Friend to Friend - February 18th

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens  by Ruthie Tippin

Where are you in the circle of your days? For many, this day is a holy day of fasting called Ash Wednesday and marks the first day of Lent. Remembering Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, Lent is observed with 40 days of fasting, plus 6 feast days (Sundays) leading up to Christ’s resurrection – Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday is named for the ashes blessed from the burning of the previous year’s palm branches strewn on Palm Sunday, with the words ‘Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.’ [Genesis 3:19b]

For Quakers, today is Fourth Day.  While we acknowledge the separate marking of days by others for certain holy ritual, Quakers hold that each day brings the same power, goodness, and presence of God as any other.  Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday are all remarkable in that, while they mark certain times and occasions in the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, they have equal place with any other day held in God’s hand.  What does this mean?  Next Wednesday, any Wednesday, is a Wednesday we should remember that we are taken from the dust of the ground – and that to dust we will return.  What will we do then, with the life we have been given?  Each day – First Day through Seventh Day – are days to consider the circle of days given in a week, a month, a year, a lifetime - and to offer thanks to God for power, for presence, for purpose. 

Reeve Lindbergh, American writer and teacher, has adapted the text of the “Canticle of the Sun” by Saint Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) to create this gentle and lovely prayer of thanksgiving and praise. Here is an excerpt from his poem ‘The Circle of Days” https://wordverseuniverse.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/the-circle-of-days-lindbergh-st-francis/

Lord, we offer thanks and praise

For the circle of our days….

For all your gifts, of every kind,

We offer praise with quiet mind.

Be with us, Lord, and guide our ways

Around the circle of our days.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Monthly Meeting for Business is this Sunday following Meeting for Worship! All are welcome to join us in discussion of Meeting business.

Get comfort at First Friends with comfort food. Join us for a “Seasoned Friends” Luncheon (for retirement age or older!) on Tuesday, February 24th at 11:30am! Bill & Kathy Farris will be providing meatloaf sandwiches, tomato soup and macaroni and cheese; feel free to bring a dessert to share if you’d like! Also, bring your favorite game and stay after lunch to play games. Please RSVP to the Meeting Office at 255-2485 by Thursday, February 19th. We'd love to see you!

Ladies!  Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading will be discussing Leif Enger’s Peace Like A River on Tuesday February, the 24th, 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 2015, please contact Kathy Rhyne at kathyrichelle@yahoo.com. The Children Act, by Ian McEwan is our upcoming book for March 31st.

It’s Time to Retreat!  Have you ever been to Quaker Haven?  Many of us have, and we all have a chance to go next month… for the Western Yearly Meeting Retreat, March 6 & 7.  Friends will gather from all parts of Indiana and Western Illinois for an overnight stay, worship, fun, and the challenges that Jim Griffith* will bring as our speaker.  Vision and Vitality will be served generously!  Come and join Beth and Ruthie… we hope to have a great crowd from First Friends. Register now for best prices.  See the brochure, found at http://westernym.net/pdf/2015WinterRetreat.pdf!  Send it in pronto!

Do you have a talent you want to share? Saturday, March 21st is the date of the First Friends Meeting Talent Show! Vicki Wertz and Beth Henricks are our “Talent Scouts”. Please contact Beth Henricks at beth.henricks@indyfriends.org and let her know that you want to participate. Start polishing those dancing shoes, and warming up your vocal cords… or preparing whatever talent you may have!

Church Women United: Every year, on the first Friday of March, women around the world join together to pray for the peoples of the world.  It is a worldwide ecumenical event that focuses on prayerful action in the world. The service is written by women of a different country each year – this year, by the World Day of Prayer group of the Bahamas. WDP gatherings promote justice and equality for women through prayer, service, scripture, worship and celebration.   Men and women – all people – are invited to join together in prayer. Friday, March 6th, Union Chapel United Methodist at 10:00 am in English and Friday, March 6th, Allisonville Christian Church at 7:30 pm in Spanish and English

The newest ‘Befriending Creation’ is out! The hard copy is available on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall, in our recycle corner, or you can view it online at http://www.quakerearthcare.org. One of the articles in the newsletter focuses on the Quaker Statement on Climate Change. “Quaker Earthcare Witness (QEW), the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO), and Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) have developed a joint statement on facing the challenge of climate change. We invite all Monthly and Yearly Meetings and other Quaker organizations to join the statement. The text of the statement and an accompanying letter can be found on our website at: http://www.quakerearthcare.org/article/jan-2015-facing-challenge-climate-change-shared-statement-quaker-groups.”

The Preschool Co-op is hosting a Rummage Sale here at First Friends on April 18th!!! They are organizing and hosting the event themselves, but we will share in the proceeds. We are asking our members/attenders to bring in items for sale as they are cleaning out closets, cupboards and garages.  We will accept all items (except no drop side cribs, car seats or bumbo seats).   Please start bringing in your items and place them in the unused Sunday School room with the sign that says Rummage Sale.

Friend to Friend - February 11th

                 Friend to Friend

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens  by Beth Henricks

I have become a big fan of Thomas Merton the great mystic writer and monk (http://www.thomasmertonsociety.org.uk/).  The following quote is posted on my bulletin board and speaks to my condition.  "My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.  I do not see the road ahead of me.  I cannot know for certain where it will end.  Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.  But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.  And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.  I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it.  Therefore will I trust you always, though I may seem lost and in the shadow of death.  I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."

As we approach Valentine’s Day, isn't it amazing to contemplate the immense and glorious love of God?  It is this unconditional love of God that cries with us through our perils, laughs with us through our funny moments and beams with us through our joys.  I encourage all of us to wrap ourselves in this knowledge this week and feel this Love.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Be an Usher in 2015! A great way to serve and meet people at Indianapolis First Friends Meeting is to become a Sunday usher. Ushers only need serve once a month. This duty is so beneficial, not only to the meeting each Sunday but also to the usher as well. An Individuals or an entire family that would like to usher or simply know more can sign up on the bulletin board in the hallway or contact Dan Linginfelter at dl@outsidesource.com for more information.

The next Poetry Group gathering is at 2pm on Tuesday, February 17th. Ruthie Tippin will present ‘Quaker Poets, Past and Present’. All are welcome to join this discussion-style group.

