September 16, 2015

    Friend to Friend                                                                  

  Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens

 What a beautiful fall day we had on Sunday for the start of Sunday School for our kids. A big thank you to the Christian Education and Fellowship Committees for providing a delicious breakfast for us.  I led Sunday School for our 3rd - 5th graders.  I forgot what a fun age this is with a lot of interesting insight and reflection.  We asked each other some big and little questions about ourselves: our favorite food, a place we would like to visit, what annoys us etc.  We came to the question of what would we like to ask God.  Lucy Kay wrote down that she would like to ask God what the future holds?  Wow - I thought about that question all day.  At first blush I totally agree that I would like God to reveal the future to me.  Maybe it has something to do with walking through the fire and wanting to know when difficulties will end and a vision of the future.  But the more I thought about it I am not sure that I want to know the future.  I might miss opportunities for God’s presence today because I know what tomorrow holds.  I might skip a lot of things or do a lot of things differently if I knew the future.  Maybe I would make better decisions if I knew the future, but it could also destroy me and give up hope.  No longer would I need to have faith and trust in God.

As most of you know, my husband suffers from Alzheimer’s.  I have become involved in the dementia community here and co-facilitate a support group for a special type of dementia called FTD.  This type of dementia has a strong genetic link and we have had genetic counselors present to us the options of testing for this gene in our children.  Do we want to know if we have the gene for FTD and will develop this in our life?  Most of our children say they do not want to know because this knowledge will be a weight they carry every day and will diminish their joy of life.  Knowing the future is a tricky proposition.  I am thankful to God for today and for all of you in my life that give me hope for tomorrow.

Joys & Concerns

Considering the Query: ‘Bring the whole of your life under the ordering of the spirit of Christ.  Are you open to the healing power of God’s love? Cherish that of God within you, so that this love may grow in you and guide you.  Let your worship and your daily life enrich each other.  Treasure your experience of God, however it comes to you.  Remember that Christianity is not a notion but a way.’

From Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015

Harold Miller's father, Harold L. Miller Sr., died 9/14 of pancreatic cancer after an 83-year journey that took him from Arkansas to all over the world, most recently in the Washington DC metro area.

He was a loving husband to Virginia, excellent dad to Harold Jr. and his three sisters, embracing father-in-law to Ellen and attentive grandfather to Grace and Sam. They are grateful for his life and love and for the fact that they were all able to bid him farewell in person.

Burial will eventually be in Arlington Ceremony and a memorial service is being planned to take place in Arkansas.  Please hold the Miller family in your hearts and prayers. Cards and notes to the family are appreciated. Please send to 4430 Cranbrook Drive, 46260

Thank you to the Fellowship Committee and Christian Education Committee for a wonderful early morning breakfast this past Sunday to welcome everyone back to Sunday School.  We hope to continue to see you each Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

Peace Fest was held this past Sunday with about 75 people in attendance.  There were six from First Friends and all enjoyed the food, fellowship, music and an activity led by the Peace Ambassadors.

Have you checked out our newly decorated nursery?  A huge thank you to Leslie Kartholl for her creative ideas and hard work to transform our nursery into a bright and welcoming space.  Leslie is so generous in using her many talents to support our Meeting.  We offer a deep appreciation to her and Jim!

Mindy Sommer would appreciate prayer for a staff member at her workplace, Clay Educare.  Please hold Erin Wilding in your prayers for God’s loving comfort.  Her husband was killed Tuesday evening in a head on collision where a car crossed the median and struck him, as he drove home from work.  He leaves a wife and two sons – one in high school and another in college.  God bless this family, and the staff of Clay Educare. 

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities  

Calling all 6th through 12th graders! Join us on September 26th, for our Youth Group kick-off “Minute to Win It” in Fellowship Hall. Games, food, and prizes will be supplied. Bring your friends for more fun! RSVP to Hayley Adams (Adamsh2011@gmail.com)

To keep the fun going join us on Sunday morning at 9am in the youth room, to continue our journey with Rob Bell’s Nooma video series. Doughnuts will be providedJ.

September 17&20, and 24&27: All adult Sunday School Classes will be brought together for two more weeks in September, as we open discussion around Quaker decision making, discernment and process.  If you can’t make it on Sunday, come on Thursday night!!!  We invite everyone to join Eric Tinsley and members of Ministry and Counsel, as we learn together. This is especially important to our Meeting, as we consider decisions regarding marriage equality. 

Session Two: Thursday, September 17 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 20 at 9:00

            What is our individual responsibility toward the process of Quaker decision making? 

Session Three: Thursday, September 24 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 27 at 9:00

            What is our responsibility as a part of a group in making decisions, as Friends?

This Friday!  Scott Russell Sanders is coming to First Friends, September 18th, 7:00-8:30 p.m...Scott Russell Sanders is the author of twenty books of fiction and nonfiction, including Hunting for Hope and A Conservationist Manifesto. His most recent books are Earth Works: Selected Essays (2012) and Divine Animal: A novel (2014). A collection of stories titled “Dancing in Dreamtime” will be published in 2016, along with a new edition of his documentary narrative, Stone Country. Among his honors are the Lannan Literary Award, the John Burroughs Essay Award, the Mark Twain Award, and the Cecil Woods Award for Nonfiction, the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award, and fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. In 2012 he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is a distinguished Professor Emeritus of English at Indiana University. He and his wife, Ruth, a biochemist, have reared two children in their hometown of Bloomington, in the hardwood hill country of Indiana’s White River Valley.  Environmental author Scott Russell Sanders will be here for a conversation on the future of earthcare in Indiana. This event is a fundraiser for the Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation. A reception and book signing will immediately follow the event. Please join us! 

‘Considering the Queries’ has begun!  Have you found someone to prayerfully visit with about the queries?  Watch for these on our website www.indyfriends.org under ‘Ruthie’s Blog – Thoughts from our Pastor’, and share your comments.  They will now be printed in Friend to Friend each week, too!

Leading Voice for Israeli-Palestinian Peace to Visit Indianapolis

On September 20, 2015, the Rev. Elias Chacour, a former Archbishop of the Melkite Catholic Church in Israel, will explain how peace is still possible between Israelis and Palestinians. His address, “A Life of Peacemaking in the Holy Land,” is scheduled for 2:30 PM at Indianapolis’ North United Methodist Church, located at 38th Street and Meridian.  Named a “Peacemaker in Action” by the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, Chacour is founder of the Mar Elias schools, which have educated tens of thousands of Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Druze children in the Galilee region of Israel. Born 1939, Elias Chacour grew up in the Palestinian village of Biram. In 1947, his childhood home was confiscated by the nascent Israeli state. Though dispossessed, Chacour became an advocate for non-violence and peaceful reconciliation between Jews and Arabs. Chacour describes himself as a “Palestinian-Arab-Christian-Israeli.” Chacour is author of two best-selling books, including We Belong to the Land and Blood Brothers, which has been translated into twenty languages. He is the recipient of several peace awards and honorary degrees, including a doctorate from the University of Indianapolis. “This may be Hoosiers’ last chance to hear from one of the world’s most powerful voices for peace,” said Rev. Dotti Gerner, leader of Christians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East, the event’s sponsor. The event is free and open to the public. Further information is available from Charlie McDonald, charlie@mcdiii.com. 

Underneath it All: First Friends Eighth Annual Underwear Drive

August 26th through September 27th Toddler to Adult Sizes!

Socks, T Shirts, Bras, too! Babies, Children, Preteens, High School Students— all need underwear and socks. Please Donate New Underwear

Cash or checks to First Friends - designate for ‘Underneath it All’

Contact Linda Lee with questions.  parapluie@ameritech.net

Please place underwear donations in the labeled box in Fellowship Hall.  

You may have to fly fast at first, but then you can let out your wings and soar!

If you’d like to help organize and maintain some order in our Fellowship Hall kitchen it would be a great gift to the Meeting.  Male or Female Angels Accepted!  No ‘fly by nights’ need apply!  Contact Ruthie or the Office if this fits into your Flight Plan!

Poetry Group will resume on September 22 at 2:00 in the Parlor of the Meetinghouse. Tom and Ursula Roberts will present poems from Mary Oliver’s book Dog Stories and some other poems. We hope that attenders will bring favorite poems about pets or animals to share. For questions please contact Ursula Roberts robertsursula90@gmail.com

Meditational Woods Work Day - Sept. 26th 9:00-12:00

Bring your work gloves, trowels, and clippers plus a good set of strong hands and backs. Hope to see you there. Contact Mindy Sommer and Mary Blackburn for questions. Melinda Sommer, mcs16zoom@gmail.com, Mary Blackburn mhblackburn@sbcglobal.net

What Are Quakers Doing In the World Today?

World Quaker Day - Sunday, October 4, 2015

9:00 Breakfast with Our Friends; portrayals of George Fox, John Woolman, Lucretia Mott

Join these Friends from the past, as they speak into the present day.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast during the discussion!

10:15 Meeting for Worship with Colin Saxton, General Secretary of Friends United Meeting

God continues to speak and act in the lives of Quakers around the world!

11:30 Fellowship Hour ~ World Quaker Exhibits

Enjoy hot and cold beverages, treats, and great company while viewing displays of Quaker organizations from near and far!

Time To Recycle

On behalf of the Shalom Zone, First Friends is to host a recycling event on Saturday, Oct. 10, at First Friends from 10 am – 2 pm.  Electronic items of all types are welcome.  Simply stop by on Oct. 10 and drop off the items you would like to recycle.  If you are not able to make it on Oct-10, you can arrange to drop off your items ahead of time.  Please call Bill Chapman (317 255-4739) or the office to arrange the drop off. 

CROP HUNGER WALK    Please plan to join with others of First Friends to participate in the 36th annual Greater Indianapolis CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, Oct-18 at 1:45 pm.  Walkers from First Friends will meet at 1:45 p.m. at CTS, 42nd St. and Michigan Road near the registration tent.  The walk is a scenic walk near the Butler campus and a little over 3 miles.  The purpose of the walk is to raise awareness of worldwide hunger and to raise funds to help alleviate hunger both locally and globally.  Please consider a donation for this worthwhile cause.  Checks can be written to “First Friends” with a notation of “Crop Walk” and placed in the basket in the front hallway. There will also be a sign up if you would like to join our group of walkers.

Attention Men! Save the date - Men’s Retreat - October 31st at FFMtg! What does it take to be a “real man” in today's world? A Christian man? A Quaker or Methodist* man? What beliefs do you have that speak to that? What are your core values?   Join us for a one day, thought provoking, and fun filled retreat at First Friends on Oct. 31st as we address these things, along with some of the Methodist men of Epworth Methodist *(our Eco Film Series partners). Call Ed Morris at 317-691-5542 if you have any questions. 

Come One Come All! - To have your picture taken (at no cost, unless you want extra prints) for the First Friends Pictorial Directory!  Pictures will be taken by Lifetouch Directories at the Meeting House on Wed., Nov. 4 – Sat., Nov. 7.  The finished pictures will arrive in time for Christmas cards.  This is a great chance to have a professional picture taken of you and/or your family.  Having everyone participate enables the directory to be as useful as possible to facilitate our knowing one another, and in putting names and faces together.  We only do this every 4 years, so hopefully everyone will be able to participate.  If you cannot have your picture taken on the dates at First Friends, Lifetouch will allow you to go to another church that is also scheduling pictures at about the same time.  Sign-ups will start in September, and will be on-line and in person at the Meeting house.  More info will follow as we get closer to the sign-up dates.  If you need more info, please contact Sue Mills. If you are interested in helping out as a Host / Hostess during the photo sessions, please let Sue know.  Shifts are 4 hours.  Times are 2:30 – 9 on Wed. – Fri., and 10:00 – 4:30 on Sat.  If you would like to help with Sign-ups at the Meeting House after Meeting on Sept. 20 – Oct. 18, please let Sue know. Schedule your family portrait session now:  https://www.securedata-trans14.com/ap/firstfriendsmeeting/index.php?page=10

Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

Compassionate v Christian v Quaker

3030 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr.              Indianapolis, IN   46220                

317-255-2485               office@indyfriends.org

September 9, 2015

    Friend to Friend

  Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens

This past Sunday was a glorious delight!  For those of you who are at a distance from Meeting, we shared together in our Labor Day custom… ‘Worship in the Woods’.  We gathered under the spread of trees, with birdsong and the splash of the nearby fountain.  Eric Baker led us in some wonderful songs and hymns, members told us the story of creation, and we reveled in God showing us Godself in how the world was made.  The children had all kinds of answers as to how many days it took God to make the world, and James Weldon Johnson’s poem of creation rounded out the morning, after a deep silence and sharing with his ‘I’ll make me a world.” 

