January 13th, 2016

January 14, 2016

As Way Opens
‘For this reason, I kneel before the Father from whom every family in heaven or on earth takes its name, and beg him out of his wealth of glory to strengthen you mightily through his Spirit in your inner nature and through your faith to let Christ in his love make his home in your hearts. Your roots must be deep and your foundations strong, so that you and all God’s people may be strong enough to grasp what breadth, length, height, and depth mean, and to understand Christ’s love, so far beyond our understanding, so that you may be filled with the very fullness of God. To him who by the exertion of his power with us can do unutterably more than all we ask or imagine, be glory through the church and through Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever. Amen.’
Ephesians 3:14-21 Goodspeed Translation

Paul prayed this for the church gathered in Ephesus. It is my prayer too, for this New Year for those of us in First Friends Meeting – both gathered in our Meetinghouse, and spread far and wide throughout the country. Wherever we are, my prayer is that those who name First Friends as our spiritual home will be strengthened in God’s spirit inwardly, and discover clearly the fullness of God. May we share that rooted, deep sense of love and strength with one another, and with those we meet beyond the bounds of our fellowship, bringing glory to God. May others see, notice, understand, and grasp the wonder of God’s ministry in their lives through the people of First Friends. And may we notice it in one another, giving God thanks and glory.

Considering the Query: Do you take part as often as you can in meetings for church affairs? Are you familiar enough with our church government to contribute to its disciplines processes? Do you consider difficult questions with an informed mind as well as a generous and loving spirit? Are you prepared to let your insights and personal wishes take their place alongside those of others or be set aside as the meeting seeks the right way forward? If you cannot attend, uphold the meeting prayerfully. From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice

Joys & Concerns

Monthly Meeting for Worship to Conduct Business will gather for the first time in the New Year this Sunday, January 17th. You’ll find the minutes from our last gathering attached to this issue of Friend to Friend. Please review them prayerfully, and come ready to reach in to the work of God at First Friends!
Seasoned Friends enjoyed hot soup and great company today, as twenty-one people joined together for fun and fellowship. Fun and games didn’t end until after 2:00, on a very, very cold day!

Thank you, Mary Ellen Lohr, for a microwave over that magically appeared in the Parlor Kitchen. What a nice surprise!

Thank you, Norma Wallman, for excavating the ‘Foster’ and ‘Holiday’… otherwise known as the huge refrigerator and the chest freezer in the Kitchen! Huge job! Great results!

Thank you, Amy Perry, for sorting and categorizing all the children’s book in the library collection we have! What a treasure trove of surprises for our kids! And what a discovery of things yet to bring in.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Brent Bill, Quaker Author, will share stories from his new book “Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker – a Humble Stumble Toward Simplicity and Grace”, a presentation hosted by Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation.
When: This Friday, January 15 from 7:00 to 8:30
Where: First Friends Meeting
For more information, contact IFCL Clerk Bill Chapman (drchapman@earthlink.net). A freewill offering will be taken to support the advocacy work of IFCL. IFCL exists as an instrument in the search of God’s will for Quakers who are wrestling with the issues of our day. IFCL attempts to relate our Quaker faith and Quaker testimonies to the shaping of responsible policy making by our Indiana government legislators.