Join us for an Eco-Film Series here at First Friends, at 7p.m. on the second Friday of each month from February- April. The first one is Friday, February 13th at 7p.m. called “Silent Spring”. It is the story of Rachel Carson and the battle over her groundbreaking work “Silent Spring”.  Carson and her research were savagely attacked by the chemical industry but Carson would not be silenced. A powerful story that sparked a revolution in environmental policy and inspired a generation to activism. (55 minutes.  http://www.silentspringmovie.com)  

Get comfort at First Friends with comfort food. Join us for a “Seasoned Friends” Luncheon (for retirement age or older!) on Tuesday, February 24th at 11:30am! Bill & Kathy Farris will be providing meatloaf sandwiches, tomato soup and macaroni and cheese; feel free to bring a dessert to share if you’d like! Also, bring your favorite game and stay after lunch to play games. Please RSVP to the Meeting Office at 255-2485 by Thursday, February 19th. We'd love to see you!

It’s Time to Retreat!  Have you ever been to Quaker Haven?  Many of us have, and we all have a chance to go next month… for the Western Yearly Meeting Retreat, March 6 & 7.  Friends will gather from all parts of Indiana and Western Illinois for an overnight stay, worship, fun, and the challenges that Jim Griffith* will bring as our speaker.  Vision and Vitality will be served generously!  Come and join Beth and Ruthie… we hope to have a great crowd from First Friends. Register now for best prices.  See the brochure, found at http://westernym.net/pdf/2015WinterRetreat.pdf!  Send it in pronto!

Church Women United: Every year, on the first Friday of March, women around the world join together to pray for the peoples of the world.  It is a worldwide ecumenical event that focuses on prayerful action in the world. The service is written by women of a different country each year – this year, by the World Day of Prayer group of the Bahamas. WDP gatherings promote justice and equality for women through prayer, service, scripture, worship and celebration.   Men and women – all people – are invited to join together in prayer. Friday, March 6th, Union Chapel United Methodist at 10:00 am in English and Friday, March 6th, Allisonville Christian Church at 7:30 pm in Spanish and English

Picture yourself as the artist seated at our newly-refurbished Steinway piano in the Meetingroom!  That opportunity has now presented itself!  If you relish the chance to minister to Meeting for Worship through music, the Music Committee is seeking musicians to play the Steinway either for special music or the offertory. If this speaks to your condition, contact Mindy Sommer by email at mcs16zoom@gmail.com. She will want to know the date you’d like to play, as well as whether you would like to play during the offering or as special music. Amanda from the office will contact you subsequently for the name of the piece you will play and to confirm the date.

Save The Date!  Saturday, March 21st! First Friends Meeting Talent Show! Vicki Wertz and Beth Henricks are our “Talent Scouts”.  Susan Rains is our “Hostess with the Mostest”.  Start polishing those dancing shoes, and warming up your vocal cords… or preparing whatever talent you may have!

The Preschool Co-op is hosting a Rummage Sale here at First Friends on April 18th!!! They are organizing and hosting the event themselves, but we will share in the proceeds. We are asking our members/attenders to bring in items for sale as they are cleaning out closets, cupboards and garages.  We will accept all items (except no drop side cribs, car seats or bumbo seats).   Please start bringing in your items and place them in the unused Sunday School room with the sign that says Rummage Sale.

Friend to Friend - February 4th

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens by Ruthie Tippin

Stefon Harris is a great musician… a great jazz artist.  And he has something to say to all of us… with his mallets and marimba.  It’s all about wrong notes – those mistakes that come in life – the things that we don’t understand, that just don’t fit, that we don’t know quite how to cope with.  Stefon’s answer?  Make the mistake part of the music!  Use the strange sound to add to your life, rather than thinking it diminishes it.  I’ve attached his Youtube video here, and urge you to watch (and listen!) to this great life lesson… I had sent it to Dan Moseley a while ago, and was pleased to have him share it with everyone this past Saturday at our morning session on “Hospitality”. 

Strange things happen in life.  Strange people come into our lives.  The only mistake we make, Dan says, is not adapting to them… not responding to strangers.  If we do, we will learn the sound of their voice, and what those strangers bring.  New ideas, new challenges, new encouragement, new gifts and talents, new energy… these are just some of the things strangers bring us.  Strangers help us see ourselves in new ways, and call us to new places.  The people and places we once feared in life become adventures, and help us learn how to live and change in the future, with passion and faith.  Using what we already know about ourselves, and trusting in the relationship with God that we already have, we can grow stronger by exercising our heart, mind, and strength in loving others… even those who are strangers to us.

Do these names sound familiar?  Doug and Amanda Fagan, Samantha Ryan, Cherie Spencer, Mary Ellen Lohr… If not, you are a stranger to them!  They have recently begun attending First Friends.  Let us dare to learn the sound of others’ voices, to discover what other persons bring to us, to grow and learn from strangers, and to show others that we are not strangers, but friends.  Let us continue to open up to new challenges, new energy, new insight, new leadings that can only come from new connections God brings us, as we create space for newness to enter… for God to enter.  Let us watch to see what God will look like – and sound like - as God continues to enter our lives.  Enjoy!

http://www.ted.com/talks/stefon_harris_there_are_no_mistakes_on_the_bandstand

Mark your calendars now for Dan Moseley’s next visit – April 25 and 26!

“Generosity – Creating Space to be Generous in Spirit”

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

This Sunday, February 8th is Scout Sunday! Were you a Scout? Are your children? Please send the Scout’s name and troop number into the office for recognition. Also, we are looking for help from Scouts as greeters, ushers, and during Meeting! Please email office@indyfriends.org if you want to participate.

Be an Usher in 2015! A great way to serve and meet people at Indianapolis First Friends Meeting is to become a Sunday usher. Ushers only need serve once a month. This duty is so beneficial, not only to the meeting each Sunday but also to the usher as well. An Individuals or an entire family that would like to usher or simply know more can sign up on the bulletin board in the hallway or contact Dan Linginfelter at dl@outsidesource.com for more information.

Please join us for Community Soup this Friday, February 6th, anytime between 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.  Enjoy soups, bread, and dessert in a relaxed atmosphere.  No cooking, no dishwashing, and no charge.

Are you looking for a fun, innovative, play-based preschool for your child between the ages of 2-5? Meridian Street Co-op Preschool, located in the north wing of First Friends Meeting, will be holding an Open House on February 9th & 10th from 9:30-11:30am and will be open for enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year on a first-come, first-serve basis. imited spaces are available. You are welcome to come!

The next Poetry Group gathering is at 2pm on Tuesday, February 17th. All are welcome to join this discussion-style group.

