the week and I am thankful for these children and their families.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Lonnie Valentine, Trueblood Professor of Christian Thought and Professor of Peace and Justice Studies at Earlham School of Religion will be our Guest Speaker in Meeting for Worship this coming Sunday.  Lonnie is a member of Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting.  It will be a joy to welcome him to First Friends.  Mary Blackburn, Clerk of Ministry and Counsel, will serve on the Facing Bench.  Jon and Ruthie will return from their travels next week, after celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary with friends and family in Oregon.

Don’t forget, Meditational Worship in the Woods is held every Sunday at 9am! Everyone is welcome to join us outdoors for this beautiful time of unprogrammed worship.

If you loaned us a blanket or basket for Vacation Bible School, please pick them up from the table in the hallway of our educational wing! Thank you!

On August 17th at 4:00 p.m., the Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation will meet at First Friends.  We ask all interested parties in Indiana to join us to discuss the future of this organization, determine a governing board and seek individuals in making a difference within our state as Quakers.

Ladies!  Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading will be discussing Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief on the third Tuesday of August, the 19th, at 7 pm in the Parlor.   If you would like to be on the email list or need a copy of the book list for 2014, please contact Kathy Rhyne at kathyrichelle@yahoo.com. Shakespeare Saved My Life, by Laura Bates is our upcoming book for September.

Come join us on August 23rd from 9:30-12:00 for a work day in our woods. We need some help pulling weeds and placing mulch around the fountain area. The weed wrench needs to be used on the ever invasive honey suckle, along with some stick clean up and general clean up along the road way. This is in preparation for our worship in the woods August 30. Please come help as long as you can.  We don’t ask that you need to stay the whole time. Thank You now from all of the Woods Committee for you time in helping us. Mindy Sommer & Mary Blackburn, Co-Chairs

The choir is always looking for new members, and you don’t have to be a professional to join us! Our first choir rehearsal is August 24th at 9am. There will be no rehearsal on Aug. 31st, and we’ll start singing September 7th. Anyone interested in singing, please join us.

Mark your calendars for August 24th and our Quaker Affirmation fundraiser lunch after Meeting for Worship - this will be our Quaker hoedown as we will provide BBQ chicken and pork, baked beans and corn for a delicious lunch for your donations.  

Jon and Ruthie invite you to an Open House!  The date is set for Sunday, August 24th.  Drop in any time from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at 2031 Mystic Bay Court, near Keystone at 80th Street. 'We're getting settled in, and would love to share our home with you.'    

The 7th Annual Underwear Drive ‘Underneath It All’ has begun! Please donate NEW underwear, socks, tshirts, and bras. All sizes are needed from Toddler sizes to Adult sizes for High School Students– they all need socks and underwear! If you don’t have time to shop, you can also donate by cash or check to First Friends, designated for Underneath it All. All donations will go to the John H. Boner Community Center, which serves some of the poorest neighborhoods in Indianapolis. Boner Center staff and volunteers work with five elementary schools every day during the school year and for six weeks in the summer. Social Workers will distribute the donated items to families as needed. Please place donations in the labeled box in Fellowship Hall.  Cash or checks may be placed in offertory plates if labeled as donations to the Underwear Drive. Begins now and ends Sunday, August 31. Contact Linda Lee if you have questions.

Western Yearly Meeting (WYM) and Friends United Meeting (FUM) 2014 Projects

First Friends, Indianapolis is just one of many Friends’ Meetings that comprise WYM and FUM.  WYM and FUM exist to bring Quakers together to do work that individual meetings are not able to do alone.  Each year WYM and FUM each sponsors a fundraising project which typically helps Quaker mission work.  Set forth below are brief descriptions of the projects for 2014.  Please help as you are led and able.  Both projects are equally endorsed by First Friends’ Witness & Service committee.  Your contributions should indicate which project (or both) you wish to support.  Checks should be made out to First Friends.  Thank you for your support.  Please refer to the websites of WYM and FUM for further information about these Quaker organizations and these projects. 