Sunday, January 17th brings Dr. David Carlson, Professor of Philosophy and Religion, from Franklin College, speaking to us on Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend. Religious studies is not only his job, but also a significant part of his life. Carlson said he was first interested in making religious studies a career when he “realized that religious studies was more about questions than pat answers.” Carlson has been teaching at Franklin College for 36 years. Among his honors as a professor are the Faculty Teaching Award and the Dietz Faculty Excellence Award. “Teaching allows me to see students be transformed, not just informed, by what they are learning,” he said. In 2013, Carlson presented a paper on Christian-Muslim relations at Nazareth College in New York and was one of the speakers at the Earlham School of Religion Writer’s Conference. In 2011, Carlson published ‘Peace Be with You: Monastic Wisdom for a Terror-Filled World’. Join us for an inspirational and information time of worship.
47th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Service of the INDIANA CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE (ICLC) will be held Monday, January 18th at St John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 1651 Dr. Andrew J. Brown Avenue, Indianapolis, IN. The official program will commence at 10:00 A.M. Rev. Dr. Daniel T. Hembree, Bluff Road United Methodist Church, Columbia, SC is this year’s main speaker. During this year’s celebration service, the Indiana Christian Leadership Conference will embrace the Indianapolis interfaith community. Scheduled to represent their various faith traditions during the invocation will be persons from the Buddhist, Catholic, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh Communities, who will offer prayers and inspiration derived from the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Quaker Affirmation Class for Adults began last week during Sunday School hour
(9:00 a.m.) in the parlor. We had a great time of sharing and connecting and heard from George Fox and Margaret Fell. This Sunday, Deb Hejl will lead the class as we delve into the history of Quakers coming to America. All are welcome to attend even if you missed class last week. The class will last through the next 3 months so feel free to come as you can.

First Friends is Growing! More and more families are coming, and that means more children! Beginning Sunday, January 10th, our kids are divided into three groups for Children’s Worship: Pre-Kindergarten through Kindergarten,
First and Second Grade, and Third through Fifth Grade. Teachers are ready, classroom space is prepared, and we are excited to share God’s love and light with the children of our Meeting. Remember, all children are excused from Meeting for Worship after a Children’s Message each Sunday for their own time of worship, suited for their age and interest level.

Quaker Life magazine is being offered to us for renewal at a group rate of $20.00 per year. Published by Friends United Meeting, you will receive six issues a year, that will “inspire, inform and teach you.” The journal is normally priced at $35.00 annually. We keep one copy in our Library. Please let the office know if you would like to add your name to the list of subscribers. Thank you!

Parent Cafe Workshop on the Near East Side! East Tenth United Methodist Children and Youth Center will be hosting a Families First Parent Cafe beginning Jan 11 to help families build stronger, healthier families. We need VOLUNTEERS for our Parent Cafe. There is need for table hosts to help facilitate discussion and for volunteers to help with childcare. If you're interested in volunteering please email Chisato Sakamoto at chisatos@familiesfirstindiana.org or call at 317-644-7207

Brrr! It’s Cold Outside! Please continue to bring donations of winter clothing for the Boner Center. The box is in Fellowship Hall on the stage in front of the curtain. They appreciate what we are doing to help the homeless and others in need of clothing.

Sunday February 7th we will host “Souper Bowl Sunday” after Meeting for Worship in fellowship hall. Soup will be prepared for all to enjoy for a free will donation to Second Helpings. Both Statia Murphy and Vicki Wertz work at Second Helpings and we want to support this important organization for those less fortunate in our city. Start your Super Bowl Sunday by eating soup at the First Friends “Souper Bowl” party and learn more about Second Helpings.

Thursday, January 21 2016, 6:30 – 8:00pm; Setting the Record Straight: Facts and Science of Climate Change. The University of Chicago Alumni Club is hosting an event you might find of interest: Dinner at the Woodstock Club followed by a presentation by Gabriel Filippelli, Professor of Earth Sciences at Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Cost: $36/person

Scientists, unlike politicians, understand that human-produced greenhouse gasses are impacting climate. The concern is now what the future trajectory of climate will look like and how it will affect ecosystems and humans. This is the real climate change debate, which is being played out in the world of data, field observations, and peer-reviewed publications by scientists who scratch for competitive federal funding make their observations. Politicians, pundits, and climate scientists funded by energy corporation-aligned groups may try to cast doubt on the results and even motivations of scientists for the purpose of delaying a more informed discussion on climate change. Professor Filippelli will present the science of climate change, his understanding of what future climate scenarios will look like and what impact they might have. Gabriel Filippelli is a Professor of Earth Sciences and Directs the Center for Urban Health at IUPUI. An environmental chemist and climate change scientist, Dr. Filippelli has published over 80 papers on this topic, including recent ones in the top journal Nature and Science, as was recently named a Fellow of the International Association of Geochemistry.
If you'd like to attend, register at http://www.uchicagoindiana.org/article.html?aid=138