Join us for an Eco-Film Series here at First Friends, at 7p.m. on the second Friday of each month from February- April. The first one is Friday, February 13th at 7p.m. called “Silent Spring”. It is the story of Rachel Carson and the battle over her groundbreaking work “Silent Spring”.  Carson and her research were savagely attacked by the chemical industry but Carson would not be silenced. A powerful story that sparked a revolution in environmental policy and inspired a generation to activism. (55 minutes.  http://www.silentspringmovie.com)  

Get comfort at First Friends with comfort food. Join us for a “Seasoned Friends” Luncheon (for retirement age or older!) on Tuesday, February 24th at 11:30am! Bill & Kathy Farris will be providing meatloaf sandwiches, tomato soup and macaroni and cheese; feel free to bring a dessert to share if you’d like! Also, bring your favorite game and stay after lunch to play games. Please RSVP to the Meeting Office at 255-2485 by Thursday, February 19th. We'd love to see you!

It’s Time to Retreat!  Have you ever been to Quaker Haven?  Many of us have, and we all have a chance to go next month… for the Western Yearly Meeting Retreat, March 6 & 7.  Friends will gather from all parts of Indiana and Western Illinois for an overnight stay, worship, fun, and the challenges that Jim Griffith* will bring as our speaker.  Vision and Vitality will be served generously!  Come and join Beth and Ruthie… we hope to have a great crowd from First Friends. Register now for best prices.  See the brochure, found at http://westernym.net/pdf/2015WinterRetreat.pdf!  Send it in pronto!

Picture yourself as the artist seated at our newly-refurbished Steinway piano in the Meetingroom!  That opportunity has now presented itself!  If you relish the chance to minister to Meeting for Worship through music, the Music Committee is seeking musicians to play the Steinway either for special music or the offertory. If this speaks to your condition, contact Mindy Sommer by email at mcs16zoom@gmail.com. She will want to know the date you’d like to play, as well as whether you would like to play during the offering or as special music. Amanda from the office will contact you subsequently for the name of the piece you will play and to confirm the date.

Save The Date!  Saturday, March 21st! First Friends Meeting Talent Show! Vicki Wertz and Beth Henricks are our “Talent Scouts”.  Susan Rains is our “Hostess with the Mostest”.  Start polishing those dancing shoes, and warming up your vocal cords… or preparing whatever talent you may have!

The Preschool Co-op is hosting a Rummage Sale here at First Friends on April 18th!!! They are organizing and hosting the event themselves, but we will share in the proceeds. We are asking our members/attenders to bring in items for sale as they are cleaning out closets, cupboards and garages.  We will accept all items (except no drop side cribs, car seats or bumbo seats).   Please start bringing in your items and place them in the unused Sunday School room with the sign that says Rummage Sale.

Friend to Friend - January 28th

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens by Beth Henricks

I have been reading the biography of Lucretia Mott, called Valiant Friend by Margaret Hope Bacon.  I have always loved biographies because they give you depth and color of an individual's experience beyond the broad and highlighted events of their life.  Before reading this biography of Lucretia, I knew she was one of the great Quaker women in our history, but I didn't feel like I knew her and her experience.   

It was troubling to find out that many Quakers both Orthodox and Hicksite believed Lucretia was a heretic and troublemaker.  Many of these Quakers used the Bible to debate and refute Lucretia's passionate service to the cause of freeing slaves as well as the championing of women's rights.  There are many verses in the Old and New Testament that validate and describe the idea of slavery as common practice and allowed by God. (Here are a few - Genesis 17:9-13, Proverbs 29:21, Numbers 31:25-47,Proverbs 19:10, Ephesians 6:5, Colossians 3:22, I Timothy 6:1-2, I Peter 2:18-20).  The Bible was also used to silence Lucretia on the equality of women (I Peter 3:7, I Corinthians 11:3-15, I Corinthians 14:34-35, I Timothy 2: 11-15).  It is hard to believe today in 2015 that Lucretia Mott was rejected by so many Quakers.  Particularly when she is now considered such an important and visionary figure in history.  

Of course, she was advocating for changes that would significantly alter the economic, moral and social practices that had been accepted and embraced for centuries.  Change agents are often rejected by their own kind.  Many of the Quakers just wanted her to be quiet on these issues and wait.  Lucretia felt so strongly that the Spirit was calling her to action.  And while she studied and quoted the Bible often, she believed that it must be read and understood in the context of its time and that the Inner Light must be our ultimate guide.

What I love most about Lucretia is how she was kind and welcoming to her enemies and those that disagreed with her.  She was not going to walk over them, but walk beside them through their hopeful journey of insight and reflection.  But she knew that she must walk this path. 

What is the path that we are called to walk in today?  Will we walk beside each other and not over one another on issues that might divide us?  Will we use the Bible to guide us but not enslave us?  I am thankful for people like Lucretia Mott that show us a way to be faithful, Spirit led and passionate for the best ideals of our Quaker Testimonies.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

February 8th is Scout Sunday! Were you a Scout? Are your children? Please send the Scout’s name and troop number into the office for recognition. Also, we are looking for help from Scouts as greeters, ushers, and during Meeting! Please email office@indyfriends.org if you want to participate.

Be an Usher in 2015! A great way to serve and meet people at Indianapolis First Friends Meeting is to become a Sunday usher. Ushers only need serve once a month. This duty is so beneficial, not only to the meeting each Sunday but also to the usher as well. An Individuals or an entire family that would like to usher or simply know more can sign up on the bulletin board in the hallway or contact Dan Linginfelter at dl@outsidesource.com for more information.

Hospitality, Companionship, Creating Space for Others…Discovering God in a Changing World. Join us for our second of an exciting 4-part program series with Dr. Dan Moseley right here at First Friends, January 31-February 1. It will consist of a Saturday retreat from 9-1pm, Meeting for Worship on Sunday at 10:15am followed by a chili luncheon, provided by M&C, and then a Q&A with Dan. We’ll have breakfast foods available on Saturday, and if childcare is needed, please let the office know. There is no fee, but you are encouraged to pre-register with Amanda Bow in the office at office@indyfriends.org.  Copies of Dan’s book, Lose Love Live: The Spiritual Gifts of Loss and Change is available in our office for $10 each.

Gathering Group is Tuesday, Feb. 3rd at 7:00 pm. Friends will gather to make scarves for the homeless to help them stay warm. You are invited to bring yarn and join the project!

Please join us for Community Soup on Friday, February 6th, anytime between 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.  Enjoy soups, bread, and dessert in a relaxed atmosphere.  No cooking, no dishwashing, and no charge.

It’s Time to Retreat!  Have you ever been to Quaker Haven?  Many of us have, and we all have a chance to go next month… for the Western Yearly Meeting Retreat, March 6 & 7.  Friends will gather from all parts of Indiana and Western Illinois for an overnight stay, worship, fun, and the challenges that Jim Griffith* will bring as our speaker.  Vision and Vitality will be served generously!  Come and join Beth and Ruthie… we hope to have a great crowd from First Friends. Register now for best prices.  See the brochure, found at http://westernym.net/pdf/2015WinterRetreat.pdf!  Send it in pronto!