• WYM 2014 Special Project. This project is titled “Movin’ on Down the Road”...in Belize.  WYM runs a Belize Friends School that helps challenged 8th grade boys pass a required test to obtain further education (the “further education” is equivalent to our high school).  Without such “further education” these boys would typically have little direction for their lives, mostly ending up in a gang and doing what is necessary to obtain money to live.  The Friends’ school in Belize assists approximately 20 students each year but would like to expand to include additional students.  The goal of this project is to raise $10,000 for the expansion of this school ministry.  You might recall that about a month ago, First Friends, Indianapolis hosted Dale Graves who asked for financial assistance for his anticipated expenses to go to Belize and be chief administrator of the school for the next year.  This WYM project complements the efforts of Dale to help the school expand to accommodate additional children.  The boys who desire to attend the Belize Friends School appreciate any help that you are able to provide.
• FUM 2014 Summer Mission Project. This project is titled “Education for Esther.”  While visiting a Friends’ school in Turkana, Kenya, Quaker Eden Grace discovered that girls begin school in the first grade about the same rate as boys, but almost all drop out by the 8th grade.  They drop out for several reasons...1) parents can’t afford to send them, 2) they are needed to work in the home, 3) they don’t have sanitary towels so they stay home one week each month, fall behind, get discouraged and leave school, 4) they marry in their early teens and begin having babies.  Esther was the only girl in the 7th grade and it was unlikely that she would stay in school long enough to complete 8th grade let alone proceed to further education.    Eden Grace promised Esther that if she would stay in school and complete 8th grade, we would send her to high school.  FUM would like to ensure that all the girls who passed and qualified for high school would be given the necessary funds to continue their education in a Friends’ school in Turkana.  It costs $400 per year to cover fees for one student.  The promise that such fees will be available is a great incentive for these girls to stay in primary school and go on to high school.  The goal of this project is to raise $20,000.  Esther and many other girls in Turkana appreciate the help you are able to provide.

 Would you like to receive a copy of each First Day’s sermon?  Simply sign-up for Wednesday Word by sending an email request to office@indyfriends.org or call the Meeting Office at 317-255-2485.

Friend to Friend July 30th

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens by Beth Henricks

Eight months ago I called a Friend of Friends Committee of National Legislation (FCNL) to ask if he would be willing to contribute to our capital campaign.  This is a Friend I have admired and respected for a number of years.  He has been significantly involved in abolishing the death penalty in his home state and he is a committed Quaker and strives for peace and social justice.  We had a lengthy conversation as I knew he had cared for his wife of 35 years through a painful and difficult death 2 years ago.  As we were sharing about our lives, he told me that he was gay.  This was a real surprise to me and he went on to share that he had found a companion that he cared deeply about.  We did not discuss all that led up to this, but he did share that he had been afraid to speak his truth and was still concerned about going public with this information.  I saw him at WYM annual session two weeks ago with his companion and he told me that he was ready to be public.  The issue of same sex marriage is on the news, in our court systems and being talked about within many churches and denominations.  It is a divisive issue but one that has had significant change in opinion by many.  I believe that the fear we experience when we see a lifestyle different from ours, is overcome with love and acceptance when we see that this is our brother, sister, father, mother and child.  It was beautiful to observe a sincere handshake and hug between my Friend who has gone public and another person who has publicly voiced concern biblically about sexual orientation.  Hearts change attitudes one person at a time.  

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Please join us for Community Soup/Salad this Friday, August 1st, anytime between 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.  Enjoy salads, bread, and dessert in a relaxed atmosphere.  No cooking, no dishwashing, and no charge.

Peace Fest 2014 - Sunday, August 3 – 1:00 pm – Potluck Lunch at FFM!  Shalom Mennonite, First Mennonite, Northview Church of the Brethren, and Friends Meetings through the Indy area will share and celebrate the goal of peace in our community and world.  Tim Nation, Director and Co-Founder of Peace Learning Center will speak and lead us in a training session.  First Friends is hosting. Please bring a main dish, salad or side, or dessert.  Come one, Come all!

Gathering Group is next Tuesday, August 5th at 7:00 pm. Friends gather to do all kinds of handwork: crochet, knitting, rug working, whatever you want to do. All are welcome to join in and create.