Quaker Earth Care - The Hoosier Environmental Council will begin its Environmental Advocacy Training in January. Issues include Clean Energy, Sustainable Food and Energy, Climate Change and Environmental Justice. They also have resources for Green Minded Religious Congregations of All Faiths. In November, HEC worked with the Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis Green Congregations, Slow Foods Indy, and other allies to host a Spirit & Place workshop on sustainable foods and healthy foods for healthy bodies. Panelists answered questions about proper health and nutrition, the impact that agricultural practices have on the environment, and the impact that agri-chemicals and fertilizers have on the human body.

If anyone is interested in volunteering at HEC as an environmental advocated please contact Sylvia Andrews or Amanda Shepherd at HEC. Some of their major concerns during the coming legislative session include the “Right to Harm Bill, SJR 12” and the Mounds Greenway. If you have ever felt the desire to do more for the environment in Indiana than just donate money this is your chance. Host a Greening Your Community party, call others about legislation, and attend legislative Third House meetings.
On a lighter note, climate change affects not only people but animals and plants as well. I was walking my dogs after the recent high winds and saw a squirrel’s nest on the ground. The squirrel was above in the tree contemplating the loss. Maybe he/she should have been included with the tornado victims on the morning news.

“Friends of Nature Kids” ~ Home Sweet Home ~ Where do all the creatures in nature live and sleep at night? See how many different animals’ homes you can think of and maybe even find! From 52 Nature Activities by Lynn Gordon, Chronicle Books, San Francisco.

Comment

Friend to Friend January 6th 2016

January 7, 2016

As Way Opens

John 11: 33-35 ‘When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see." Jesus began to weep.’

I am sure this passage of scripture is familiar to many of you, as it describes Jesus reaction to the news that Lazarus is dead. As a kid I knew verse 35 by heart as the shortest verse in the Bible and would quote it frequently to show off my knowledge of the Bible, yet never comprehending the depth of these two words. This past Sunday I was substitute teaching Sunday School for the junior high class and we watched a video by the pastor Rob Bell (he has a series of videos for young people called Nooma). Rob shared a powerful story about losing a close friend at 27 years old and the devastation, heartbreak and anger he felt at that time. And then he read this passage. I sat in the basement and was swept away with this idea of Jesus weeping with me. I don’t know why I have never felt the full force of this scripture in my life. Jesus weeps! My Harper Collins Study Bible describes the word weeps as not just tears, but wailing and lamentation. When we have a loss of a family member or friend, Jesus weeps with us. When we lose a relationship or a job, Jesus weeps with us. When we experience deep disappointment, Jesus weeps with us. What a sense of comfort I have in feeling the emotional impact to my life that God through Jesus cares that much about me. The losses we all experience in this journey of life can turn us bitter as we sometimes just don’t understand why some of these things happen. Yet the God of the universe, of all creation, the giver of life, weeps with me. This God weeps with you! I rejoice today in this knowledge and pray that you will feel this sense of love and intimacy with God.

Considering the Query: Are your meetings for church affairs held in a spirit of worship and in dependence on the guidance of God? Remember that we do not seek a majority decision nor even consensus. As we wait patiently for divine guidance our experience is that the right way will open and we shall be led into unity. From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice

Joys & Concerns

Erroll T. Elliott served as Pastor of First Friends twice… from 1936-1942, and 1957-1965. His daughter, Harriet Elliott Combs (80), passed away Thursday, December 17th and her Memorial Service was given by another former pastor of First Friends, Stan Banker. Harriet was a member of Irvington Friends Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation. http://www.shirleybrothers.com/obituaries/Harriet-Combs/#!/Obituary

Grace and blessings are sent to the Doninger family at the passing of Clarence Doninger’s stepmother, Roberta Doninger, 98, who died Sunday evening, January 3rd. Clarence’s mother died when he was young, and Roberta had been married to Mr. Doninger for almost 50 years. She was an elementary school teacher in Evansville for 45 years and had no children of her own. She died peacefully in her home with hospice care and 2 wonderful caregivers. Her funeral will be held Saturday.