God has blessed our Meeting.  It’s a good thing to rest in the protection and shade of of such a healthy place as this, and see the relationships between us.  We’re not perfect, but we don’t profess to be.  We don’t have all the answers, but we live in the mystery of the questions, and thrive on learning from each other.  We each have our own understanding and experience of God, and instead of holding tightly to them, we eagerly share them with one another, growing stronger and broader as we do.  We love each other fiercely, sad at our losses and gleeful at our gains.  We love to learn, and we remember the lessons we’re taught, workingvery hard to forgive the injustices we may have suffered.  We look to Christ as our example, and give thanks that his teaching lives on in the world through the power of the Holy Spirit – not in some strange mystical way alone, but in practical, everyday actions that we are privileged to take part in. We know what it means to say that Christ speaks to each person directly, and we know what a struggle it is to listen as Christ speaks to us as a group.  But we love to practice, and practice, and practice.  Just like we did this past Sunday, as we gathered together in Meeting for Worship under the spead of the shade trees, and listened for God’s voice.                  

Joys & Concerns

Blessings to Carrie Sample in the death of her father, Jon Phillip Appleby on Wednesday, September 2nd.  His services were held this past Saturday in Lebanon, OH.  Jon was born on April Fool’s Day in 1945, and it just happened to be Easter Sunday.  Carrie said he was a man who loved God and loved a good joke.”  Please hold Carrie and her boys, Elijah and Isaiah, in your prayers.  To send a card their address is: 5046 Evanston Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46205.

We are excited to introduce our new youth pastor Hayley Adams.  Hayley is a recent graduate from Butler University, originally from Deerfield, Illinois. This past spring she received her B.A. in History and Literature with a minor in Religious Studies. During her time at Butler, Hayley worked with several religious organizations around Indianapolis for her Honors Thesis, which ultimately led her to Indianapolis Friends. Hayley has been the intern for Christian Education at her home church two times, and has a passion for working and learning with youth. In her free time she loves playing tennis with her father, playing the piano, or watching her beloved Green Bay Packers.  Hayley will be working part time to help create a vibrant youth program this year.  You will get a chance to meet and welcome Hayley into our faith community this Sunday.  She will be meeting with our youth and parents after Meeting for Worship.

Beth Henrick’s brother, Keith Euler, underwent triple bypass surgery last Thursday, September 3.  He is doing well, and thankful for such a great outcome.  Please continue to hold him in your prayers.

Congratulations to Brad Jackson, who has just been named Hamilton Southeast School District’s ‘Teacher of the Year’.  Brad and his wife Naomi attended our meeting some years ago.  This is a wonderful honor!

‘Considering the Queries’ has begun!  Have you found someone to prayerfully visit with about the first query?  Have you considered this first one in your own way?  Watch for these on our website www.indyfriends.org under ‘Ruthie’s Blog – Thoughts from our Pastor’. 

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities  

Last Week’s Food Pantry Volunteers!  Bill Chapman, Ed Morris, Phil Kitchel, Liz Main, Jade Malott, Connie Rigsbee, Jim Sherer, Carol and Jim Donahue, Beth and Emerson Small.

Are there any Angels out there?  Kitchen Angel Needed! Do you like to organize things?  Do you have a bit of extra time when you’re at the Meetinghouse already?  Would you be willing to help make certain that things are in good order for our Meeting kitchens?  It would be a great help to have a Kitchen Coordinator, as many different people/groups use our Parlor and Fellowship Hall kitchens Contact Ruthie, Beth or the Office if you can serve!

Underneath it All: First Friends Eighth Annual Underwear Drive

August 26th through September 27th Toddler to Adult Sizes!

Socks, T Shirts, Bras, too! Babies, Children, Preteens, High School Students— all need underwear and socks. Please Donate New Underwear

Cash or checks to First Friends - designate for ‘Underneath it All’

Contact Linda Lee with questions.  parapluie@ameritech.net

Please place underwear donations in the labeled box in Fellowship Hall.  

The Eco-Film Series this Fall will be hosted by All Souls Unitarian Church, 5605 E. 56th Street. 

The first film, A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet, will be shown on Friday, Sept. 11, at 7 pm.  This film chronicles the largest movement of the 20th century and one of the keys to the 21st.  It brings together all the major parts of environmentalism and connects them.  It focuses on activism, people fighting to save their homes, their lives, and the future – and succeeding against all odds.  Admission is free.  Subsequent films are: Friday, Oct-9 at 7 pm – Switch; and Friday, Nov-13 at 7 pm. – Damnation.  This film series is sponsored by All Souls Unitarian, Cross and Crown Lutheran, First Friends Meeting, Epworth United Methodist, and Heartlands Group of the Sierra Club.  Hope you plan to attend.

Shari Wagner’s poetry delighted the First Friends poetry group when she read twice from her recent books. She sent the following invitation.  The Mennonite Writers Group is presenting Saturday,  September 12th at 7:00 pm, at Shalom Mennonite Church (on the East side of the city). My dad and I will be reading from our new book: ‘Making the Rounds: Memoirs of a Small-Town Doctor’.  You’re welcome to come! 

This Sunday September 13th is our kick off to Fall and the return of our Children and Youth Sunday School classes.  Breakfast for everyone will be provided at 8:30 in Fellowship Hall and Sunday School will start at 9:00.  We encourage everyone to wear their pajamas that day.  Kathy Rhyne and Kathy Farris will co-lead the PreK - 2nd grade class, Carrie Sample and Ann Rodino will co-lead the 3rd - 5th grade class and Jed Kay and Dan Lee will co-lead the 6th - 12th grade class.    Please mark your calendars and plan to join us that day.

September 13, 21, and 27: All regular adult Sunday School Classes will be brought together for three weeks in September, as we open discussion around Quaker decision making, discernment and process.  We invite everyone to join Eric Tinsley and members of Ministry and Counsel, whether you’ve been a part of Sunday School in the past, or not, as we learn together. This is especially important to our Meeting, as we consider decisions regarding marriage equality. What process do Quakers use that stands out from other faith communities?  Why do we do things the way we do?  What is our individual responsibility toward the process?  How is that different from our responsibility as a group? 

            Session One:  Thursday, September 10 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 13 at 9:00

Session Two: Thursday, September 17 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 20 at 9:00

Session Three: Thursday, September 24 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 27 at 9:00

PEACEFEST: Sunday, September 13th

 Join with our fellow historic peace churches, MENNONITES, CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN, and QUAKERS in our annual PeaceFest gathering.  This year PeaceFest will be held at Northview Church of the Brethren, 5555 E. 46th St., Indianapolis, 46226, on Sunday, Sept.13, from 12:30 – 2:15 pm.  There will be a pitch-in lunch.  Please bring a salad, side dish and/or dessert to share.

Scott Russell Sanders is coming to First Friends, September 18th, 7:00-8:30 p.m...Scott Russell Sanders is the author of twenty books of fiction and nonfiction, including Hunting for Hope and A Conservationist Manifesto. His most recent books are Earth Works: Selected Essays (2012) and Divine Animal: A novel (2014). A collection of stories titled “Dancing in Dreamtime” will be published in 2016, along with a new edition of his documentary narrative, Stone Country. Among his honors are the Lannan Literary Award, the John Burroughs Essay Award, the Mark Twain Award, and the Cecil Woods Award for Nonfiction, the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award, and fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. In 2012 he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is a distinguished Professor Emeritus of English at Indiana University. He and his wife, Ruth, a biochemist, have reared two children in their hometown of Bloomington, in the hardwood hill country of Indiana’s White River Valley.  Environmental author Scott Russell Sanders will be here for a conversation on the future of earthcare in Indiana. This event is a fundraiser for the Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation. A reception and book signing will immediately follow the event. Please join us! 

Leading Voice for Israeli-Palestinian Peace to Visit Indianapolis

On September 20, 2015, the Rev. Elias Chacour, a former Archbishop of the Melkite Catholic Church in Israel, will explain how peace is still possible between Israelis and Palestinians. His address, “A Life of Peacemaking in the Holy Land,” is scheduled for 2:30 PM at Indianapolis’ North United Methodist Church, located at 38th Street and Meridian.  

Named a “Peacemaker in Action” by the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, Chacour is founder of the Mar Elias schools, which have educated tens of thousands of Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Druze children in the Galilee region of Israel. Born 1939, Elias Chacour grew up in the Palestinian village of Biram. In 1947, his childhood home was confiscated by the nascent Israeli state. Though dispossessed, Chacour became an advocate for non-violence and peaceful reconciliation between Jews and Arabs. Chacour describes himself as a “Palestinian-Arab-Christian-Israeli.” Chacour is author of two best-selling books, including We Belong to the Land and Blood Brothers, which has been translated into twenty languages. He is the recipient of several peace awards and honorary degrees, including a doctorate from the University of Indianapolis. “This may be Hoosiers’ last chance to hear from one of the world’s most powerful voices for peace,” said Rev. Dotti Gerner, leader of Christians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East, the event’s sponsor. The event is free and open to the public. Further information is available from Charlie McDonald, charlie@mcdiii.com. 

Poetry Group will resume on September 22 at 2:00 in the Parlor of the Meetinghouse.  More details coming soon!  ~ Ursula Roberts

Religion, Race and Culture: The first of four public seminars to be held this year regarding this important concern is set for Tuesday, September 29, 7:00-9:00 pm at Schrott Center – Butler Univ. “Religion and Race in the African-American Experience”: ‘The tragic events of Ferguson, MO in 2014 sparked a national conversation about race. Join us as we hear reflections on religion and racial justice from two noted religious scholars and activists: Rev. Pamela Lightsey - Boston Univ School of Theology, and Rev. Starsky D. Wilson – Pastor of St. John’s Church St. Louis, Co-Chair Ferguson Commission, advancing policies to strengthen the region following the death of Michael Brown Jr, and the subsequent community uprising.

What Are Quakers Doing In the World Today?

                                      World Quaker Day

First Friends Meeting Indianapolis

Sunday, October 4, 2015

9:00 Breakfast with Our Friends; portrayals of

George Fox, John Woolman, Lucretia Mott

Join these Friends from the past, as they speak into the present day.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast during the discussion!

                      10:15 Meeting for Worship with Colin Saxton

General Secretary of Friends United Meeting

God continues to speak and act in the lives of Quakers around the world!

                     11:30 Fellowship Hour ~ World Quaker Exhibits

Enjoy hot and cold beverages, treats, and great company while viewing displays of Quaker organizations from near and far!

Time To Recycle

On behalf of the Shalom Zone, First Friends is to host a recycling event on Saturday, Oct. 10, at First Friends from 10 am – 2 pm.  Electronic items of all types are welcome.  Simply stop by on Oct. 10 and drop off the items you would like to recycle.  If you are not able to make it on Oct-10, you can arrange to drop off your items ahead of time.  Please call Bill Chapman (317 255-4739) or the office to arrange the drop off. 

CROP HUNGER WALK

 Please plan to join with others of First Friends to participate in the 36th annual Greater Indianapolis CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, Oct-18 at 1:45 pm. 

Walkers from First Friends will meet at 1:45 p.m. at CTS, 42nd St. and Michigan Road near the registration tent.  The walk is a scenic walk near the Butler campus and a little over 3 miles.  The purpose of the walk is to raise awareness of worldwide hunger and to raise funds to help alleviate hunger both locally and globally.  Please consider a donation for this worthwhile cause.  Checks can be written to “First Friends” with a notation of “Crop Walk” and placed in the basket in the front hallway. There will also be a sign up if you would like to join our group of walkers.    Thanks for your consideration

Save the Date: Say "Cheese!"
Did you know that First Friends publishes a directory every 4 years that includes pictures to make it easier to get to know the names and faces of the members and attendees of our Meeting? It's also a great opportunity on a deal for a family portrait.  We will have sign up, registration information and all the details for our picture days by early September, but put the dates of November 4th-7th, 2015 at First Friends on your calendar!  Expect the new directory to be available in early 2016. More detailed information coming soon.

Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

Compassionate v Christian v Quaker

3030 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr.              Indianapolis, IN   46220                

317-255-2485               office@indyfriends.org

September 2, 2015

   Friend to Friend

  Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens

I have been reading the daily devotional Streams in the Desert. (L.B. Cowman)  Earlier in August there was a message that really spoke to my heart about how a shipwright builds a vessel.  The shipbuilder plans for a ship that can withstand the strongest of storms and hurricanes at sea.  The shipbuilder does not create the ship to remain safe in the docks. The best built ships are sent out to sea and weather storm after storm.  Sometimes the ship will sustain damage and must be brought back into the docks for repairs.  But the ship will be worked on by knowledgeable and careful craftsmen to fortify the weak spots and strengthen its frame so it will head back out to sea and be strong in its purpose.