Attention! We need 5 volunteers to work the Dairy Barn at the State Fair from from 3:30 pm to 9:45 pm on Saturday August 9th. Tthe Dairy Association will donate $1100 for our Quaker Affirmation Class.  Please contact Beth Henricks (beth.henricks@indyfriends.org).  Kids need to be 15 years old or can be accompanied by a parent if 12 - 15.  You will be provided several breaks and all of the Dairy Barn food you can eat (who could turn this down).  You can also visit the fair prior to your shift as we will provide the ticket into the fair.

Finance Committee Report – 6/30/2014

For the 6 months ending June 30, 2014, EXPENSES exceeded income by $5,258. Thank you for your continued support of our Meeting and its work and witness.  As previously reported, our budget for the entire year has a DEFICIT of projected income compared to projected expenses, as we expand our programs & services.

Un-programmed Meeting on Mondays at 12:15pm continues. We begin in the traditional way by entering in silence and beginning our worship. We end at 1:00 when the clock chimes, then have conversations and eat the lunches we have brought. Everyone is welcome to join us.

Ladies!  Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading will be discussing Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief on the third Tuesday of August, the 19th, at 7 pm in the Parlor.   If you would like to be on the email list or need a copy of the book list for 2014, please contact Kathy Rhyne at kathyrichelle@yahoo.com. Shakespeare Saved My Life, by Laura Bates is our upcoming book for September.

Come join us on August 23rd from 9:30-12:00 for a work day in our woods. We need some help pulling weeds and placing mulch around the fountain area. The weed wrench needs to be used on the ever invasive honey suckle, along with some stick clean up and general clean up along the road way. This is in preparation for our worship in the woods August 30. Please come help as long as you can.  We don’t ask that you need to stay the whole time. Thank You now from all of the Woods Committee for you time in helping us. Mindy Sommer & Mary Blackburn, Co-Chairs

The 7th Annual Underwear Drive ‘Underneath It All’ has begun! Please donate NEW underwear, socks, tshirts, and bras. All sizes are needed from Toddler sizes to Adult sizes for High School Students– they all need socks and underwear! If you don’t have time to shop, you can also donate by cash or check to First Friends, designated for Underneath it All. All donations will go to the John H. Boner Community Center, which serves some of the poorest neighborhoods in Indianapolis. Boner Center staff and volunteers work with five elementary schools every day during the school year and for six weeks in the summer. Social Workers will distribute the donated items to families as needed. Please place donations in the labeled box in Fellowship Hall.  Cash or checks may be placed in offertory plates if labeled as donations to the Underwear Drive. Begins now and ends Sunday, August 31. Contact Linda Lee if you have questions.

News from Mid-North Food Pantry: With help from Fall Creek Gardens and at the Purdue Extension garden on the State Fair Grounds, the pantry now offers fresh-picked vegetables to families on a first-come first-served basis. They would love to be able to share YOUR extra vegetables too! Donations can be delivered during regular pantry hours (MWF from 10am-2pm), or brought to the church if it’s close to our regular monthly delivery date (the 3rd Wednesday of every month). Other items that the pantry is in need of are: peanut butter, tuna or other canned meats, spaghetti sauce, pasta, rice, cereal, healthy snacks (granola, trail mix, dried fruit), and baking items such as flour, sugar, and baking mixes. For more information about the Mid-North Food Pantry, visit www.midnorthfoodpantry.org. 

BeFriending Creation is the bi-monthly newsletter of Quaker Earthcare Witness. The most recent issue included an article by Justin Mog, Ph.D., entitled ‘Grab a Shovel, Find Some Dirt, & Join the Good Food Revolution.’ The article talks about changing the way we think about food and our relationship to the land, and about becoming a food producer rather than just a consumer. If you’d like to read it, please follow this link to the newsletter: http://www.quakerearthcare.org/sites/quakerearthcare.org/files/bfc/bfc2704_web.pdf

Western Yearly Meeting (WYM) and Friends United Meeting (FUM) 2014 Projects

First Friends, Indianapolis is just one of many Friends’ Meetings that comprise WYM and FUM.  WYM and FUM exist to bring Quakers together to do work that individual meetings are not able to do alone.  Each year WYM and FUM each sponsors a fundraising project which typically helps Quaker mission work.  Set forth below are brief descriptions of the projects for 2014.  Please help as you are led and able.  Both projects are equally endorsed by First Friends’ Witness & Service committee.  Your contributions should indicate which project (or both) you wish to support.  Checks should be made out to First Friends.  Thank you for your support.  Please refer to the websites of WYM and FUM for further information about these Quaker organizations and these projects. 