Dear Friends, It has been good working with you as a great friend and for all these years you have been a support to my ministry. The year 2015 was very challenging to our family but we appreciate your support through prayers in Jesus name. The year began with challenges of sickness where my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer level 2, but we thank God it was contained and she is doing well. We give glory to God. The same year has ended with the loss of Rose's father. The Bible says count it joy when you experience such challenges. We rejoice in the Lord for the many things he has done in our lives. I would like to take this gracious opportunity to wish you A HAPPY, PROSPEROUS, BLESSED AND EVER FULFILLING NEW YEAR 2016. You have been a great friend and we look forward to our continued relationship. Blessings and more blessings, John Afanda Muhanji, Director, Africa Ministries Office, Friends United Mtg. E-mail: muhanji@gmail.com

John Muhanji is a great friend of First Friends Meeting, and spoke here in August of 2013.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Earlham College Choir Performance

at First Friends

Friday, January 8th

at 7:30 pm

Featuring Earlham College’s Concert Choir, Women’s Chorus and Madrigal Ensembles, the concert will include pieces from Latvian, French and American composers. Everyone is welcome!

Bagged Salads and Sleepovers! Help is Needed! First Friends is hosting the Earlham Choir, with a spaghetti dinner and an overnight stay in homes provided by alumni and volunteer hosts from the Meeting. Please contact Mindy Sommer if you can bring a bagged salad, dressing, or dessert to share. Mcs16zoom@gmail.com

Please contact Carolyn Tinsley if you can provide housing for an overnight guest Friday evening. (FFM is hosting ten students.) ctinsley@indy.rr.com Guests need to be returned to the Meetinghouse by 7:30 am on Saturday so they can leave by 8:00. Thank you!

January 10th, we will welcome David Dawson, President of Earlham College as our Guest Speaker. David began his tenure at Earlham in July 2011. Driven by a vision that holds together the classic liberal arts and the vocational and professional preparation of its students, Dawson helped the College develop new branding under the proclamation that “Becoming Fully Present is the Best Way to Move the World Forward,” linking Earlham’s emphasis on personal self-discovery and value formation with the College’s desire to foster social responsibility and enable students to make a transformative impact on the world. We look forward to hearing what Dr. Dawson has to share with us.

Quaker Affirmation Class for Adults will begin during Sunday School hour (9:00 a.m.) on January 10th in the parlor. The curriculum that our young people experienced will be used with some revisions for our adult group. We plan to offer this through 3 months and encourage anyone that would like to go deeper into our history, testimonies, theology, structure, worship and organizations to join us. Beth Henricks and others will lead the class.

First Friends is Growing! More and more families are coming, and that means more children! Beginning Sunday, January 10th, our kids will be divided into three groups for Children’s Worship: Pre-Kindergarten through Kindergarten,

First and Second Grade, and Third through Fifth Grade. Teachers are ready, classroom space is prepared, and we are excited to share God’s love and light with the children of our Meeting. Remember, all children are excused from Meeting for Worship after a Children’s Message each Sunday for their own time of worship, suited for their age and interest level.

YFYF – Young Friends Youth Fellowship Meets this Sunday! 11:30… Don’t miss it!

Are you interested in Interfaith Connections? Dialogue? Celebrations? Fun? Festival of Faiths might be just for you! This years’ fest will be celebrated Sunday, September 18th in downtown Indianapolis. A planning meeting is set for Tuesday, January 12th from 4:00 to 5:30 at the Indiana Interchurch Center with Ben Leslie and the Center for Interfaith Cooperation. Please let Ruthie know if you’d like to go!