Is that not how God has created each of us?  We are vessels that are formed with love and care to withstand many storms.  God as the shipbuilder builds an amazing and resilient being in each of us that was never meant to stay safe in the dock.  Our ship was destined to be in the sea to experience the beauty of the ocean and the trauma of the storm.  Sometimes, the storm seems too much and we feel battered and beaten and we seek shelter and repair in the loving arms of our Comforter.   God is always waiting at the dock, with the healing salve of acceptance and Love, looking for our safe return to the magnificence of the ocean.  And God brings people into our lives that are knowledgeable and careful to help bolster our weak spots and secure our frame so we are ready to head back to sea. 

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises" (2 Peter 1:4) God does promise that God’s Presence and Love will never leave us and will sustain us through our darkest storms.  If you are in the eye of the hurricane today, remember this promise.

Joys & Concerns

Thank You ‘Festival of Friends’ Folk!  Ann Panah and Bill Chapman deserve a great big hug, along with many others who helped set up, clean up, and welcome guests to the Quaker Tent at the 3rd Annual Festival of Faiths.  It was an incredible event.

“Thank you so much for letting the Lovely Lane Youth stay at your church.  They raved about you and the worship!”  First Friends hosted this great group of kids overnight this past June when they journeyed through Indy on their way to a mission experience in Kentucky.  What a blessing that was for us. Their monetary gift will now go to support our Youth Group at First Friends.  

Enjoy a blessed Labor Day Weekend!  The office will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of the holiday. 

‘Considering the Queries’ begins next Monday… have you found someone to prayerfully visit with about questions regarding your journey of faith?  Watch for these on our website www.indyfriends.org

under ‘Ruthie’s Blog – Thoughts from our Pastor’. 

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities  

Join Us for Worship in the Woods this Sunday! 

Each Labor Day weekend, we bring folding chairs*, blankets, bug spray and high spirits to worship together in God’s creation.  Bring your family and friends at 10:15. *The Meeting provides chairs too, so don’t worry… we’ll all have a place to sit!

Kitchen Angel Needed! Do you like to organize things?  Do you have a bit of extra time when you’re at the Meetinghouse already?  Would you be willing to help make certain that things are in good order for our Meeting kitchens?  It would be a great help to have a Kitchen Coordinator, as many different people/groups use our Parlor and Fellowship Hall kitchens Contact Ruthie, Beth or the Office if you can serve!

Underneath it All: First Friends Eighth Annual Underwear Drive

August 26th through September 27th Toddler to Adult Sizes!

Socks, T Shirts, Bras, too! Babies, Children, Preteens, High School Students— all need underwear and socks. Please Donate New Underwear

Cash or checks to First Friends - designate for ‘Underneath it All’

Contact Linda Lee with questions.  parapluie@ameritech.net

Please place underwear donations in the labeled box in Fellowship Hall.  

Tour the Center, September 8th, 11:30 to 12:30. The facility is large, so we will be touring the parts where our donations are used. Mark your calendar. If you can’t make it in September, there are monthly tours available year round. Please contact Linda.

The Eco-Film Series this Fall will be hosted by All Souls Unitarian Church, 5605 E. 56th Street. 

The first film, A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet, will be shown on Friday, Sept. 11, at 7 pm.  This film chronicles the largest movement of the 20th century and one of the keys to the 21st.  It brings together all the major parts of environmentalism and connects them.  It focuses on activism, people fighting to save their homes, their lives, and the future – and succeeding against all odds.  Admission is free.  Subsequent films are: Friday, Oct-9 at 7 pm – Switch; and Friday, Nov-13 at 7 pm. – Damnation.  This film series is sponsored by All Souls Unitarian, Cross and Crown Lutheran, First Friends Meeting, Epworth United Methodist, and Heartlands Group of the Sierra Club.  Hope you plan to attend.

PEACEFEST: Sunday, September 13th

 Join with our fellow historic peace churches, MENNONITES, CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN, and QUAKERS in our annual PeaceFest gathering.  This year PeaceFest will be held at Northview Church of the Brethren, 5555 E. 46th St., Indianapolis, 46226, on Sunday, Sept.13, from 12:30 – 2:15 pm.  There will be a pitch-in lunch.  Please bring a salad, side dish and/or dessert to share.

Sunday September 13th is our kick off to Fall and the return of our Children and Youth Sunday School classes.  Breakfast for everyone will be provided at 8:30 in Fellowship Hall and Sunday School will start at 9:00.  We encourage everyone to wear their pajamas that day.  Kathy Rhyne and Kathy Farris will co-lead the PreK - 2nd grade class, Carrie Sample and Ann Rodino will co-lead the 3rd - 5th grade class and Jed Kay and Dan Lee will co-lead the 6th - 12th grade class.    Please mark your calendars and plan to join us that day.

September 13, 21, and 27: All regular adult Sunday School Classes will be brought together for three weeks in September, as we open discussion around Quaker decision making, discernment and process.  We invite everyone to join Eric Tinsley and members of Ministry and Counsel, whether you’ve been a part of Sunday School in the past, or not, as we learn together. This is especially important to our Meeting, as we consider decisions regarding marriage equality. What process do Quakers use that stands out from other faith communities?  Why do we do things the way we do?  What is our individual responsibility toward the process?  How is that different from our responsibility as a group? 

            Session One:  Thursday, September 10 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 13 at 9:00

Session Two: Thursday, September 17 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 20 at 9:00

Session Three: Thursday, September 24 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 27 at 9:00

From Clerk Ed Morris of M&C: Ministry and Counsel has met in called ad hoc meetings via email recently and we are in unity that it would be best to wait until all of the Quaker Process Classes/Reviews are complete before we move forward in Monthly Meeting on the subject of marriage equality. The September Monthly Meeting is on the 20th and the last QP class is on the 27th. Therefore, M&C will wait to bring the subject forward at our MM on Oct. 18th. Childcare will be available for that meeting.  A Personal Notation: I will be gone most of the month of September. I will leave town on the 10th and will return by Oct. 4th. This is a fact that Ministry and Counsel has been aware of since I took the role of Clerk in June. While I will miss Eric Tinsley and Friends' excellent instruction, I promise you I have done and will do my homework. I have read the resource book Quaker Process by Mathilda Navias and An Introduction to Quaker Business Practice by Eden Grace as well as other articles. I hope to keep in touch via technology somewhat on my journey as well. See you in October. - Ed Morris

USFW 44th Annual Women's Fall Retreat: "Choose Gratitude" September 14 and 15

Come join us as we explore practical, worshipful and creative ways to fill our lives and spiritual practice with gratitude.  The retreat begins at 1:00 Monday (14th), and ends after lunch Tuesday (15th). 

Cost will be: $65.00 (includes 3 meals and a night’s lodging).
There will be prayer walks early Tuesday morning.
Items to bring: Bedding & Towels, Bible, Notebook & a Flashlight.
Make checks Payable to ‘WYM USFW’
Mail to: Liz Nielander 1503 S. Union, Kokomo, IN 46902   Registration is due by SEPTEMBER 5th.

Scott Russell Sanders is coming to First Friends, September 18th, 7:00-8:30 p.m... Environmental author Scott Russell Sanders will be here for a conversation on the future of earthcare in Indiana. This event is a fundraiser for the Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation. A reception and book signing will immediately follow the event. Please join us! 

Leading Voice for Israeli-Palestinian Peace to Visit Indianapolis

On September 20, 2015, the Rev. Elias Chacour, a former Archbishop of the Melkite Catholic Church in Israel, will explain how peace is still possible between Israelis and Palestinians. His address, “A Life of Peacemaking in the Holy Land,” is scheduled for 2:30 PM at Indianapolis’ North United Methodist Church, located at 38th Street and Meridian.  

Named a “Peacemaker in Action” by the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, Chacour is founder of the Mar Elias schools, which have educated tens of thousands of Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Druze children in the Galilee region of Israel. Born 1939, Elias Chacour grew up in the Palestinian village of Biram. In 1947, his childhood home was confiscated by the nascent Israeli state. Though dispossessed, Chacour became an advocate for non-violence and peaceful reconciliation between Jews and Arabs. Chacour describes himself as a “Palestinian-Arab-Christian-Israeli.” Chacour is author of two best-selling books, including We Belong to the Land and Blood Brothers, which has been translated into twenty languages. He is the recipient of several peace awards and honorary degrees, including a doctorate from the University of Indianapolis.

“This may be Hoosiers’ last chance to hear from one of the world’s most powerful voices for peace,” said Rev. Dotti Gerner, leader of Christians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East, the event’s sponsor. The event is free and open to the public. Further information is available from Charlie McDonald, charlie@mcdiii.com. 

Religion, Race and Culture: The first of four public seminars to be held this year regarding this important concern is set for Tuesday, September 29, 7:00-9:00 pm at Schrott Center – Butler Univ. “Religion and Race in the African-American Experience”: ‘The tragic events of Ferguson, MO in 2014 sparked a national conversation about race. Join us as we hear reflections on religion and racial justice from two noted religious scholars and activists: Rev. Pamela Lightsey - Boston Univ School of Theology, and Rev. Starsky D. Wilson – Pastor of St. John’s Church St. Louis, Co-Chair Ferguson Commission, advancing policies to strengthen the region following the death of Michael Brown Jr, and the subsequent community uprising.

Time To Recycle

On behalf of the Shalom Zone, First Friends is to host a recycling event on Saturday, Oct-10, at First Friends from 10 am – 2 pm.  Electronic items of all types are welcome.  Simply stop by on Oct-10 and drop off the items you would like to recycle.  If you are not able to make it on Oct-10, you can arrange to drop off your items ahead of time.  Please call Bill Chapman (317 255-4739) or the office to arrange the drop off.  See the attached flyer for suggested items and more info.

Save the Date: Say "Cheese!"
Did you know that First Friends publishes a directory every 4 years that includes pictures to make it easier to get to know the names and faces of the members and attendees of our Meeting? It's also a great opportunity on a deal for a family portrait.  We will have sign up, registration information and all the details for our picture days by early September, but put the dates of November 4th-7th, 2015 at First Friends on your calendar!  Expect the new directory to be available in early 2016. More detailed information coming soon.

Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

Compassionate v Christian v Quaker

3030 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr.              Indianapolis, IN   46220                

317-255-2485               office@indyfriends.org

August 26th 2015

    Friend to Friend

  Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens

God; MD, GP

All too often, we treat God like an Emergency Room Physician, running for help when something flares up in our lives.  We have a specific complaint or a particular wound that demands attention… and we want it now.  ‘Shot to the heart’...  ‘Cut off at the knees’… ‘Blindsided’… you know what I’m talking about.  We run to God, expecting the best of care, surrounded by friends and family – or not – hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst.

Psalm 9 and 10 are stuck together in the Jerusalem Bible, as they should be.  They represent an acrostic… they literally ‘spell out’ the Hebrew alphabet verse by verse, giving the history and physical of David’s call for help to God.  “Yahweh, why do you stand aside; why hide from us, now the times are hard?”  David spells out all his complaints: fraud, oppression, wickedness, pride, blasphemy… he is obviously in pain. 

What does he discover?  David recognizes God as the Great Physician.  Both before and after David enters the GP’s office, he realizes the active, mighty, healing stronghold God is… one who has judgment and compassion for all Creation.  He knows he can rely on God to come to his aid.  God does not punish Creation, or cause Creation to fall ill.  Why would God harm God’s own?  Creation harms itself – we harm each other – choosing evil over good.  “The poor man is devoured by the pride of the wicked, he is caught in the wiles that the other has devised. The evil man boasts of his soul’s desires, the grasping man blasphemes, the wicked spurns Yahweh. ‘His anger is up there, he will not make me pay! There is no God!’ This is the way his mind works.”  Think of how much healthier Creation would be if we chose wholeness over harm.

God is not hiding.  God hung his shingle out long ago, in bright Light: #come unto me. God wants us to spend some time in the waiting room, recognizing God for all that God is… a General Practitioner, able to understand all our complaints, ready to hold and heal.  The next time you have an emergency, by all means, go to God… but recognize that the Great Physician can care for you from ‘A’ to ‘Z’.

Joys & Concerns

We wish Sam Wilson safe travel as he leaves for China!  Sam will be studying this semester abroad with Indiana University Bloomington in Nanjing, China.  He just received an Overman Scholarship, sending this thank you note to the Committee saying, ‘this will be a great help for me in reaching my long term and short term goals.  I very much appreciate the assistance.’ Bless you as you travel and study the Chinese language, Sam.

Please continue to pray for Damian Walter’s Aunt Annie and her husband Jerry.  Both have had surgeries and Annie will hopefully be released from the hospital soon.  She will spend six months to a year in recovery. Jerry will remain in hospital for undetermined amount of time and will likely eventually transition to nursing home for further rehab.   