Save The Date!  Saturday, March 21st! First Friends Meeting Talent Show! Vicki Wertz and Beth Henricks are our “Talent Scouts”.  Susan Rains is our “Hostess with the Mostest”.  Start polishing those dancing shoes, and warming up your vocal cords… or preparing whatever talent you may have!

The Preschool Co-op is hosting a Rummage Sale here at First Friends on April 18th!!! They are organizing and hosting the event themselves, but we will share in the proceeds. We are asking our members/attenders to bring in items for sale as they are cleaning out closets, cupboards and garages.  We will accept all items (except no drop side cribs, car seats or bumbo seats).   Please start bringing in your items and place them in the unused Sunday School room with the sign that says Rummage Sale.

IFCL Lobbyist Needed:  Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL) has announced a Search Committee to fill the staff position of lobbyist to the Indiana legislature.  IFCL has for decades worked as a legislative action group advocating the social concerns of Friends to Indiana legislators. The position is a paid position. Bill Chapman is heading the Search Committee and can be contacted at drchapman@earthlink.net or (317) 255-4739. You can learn more about IFCL at quakerifcl.org.

Friend to Friend - Jan 21st

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

 As Way Opens   by Ruthie Tippin

 This coming Sunday we will hold our Monthly Meeting for Worship to Conduct Business.  We have not met to do so since November 16th of last year.  There is much work to do!  With the incoming year, and the release of the year behind us, we will reflect on the business at hand.  Did you know that both the Pastor and the Christian Education and Family Ministries Director brings a report?  Did you know that each Committee Clerk brings a report?  Did you know that the Meeting’s finances are openly discussed?  Did you know that anyone can bring a concern or request to the Monthly Meeting for consideration? Each Yearly Meeting has its own queries or questions regarding the business practices of their Meetings, hoping to provide spiritual grounding for these gatherings.  They are meant to be held in worship… everyone is invited to attend, and God’s presence is always anticipated.  Perhaps we can prepare ourselves personally this week by considering these queries from Philadelphia Yearly Meeting:

 Meeting for Business

·         Is our meeting for business held in the spirit of a meeting for worship in which we seek divine guidance?

·         Are we careful to keep in the spirit of worship each of the concerns that emerge, whether of nurture, of Spirit, of social concerns, of property, or of finance?

·         Are Meeting decisions directed by prayerful consideration of all aspects of an issue and are difficult problems considered carefully with patient search for truth, unhurried by the pressures of time?

·         How do we respond if we notice the meeting has lost an understanding of the presence of God?

·         Do we recognize that we speak through our inaction as well as our action? 

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Monthly Meeting for Business is this Sunday following Meeting for Worship!

This Sunday, the Quaker Affirmation class will be traveling to North Meadow Friends to experience their worship service. There are a few extra seats in the van, so if you’d like to go, please contact Beth Henricks at beth.henricks@indyfriends.org. They will be gone from 9:15-1pm.

News from Friends United Meeting (FUM) Because of changing bank security regulations all over the country, please make every check out to Friends United Meeting rather than the specific ministry or program. Please do write in either the memo line of the check or on another piece of paper how you wish to designate your gift. If not made out to Friends United Meeting we must return your check and have you write a new one. This will be a tremendous help to our finance staff and our bank. Thank you, again!

February 8th is Scout Sunday! Were you a Scout? Are your children? Please send the Scout’s name and troop number into the office for recognition. Also, we are looking for help from Scouts as greeters, ushers, and during the Meeting! Please email office@indyfriends.org if you want to participate.

Would you like to welcome people into our wonderful First Friends Meeting? Ann Panah is looking for people interested in greeting in the coming six months. She is asking people to sign up for an entire month so greeters can remember new attenders from the previous week(s). If you cannot take the whole month she’ll work with you to fill in the gaps. Please let Ann know if you are interested in this important ministry by emailing her at a_panah@yahoo.com or calling 317-250-4161. You do not need to be an extrovert – just a welcoming person.

Ladies!  Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading will be discussing Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch on Tuesday January, the 27th, 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 2015, please contact Kathy Rhyne at kathyrichelle@yahoo.com. Peace Like A River, by Leif Enger is our upcoming book for February 24th.

Think Art!  Think Scripture!  An Exhibition of Fine Art Prints from The Saint John’s Bible are on display at the Indiana Interchurch Center until January 31st. They are located at 1100 West 42nd Street, here in Indianapolis. There are also related special events being held there, such as a panel discussion tonight, January 21st, “Justice – How Do you Pursue?” and many more.  For information on events, please visit www.indianainterchurch.org. 

Hospitality, Companionship, Creating Space for Others…Discovering God in a Changing World. Join us for our second of an exciting 4-part program series with Dr. Dan Moseley right here at First Friends,  January 31-February 1. Thirty people have already signed up! It 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. We’ll have breakfast foods available on Saturday, and if childcare is needed, please let the office know. There is no fee, but you are encouraged to pre-register with Amanda Bow in the office at office@indyfriends.org.  Copies of Dan’s book, Lose Love Live: The Spiritual Gifts of Loss and Change is available in our office for $10 each.

Gathering Group is Tuesday, Feb. 3rd at 7:00 pm. Friends gather to do all kinds of handwork: crochet, knitting, rug working, whatever you want to do. Some of the group will be making scarves for the homeless to help them stay warm. You are invited to bring yarn and join the project.

Please join us for Community Soup on Friday, February 6th, anytime between 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.  Enjoy soups, bread, and dessert in a relaxed atmosphere.  No cooking, no dishwashing, and no charge.

Save The Date!  Saturday, March 21st! First Friends Meeting Talent Show! Start polishing those dancing shoes, and warming up your vocal cords… or preparing whatever talent you may have!

The Preschool Co-op is hosting a Rummage Sale here at First Friends on April 18th!!! They are organizing and hosting the event themselves, but we will share in the proceeds. We are asking our members/attenders to bring in items for sale as they are cleaning out closets, cupboards and garages.  We will accept all items (except no drop side cribs, car seats or bumbo seats).   Please start bringing in your items and place them in the unused Sunday School room with the sign that says Rummage Sale.