‘Find Comfort with Comfort Food’ at the Seasoned Friends Luncheon!

Once during each season of the year, retirees gather for fun and fellowship, and a fabulous lunch together. Every one of you are welcome to come on Wednesday, January 13th at 11:30 for our Winter Luncheon. You’ll be treated to Meatloaf Sandwiches, Hot Soup, and Macaroni and Cheese. Stick around for Cribbage, Card Games, Board Games, Euchre… It’s lots of fun! And so are you!

Quaker Life magazine is being offered to us for renewal at a group rate of $20.00 per year. Published by Friends United Meeting, you will receive six issues a year, that will “inspire, inform and teach you.” The journal is normally priced at $35.00 annually. We keep one copy in our Library. Please let the office know if you would like to add your name to the list of subscribers. Thank you!

Brent Bill, Quaker Author, will share stories from his new book “Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker – a Humble Stumble Toward Simplicity and Grace”, a presentation hosted by Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation.

When: Friday, January 15 from 7:00 to 8:30

Where: First Friends Meeting

For more information, contact IFCL Clerk Bill Capman. A freewill offering will be taken to support the advocacy work of IFCL. IFCL exists as an instrument in the search of God’s will for Quakers who are wrestling with the issues of our day. IFCL attempts to relate our Quaker faith and Quaker testimonies to the shaping of responsible policy making by our Indiana government legislators. www.quakerifcl.org

Sunday, January 17th brings Dr. David Carlson, Professor of Philosophy and Religion, from Franklin College, speaking to us on Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend. Religious studies is not only his job, but also a significant part of his life. Carlson said he was first interested in making religious studies a career when he “realized that religious studies was more about questions than pat answers.” Carlson has been teaching at Franklin College for 36 years. Among his honors as a professor are the Faculty Teaching Award and the Dietz Faculty Excellence Award. “Teaching allows me to see students be transformed, not just informed, by what they are learning,” he said. In 2013, Carlson presented a paper on Christian-Muslim relations at Nazareth College in New York and was one of the speakers at the Earlham School of Religion Writer’s Conference. In 2011, Carlson published ‘Peace Be with You: Monastic Wisdom for a Terror-Filled World’, which received a starred review from both Publisher’s Weekly and Library Journal. The book was selected as one of the Ten Best Books in 2011 in the category of “Spiritual Living” by Library Journal. Carlson holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Wheaton College; a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from the American Baptist Seminary of the West, California; and his doctorate degree in New Testament from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. In addition, he has conducted post-doctoral studies at Duke University on a National Endowment for the Humanities grant and at Indiana University. Carlson said his current passion is writing about the future of interfaith relations in America.

Brrr! It’s Cold Outside! Please continue to bring donations of winter clothing for the Boner Center. The box is in Fellowship Hall on the stage in front of the curtain. They appreciate what we are doing to help the homeless and others in need of clothing.

“Friends of Nature Kids” ~ Questions: On a piece of paper, make a list of ten questions you have about nature. For example, do ducks fly? Or can any fish live in a stream if it becomes polluted? Find out the answers by asking adults you know or by visiting the library and looking in books with the help of a reference librarian.

From 52 Nature Activities by Lynn Gordon, Chronicle Books, San Francisco.

Comment

December 23rd 2015

December 23, 2015

Friend to Friend Contents

As Way Opens

A Christmas Carmen; John Greenleaf Whittier

Sound over all waters, reach out from all lands,
The chorus of voices, the clasping of hands;
Sing hymns that were sung by the stars of the morn,
Sing songs of the angels when Jesus was born.

Blow, bugles of battle, the marches of peace;
East, west, north, and south,

let the long quarrel cease;
O sing ye the song that the angels began,
Sing glory to God, and goodwill unto man!

With glad jubilations, bring hope to the nations,
The dark night is ending, and dawn has begun;
Rise, hope of the ages, arise like the sun;
All speech flow to music, all hearts beat as one!