House Fire:  On August 18th an electrical fire broke out in Jan Gildner’s granddaughter’s home in New Whiteland. Thankfully, all five family members escaped unharmed although damage to the structure and contents was extensive. Please pray for Korrie, Larry, McKinsey, Anna and Bella Trulock-Whitten. They will be living with family members for the next 3-5 months and eventually will need to refurnish their home. For now, their immediate needs are:

New or Used Clothing (Bring to the Meeting House and Jan will pick up)

Girl’s Outfits, Pajamas, Underwear and Socks

Size 8

Size 5T

Size 18-24 months

Women’s Clothing

Size L (tops) Size 10 (pants)

Men’s Clothing

Size L (tops) Size 30”x31” (pants)

School Supplies

Book bags, paper, pencils, markers, crayons

Donations can be sent to:

Korrie E Trulock Benefit Account

FORUM CREDIT UNION

11313 UFA Parkway

Fishers, IN 46037

If you need more information or would like to help in other ways, contact Jan at jgildner@sbcglobal.net or 317-328-7855. The family is deeply grateful for any help that can be given.

Mid North Food Pantry News...First Friends had 4 volunteers who helped at the Mid North Food Pantry last week...Phil Kitchel, Bill Chapman, Carol and Jim Donahue.  Thanks!

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities  

Woods Work Day August 29th 9:00-12:00 We need to weed and clean up the woods before we have our final Worship in the Woods. Bring your work gloves, hand towels, clippers and anything else to help us clean up. We have a good time doing this.  It is a time for fellowship with some people you might not have a chance to talk with. Several hands make the work go faster and the reward is great. Hope to see you August 29th!

Festival de Amigos This Saturday!  Iglesia Amigos (Friends Meeting Hispanic Ministry) Festival on Saturday begins at 11:00 AM with food, fames and music at Irvington Friends Church - 831 N. Edmondson in Indianapolis. Everyone is welcome!

Choir Rehearsals Start this Sunday!!!  Would you like to sing in Meeting for Worship?  Join Shawn Porter and our terrific group of singers who not only make a joyful noise, but have a fun time doing it!  Practice starts at 9:00 in the Choir Room, just behind the Loft.  For information, contact Mindy Sommer at mcs16zoom@gmail.com

Join us at the Festival of Faiths on Sunday, August 30, 1-5pm; Veterans Memorial Plaza: First Friends is proud to again be a part of this year’s event.  We hope to celebrate and share our Quaker faith on this special day.  Festival of Faiths brings together Central Indiana’s diverse faith groups in a one day event to learn and share with others in our faith community. Festival of Faiths also offers us a great opportunity to spend time with Friends from other Central Indiana Quaker Meetings.  Please consider spending a fun and spiritually meaningful day together with our diverse and loving faith community. This event is truly a gift to our city.  Please join us!

First Friends is looking for assistance in set up at noon and Friends to spend time greeting visitors in our tent. To volunteer or for further information please contact Bill Chapman at 255-4739 or drchapman@earthlink.net. To learn more about Indy Festival of Faiths visit www.festivaloffaiths.com.

WOMEN'S CLOTHING SWAP, AUGUST 30, 4:30 TO 6:30 PM, FELLOWSHIP HALL

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..."  You know you have them:  shoes that are "too good" to get rid of but pinch your toes...that gorgeous dress that itches your armpit...those awesome jeans that fit you perfectly--10 pounds ago.  These items are taking up space in your closet and weighing down your spirit!  Open up your closet space from items you no longer love with items that you will actually use.  The best part:  it's all free! Here is how it works: 

Give 1 nonperishable food item for the pantry and your lightly loved (and laundered) clothing, shoes, accessories, and costume jewelry for our WOMEN'S CLOTHING SWAP on August 30 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall, and you will get unlimited access to other clothing, shoes, accessories, and costume jewelry as well as enjoy light refreshments.  What's not to love?  Even if you don't have anything to swap, come anyway--there is always plenty of clothing for anyone who might need something.  Clothing will be organized by size (the more participants we have, the wider the range of sizes), and there will be plenty of space to try things on.  Any leftovers will be donated to Thrifty Threads, a thrift shop which benefits the Julian Center Shelter for Women.

Contact Carrie Sample (317-697-9706 or carriesample@sbcglobal.net) with questions or if you wish to help with set up or tear down.

‘Quakers and Peace: Past and Present’; Diana Hadley has worked at Franklin College since 2004 where she is executive director of the Indiana High School Press and has taught journalism classes and a liberal arts course in nonviolence. She will be leading this course from her new book, “The Peace Class”.

Time : Monday evenings 6:30 pm August 31-October 5th.

Where: Fairfield Friends Meeting 10441 E. County Rd 700 S. Camby, IN, 46113

The cost of the course is $30, with a book included. Please RSVP atllinzev@yahoo.com 

Underneath it All: First Friends Eighth Annual Underwear Drive

August 26th through September 27th Toddler to Adult Sizes!

Socks, T Shirts, Bras, too! Babies, Children, Preteens, High School Students— all need underwear and socks. Please Donate New Underwear

Cash or checks to First Friends - designate for ‘Underneath it All’

Contact Linda Lee with questions.  parapluie@ameritech.net

Please place underwear donations in the labeled box in Fellowship Hall.  

The John H. Boner Community Center serves some of the poorest neighborhoods in Indianapolis. Partnerships with IPS offer a wide range of services and opportunities which strengthen students and families before, during and after school. Boner Center staff and volunteers work with five elementary schools every day during the school year and for six weeks in the summer. The Boner Center program, ‘Parents as Teachers’, is a kindergarten readiness program which offers home-based early childhood development education for parents of newborns and children through five years of age.

Social Workers from the Center will distribute the underwear to families as needed.  If you would like to tour the Center, Linda has arranged a tour of the Boner Center on September 8. 11:30 to 12:30. The facility is large, so we will be touring the parts where our donations are used. Mark your calendar. If you can’t make it in September, there are monthly tours available year round. Please contact Linda.

Sunday September 13th is our kick off to Fall and the return of our Children and Youth Sunday School classes.  Breakfast will be provided at 8:30 in Fellowship Hall and Sunday School will start at 9:00.  We encourage everyone to wear their pajamas that day.  Kathy Rhyne and Kathy Farris will co-lead the PreK - 2nd grade class, Carrie Sample and Ann Rodino will co-lead the 3rd - 5th grade class and Jed Kay and Dan Lee will co-lead the 6th - 12th grade class.    Please mark your calendars and plan to join us that day.

September 13, 21, and 27: All regular adult Sunday School classes will be brought together for three weeks in September, as we open discussion around Quaker decision making, discernment and process.  We invite everyone to join, whether you’ve been a part of Sunday School in the past, or not.  What process do Quakers use that stands out from other faith communities?  Why do we do things the way we do?  What is our individual responsibility toward the process?  How is that different from our responsibility as a group? 

Join Eric Tinsley and members of Ministry and Counsel this September for three sessions, learning about Quaker process in decision-making.  This is especially important to our Meeting, as we consider decisions regarding marriage equality. 

Session One:  Thursday, September 10 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 13 at 9:00

Session Two: Thursday, September 17 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 20 at 9:00

Session Three: Thursday, September 24 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 27 at 9:00

Kitchen Angel Needed! Do you like to organize things?  Do you have a bit of extra time when you’re at the Meetinghouse already?  Would you be willing to help make certain that things are in good order for our Meeting kitchens?  It would be a great help to have a Kitchen Coordinator, as many different people/groups use our Parlor and Fellowship Hall kitchens Contact Ruthie, Beth or the Office if you can serve!

USFW 44th Annual Women's Fall Retreat: "Choose Gratitude" September 14 and 15

This year our retreat leader is Katherine Murray, a hospice chaplain, spiritual director, the publications coordinator for Quaker Earthcare Witness, and adjunct faculty at Earlham School of Religion. Gratitude is one of her favorite things—it is a mode of worship, a means of relationship, a change agent, an antidote to despair, the seedbed of us-and in our views of each other-as a true hope for peace and plenty in the world. Come join us as we explore practical, worshipful and creative ways to fill our lives and spiritual practice with gratitude.

Retreat begins at 1:00 Monday (14th), and ends after lunch Tuesday (15th).  Talent Time will be Tuesday morning, right before lunch. Do you play a musical instrument? Enjoy a certain poem or story you would like to share? Like to sing? Come share your talent with the group.

Cost will be: $65.00 (includes 3 meals and a night’s lodging).
There will be prayer walks early Tuesday morning.
Items to bring: Bedding & Towels, Bible, Notebook & a Flashlight.
Our fun ends after Lunch on Tuesday. Make checks Payable to ‘WYM USFW’
Mail to: Liz Nielander 1503 S. Union, Kokomo, IN 46902   Registration is due by SEPTEMBER 5th.

Save the Date: Say "Cheese!"
Did you know that First Friends publishes a directory every 4 years that includes pictures to make it easier to get to know the names and faces of the members and attendees of our Meeting? It's also a great opportunity on a deal for a family portrait.  We will have sign up, registration information and all the details for our picture days by early September, but put the dates of November 4th-7th, 2015 at First Friends on your calendar!  Expect the new directory to be available in early 2016. More detailed information coming soon.

Time To Recycle

On behalf of the Shalom Zone, First Friends is to host a recycling event on Saturday, Oct-10, at First Friends from 10 am – 2 pm.  Electronic items of all types are welcome.  Simply stop by on Oct-10 and drop off the items you would like to recycle.  If you are not able to make it on Oct-10, you can arrange to drop off your items ahead of time.  Please call Bill Chapman (317 255-4739) or the office to arrange the drop off.  See the attached flyer for suggested items and more info.

Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

Compassionate v Christian v Quaker

030 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr.

Indianapolis, IN   46220

                317-255-2485office@indyfriends.org     

August 19,2015

    Friend to Friend

  Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens

I had a wonderful opportunity this past weekend to join Quakers from around the country including Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, New York Yearly Meeting, New England Yearly Meeting, Baltimore Yearly Meeting, Pacific Northwest Yearly Meeting, and South Central Yearly Meeting to share information and experiences about religious education for our children and youth.  Four Quaker women representing four yearly meetings have taken a leadership role in creating the Quaker Religious Education Collaborative (http://www.quakers4re.org/) two years ago, seeking to bring Quakers interested in religious education together from all branches of Quakerism.  This past weekend was their second annual gathering.  This group of religious educators and volunteers brought materials and ideas that have been successful in their Meetings.  I shared our Affirmation curriculum with everyone and there was great excitement about this.  Many are anxious to see the curriculum and how they might incorporate this in their Monthly/Yearly Meeting.  I am so thankful that our Meeting invested in this important work.  While many Meetings talk about doing something more for their children and youth, our Meeting acted on this and made an investment of time and money.

I am hopeful this Collaborative will help us all share knowledge and experiences for our Christian Education programs.  It is so beneficial to share time with Quakers that practice our faith differently than I do.  We have a tendency to get stuck in “our way of doing things” and it is refreshing to experience God in a different way with others and see how God is moving in many corners of the world.  

Joys & Concerns

A Memorial Service for Bob Davis will be held this Sunday August 23rd, 3:00pm at the Indy Arts Center, 820 East 67th Street. All are welcome to join this celebration of his life.  Cards can be sent to Joyce Sommers at 5647 N. Delaware, 46220.

Cheryl Wyne was hospitalized Monday evening at St. Francis South with a blood clot on her lung, after an extended cross country car trip.  Please hold her in prayer during this time of treatment.  May God’s healing touch be hers.  No cards please – just prayers!

Damian Walter’s Aunt Annie and her husband Jerry were in a motorcycle accident on Monday.  Both are in the hospital with broken/shattered legs.  Jerry has a "spot" on his brain, so could not receive surgery on his leg.  Doctors are not sure yet if the spot is due to the accident or a possible tumor.  Please hold them in your prayers.

Helen Davenport is resting at home after a fall this past weekend, and now is fighting pneumonia.  Please keep her in your prayers for good response to healing prayer and watchful care.  Cards can be sent to, 2444 E 64th St #206, 46220. 

Beth would like to give a big thank you to the 28 volunteers that worked at the Dairy Bar this past Saturday. The American Dairy Association made a video of the work done at the Dairy Bar this last Saturday, and First Friends folk are featured!  Take a look! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj5L7ewHSiE

 
We at First Friends were able to share our “Mt Everest” VBS materials with Greater King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church on 24th and Sherman. They were very appreciative for all the materials that were donated and only wished that we could have seen the smiles that the congregation and the children had on their faces as they participated in their Vacation Bible School this summer.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities  

Potluck Lunch this Sunday! We invite everyone to bring a side dish, salad or dessert this Sunday, August 23rd - the entrée will be provided. We will gather for lunch together immediately after Meeting for Worship, enjoy visiting together, and have a great ‘Q and A’ session with our good friend Dan Moseley.  Such great fun!