• WYM 2014 Special Project. This project is titled “Movin’ on Down the Road”...in Belize.  WYM runs a Belize Friends School that helps challenged 8th grade boys pass a required test to obtain further education (the “further education” is equivalent to our high school).  Without such “further education” these boys would typically have little direction for their lives, mostly ending up in a gang and doing what is necessary to obtain money to live.  The Friends’ school in Belize assists approximately 20 students each year but would like to expand to include additional students.  The goal of this project is to raise $10,000 for the expansion of this school ministry.  You might recall that about a month ago, First Friends, Indianapolis hosted Dale Graves who asked for financial assistance for his anticipated expenses to go to Belize and be chief administrator of the school for the next year.  This WYM project complements the efforts of Dale to help the school expand to accommodate additional children.  The boys who desire to attend the Belize Friends School appreciate any help that you are able to provide.
• FUM 2014 Summer Mission Project. This project is titled “Education for Esther.”  While visiting a Friends’ school in Turkana, Kenya, Quaker Eden Grace discovered that girls begin school in the first grade about the same rate as boys, but almost all drop out by the 8th grade.  They drop out for several reasons...1) parents can’t afford to send them, 2) they are needed to work in the home, 3) they don’t have sanitary towels so they stay home one week each month, fall behind, get discouraged and leave school, 4) they marry in their early teens and begin having babies.  Esther was the only girl in the 7th grade and it was unlikely that she would stay in school long enough to complete 8th grade let alone proceed to further education.    Eden Grace promised Esther that if she would stay in school and complete 8th grade, we would send her to high school.  FUM would like to ensure that all the girls who passed and qualified for high school would be given the necessary funds to continue their education in a Friends’ school in Turkana.  It costs $400 per year to cover fees for one student.  The promise that such fees will be available is a great incentive for these girls to stay in primary school and go on to high school.  The goal of this project is to raise $20,000.  Esther and many other girls in Turkana appreciate the help you are able to provide.

Would you like to receive a copy of each First Day’s sermon?  Simply sign-up for Wednesday Word by sending an email request to office@indyfriends.org or call the Meeting Office at 317-255-2485.

Friend to Friend July 23rd

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens   by Ruthie Tippin

 This past week was filled with four days spent together with our larger family of Friends in Plainfield, IN for the annual sessions of Western Yearly Meeting.  Never let it be said that our Yearly Meeting does not pay attention to current concerns in our Meetings, or in the larger concerns facing the church in the world.  There it was, on the agenda for Friday, July 18th: ‘Prayerful consideration of the Court Decision on Indiana law regarding marriage”.  At the close of four active sessions of business, YM Clerk Dale Graves called our attention to this concern, saying that many Friends had asked both Dale and Wanda Coffin Baker, WYM Supt., what Western Yearly Meeting’s response was.  Their answer was to ask the YM – to begin the conversation with the YM at this session, under the care of the Spirit.

 A time of reflection was offered for the recent Supreme Court rulings regarding marriage.  Under the Clerk’s direction that leadings come – not from fear or anger, but from love – three persons spoke out of the silence, drawing our attention to the description of creation and marriage found in Genesis 1 & 2, the conflict between culture and biblical faith, and the Spirit of God found in both those under the law and apart from it shown in Peter’s dream found in Acts 10.  Another person spoke of the difficulty this issue has been for our Yearly Meeting, with some persons leaving us and some being asked to leave.  The same person quoted the Apostle Paul - that ‘now we know only in part’ – that Western Yearly Meeting must be certain to learn from the past, to look toward the future, and to proceed in love.  