John Greenleaf Whittier [1807-1892] the American Quaker poet, was born at Haverhill, Massachusetts, Dec. 17, 1807. He began life as a farm-boy and shoemaker, and subsequently became a successful journalist, editor and poet. In 1828 he became editor of the American Manufacturer (Boston), in 1830 of the New England Review, and an 1836 (on becoming Secretary to the American Anti-Slavery Society) of the Pennsylvania Freeman. He was also for some time, beginning with 1847, the corresponding editor of the National Era. In 1840 he removed to Amesbury, Massachusetts, where most of his later works have been written. At the present time [1890] he lives alternately at Amesbury and Boston. His first poetical piece was printed in the Newburyport Free Press in 1824. Since then his publications have been numerous, including: Voices of Freedom, 1833; Songs of Labour, and other Poems, 1850; &c. ‘Dear Lord and Father of Mankind’ is a particularly well known hymn text of Whittier’s.

A Christmas Query: From whence comes the custom of putting laurel, box, holly, etc in churches and houses for Christmas; and what is the signification thereof? When the Son of God (according to the Prophecy of Zachary) made his public entry into Jerusalem, the people strewed the way before him with evergreen palm branches, in token of the perpetuity and triumph of his kingdom: hence arose the custom, and this the signification of adorning our houses and churches at Christmastime.

From:Gale’s Cabinet of Knowledge or Miscellaneous Recreations, London. MDCCC

Joys & Concerns

Please remember Bob Hadley in your prayers. Bob has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Thank you for your remembrances of him, his wife Nancy, and their family in your thoughts and prayers. Bob was raised in our Meeting, and has served our Meeting in almost every way possible. Let us join together in lifting him up for strength and endurance.

Jerry, Beth and Greg Henricks continue to struggle with the challenge of Alzheimer’s Disease. Please hold Jerry in your prayers, and Beth and Greg as they care for his needs and their own, especially during this holiday season.

Pastor Ruthie will be joining Jon in Seattle, traveling on Christmas Day to visit their son Matt and his wife Rebecca for the week. She will return in time to celebrate the New Year. If you need spiritual guidance, assistance or care, please contact any one of our Ministry and Counsel members. Beth Henricks will be available as well.

No Monthly Meeting was scheduled for December. We will resume our regular schedule come the New Year in January. Please join us on Sunday, January 17th.

The Meeting Office will be closed December 25, 26, 28 and January 1st. (It is customarily closed on Fridays.)

A big thank you from Paula Gallagher for the generosity of First Friends in providing some Christmas gifts this past week. She feels great affection for the Meeting and is so appreciative of our support and continuing connection to her.

There are not enough words to say ‘thank you’ to all of you who do so many things throughout the year to make First Friends Meeting such a vibrant place of ministry and meaning. Ushers, greeters, musicians, teachers, cooks, clean-up crews, gardeners, painters, photographers, drivers, costume designers… from the smallest touch to the largest enterprise you have all been a part of making the Spirit of God real to many. Just by coming, you minister to those who worship with you. When people attend a Quaker meeting they expect something different, and that’s what they find at First Friends… a unique and special experience, where people care deeply and intentionally about the way God lives in and with each person. Thank you all, near and far, for being a part of this Meeting. May God bless you all with a very happy Christmas.

Christmas Blessings from the Staff at First Friends Meeting!

Jose and Rocio Camacho – Custodians

Dan Mitchell – Maintenance

Shawn Porter – Organist & Choir Director

Hayley Adams – Youth Pastor/ Office Assistant

Beth Henricks – Christian Education and Family Ministries Director

Ruthie Tippin - Pastor

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Please join us this Thursday Evening at 5:30

December 24th for our Christmas Eve Service

A simple, lovely expression of welcoming the Christ Child

Carols, Waiting Worship, Children’s Choir, Flute Solo,

The Christmas Story

~Candlelight~

Family and Friends are All Welcome to Come!

Help Close the Giving Gap – Thank you so much!