Dan Moseley This Weekend, August 22-23!!!   We hope you can join us on Saturday, August 22 as we explore the dimensions of Simplicity with Dr. Dan Moseley in our final program for Discovering God in a Changing World: What is ahead for me? When we free up resources, need less to be happy, and have time to consider what matters most, we can create the capacity to become more loving, hospitable, and generous. A light breakfast will be available at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday with the program running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  As before, Dan will also bring the message on Sunday and be available for Q&A over lunch.  Childcare will be available on Sunday, and as needed on Saturday morning, just let us know. Please call the church office (317-255-2485) if you plan to attend on Saturday.  We hope to see everyone there!

Oak Leaf:  Meeting for Reading will discuss F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsy on Tuesday the 25th of August at 7 pm in the Parlor.  Sylvia Andrews will be leading the discussion.  Please feel free to wear your best 20’s garb to the meeting if you’d like.  Mark your calendar for September 29th for The Fault in Our Stars written by Indiana’s own John Green for the next book discussion.  If you are interested in being on the mailing list or would like a list of novels please contact Kathy Rhyne at kathyrichelle@yahoo.com

Friends Committee on National Legislation Update:  We are at a time that is critical time for diplomacy and war prevention, and our lobbyists at FCNL believe it is crucial that the recently concluded treaty with Iran go forward. It appears possible and maybe even likely that Congress has enough votes to reject the Iran treaty, which President Obama will veto.  The critical point will be the vote needed to override the veto, and Senator Donnelly will likely be one of the deciding players. This is an important time to act.  About 10 of us went to DC in November to talk about the Iran treaty.  Donnelly's aide who talked with us seemed very open to our values, and we believe we have a powerful opportunity ahead of us. The Indiana FCNL delegation is arranging to meet with Sen. Donnelly, sometime between August 24th to 28th in Indianapolis. Tom and Noell Krughoff are planning to attend the meeting. If you would like to learn more about the treaty with Iran, or if you would like information about how to contact Sen. Donnelly yourself, Tom & Noell will be available immediately after Meeting for Worship this coming Sunday, August 23. 

Woods Work Day August 29th 9:00-12:00 We need to weed and clean up the woods before we have our final Worship in the Woods. Bring your work gloves, hand towels, clippers and anything else to help us clean up. We have a good time doing this.  It is a time for fellowship with some people you might not have a chance to talk with. Several hands make the work go faster and the reward is great. Hope to see you August 29th 9:00-12:00.

Join us at the Festival of Faiths on Sunday, August 30, 1-5pm; Veterans Memorial Plaza: Festival of Faiths brings together Central Indiana’s diverse faith groups in a one day event to learn and share with others in our faith community. Festival of Faiths also offers us a great opportunity to spend time with Friends from other Central Indiana Quaker Meetings. First Friends is proud to again be a part of this year’s event.  We hope to celebrate and share our Quaker faith on this special day.  Please consider spending a fun and spiritually meaningful day together with our diverse and loving faith community. This event is truly a gift to our city.  Please join us!

First Friends is looking for assistance in set up at noon and Friends to spend time greeting visitors in our tent. To volunteer or for further information please contact Bill Chapman at 255-4739 or drchapman@earthlink.net. To learn more about Indy Festival of Faiths visit www.festivaloffaiths.com.

WOMEN'S CLOTHING SWAP, AUGUST 30, 4:30 TO 6:30 PM, FELLOWSHIP HALL

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..."  You know you have them:  shoes that are "too good" to get rid of but pinch your toes...that gorgeous dress that itches your armpit...those awesome jeans that fit you perfectly--10 pounds ago.  These items are taking up space in your closet and weighing down your spirit!  Open up your closet space from items you no longer love with items that you will actually use.  The best part:  it's all free! Here is how it works: 

Give 1 nonperishable food item for the pantry and your lightly loved (and laundered) clothing, shoes, accessories, and costume jewelry for our WOMEN'S CLOTHING SWAP on August 30 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall, and you will get unlimited access to other clothing, shoes, accessories, and costume jewelry as well as enjoy light refreshments.  What's not to love?  Even if you don't have anything to swap, come anyway--there is always plenty of clothing for anyone who might need something.  Clothing will be organized by size (the more participants we have, the wider the range of sizes), and there will be plenty of space to try things on.  Any leftovers will be donated to Thrifty Threads, a thrift shop which benefits the Julian Center Shelter for Women.

Contact Carrie Sample (317-697-9706 or carriesample@sbcglobal.net) with questions or if you wish to help with set up or tear down.

‘Quakers and Peace: Past and Present’; Diana Hadley has worked at Franklin College since 2004 where she is executive director of the Indiana High School Press and has taught journalism classes and a liberal arts course in nonviolence. She will be leading this course from her new book, “The Peace Class”.

Time : Monday evenings 6:30 pm August 31-October 5th.

Where: Fairfield Friends Meeting 10441 E. County Rd 700 S. Camby, IN, 46113

The cost of the course is $30, with a book included. Please RSVP atllinzev@yahoo.com 

How do Friends decide? From carpet colors to choosing a new pastor, Friends have to make many different decisions.  How do we carry these questions forward?  What process do we use that stands out from other faith communities?  Why do we do things the way we do?  What is our individual responsibility toward the process?  How is that different from our responsibility as a group?  Join Eric Tinsley and members of Ministry and Counsel this September for three sessions, learning about Quaker process in decision-making.  This is especially important to our Meeting, especially as we consider decisions regarding marriage equality.  Everyone is welcome to attend!

Session One:  Thursday, September 10 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 13 at 9:00

Session Two: Thursday, September 17 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 20 at 9:00

Session Three: Thursday, September 24 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 27 at 9:00

All regular adult Sunday School classes will be suspended during this time, in order that everyone can attend the Quaker Process gatherings.

Women’s Retreat! Join Katherine Murray, September 14-15 at Quaker Haven.  Quaker Women from across Indiana will be gathering to learn to “Choose Gratitude”.  Come join us as we explore practical, worshipful and creative ways to fill our lives and spiritual practice with gratitude.  Cost: $65, includes 3 meals and night’s lodging. Begins at 1:00 Monday (14th), and ends after lunch on Tuesday (15th). All who are interested please contact Katherine at katherine@quakerearthcare.org

Save the Date: Say "Cheese!"
Did you know that First Friends publishes a directory every 4 years that includes pictures to make it easier to get to know the names and faces of the members and attendees of our Meeting? It's also a great opportunity on a deal for a family portrait.  We will have sign up, registration information and all the details for our picture days by early September, but put the dates of November 4th-7th, 2015 at First Friends on your calendar!  Expect the new directory to be available in early 2016. More detailed information coming soon.

Report from Ministry and Counsel Clerk, Ed Morris

·         Our series of discussions with Dan Mosley continues this week on Aug. 22nd. See separate article in this issue for details of this session. M&C will be discerning how to best spend a $1,000 WYM grant for consultation with Dan.

·         World Quaker Day – Oct. 4: Quakers from all over the country will be coming to Indianapolis.  We will celebrate in a variety of ways. Organizations such as AFSC, UFSW, FCNL, etc will be invited to put up displays in Fellowship Hall to help inform people about their missions.

·         Quaker Process Classes: Our Quaker process classes will begin on Thurs. Sept. 10th. See the separate article in this issue for dates and details.

·         Marriage Equality: Ministry and Counsel has been discussing, sharing, learning and discerning the subject of marriage equality or same sex marriage for about a year. While we are not in full unity on how best to move forward on this issue the sense of the Committee is that we should now begin the process of discernment as a group in Monthly Meeting. We are aware that progress has been made at West Newton Meeting and can share their minute with FFM. We can begin our discussion at our September Monthly Meeting on Sept. 20th. Childcare will be available. M&C members believe that we can use our Meeting review of Quaker process as a practical and strong spiritual guide to our corporate discernment of this subject.

Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

Compassionate v Christian v Quaker

3030 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr.

Indianapolis, IN   46220

317-255-2485office@indyfriends.org

August 12,2015

    Friend to Friend

  Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens

Queries, or questions, have long been a part of the spiritual nurture of Friends – both individually and as faith communities.  In its earliest days, Quaker Meetings were asked three questions each year by London Yearly Meeting: What Friends had passed away since the last Yearly Meeting gathering? What Friends, imprisoned for their testimonies, had died in prison since the last Yearly Meeting gathering? How had the Truth prospered amongst their Meetings since the last Yearly Meeting, and how were Friends in peace and unity?

Three queries were expanded into six, and then later into many more.  The use of the queries moved from finding factual information, to enforcing discipline and order as more and more Yearly Meetings were formed.  Written answers had long been enforced, with Monthly Meetings and Quarterly Meetings reporting their shared responses with the Yearly Meetings.  Today, this has evolved into a set of queries called ‘The State of Society’ in Western Yearly Meeting, sent in by each of its Monthly Meetings, telling of our spiritual health, life in community, and work and witness in the world.  Increasingly, queries became a tool for self-examination – not just for Meetings, but for individuals as well.  Advices were also written, bringing a source of challenge and encouragement. Each Sunday, an advice or query is included in our bulletin for consideration during Open Worship. 

Quaker queries offer us an incredibly useful tool in thought and reflection about our journey of faith.  I invite you to join me and others in considering an advice or query each week throughout this coming school year.  Beginning in September, I will offer an advice or query with a reflection of my own on our website blog.  I invite you to either respond to it, or even better, to find another person to meet with, and discuss the query.  What speaks to you?  What challenges you?  How does this query move you forward in faith?  Take time to pray for one another.  My prayer is that these interchanges will deepen our faith, both individually, and as a Meeting.  Can you imagine it?  Our entire Meeting family, considering the same query, week after week?  How lovely!

I leave you now with two considerations:  What person(s) would you like to gather with to share about the queries/advices/God’s leading?  (Keep any group to five persons or less.) How does the Truth prosper in you, and how are you in peace and unity with yourself and those around you?

Joys & Concerns

A Memorial Service for Bob Davis will be held Sunday August 23rd, 3:00pm at the Indy Arts Center, 820 East 67th Street. All are welcome to join this celebration of his life.  Joyce Sommers 5647 N. Delaware, 46220.

Please hold in prayer the Muslim Congregation of Kokomo, as they have faced harrassment by persons there.  We are thankful for a gathering of civic and faith leaders this past Sunday, including our own Daud Abdur-Rahman, who have responded and are intentional in their work together to address this concern.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities   

Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation presents Quaker Historian Thomas D. Hamm. Friday, August 14th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. here at First Friends Meeting. Tom Hamm will speak about the history of Quaker involvement in political & social activism. A discussion period to follow Tom’s lecture. A freewill offering will be taken to support the advocacy work of IFCL.

  Thank You Dairy Bar Friends!  This Saturday, August 15th is Our Day!

Two crews of folks from First Friends and Fairfield Friends will work the registers, run the orders out, and scoop hard ice cream, each for six hour shifts.  Why are we doing this??? The Dairy Association donates monies to each organization that works at the Dairy Bar.  First Friends used the profits last year to fund our Affirmation Youth Program.  This year, the funds raised will go toward our Youth Program.  Exciting!

Monthly Meeting for Worship to Conduct Business! This Coming Sunday!

We haven’t met for two months, and there’s lots of great things to discover about what God has been doing, and intends to do at First Friends Meeting. Join Clerk Bill Dubois, committee clerks and many other friends, and find a welcome place.

First Friends Yoga, held on Monday evenings, is canceled until after Labor Day.  We will reassess in September depending upon interest.  If you’ve ever been curious about the Monday night slow-vinyasa yoga class, join us this fall!  Watch for more information to come.

Gentle Yoga, with Beth Henkel, has move to Friday afternoons at 1:00.  The cost for each session is $5.00; the sessions last for an hour. Join us! 

Beth’s email: beth@henkellaw.com

Dan Moseley Weekend- August 22nd-23rd

Come join us on Saturday, August 22 as we explore the dimensions of Simplicity with Dr. Dan Moseley in our final program for Discovering God in a Changing World: What is ahead for me? A light breakfast will be available at 8:30 a.m. with the Program running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Dan will also bring the message on Sunday and be available for Q&A over lunch after Meeting for Worship.  We hope you can join us!   Please contact the office if you would like to attend. office@indyfriends.org

When we think about living simply, we tend to focus on things we can see. We think about decluttering and donating. We celebrate clear countertops, empty book shelves, organized computer desktops, and unplugging from electronic tethers. While all of those things are important and worth celebrating, that’s just the surface of simplicity. When we free up resources, needless to be happy, and have time to consider what matters most, we simply become more loving, caring, and giving.

Woods Work Day August 29th 9:00-12:00.