IFCL Lobbyist Needed:  Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL) has announced a Search Committee to fill the staff position of lobbyist to the Indiana legislature.  IFCL has for decades worked as a legislative action group advocating the social concerns of Friends to Indiana legislators. The position is a paid position. Bill Chapman is heading the Search Committee and can be contacted at drchapman@earthlink.net  or (317) 255-4739. You can learn more about IFCL at quakerifcl.org.

Friend to Friend - Jan 14

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens  by Beth Henricks

It has been a tough couple of days as we collectively mourn the loss of our beloved Howard Taylor this past Sunday.  Howard touched so many lives at First Friends over his 55 years attending the Meeting.  He started his journey here when Pastor Errol Elliott went canvassing in the neighborhood and knocked on Howard and Jean's door in the house they lived in a couple of blocks away from the newly built church in the mid 1950's.  He started attending at the invitation of Errol and became involved in so many aspects of the life of the Meeting over the years.  He had an amazing voice and joined the choir and shared his talent in song each Sunday until his stroke in 1999.  He was a successful business person and provided effective leadership of committees, was Clerk of the Meeting and offered financial understanding and acumen to the benefit of the Meeting.  He honored children and was an instrumental board member of Little Friends, a daycare we provided for a number of years.  He was full of stories.  If you ever sat at his table during our fellowship hour, you would have heard one of the many adventures Howard experienced in his 91 years.  

One of his greatest characteristics was his positive outlook and affirmation of the good in each of us.  He saw that seed of Spirit and Truth and Light within our being and supported our journey with kindness and generosity.   He had hardships that he had to bear in life, but he chose to find joy each day and I never saw him discouraged or full of complaints.  

Howard made each of us feel special.  His influence will stretch deep and wide for many years.  His imprint was unique and will never be replicated.  But we are all better humans and better Friends because we knew Howard Taylor.  Many blessing on his family, and we hold them in the Light as they begin their family journey without Howard by their side.  May we embody Howard's spirit and generosity within our own lives each day and make this world a better place to honor Howard.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Monthly Meeting has been moved from this Sunday to next Sunday, January 25th following Meeting for Worship.  All are welcome to join us to discuss the business of the Meeting.

Would you like to welcome people into our wonderful First Friends Meeting? Ann Panah is looking for people interested in greeting in the coming six months. She is asking people to sign up for an entire month so greeters can remember new attenders from the previous week(s). If you cannot take the whole month she’ll work with you to fill in the gaps. Please let the office know if you are interested. You do not need to be an extrovert – just a welcoming person.

Ladies!  Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading will be discussing Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch on Tuesday January, the 27th, 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 2015, please contact the office. Peace Like A River, by Leif Enger is our upcoming book for February 24th.

Think Art!  Think Scripture!  An Exhibition of Fine Art Prints from The Saint John’s Bible are on display at the Indiana Interchurch Center until January 31st. They are located at 1100 West 42nd Street, here in Indianapolis. There are also related special events being held there, such as a panel discussion on January 21st, “Justice – How Do you Pursue?” and many more.  For information on events, please visit www.indianainterchurch.org. 

Save The Date!  Saturday, March 21st! First Friends Meeting Talent Show! Start polishing those dancing shoes, and warming up your vocal chords… or preparing whatever talent you may have!

The Preschool Co-op is hosting a Rummage Sale here at First Friends on April 18th!!! They are organizing and hosting the event themselves, but we will share in the proceeds. We are asking our members/attenders to bring in items for sale as they are cleaning out closets, cupboards and garages.  We will accept all items (except no drop side cribs, car seats or bumbo seats).   Please start bringing in your items and place them in the unused Sunday School room with the sign that says Rummage Sale.

Hospitality, Companionship, Creating Space for Others…Discovering God in a Changing World. Join us for our second of an exciting 4-part program series with Dr. Dan Moseley right here at First Friends! The second session is January 31-February 1. It 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. We’ll have breakfast foods available on Saturday, and if childcare is needed, please let the office know. There is no fee, but you are encouraged to pre-register with Amanda Bow in the office at office@indyfriends.org.  Copies of Dan’s book, Lose Love Live: The Spiritual Gifts of Loss and Change is available in our office for $10 each.

IFCL Lobbyist Needed:  Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL) has announced a Search Committee to fill the staff position of lobbyist to the Indiana legislature.  IFCL has for decades worked as a legislative action group advocating the social concerns of Friends to Indiana legislators. The position is a paid position. Bill Chapman is heading the Search Committee and can be contacted at drchapman@earthlink.net  or (317) 255-4739. You can learn more about IFCL at quakerifcl.org.

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. The sermons are also available both in text and audio on www.indyfriends.org.

Friend to Friend - January 7

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens 

I am personally thankful for your constant, faithful giving and for the many year-end contributions that have come to First Friends Meeting in support of our ministries, staff, and outreach.  When the past year began, we made an intentional step of faith in extending ourselves to budget for more staff hours to cover Office Administration, and Children, Family and Youth Ministries.  Over the course of the year, we have seen the effective work of our communications via website, newsletter, phone and email contacts, and interpersonal/interchurch help offered by our incredibly gifted Office Administrator, Amanda Bow.  Our youth program has expanded exponentially with the birth of the Affirmation Program, bringing in fourteen middle school and high school youth who are learning what faith as a Friend means.  Our Sunday School program is busy and active, as is our Children’s Worship time with many new children participating each Sunday in lessons devoted to Quaker concepts and character.  In addition, parents are invited to spend a night out, as they form a babysitting co-op, allowing our children to get to know one another better. These programs, and many more including our Summer Vacation Bible School are under the watchful and devoted care of our gifted Christian Education and Family Ministries Director, Beth Henricks.  These two persons care for many duties that would otherwise fall to your Pastor, Clerk, or Committee Clerks, and the scope of work would either not be done, or not be done with nearly the efficiency and care that it is because of their ministry positions on staff.  Your giving matters.  Your generosity matters.  Your participation matters.  Financially and personally.  Many of you give of yourselves because you cannot give in any other way.  I see you here often, cleaning, teaching, pruning, sorting, cooking, decorating, leading, caring. I often don’t see you, because you come when no one else is around.  Our work is the work of devotion to our Meeting, and our Meeting is a gathering of those who are devoted to God.  We are asked to love and serve God by loving and serving others.  I am thankful for the many ways you do this, faithfully, mindfully, without expecting anything in return.  I hope you will take time to notice the fruit of your generosity… those who are coming to worship with us, the children who are learning and growing as Friends, the community of love and strength you are building in love and light, under the care of God’s Spirit at First Friends.

                                                                                                                                  With gratitude,

  Ruthie Tippin

Joys & Concerns

Our college students are returning to campus after their winter break.  It’s been so good to see many of them at First Friends during the holidays!  Please hold them in prayer as they begin another round of studies, and return to student life.