December is the biggest shopping month of the year. For many retailers this month represents their entire "bottom line" for the whole year. You probably already knew "Black Friday" means the day retailers go out of the "Red Ink" and into the "Black". Perhaps a little more heart-warming at Christmas time... It's also the biggest giving month of the year. For most not-for-profit organizations it's the month they close the gap between expenses and donations.

First Friends is no exception. Each year we come into December counting on the "Faith Factor" to close the gap in our budget. This year we need to bring in $56,000 in the month of December to close our budget gap. It's a large number, but it also nearly the same number we came through with last year. This is the money we use to pay our staff, heat our building, remove the snow from our parking lots, and all the regular needs of our meeting. Your giving is what keeps First Friends running.

I hope that First Friends has been a big part of your Christmas celebration and helped to keep you connected to the best of Christmas - family, friends, and Christ's love in your life. I hope our Meeting has helped close any gaps for you this season and you can remember our Meeting with some extra generosity this month.

Your friend,

Eric Tinsley

Finance Committee Clerk

We have been receiving many generous and gracious gifts from Friends far and wide. Thank you for your concern and care regarding the ministries of First Friends Meeting!

Worship with us this Sunday, December 27th

Amy Perry will lead worship this coming Sunday as we hold our traditional hymn and carol sing. Eric Baker will play piano. Beth Henricks will lead the children in a Children’s Message and their time of worship. An extended time of waiting worship is planned. You are all welcome

Thanks to everyone for helping with the United Christmas Service project. Several of us delivered the gifts after Meeting this past Sunday and were greeted by the families with much warmth and thanks. I’m certain that they will appreciate the gifts. Carol and I also dropped off several gifts to Paula Gallagher last Wednesday, along with food from the Mid North Food Pantry. Kathy Farris has collected and handed out many toys to folks who come to Mid North Food Pantry. I’m so happy and proud that folks from Witness & Service and First Friends have made Christmas a very special occasion for so many folks in the Indianapolis area. Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas. Jim Donahue, Clerk of Witness and Service

Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading ~ Ann Panah is preparing dinner on Tuesday, December 29th at 7 pm in her home for our year end discussion of I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. Please RSVP to Ann at a_panah@yahoo.com or if you need directions. If you are interested in being on the Oak Leaf email list please contact the office or Kathy Rhyne at kathyrichelle@yahoo.com.

Mark your calendar for upcoming 2016 titles:

January 26 - All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

February 23 - Soldier Girls by Helen Thorpe

March 29 - Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

April 26 - Song of Myselfby Walt Whitman

May 31 - Still Alice by Lisa Genova

June 28 - Beloved by Toni Morrison

July 26 - Lila by Marilynne Robinson

August 30 - Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

September 27 - The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

October 25 - All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner

November 29 - The Friendly Persuasion by Jessamyn West

December 27 - The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri

Notes from Ministry and Counsel, Ed Morris~ Clerk

Marriage Equality: On November 15th Monthly Meeting approved an amended version of the proposal put forth by Ministry and Counsel on marriage equality. It states that “Monthly Meeting approves process equality for all Marriages under the care of the meeting, which means that the standards for being married under the care of the meeting should apply equally to all marriage candidates.

The Vitality of the Meeting: The recent discernment of marriage equality and the resulting minute on the subject was achieved with almost total input and participation from the entire meeting. There were over sixty people present at the November monthly meeting. Although that meeting and the preceding discussions were intense and often emotional, it is a testimony to our aliveness and vitality as a meeting that we engaged the subject fully, if not entirely fearlessly, with significant participation.

We are growing and ever more diverse as time goes on. We continue to engage each other and the community we live in, in a spirit filled and dynamic way. Ministry and Counsel urges members and attenders to continue to participate actively in the spiritual and practical matters of the meeting by attending monthly meetings and sharing whatever gifts you have with the meeting.