We need to weed and clean up the woods before we have our final Worship in the Woods. Bring your work gloves, hand towels, clippers and anything else to help us clean up. We have a good time doing this.  It is a time for fellowship with some people you might not have a chance to talk with. Several hands make the work go faster and the reward is great. Hope to see you August 29th 9:00-12:00

Please join the presence of Friends at the Festival of Faiths on Sunday, August 30, 1-5pm. The Festival will take place at the Veterans Memorial Plaza in Downtown Indy. There will be a “Meet the Quakers” display with information about Central Indiana Friends. Come say “hi" or spend some time volunteering at the table. The Festival will feature performances of different faiths’ wedding ceremonies, music and dance on the Sacred Arts Stage, Social Awareness Table Conversations and wonderful ethnic foods. For more info, contact Erin Polley at epolley@afsc.org.

WOMEN'S CLOTHING SWAP, AUGUST 30, 4:30 TO 6:30 PM, FELLOWSHIP HALL

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..."  You know you have them:  shoes that are "too good" to get rid of but pinch your toes...that gorgeous dress that itches your armpit...those awesome jeans that fit you perfectly--10 pounds ago.  These items are taking up space in your closet and weighing down your spirit!  Open up your closet space from items you no longer love with items that you will actually use.  The best part:  it's all free! Here is how it works: 

Give 1 nonperishable food item for the pantry and your lightly loved (and laundered) clothing, shoes, accessories, and costume jewelry for our WOMEN'S CLOTHING SWAP on August 30 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall, and you will get unlimited access to other clothing, shoes, accessories, and costume jewelry as well as enjoy light refreshments.  What's not to love?  Even if you don't have anything to swap, come anyway--there is always plenty of clothing for anyone who might need something.  Clothing will be organized by size (the more participants we have, the wider the range of sizes), and there will be plenty of space to try things on.  Any leftovers will be donated to Thrifty Threads, a thrift shop which benefits the Julian Center Shelter for Women.

Contact Carrie Sample (317-697-9706 or carriesample@sbcglobal.net) with questions or if you wish to help with set up or tear down.

‘Quakers and Peace: Past and Present’; Diana Hadley has worked at Franklin College since 2004 where she is executive director of the Indiana High School Press and has taught journalism classes and a liberal arts course in nonviolence. She will be leading this course from her new book, “The Peace Class”.

Time : Monday evenings 6:30 pm August 31-October 5th.

Where: Fairfield Friends Meeting 10441 E. County Rd 700 S. Camby, IN, 46113

The cost of the course is $30, with a book included. Please RSVP atllinzev@yahoo.com 

How do Friends decide? From carpet colors to choosing a new pastor, Friends have to make many different decisions.  How do we carry these questions forward?  What process do we use that stands out from other faith communities?  Why do we do things the way we do?  What is our individual responsibility toward the process?  How is that different from our responsibility as a group?  Join Eric Tinsley and members of Ministry and Counsel this September for three sessions, learning about Quaker process in decision-making.  This is especially important to our Meeting, especially as we consider decisions regarding marriage equality.  Everyone is welcome to attend!

Session One:  Thursday, September 10 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 13 at 9:00

Session Two: Thursday, September 17 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 20 at 9:00

Session Three: Thursday, September 24 at 7:00; repeated Sunday, September 27 at 9:00

All regular adult Sunday School classes will be suspended during this time, in order that everyone can attend the Quaker Process gatherings.

Women’s Retreat! Join Katherine Murray, September 14-15 at Quaker Haven.  Quaker Women from across Indiana will be gathering to learn to “Choose Gratitude”.  Come join us as we explore practical, worshipful and creative ways to fill our lives and spiritual practice with gratitude.  Cost: $65, includes 3 meals and night’s lodging. Begins at 1:00 Monday (14th), and ends after lunch on Tuesday (15th). All who are interested please contact Katherine at katherine@quakerearthcare.org

Save the Date: Say "Cheese!"
Did you know that First Friends publishes a directory every 4 years that includes pictures to make it easier to get to know the names and faces of the members and attendees of our Meeting? It's also a great opportunity on a deal for a family portrait.  We will have sign up, registration information and all the details for our picture days by early September, but put the dates of November 4th-7th, 2015 at First Friends on your calendar!  Expect the new directory to be available in early 2016. More detailed information coming soon

Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

Compassionate v Christian v Quaker

3030 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr.

ndianapolis, IN   46220

317-255-2485office@indyfriends.org

August 5,2015

    Friend to Friend

  Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens                is Sunday our Affirmation youth will share the experiences of our trip to Philadelphia.  We had many wonderful experiences, but a highlight for me was the trip to Chestnut Hill Friends (suburb of Philadelphia) Sunday evening to wach the sky change from dusk to dark.  This Meeting House was designed by James Turrell, the Quaker artist (http://jamesturrell.com/ ) that we studied during Affirmation and creates art based on Light (he has an exhibit on the top floor of our Indianapolis Museum of Art).  He donated his services in designing this Meeting House that was completed in 2013.

We entered the building as dusk was beginning to encompass our surroundings and we were instructed to lie down on the Meeting benches.  The roof opened up to a rectangular square and we entered into silence as we began to experience the changing LED lights in the roof and observe the sky through the rectangular opening. The lights within the room continued to change from white, red, pink, purple, blue and green for the next 50 minutes and as the changes occurred, the sky that we observed moved from light, dark, hues of green and blue and then intense black. 

It was amazing to view the sky that completely changed by the Light that surrounded the rectangular opening in the roof. The sky was the same, but my perception of the color of the sky was totally influenced by the colors in the room.  It was a profound experience to think about how I let Light into my life and how that Light influences my perception of a situation, relationship, job, or circumstance.  The Light determines how I react to my circumstances, my dark shadows and my joy.  I have not been able to get these images out of my mind over the last few weeks.  I continue to recognize that the amount of Inner Light that I embrace will influence and impact my response to the difficult situations that I find myself in and that you might be experiencing.  The Light is sufficient for me to view my situation with hope even when I feel hopeless. The Light guides me into a path of love.

Watch for the Light today and see how it changes the color of your situation.    

 Photos provided by Ellie Arle

Joys & Concerns

Bob Davis Memorial Service will be held at the Indy Arts Center at 3:00pm on Sunday August 23th, All are welcome to join this celebration of his life.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities   

Please join us this Sunday as our Affirmation youth will share experiences of their Philadelphia trip with us during Meeting for Worship.  Ellie Arle has also prepared a brief slide show to give a pictorial sense of our amazing trip together.  You won’t want to miss this!  

First Friends is looking for a Part Time Youth Pastor - We are very excited that our Meeting is supporting the position of a part time (average 10 hours per week) youth pastor to offer a full blown youth group this fall.  If you know of someone that might be interested, please have them contact Beth Henricks (beth.henricks@indyfriends.org or 331-8306).

Summer Seasoned Friends lunch for anyone retired and older is Wednesday August 12th at 11:30 AM in the fellowship hall. It will be a picnic theme with fried chicken, potato salad and orange jello provided.  Other salads and desserts may be donated if desired.  Please RSVP to office or Kathy Farris (Kathyfarris@hotmail.com by Sunday.

 Have you ever hated to have to throw away those colorful coffee bags that your favorite beans come in?  Now you don't have to!  Carrie Sample has plans to adopt any of your unwanted coffee bags for her handmade holiday craft projects.  Please get in touch with her at carriesample@sbcglobal.net to make pick up arrangements. 

 Susan Belton has two Twin Beds that she would like to give away, if you are interested in the beds please contact Susan at 317-490-6483                                                                  

Friday August 7th:

First Friends Community Salad Supper and Screening of

‘The Many Storeys and Last Days of Thomas Merton’

Supper served 5:30 - 7:00.  Film begins at 7:00 PM

The film will be followed by a discussion with Producer Morgan Atkinson.  Come to either or both segments of the evening.

We are expecting a large gathering and we ask that you would bring a salad for supper to share.

Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation presents Quaker Historian Thomas D. Hamm. Friday, August 14th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. here at First Friends Meeting. Tom Hamm will speak about the history of Quaker involvement in political & social activism. A discussion period to follow Tom’s lecture. A freewill offering will be taken to support the advocacy work of IFCL.

‘Quakers and Peace: Past and Present’; Diana Hadley has worked at Franklin College since 2004 where she is executive director of the Indiana High School Press and has taught journalism classes and a liberal arts course in nonviolence. She will be leading this course from her new book, “The Peace Class”.

Time : Monday evenings 6:30 pm August 31-October 5th.

Where: Fairfield Friends Meeting 10441 E. County Rd 700 S. Camby, IN, 46113

The cost of the course is $30, with a book included. Please RSVP atllinzev@yahoo.com 

Dan Moseley Weekend- August 22nd-23rd.

When we think about living simply, we tend to focus on things we can see. We think about decluttering and donating. We celebrate clear countertops, empty book shelves, organized computer desktops, and unplugging from electronic tethers. While all of those things are important and worth celebrating, that’s just the surface of simplicity. When we free up resources, needless to be happy, and have time to consider what matters most, we simply become more loving, caring, and giving.

Come join us on Saturday, August 22 as we explore the dimensions of Simplicity with Dr. Dan Moseley in our final program for Discovering God in a Changing World: What is ahead for me? A light breakfast will be available at 8:30 a.m. with the Program running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Dan will also bring the message on Sunday and be available for Q&A over lunch after Meeting for Worship.  We hope you can join us!   Please contact the office if you would like to attend. office@indyfriends.org

Women’s Retreat! Join Katherine Murray, September 14-15 at Quaker Haven.  Quaker Women from across Indiana will be gathering to learn to “Choose Gratitude”.  Come join us as we explore practical, worshipful and creative ways to fill our lives and spiritual practice with gratitude.  Cost: $65, includes 3 meals and night’s lodging. Begins at 1:00 Monday (14th), and ends after lunch on Tuesday (15th). All who are interested please contact Katherine at katherine@quakerearthcare.org

Attention Men! What does it take to be a “real man” in today's world? A Christian man? A Quaker or Methodist* man? What beliefs do you have that speak to that? What are your core values? (And how do you feel about bocce ball?)  Join us for a one day, thought provoking, and fun filled retreat at First Friends on Oct. 31st as we address these things along with some of the Methodist men of Epworth Methodist *(our Eco Film Series partners). Call Ed Morris at 317-691-5542 if you have any questions.  Save the date!

Save the Date: Say "Cheese!"
Did you know that First Friends publishes a directory every 4 years that includes pictures to make it easier to get to know the names and faces of the members and attendees of our Meeting? It's also a great opportunity on a deal for a family portrait.  We will have sign up, registration information and all the details for our picture days by early September, but put the dates of November 4th-7th, 2015 at First Friends on your calendar!  Expect the new directory to be available in early 2016. More detailed information coming soon

Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

Compassionate v Christian v Quaker

3030 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr.

Indianapolis, IN   46220

317-255-2485office@indyfriends.org

July 29th, 2015

  Friend to Friend

  Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens

This past Sunday we honored the recipients and families of the Friends Educational Fund scholarship program supporting African American students in their pursuit of college.  This is an annual event and always inspiring to hear from these young people that are attending college and learn of their future plans.  But this past Sunday had a more significant impact on me during Unprogrammed Worship and Fellowship Hour than ever before.  I had this timeless moment of thinking about John Williams, the freed slave in Indiana that established the money after his death that ended up supporting an orphanage for black children which then established this scholarship fund.  We had such a meaningful gathering during Unprogrammed Worship and fellowship after the Meeting.  All of these connections with students and families would never had occurred without John Williams.  Wow - we were all there on Sunday because of this man that was murdered 151 years ago.  

I started thinking about who this man really was.  I have checked a few websites and he does have a small listing in the Indiana Historical Society website with very little information and also a short article written in 1934 (the link is attached).  This is a man that was a successful businessman and farmer owning 160 acres in Washington County, was not well known, had no family, was not a Quaker but connected strongly with a number of Quakers.  He asked his good friend, a Quaker lawyer to handle his estate to ensure his assets would help educate black children in Indiana.  

Ruthie shared with us that his estate totaled about $6,000 in 1864 and would equate to $150,000 today.  While this is a lot of money, it is not a huge estate.  And yet look at the impact!  We met so many folk on Sunday because of John Williams.   This led to me reflecting on what am I doing with my time and money.   We heard on Sunday that we have 1,440 minutes each day.  How are we using these minutes to invest in the future and help change a small part of our world like John Williams.?  How are we using our money to make a difference?  So many of us lament about the lack of time in this busy and programmed world.  But really, we have a lot of time that we have a choice in how it is spent each day.  I encourage all of us to think about time and money in an eternal way today. Read his story here.  http://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/imh/article/view/6753/7227

Thank you, John Williams.