Our new carpet is being installed this week! The main hallway, Meeting Room, and Seeking Friends Sunday School Room are all getting new carpet! It’s such a blessing to be able to do a much-needed update to this wonderful Meetinghouse! Thank you Trustees for your careful stewardship.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

We are grateful for a donation of stock on December 16, the source of which has not been identified. Please contact Finance Committee Clerk Carol Donahue at her NEW email address, cjdonahue@indy.rr.com, if you made that stock donation. Thank you!

Do you want to get Quaker Life Magazine sent to your home?  Subscribing with our Group Plan means that you save on your subscription! The regular rate is $26, but if you are on our plan it’s only $20! If you would like to add a new subscription or renew your current, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org and submit your payment of $20. Please write your check to First Friends and write Quaker Life in the memo line. The renewal date is January 13th, so please let us know by then!

A Greeter Story 

Back in 1985 my husband Bob and I were starting our careers and living in Houston, Texas. We bought a condo in a very urban part of the city (Sharpstown for those of you familiar with Houston). We enjoyed the city but I had not found a church to call my own yet. Back then I was Presbyterian, so I visited several of those churches trying to find one I felt comfortable in. I found one not far from our condo – it was a small church on the other side of the Southwest freeway, across from the Sharpstown Mall. As I made my way to church I had to deal with the traffic (even on a Sunday!) but I wanted to give it a shot.

It was a little intimidating walking into a church you have never been to before, but just as I entered I was greeted by an older man who was very warm and made me feel welcome. He had a grey crew cut (back when crew cuts were not in fashion), and he was rather reserved. But he smiled, introduced himself as ‘John’, took my hand into both of his large ones and shook it warmly.  He then guided me to the sanctuary where I was given a bulletin.

I really liked the church since they were multicultural and actively involved in the community, so I went back again the next Sunday. This time I took Bob. John was there to greet me and he remembered me from the previous week! Once again I felt welcome. We ended up joining that church and my son was baptized there. The man that welcomed me (John) continued to greet me each week and I owe my returning to him. If I hadn’t felt welcomed I wouldn’t have returned the second time and eventually joined.

Would you like to welcome people into our wonderful First Friends Meeting? I’m looking for people interested in greeting in the coming six months. I’m asking people to sign up for an entire month so greeters can remember new attenders from the previous week(s). If you cannot take the whole month I’ll work with you to fill in the gaps. Let me know if you are interested in this important ministry. You do not need to be an extrovert – just a welcoming person.

Thanks,

Ann Panah

A_panah@yahoo.com or 317-250-4161

BeFriending Creation is the bi-monthly newsletter of Quaker Earthcare Witness. The most recent issue included an article by Roger Plenty, entitled ‘Considering the Consequences of Unchecked Population Growth.’ Here is a portion of the article: ‘During an economics course, the lecturer told us about Thomas Robert Malthus and his assertion that any population would grow until it absorbed all the resources available to it. My instant reaction was, "Of course: that’s absolutely obvious," so I was astonished when the lecturer went on to say that no one took any notice of that these days, and that events had proved Malthus wrong.’ If you’d like to read it in its entirety, please follow this link to the newsletter: http://www.quakerearthcare.org/bfc/volume-27-number-6

Save Your Stamps!  Before your throw away all those Christmas Card envelopes, trim off the stamps and donate them at First Friends Meeting.  The stamps are worth money, and go to support Right Sharing of World Resources.  Peel ‘Em, Stick ‘Em, Send ‘Em, Cut ‘Em, Save ‘Em, Send ‘Em!

An Exhibition of Fine Art Prints from The Saint John’s Bible are on display at the Indiana Interchurch Center until January 31st. They are located at 1100 West 42nd Street, here in Indianapolis. There are also related special events being held there, such as a calligraphy workshop on January 10th, a panel discussion on January 21st, and many more.  For information on events, please visit www.indianainterchurch.org. 

Discovering God in a Changing World. Save the date for the second of an exciting 4-part program series with Dr. Dan Moseley right here at First Friends! The second session is January 31-February 1, where Dan will focus on hospitality, creating space for others, and assessing the role of companionship. It 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. There is no fee, but you are encouraged to pre-register with Amanda Bow in the office at office@indyfriends.org.  Copies of Dan’s book, Lose Love Live: The Spiritual Gifts of Loss and Change is available in our office for $10 each.

IFCL Lobbyist Needed:  Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL) has announced a Search Committee to fill the staff position of lobbyist to the Indiana legislature.  IFCL has for decades worked as a legislative action group advocating the social concerns of Friends to Indiana legislators. The position is a paid position. Bill Chapman is heading the Search Committee and can be contacted at drchapman@earthlink.net  or (317) 255-4739. You can learn more about IFCL at quakerifcl.org.

Save the date for the start of an Eco-Film Series here at First Friends, at 7p.m. on the second Friday of each month from February- April. The first one is Friday, February 13th at 7p.m. called “Silent Spring”. It is the story of Rachel Carson and the battle over her groundbreaking work “Silent Spring”.  Carson and her research were savagely attacked by the chemical industry but Carson would not be silenced. A powerful story that sparked a revolution in environmental policy and inspired a generation to activism. (55 minutes.  http://www.silentspringmovie.com) 

Friend to Friend - December 24

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens 

What we have waited for has finally come… family is arriving, gifts are wrapped and set under the tree, the table is set.  Christmas is here!  With anticipation, hope, and patience we have waited.  And in that waiting, our time has been filled – preparation has called us to work, to think, to act in ways that move us forward.  Waiting has not been an empty space, but rather a space filled with intention.  We have anticipated presence.  We have hoped for gifts.  We have cultivated patience by remaining open to all that is possible.  These are the things that have held God’s children since our beginning – through our forming, our living, our struggles, and our release. 

What we have waited for has finally come.  God has come as Light – True Light – that gives Light to all people.  Christ’s birth into the world – into our lives – brings Light to each one of us.  What will we do with this Light?  Will we receive it into ourselves, making it our own, warming ourselves with its heat, filling ourselves with its energy, recreating ourselves with its life?  Will we share this Light with those who do not recognize it, with no understanding of its presence, its gifts, its possibility?  Will we reflect the brilliance and beauty of this Light to others with its love?

So many are waiting, just as those in Luke’s Gospel story of Christ’s birth… Zechariah, Elizabeth, Simeon, Anna, Mary…  As Henri Nouwen writes, ‘The whole opening scene of the good news is filled with waiting people.  And right at the beginning all those people in some way or another hear the words, “Do not be afraid.  I have something good to say to you.”’  For all those who have waited so long, I have something good to say to you… Christ the Light has come! 