 No decisions were made.  No action was taken.  No issues were settled.  They did not need to be that day.  The Spirit of God was evident, in the generosity of listening, the openness to speak, and the very fact that our Yearly Meeting realized the need to be responsive to concerns that all Christians, all faith communities, all persons face.  Quakers live real lives in real life context.  We do not live in silent communities, separated from the world.  We are a part of God’s great unfolding, living, creative, vital Breath.  Let us all breathe deeply, listen generously, and act and speak always in love.  The conversation has only just begun. 

 “Understand this, my beloved brethren.  Let everyone be quick to hear - a ready listener, slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.  For one’s anger does not promote the righteousness God wishes and requires.”  James 1:19-20 Amplified

  Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

 Our Vacation Bible School program, Wilderness Escape begins this Sunday, July 27th at 11:30 a.m.  - 1:30 p.m. and will include lunch. Our adventure continues Monday, July 28th through Thursday, July 31st at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Our Fellowship Hall will be transformed into Camp Israel with a variety of tents and tribes!  Kids up to fifth grade are welcome.   Please consider signing up your kids, grandkids, neighbor's kids for this wonderful experience. Please let Beth Henricks  (beth.henricks@indyfriends.org) know if you have any questions.

 Monthly Meeting for Business is this Sunday following Meeting for Worship! Last Month’s Meeting Minutes are available by contacting the office at office@indyfriends.org.

Please join us for Community Soup on Friday, August 1st, anytime between 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.  Enjoy salads, bread, and dessert in a relaxed atmosphere.  No cooking, no dishwashing, and no charge.

Peace Fest 2014 - Sunday, August 3 – 1:00 pm – Potluck Lunch at FFM!  Historic Peace Churches will gather - Shalom Mennonite, First Mennonite, Northview Church of the Brethren, and Friends Meetings through the Indy area - to share and celebrate the goal of peace in our community and world.  Tim Nation, Director and Co-Founder of Peace Learning Center will speak and lead us in a training session.  First Friends is hosting this potluck lunch and gathering. Please bring a main dish, salad or side, or dessert.  Come one, Come all!

Gathering Group is Tuesday, August 5th at 7:00 pm. Friends gather to do all kinds of handwork: crochet, knitting, rug working, whatever you want to do. All are welcome to join in and create.

 Come and experience the Dairy Barn at the Indiana State Fair - we are one of the volunteer organizations that has been approved to work the Dairy Barn on Saturday August 9th.  We need to provide 14 people from 9:30 am to 9:45 pm and the Dairy Association will donate $1100 for our Quaker Affirmation Class.  Please contact Beth Henricks (beth.henricks@indyfriends.org) if you would like to work the shift from 3:30 pm to 9:45 pm.  Kids need to be 15 years old or can be accompanied by a parent if 12 - 15.  You will be provided several breaks and all of the Dairy Barn food you can eat (who could turn this down).  You can also visit the fair prior to your shift as we will provide the ticket into the fair.

We will no longer be collecting pill bottles for WYM. The clinic has gotten additional funding and will be able to purchase new bottles. Thank you!

Ladies!  Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading will be discussing Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief on the third Tuesday of August, the 19th, at 7 pm in the Parlor.   If you would like to be on the email list or need a copy of the book list for 2014, please contact Kathy Rhyne at kathyrichelle@yahoo.com. Shakespeare Saved My Life, by Laura Bates is our upcoming book for September.

 Come join us on August 23rd from 9:30-12:00 for a work day in our woods. We need some help pulling weeds and placing mulch around the fountain area. The weed wrench needs to be used on the ever invasive honey suckle, along with some stick clean up and general clean up along the road way. This is in preparation for our worship in the woods August 30. Please come help as long as you can.  We don’t ask that you need to stay the whole time. Thank You now from all of the Woods Committee for you time in helping us. Mindy Sommer & Mary Blackburn, Co-Chairs

 Would you like to receive a copy of each First Day’s sermon?  Simply sign-up for Wednesday Word by sending an email request to office@indyfriends.org or call the Meeting Office at 317-255-2485.