Joys & Concerns

Our hearts and prayers reach out to Diane Buyer in the death of her mother, Jean Martschink Buyer, this past Sunday morning. Services will be held at 5:30 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2015, at the Miller-Roscka Funeral Home in Monticello, IN.  Visitation will follow, immediately after the service.  Please hold Diane and her husband Tim Yale, Diane’s father John, and Diane’s siblings Karen, John and Steve and families in your prayers.  Her mother’s philosophy was ‘Strangers are friends I haven’t met yet’.   http://www.miller-rosckafh.com/

Thank you, Carl Butler and Lynda Sherer - flautists, Pat Price – accompanist, and the Women’s Chorus, who sang so beautifully in Meeting for Worship this past Sunday morning.  Such a blessing!

From Two Sister Scholarship Recipients, Haseena and Shakoora Sabree of the Friends Education Fund: With God’s Name, The Merciful Benefactor, The Merciful Redeemer…

Thank you, Indianapolis First Friends, for support my sister and I financially as we pursue our educational endeavors.  We are grateful for the work you have done and continue to do within our community.  The work you do in the African American Community has not gone unnoticed, and is greatly appreciated by those touched by it, and those who wish to see my people progress.  The First Friends demonstration of love and kindness to all is not only present today, but dates back to the time of slavery in the US, providing African American slaves with a place of refuge and guiding them to a path of freedom via the underground railroad.  While that is just one example of many, the First Friends continue to give freely of that which God gave them, through schlarship opportunities with no strings attached, and other acts of generosity.  For that cholarship and your continued support, displaying Christ’s love to me and other African Americans, I sincerely thank you, the Indianapolis First Friends, for doing the work of God here on earth.

Many Thanks to the 2015 First Friends FEF Scholarship Committee: Jed Kay, Carol Donahue, Nichole Matthews, Carl Butler, Jeff Rasley, Brenda Rodeheffer, and Kristin Noble.  These folks reviewed applications and awarded the scholarships, and provided the lovely reception for the Scholars this past Sunday.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities           

Pastor Ruthie will be traveling with Jon to their son’s wedding in Seattle this weekend.  Please keep Matt and Rebecca in your prayers, as they join together in marriage.  Jim and Deb Hejl’s daughter Julia will be married this same weekend in Los Angeles!  We ask for your prayers for Julia and Dan, as well!  In Ruthie’s absence, Catherine Griffith, Clerk of the New Association of Friends and a good friend of our Meeting, will be speaking in Meeting for Worship.  Phil Thrasher and the Murat Shrine Chanters will be providing special music.

First Friends is looking for a Part Time Youth Pastor - We are very excited that our Meeting is supporting the position of a part time (average 10 hours per week) youth pastor to offer a full blown youth group this fall.  The job description is attached.  If you know of someone that might be interested, please have them contact Beth Henricks (beth.henricks@indyfriends.org or 331-8306).

Catherine Swanson will be reading from her book of poems, ‘A Map in the Wind’. On July 31 @ 7 pm at Half Price Books, Castleton, Clearwater Village Shops, 4709 E. 82nd Street. An open mic will follow the reading.

Temple Tour: Come tour the new temple in Carmel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). It is a rare opportunity to visit a Mormon temple; there are fewer than 150 in operation worldwide, and non-Mormon guests are permitted to visit only during a brief time period prior to the temple’s consecration. The tour begins with a video presentation and concludes within an hour.

Date: Tuesday, Aug. 4

Time: Gather at First Friends by 6 p.m.; temple tour starts at 7 p.m.

Logistics: We will meet at First Friends north parking lot at 6 p.m. (Those who prefer to go directly to the temple should plan to arrive there by 6:45 p.m. Address: 11565 Temple Dr., Carmel.)

First come, first served: Our reservation is limited to 20 attendees. Wheelchair access is available, but service animals are not permitted. To reserve your spot, please email name, cell number, whether you are available to drive or need a ride (if driving, indicate how many besides yourself you can transport) to: laurawilsonindy@yahoo.com. For questions, email Laura or call at 317-775-4849. July 31st is the last day to sign up.  Temple reservation website: templeopenhouse.lds.org 

_____

Friday August 7th:

First Friends Community Salad Supper and Screening of

‘The Many Storeys and Last Days of Thomas Merton’

Supper served 5:30 - 7:00.  Film begins at 7:00 PM

The film will be followed by a discussion with Producer Morgan Atkinson.  Come to either or both segments of the evening.

Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation presents Quaker Historian Thomas D. Hamm. Friday, August 14th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. here at First Friends Meeting Tom Hamm will speak about the history of Quaker involvement in political & social activism. A discussion period to follow Tom’s lecture. A freewill offering will be taken to support the advocacy work of IFCL.

‘Quakers and Peace: Past and Present’; Diana Hadley has worked at Franklin College since 2004 where she is executive director of the Indiana High School Press and has taught journalism classes and a liberal arts course in nonviolence. She will be leading this course from her new book, “The Peace Class”.

Time : Monday evenings 6:30 pm August 31-October 5th.

Where: Fairfield Friends Meeting 10441 E. County Rd 700 S. Camby, IN, 46113

The cost of the course is $30, with a book included. Please RSVP at  llinzev@yahoo.com 

Discovering God in a Changing World. Dr. Dan Moseley will be right here at First Friends, for Session Four – Simplicity - Aug. 22nd-23rd, 2015. De-clutter one’s life and create space to live more simply. Keeping the momentum building for growth and change. The session consist of a half-day Saturday retreat from 9am-to 1pm. Meeting for Worship at 10:15am on Sunday with a Luncheon following Worship. Q&A with Dan after lunch.  Save the Date! Please contact the office if you would like to attend.  office@indyfriends.org

Women’s Retreat! Join Katherine Murray, September 14-15 at Quaker Haven.  Quaker Women from across Indiana will be gathering to learn to “Choose Gratitude”.  Come join us as we explore practical, worshipful and creative ways to fill our lives and spiritual practice with gratitude.  Cost: $65, includes 3 meals and night’s lodging. Begins at 1:00 Monday (14th), and ends after lunch on Tuesday (15th).   

Attention Men! What does it take to be a “real man” in today's world? A Christian man? A Quaker or Methodist* man? What beliefs do you have that speak to that? What are your core values? (And how do you feel about bocce ball?)  Join us for a one day, thought provoking, and fun filled retreat at First Friends on Oct. 31st as we address these things along with some of the Methodist men of Epworth Methodist *(our Eco Film Series partners). Call Ed Morris at 317-691-5542 if you have any questions.  Save the date!

Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

Compassionate v Christian v Quaker

3030 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr.

Indianapolis, IN   46220

July 22,2015

    Friend to Friend

  Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens

Most Gracious Lord,

  We ask that you bless these sessions of Western Yearly Meeting.  Strengthen your servants who are carrying out your work in various fields.  As Friends of differing viewpoints meet and gather, let them feel the ties of your love and grace that transcend all divisions.

  Keep us open; to your leadings over our opinions, to your guidance over our theologies, and to your word over our wishes.

  Let us worship in Spirit and in Truth surrendering ourselves to your presence that we may be transformed and renewed as individuals and as your church, and that through your power as a transformed and renewed church we might transform creation.  In Christ’s Name, Amen.

This was the opening prayer given last Thursday by Pastor David Kinsey of Sheridan Friends. It was a blessing that fell over me, and over the entire Yearly Meeting throughout our time together.  David’s prayer acknowledged the differences between us, but also understood the grace and power God brings when, as Fox said, ‘a people to be gathered’ are brought together– not just in number, but in Spirit.  Friends were open, to learning things from one another, from our own condition, and from those asked to bring spiritual

direction and meaning to the Yearly Meeting.  Instead of looking to the past, Alan Kolp called us into the future through his Quaker Lecture.  Howard Macy drove us into the Letter to the Ephesians, and caused us to re-write it on our own hearts… God loves us beyond all understanding, calling us into a new humanity – a place where God dwells in us – living out this love as an outward, practical expression of God’s love together.  And what does this bring?  Light!  A light that is witness to the fact of God’s notorious presence in the world!

First Friends is filled with light.  It was this past Sunday morning, as many people gathered for unprogrammed worship in the Meetinghouse, and many others gathered for the programmed worship at WYM.  First Friends light shines, through our witness as individuals, and as a gathered meeting.  We are known for our concern for the needy and the hungry. We are known for our concern for the testimonies of Friends – equality, integrity…  What else do people know us for?  Are we being transformed?  Are we being renewed?  Do we realize the capacity of God’s love, and what power and grace it can bring?  Let us dare to live as the kind of people God is already creating us to be.  As Howard Macy said, “Let’s shine!”

Joys & Concerns

Thank you, Jim and Deb Hejl, for serving on Facing Bench this past Sunday morning, and leading our Meeting in unprogrammed worship. It was a blessed time together.  Two other gatherings in unprogrammed worship are offered each week:  Mondays at 12:15 pm and Wednesdays at 7:00 pm.  Join in any time!

A Yearly Meeting Thank You!  Norma Wallman led worship sharing and a workshop, Ann Panah and friends hosted a meal, Beth Henricks led a workshop with Dan Lee and Deb Hejl as Rufus Jones and Lucretia Mott, Jim and Leslie Kartholl, and Eric Baker sang… and any number of Friends from FFM attended sessions of Yearly Meeting this year.  Thank you all for your wonderful participation!

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities   

We at First Friends are proud to take part in an ecumenical Habitat for Humanity Panel Build on July 25th at Allisonville Christian Church. Allisonville Christian is located at 7701 Allisonville Road. Volunteers are needed for the build itself as well as hospitality tasks, including child care, food donations and serving a continental breakfast and lunch. Between all the congregations working on the build we need 100 volunteer shifts filled. Please find below links to both types of shift opportunities that are available.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN UP LINK:  http://vhub.at/GIDA

HOSPITALITY SIGN UP LINK: http://vols.pt/9y2fpY

If you have registered in the past with Indy Habitat Volunteer Hub you need only to sign-in. Otherwise, you will be need to create your own account and be registered to participate in this build. Please be sure to sign up for the specific shift you would like to join us for on build day.

The shifts available are: Set-up- (7:00-7:30) Nail Captain (All Day-7:15-12:15), Shift 1 (7:30-10:00), Shift 2 (9:30-12:00), Tear Down (approx. 12:00-12:30 takes place when house is completed)

  This build is the first project from an ecumenical group known as “Shalom Zone”. Shalom Zone’s mission statement is “Led by God’s Light, Ecumenically Building the Kingdom of God, One Need at a Time”.  First Friends along with several area faith groups have been working over the last several months to make Shalom Zone an important addition to our community.  For questions about Shalom Zone or the build please contact Bill Chapman at 255-4739 or drchapman@earthlink.net

Women’s Choir Fun!  Come to one or both practices!  Join Ruthie and Pat for a Sunday of Song! All women who love to sing are invited to sing in Meeting for Worship on Sunday, July 26th.  Save the date for lots of fun!  We will practice twice… Thursday, July 23 at 7:00 and Sunday, July 26 at 9:00.  Two pieces have been chosen: ‘Be Thou My

Vision’ and ‘Rise Up Singing!’  We’re going to make a joyful noise!

Friends Education Fund is a scholarship program for African American students, administered by First Friends Meeting from proceeds that originated in an estate left by a freed black slave, under the care of his Quaker friend and attorney.  We will celebrate this long-standing scholarship and honor the 24 recipient scholars this coming Sunday, July 26th.  A reception will follow after Meeting. 

This Sunday July 26th, we will be selling chocolates, coffee, tea, olive oil and fragrance free products to benefit Right Sharing of World Resources, American Friends Service Committee and our youth group.  A table will be set up in fellowship hall.

Catherine Swanson will be reading from her book of poems, A Map in the Wind, on two occasions during the last week of July.  July 28 @ 6:30 at the Lawrence Art Center, 4437 N. Franklin Road.  July 31 @ 7 pm at Half Price Books, Castleton, Clearwater Village Shops, 4709 E. 82nd Street. An open mic will follow each reading.

Temple Tour: Come tour the new temple in Carmel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). It is a rare opportunity to visit a Mormon temple; there are fewer than 150 in operation worldwide, and non-Mormon guests are permitted to visit only during a brief time period prior to the temple’s consecration. The tour begins with a video presentation and concludes within an hour.

Date: Tuesday, Aug. 4

Time: Gather at First Friends by 6 p.m.; temple tour starts at 7 p.m.

Logistics: We will meet at First Friends north parking lot at 6 p.m. (Those who prefer to go directly to the temple should plan to arrive there by 6:45 p.m. Address: 11565 Temple Dr., Carmel.)

First come, first served: Our reservation is limited to 20 attendees. Wheelchair access is available, but service animals are not permitted. To reserve your spot, please email name, cell number, whether you are available to drive or need a ride (if driving, indicate how many besides yourself you can transport) to: laurawilsonindy@yahoo.com. For questions, email Laura or call at 317-775-4849. July 31st is the last day to sign up.  Temple reservation website: templeopenhouse.lds.org 

Friday August 7th: First Friends Community Soup & Salad Supper,

and screening of ‘The Many Storeys and Last Days of Thomas Merton’         

Supper served 5:30 - 7:00.  Film begins at 7:00 PM

The film will be followed by a discussion with Producer Morgan Atkinson.  You’re welcome to come to either or both segments of the evening.

Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation presents Quaker Historian Thomas D. Hamm. Friday, August 14th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Here at First

Friends Meeting Tom Hamm will speak about the history of Quaker involvement in political & social activism. A discussion period to follow Tom’s lecture. A freewill offering will be taken to support the advocacy work of IFCL.

Peace and Social Justice Committee Presents, Teacher Diana Hadley - Quakers and Peace: Past and Present. Diana has worked at Franklin College since 2004 where she is executive director of the Indiana High School Press and has taught journalism classes and a liberal arts course in nonviolence. Time : Monday evenings 6:30 pm August 31-October 5th.

                      Where: Fairfield Friends Meeting 10441 E. County Rf 700 S. Camby, IN, 46113-3121

The cost of the course is $30, with a book included. Please RSVP at  llinzev@yahoo.com

Calling all ice cream lovers!  First Friends will be working at the Dairy Bar at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday August 8th all day.  This is a fundraiser for our youth program as we will receive $1100 from the Dairy Association for our work that day.  We plan to have two 6 hour shifts similar to last year. (9:30am-3:30pm or 3:30pm-9:30pm).  It is fast paced but lots of fun.  And you get to eat as much ice cream and grilled cheese sandwiches as you want.  Please let Beth Henricks (beth.henricks@indyfriends.org) know if you can participate. We need 27 people to fill these shifts.

Attention Men! What does it take to be a “real man” in today's world? A Christian man? A Quaker or Methodist* man? What beliefs do you have that speak to that? What are your core values? (And how do you feel about bocce ball?)  Join us for a one day, thought provoking, and fun filled retreat at First Friends on Oct. 31st as we address these things along with some of the Methodist men of Epworth Methodist *(our Eco Film Series partners). Call Ed Morris at 317-691-5542 if you have any questions.  Save the date!

Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

Compassionate v Christian v Quaker

3030 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr.

Indianapolis, IN   46220

317-255-2485  office@indyfriends.org

July 15,2015

    Friend to Friend

  Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens

We returned from our Affirmation trip to Philadelphia last Monday evening.  It was a trip that was full of visits to U.S. and Quaker historical sites, driving, laughs, ‘CatchPhrase’, revelations and a greater and deeper connection between all of us. Ellie Arle did a wonderful job of documenting the trip with pictures on Facebook (go to 2015 First Friends Philadelphia trip) and we plan to have a time of sharing about the trip on Sunday July 26th during Meeting for Worship.   

We worshiped with Central Philadelphia Friends Meeting at 15th and Cherry St (the old Race St Meeting) on Sunday morning.  As we pulled into the parking lot, I asked everyone in the van to think about this Query as they entered into unprogrammed worship: ‘What is God saying to you on this trip?’   I have been reflecting on this question myself and realize that God was speaking to me so many times during this adventure - through our kids, through our adults, through the history of Friends.  It is one thing to study our Quaker history like we did during Affirmation this year, but it is quite another to walk into the Meeting Room where Lucretia Mott stood up for her principles in the 1800’s.  And to walk into the room at 4th and Arch St where Elias Hicks was escorted or thrown out of the building.  And to be in the room where Free Quakers believed in the Revolutionary cause and joined the military to support the revolution.   There is something sacred about being in the physical space where ordinary people heard God’s voice and stood up to take action even when the personal cost was great.  I was inspired to step into these places and absorb the spirit of these individuals.  I also sensed the difficulty that many of these Quaker faith communities had in dealing with these individuals that pushed, stretched and challenged the status quo within the Society.    

What lessons can we learn from this history as we deal with issues that push, stretch and challenge us as a faith community today?  What would William Penn, Lucretia Mott, Betsy Ross, Elias Hicks and others share with us today?   How will we be remembered and our faith communities be remembered 100 years from now?

Joys & Concerns

Bob Davis, our beloved friend, passed away very peacefully this last Thursday afternoon, July 9th having battled lung cancer for a great while.  His family will remember him in Maryland on Saturday, August 8 in a Memorial Service there.  Friends will gather locally at the Indianapolis Arts Center on Sunday, August 23 at 3:00 pm for a Memorial Service here. Please hold Joyce Sommers, and Bob’s daughters Kristen and Karen in God’s loving, healing, comforting light. http://feeney-hornak-keystone-mort.tributes.com/dignitymemorial/obituary/Robert-Madary-Davis-102660821

Thank you for your prayers for our Affirmation Trip to Philadelphia!  We had horrible weather driving over, wonderful weather driving back, and no difficulties with van/car troubles.  God was watching over us.  We felt safe and protected, and are thankful for the covering of prayer you gave.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities                        

Western Yearly Meeting Starts Tomorrow!  The theme for Yearly Meeting, “Building Together to Become God’s Dwelling”, is about building the church -- an extension of the past two years: YM 2013 was centered on identifying spiritual gifts, and YM 2014 was about being stewards or trustees of our gifts and resources.  This year's theme builds on the other two by encouraging people to use our individual and corporate resources to encourage one another and build a strong body of believers.    Howard Macy (left) will be the devotional speaker each morning, and Alan Kolp (right) will be bringing the Quaker Lecture on Thursday evening at 7:30 pm. Workshops and worship will be offered, in addition to regular business.  Here’s info about some people you know!

Peace & Christian Social Concerns—”Addressing the Problems of Building an Inclusive Community: Lucretia Mott and Rufus Jones Visit WYM”. (aka Deb Hejl and Dan Lee!) Come and watch as current Quakers role-play these early church leaders.

Outreach—”Friends World Committee on Consultation (FWCC)” Norma Bangel Wallman, one of our WYM representatives to FWCC will provide an overview about FWCC, its founding, mission, and organization. Highlights of the Quaker Youth Pilgrimage and 2015 Section of Americas Mtg in Mexico will be provided. Bring your laptop, tablet or smart phone to research the FWCC web-site.

A calendar of events is attached to Friend to Friend… find something that you’d be interested in, and consider joining in the work and witness of Western Yearly Meeting at our summer session.  

http://www.westernym.net/pdf/2015WYMSessionsAdultRegistration.pdf

Worship this Sunday July 19th… you have options!!! It has been our custom at First Friends to join with other Friends throughout our Yearly Meeting for worship on Yearly Meeting Sunday.  A full morning is promised, with the ‘Concert of Gifts and Talents’ at 9:30 and Meeting for Worship at 10:30 at the YM Meetinghouse in Plainfield [105 S. East Street, Plainfield].  Ruthie will be leading the ‘Concert’, with people across the Yearly Meeting performing, including our own Eric Baker and Jim and Leslie Kartholl.  Howard Macy will be speaking in Meeting for Worship.

Some Friends find it more worshipful to gather in our own Meetinghouse for worship that day, and we provide an Unprogrammed Meeting for Worship at FFM at our usual time, 10:15.  This year, it will be led by Jim and Deb Hejl.  Nursery will be provided, but there will be no Children’s Message or Children’s Worship.  No matter where you gather, God’s Spirit will accompany you… enjoy the experience!

Ladies of Oak Leaf Book Discussion Group:  Pat Price invites you to her home for a Mid-Summer Social for next meeting Tuesday July 21st.  We will gather at 6 pm to share a meal before we discuss Jodi Picoult's novel:  Leaving Time, led by Rhonda Carver.  Please bring one of the following dishes: pasta, vegetable, fruit or congealed salad.  We will enjoy each other's tasty dishes!  Our host Pat Price will provide table service, lemonade, iced tea and brownies. Please contact Pat Price at (317) 626-8028 for directions to her home.  

Women’s Choir Fun!  Come to one or both practices!  Join Ruthie and Pat for a Sunday of Song! All women who love to sing are invited to sing in Meeting for Worship on Sunday, July 26th.  Save the date for lots of fun!  We will practice twice… Thursday, July 23 at 7:00 and Sunday, July 26 at 9:00.  Two pieces have been chosen: ‘Be Thou My Vision’ and ‘Rise Up Singing!’  We’re going to make a joyful noise! 

We at First Friends are proud to take part in an ecumenical Habitat for Humanity Panel Build on July 25th at Allisonville Christian Church. Allisonville Christian is located at 7701 Allisonville Road. Volunteers are needed for the build itself as well as hospitality tasks, including child care, food donations and serving a continental breakfast and lunch. Between all the congregations working on the build we need 100 volunteer shifts filled. Please find below links to both types of shift opportunities that are available.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN UP LINK:  http://vhub.at/GIDA

HOSPITALITY SIGN UP LINK: http://vols.pt/9y2fpY

If you have registered in the past with Indy Habitat Volunteer Hub you need only to sign-in. Otherwise, you will be need to create your own account and be registered to participate in this build. Please be sure to sign up for the specific shift you would like to join us for on build day.

The shifts available are:

Set-up- (7:00-7:30)

Nail Captain (All Day-7:15-12:15)

Shift 1 (7:30-10:00)

Shift 2 (9:30-12:00)

Tear Down (approx. 12:00-12:30 takes place when house is completed)

This build is the first project from an ecumenical group known as “Shalom Zone”. Shalom Zone’s mission statement is “Led by God’s Light, Ecumenically Building the Kingdom of God, One Need at a Time”.  First Friends along with several area faith groups have been working over the last several months to make Shalom Zone an important addition to our community.  For questions about Shalom Zone or the build please contact Bill Chapman at 255-4739 or drchapman@earthlink.net.

Temple Tour: Come tour the new temple in Carmel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). It is a rare opportunity to visit a Mormon temple; there are fewer than 150 in operation worldwide, and non-Mormon guests are permitted to visit only during a brief time period prior to the temple’s consecration. The tour begins with a video presentation and concludes within an hour.

Date: Tuesday, Aug. 4

Time: Gather at First Friends by 6 p.m.; temple tour starts at 7 p.m.

Logistics: We will meet at First Friends north parking lot at 6 p.m. (Those who prefer to go directly to the temple should plan to arrive there by 6:45 p.m. Address: 11565 Temple Dr., Carmel.)

First come, first served: Our reservation is limited to 20 attendees. Wheelchair access is available, but service animals are not permitted.

To reserve your spot, please email name, cell number, whether you are available to drive or need a ride (if driving, indicate how many besides yourself you can transport) to: laurawilsonindy@yahoo.com. For questions, email Laura or call at 317-775-4849.

Temple reservation website: templeopenhouse.lds.org.

Calling all ice cream lovers!  First Friends will be working at the Dairy Bar at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday August 8th all day.  This is a fundraiser for our youth program as we will receive $1100 from the Dairy Association for our work that day.  We plan to have two 6 hour shifts similar to last year. (9:30am-3:30pm or 3:30pm-9:30pm).  It is fast paced but lots of fun.  And you get to eat as much ice cream and grilled cheese sandwiches as you want.  Please let Beth Henricks (beth.henricks@indyfriends.org) know if you can participate. We need 27 people to fill these shifts.

M&C Notes for July '15 from Ed Morris, Clerk

A desire for more unprogrammed worship time was brought forward. Various ideas were proposed, including having a set expectation of unprogrammed worship starting earlier in worship during the Sunday morning service, and adding an extra worship service on Saturday evening. Jeff Goens and Mary Blackburn will study the various possibilities and report back to M&C.

Quaker Process Classes or Clinics: We will present a three part series on Quaker Process/Discernment at two different times; one on Sunday mornings with combined Adult Sunday school classes and another on Thursday evenings. The following dates have been chosen: Thurs. Sept. 10 and Sunday Sept. 13; Thurs. Sept. 17 and Sunday Sept. 20; and Thurs. Sept. 24 and Sunday Sept. 27. Eric Tinsley and Barbara Oberreich will be the primary facilitators of the classes. Eden Grace's piece on Quaker Business Practice may be used as a short guideline and Ruthie may ask Eden to come and speak to us during this process.

Marriage Equality: M&C is working toward a statement that could get unity within the Meeting as a whole. We identified four issues within the discussion of Marriage Equality as it relates to FFM: 1. Current Faith and Practice Statement of WYM. 2. Marriage by the Pastor outside of the meeting. 3. Marriage in the Meeting House, outside of the Care of the Meeting. 4. Marriage Under the Care of the Meeting. We seem to be in agreement that we are not prepared to address all of these issues simultaneously. We had an interesting discussion of Quaker marriage and Marriage Under the Care of the Meeting in particular. The discussion was positive and helpful.

Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

Compassionate v Christian v Quaker

3030 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr.

Indianapolis, IN   46220

317-255-2485  office@indyfriends.org