Christmas Blessings,

Ruthie Tippin

Joys & Concerns

We gave 135 lbs of food to the Mid North Food Pantry last week! Our volunteers were kept very busy and were able to serve 105 families. Thank you to all who donated and to all of the volunteers. Collectively this year we have given 3,572 lbs of food to Mid North Food Pantry. Thank you for all of your generosity!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each and every one of you from your staff at First Friends Meeting! We will not have a Friend to Friend newsletter to send out next week, but watch for it in the New Year! Ruthie will be traveling between the holidays, returning on New Years Day.  Please contact Beth Henricks or Mary Blackburn for any needs or concerns.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Join us tonight for our very special Christmas Eve Service at 5:30.  Christmas Carols, Handbells, Children and Families, special music, the Christmas Story, candlelight, and a time for Silent Worship, promise to bring us to the manger.  Invite your friends and family for this meaningful time together.

Meeting for Worship will gather on Sunday, December 28th, with our traditional ‘open sing’ of beloved Christmas Carols.  Mary Blackburn will lead us in meditative worship considering friendship.  Bring your friends.  Invite your family.  Enter into our treasured gathering among Friends.

Do you want to get Quaker Life Magazine sent to your home?  Subscribing with our Group Plan means that you save on your subscription! The regular rate is $26, but if you are on our plan it’s only $20! If you would like to add a new subscription or renew your current, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org and submit your payment of $20. Please write your check to First Friends and write Quaker Life in the memo line. The renewal date is January 13th, so please let us know by then!

Finance Committee Report – 11/30/2014 - For the 11 months ending November 30,2014, expenses exceeded income by $22,235. We are hopeful that increased December giving will allow us to have adequate income to cover our expenses for 2014. We appreciate the financial support that many have shown to First Friends!  We are grateful for a donation of stock on December 16, the source of which has not been identified. Please contact Finance Committee Clerk Carol Donahue at her NEW email address, cjdonahue@indy.rr.com, if you make that stock donation. Thank you!

Beginning in 2015, our Monday night Yoga class will change their weekly meeting time to 6-7pm. The instructor is Annie Spilbeler. Class will remain donation based, with a suggested amount of $10. Newcomers are welcome. 

Lucretia Coffin Mott is coming to Meeting for Worship on January 4th! Be sure to return to Meeting after the first of the new year to meet and enjoy hearing from Lucretia… and to celebrate her 222nd Birthday! (We have a party planned for her during Fellowship Hour!)  Lucretia Mott was a Friend, a women’s rights activist, an abolitionist, a religious reformer.  Don’t miss her! 

Gathering Group is Tuesday, January 6th 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.

Discovering God in a Changing World. Save the date for the second of an exciting 4-part program series with Dr. Dan Moseley right here at First Friends! The second session is January 31-February 1, where Dan will focus on hospitality, creating space for others, and assessing the role of companionship. It 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. There is no fee, but you are encouraged to pre-register with Amanda Bow in the office at office@indyfriends.org.

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. The sermons are also available both in text and audio on www.indyfriends.org.

Friend to Friend - December 17

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting 

As Way Opens by Beth Henricks

This past Sunday, our young people in our Affirmation class asked deep and significant questions about Quakers and their faith to a panel of long term Friends - Linda Lineback, Jon Tippin, Eric Tinsley and Mary Blackburn.  It was an amazing experience to hear the questions our young people wanted to have answered and the insightful and thoughtful answers of our panel of Friends.  Here is a sample of the questions that our young people came up with - What do you think is the most important thing in life?  Which of the testimonies is most important to you?  How do you recognize science in terms of the creation story in Genesis?  Is the Bible important to you?  What are the essentials of Quakerism - what are the essentials that you could not take out to remain a Quaker?  What does God's voice sound like to you?  Describe a time that the Inner Light impacted your decision.

Wow!  These are tough questions that really make us examine our faith, our relationship to God and how the Inner Light changes what we do.  Our panel provided some profound answers that I am still processing and provided insight that will impact my own theology.  I wish we had recorded this session for all of you to hear.  

It has been such a joy and privilege to get to know our young people and watch how God is present in their lives.  We have some awesome kids in our Meeting and I am thankful that our faith community has been willing to invest time and monetary resources to impact their lives.

May you reflect on some of these questions during this holiday season as we all make our journey to the manger and allow Christ to be born again in our lives.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

There will NOT be a Monthly Meeting for Business in December. We will resume the standard schedule in January, with our next one on January 18th, 2015.

Join us this Sunday during Meeting for Worship to see the “The Christmas Story” presented by the children of the Meeting.  Our children’s Christmas pageant is such a blessing – unlike any other – with each child able to play the part they choose.  We may have three Joseph’s, two Mary’s, four Wise Men… you never know!  It’s pure joy, as the children tell the story, in their own unique way, of the Christmas Child.  Join us, and invite your family and friends to worship!

During our fellowship time this Sunday December 21st, our kids will be selling cookie and soup jars for donations to Right Sharing of World Resources (www.rswr.org).  This is a great gift item and all proceeds will help support this Quaker micro lending not for profit.  We will also have fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate and olive oil for sale during our fellowship time so we encourage Christmas gift shopping this Sunday.  

Christmas Eve is Coming!  Plan now to attend our very special Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 on December 24th.  Christmas Carols, Handbells, Children and Families, special music, the Christmas Story, candlelight, and a time for Silent Worship, promise to bring us to the manger that night.  Invite your friends and family for this meaningful time together.

Meeting for Worship will gather on Sunday, December 28th, with our traditional ‘open sing’ of beloved Christmas Carols.  Mary Blackburn will lead us in meditative worship considering friendship.  Bring your friends.  Invite your family.  Enter into our treasured gathering among Friends.

Do you want to get Quaker Life Magazine sent to your home?  Subscribing with our Group Plan means that you save on your subscription! The regular rate is $26, but if you are on our plan it’s only $20! If you would like to add a new subscription or renew your current, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org and submit your payment of $20. Please write your check to First Friends and write Quaker Life in the memo line. The renewal date is January 13th, so please let us know by then!

Lucretia Coffin Mott is coming to Meeting for Worship on January 4th! Be sure to return to Meeting after the first of the new year to meet and enjoy hearing from Lucretia… and to celebrate her 222nd Birthday! (We have a party planned for her during Fellowship Hour!)  Lucretia Mott was a Friend, a women’s rights activist, an abolitionist, a religious reformer.  Don’t miss her! 

 Discovering God in a Changing World. Save the date for the second of an exciting 4-part program series with Dr. Dan Moseley right here at First Friends! The second session is January 31-February 1, where Dan will focus on hospitality, creating space for others, and assessing the role of companionship. It 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. There is no fee, but you are encouraged to pre-register with Amanda Bow in the office at office@indyfriends.org.

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. The sermons are also available both in text and audio on www.indyfriends.org.

Friend to Friend - December 10

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting 

As Way Opens by Ruthie Tippin

Where do you see Christ this Christmas?  In all the hustle and bustle?  In the Christmas jingles and carols on the radio and in the stores?  In the quiet peace of a walk at night?  Christ is everywhere! 

It’s an exercise in patience as we wait in line (or wait online!) for goods and services, but in our waiting, if we take a second look, we can find the joy, compassion, tenderness, and love of Jesus.  It’s a discipline of time management, but if we take a few moments for reflection, we can discover the breath, the stillness, the gentleness, the restorative strength of Jesus.  It’s a matter of choice, but if we focus our thinking on beauty, we can find Jesus in the smile of a stranger, the power of a strong, cold wind, the red berries of a tree stripped bare. 

Christ has come.  Do we see him?  Are we, like those wise men, intent on discovering Christ this Christmas? 

Joys & Concerns

Vespers Evening was a Blessing!   Many thanks to Shawn Porter, our Chancel Choir, the Flute Choir and the Handbell Choir, Jim and Leslie Kartholl, Chelsea and Kendall Tinsley, our readers - Bill Heitman, Tiffany Beaver and Sam Miller, our First Friends Children and Christine Pfiester for their musical gifts.  It was a joy to welcome the storyteller – Gladys Sowder – this year, as well.

The Vespers Buffet was a Smash! What a lovely way to meet new friends, and to spend time together with old friends, too!  Delicious food and delightful company were made possible by our wonderful Fellowship Committee.  Many thanks to everyone who helped.

First Friends collected 1,647 lbs. of food for the Mid-North Food Pantry in November.  Each of the four adult Sunday School classes collected more than 150 lbs.  The children’s classes also did well with the Preschool class collecting the most with 94 lbs.  The adult Quakerism class led the adult classes by collecting 621 lbs.  Thanks to everyone who helped in this worthy cause.  

Our Preschool Co-Op has joined our Mid North Food Pantry Drive! The children and their families have joined with us this past month, bringing in lots of food!  Thank you MSPSC!

Thank you to everyone who donated blood during our Blood Drive.  The Blood Center was most happy that we were able to have 14 folks show up to donate.  They are already asking when we would like to schedule our next drive.  Thanks for giving “the gift of life.”

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

You are all invited to the USFW Christmas Tea after meeting for worship this Sunday, December 14th. Please come and enjoy tasty cookies baked by our members. It is a great time to get to know our many new members and also get reacquainted with old friends. If you would like to donate at least 2 dozen cookies, they can be dropped off on December 13th from 10-11 or the morning of the 14th. Please join us for a great time and good cookies!

Please join us for Christmas Caroling on Sunday, December 14. We will meet at 4:20 p.m. at The Stratford, 2460 Glebe St., Carmel. We will sing there, at Marquette Manor, and at The Forum. After caroling, we will eat at Steak ‘N Shake at 86th and Westfield Blvd. Everyone is welcome, both children and adults. Musical talent is not required! If you have any questions, please contact the office or Carol Donahue.

Conversation on Same-Sex Marriage - Friends hold that all people are equal in the eyes of God and have equal access to the “inner light.” This profound sense of equality leads Friends to treat each person with respect, looking for “that of God” in everyone. We welcome all persons whatever their race, religious affiliation, age, socio-economic class, nationality, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation or mental/physical ability. We are now forming a Team of five to eight individuals from across the congregation to revisit how First Friends Meeting will recognize same-sex marriage while building a stronger community of faith.  All proceedings will be guided by listening to others, inviting the loving presence of God, and encouraging everyone to share their perspectives in a supportive environment. The second Conversation on Same-Sex Marriage is planned on Sunday evening, December 14, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The purpose of this session is to encourage dialogue about this issue, and provide a pathway for those interested in serving on the Team in 2015. Please contact Andy Cunningham, Mary Blackburn, John Beede, or Ruthie with any questions, comments or concerns.  Please come join the conversation, everyone is welcome!

Oak Leaf Ladies and Reading Friends! Please join the Oak Leaf Meeting for Reading at Ruth Kelly's home for a Holiday Lasagna Dinner on December 16th at 7 pm.  We will be talking about Front Porch Stories by Phillip Gulley, we thought it might be fun to tell some of our own stories that evening as well!  Bring a side dish and a book from home for a Holiday Book Swap.  People who haven't previously attended book discussion are MORE than welcome to come join us!   Please contact Ruth on her mobile at (812) 322-9954 or via her email Rgkelly4@att.net for directions! 

Do you need a quick, easy and healthy appetizer for an upcoming holiday party or family gathering? And as an added bonus, would like to help raise funds for MSPC? The Preschool Co-Op is having a fundraiser. Thanks to a generous donation of vegetable trays from Caito Foods, MSPC is now taking orders for veggie party platters with 100% of proceeds to benefit our school.   WHAT? Vegetable party platters; each 3lb tray includes broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, celery, and dip WHEN? Place orders between now and December 12; veggie trays will be available for pickup at MSPC on December 18 & 19 HOW? Email renate.myler@gmail.com to place your order (payment will be due Dec. 18-19)

Christmas Eve is Coming!  Plan now to attend our very special Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 on December 24th.  Christmas Carols, Handbells, Children and Families, special music, the Christmas Story, candlelight, and a time for Silent Worship, promise to bring us to the manger that night.  Invite your friends and family for this meaningful time together. 

Lucretia Coffin Mott is coming to Meeting for Worship on January 4th! Be sure to return to Meeting after the first of the new year to meet and enjoy hearing from Lucretia… and to celebrate her 222nd Birthday! (We have a party planned for her during Fellowship Hour!)  Lucretia Mott was a Friend, a women’s rights activist, an abolitionist, a religious reformer.  Don’t miss her! 

 Discovering God in a Changing World. Save the date for the second of an exciting 4-part program series with Dr. Dan Moseley right here at First Friends! The second session is January 31-February 1, where Dan will focus on hospitality, creating space for others, and assessing the role of companionship. It 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. There is no fee, but you are encouraged to pre-register with Amanda Bow in the office at office@indyfriends.org.

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. The sermons are also available both in text and audio on www.indyfriends.org.