Over $325 was raised for Right Sharing of World Resources through your generous donations for soup and cookies in a jar. Thank you for supporting this ministry. The kids really enjoy “hosting” the table. John Noble and Sylvia Andrews raised $262 for the Belize school through pies and pottery. These two Quaker organizations appreciate your support.

Join us in Meeting for Worship January 3rd as Ruthie speaks about God’s faithfulness in the past and the blessings yet to come in the future.

January 10th, we will welcome David Dawson, President of Earlham College as our Guest Speaker. We will have just hosted the Earlham College Choir that weekend, and look forward to hearing what Dr. Dawson has to share with us.

January 17th brings Dr. David Carlson from Franklin College, speaking to us on Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend. Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Dr. Carlson will speak to us about the threat of ISIS, not only to the United States and the world as a whole, but also to the collective perception of the religion of Islam, especially in the west.

Befriending Creation: http://www.quakerearthcare.org/befriending-creation

As you’ve no doubt heard by now, COP21 (conference of the parties) in Paris is over and resulted in an agreement worth celebrating. We realize that the agreement is only a starting point, but it’s an encouraging move toward unity in action, with the hope that the world is finally taking seriously the great risk to our planet. We will continue acting, praying, leading, and educating for spirit-led actions that lead to right relationship with all life. Thanks. Sylvia Andrews Noble.

There will be no Friend to Friend next week December 30th.

Bookcases Needed! 24 Linear Feet of bookcases are needed for our growing number of library books. If anyone knows of an office that’s closing, or a space that’s being changed and a donation of 6’ tall matching bookcases that could fill a space up to 24 feet, please let our Office know. Thank you.

“Friends of Nature Kids” ~ Natural Tunes: Think about a mountain and then sing as many songs as you can remember that have the word ‘mountain’ in them. (Hint: “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”) When you’ve exhausted mountains, try songs about the sun. And there are always rivers, blue skies, the moon… Have fun! From 52 Nature Activities by Lynn Gordon, Chronicle Books, San Francisco.

Comment

December 9th 2015

December 10, 2015

Friend to Friend
Wednesday, December 9th, 2015
Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought
A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens
Just before a meeting this morning at Christian Theological Seminary, I paused for a moment of quiet reflection and prayer in the Chapel. No one was there. The high ceilings allowed in the gray light of morning. Water bubbled and fell from the baptismal fountain. The lectern and altar were spread with Christmas trim. And it was quiet. Very quiet. I was glad for a place to rest in silence.
So much of our world is filled with fear. We call out against the darkness of those things we cannot control and do not understand. We try naming things, people, institutions, in order to make them comprehensible. We try to differentiate ourselves from others in order to find comfort in who we are.
Out of this dark, confused, frightening chaos comes a voice, ringing out, again and again: “Do not fear!” “Do not fear!” The angels sang it long ago: “Do not fear… for unto you is born this day a savior…” God is born, the One who saves us from… our fears! Today, and every day! Just as God told the shepherds, God has come! God is with us! In humankind, through humankind, for humankind. God who knows our fear and anguish is also the one whose presence we know and can trust in. How do we respond to fear? Do we allow it to grow larger, or do we expose it in the light of God’s power and light? Do we run from fear, naming it over and over again? Or do we acknowledge our fear, trusting God to help us find a way through it? Do we hold ourselves and others accountable, changing fear into faith? God gave us the answer to fear when he gave us His Son. Christ did not live in fear. We need not either. Emmanuel – God is with us. Hallelujah!

Considering the Query:
‘Do not assume that vocal ministry is never to be your part. Faithfulness and sincerity in speaking, even very briefly, may open the way to fuller ministry from others. When prompted to speak, wait patiently to know that the leading and the time are right, but do not let a sense of your own unworthiness hold you back. Pray that your ministry may arise from deep experience, and trust that words will be given to you. Try to speak audibly and distinctly, and with sensitivity to the needs of others. Beware of speaking predictably or too often, and of making additions towards the end of a meeting when it was well left before.’
From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice
Joys & Concerns

Many, Many Thanks to Shawn Porter, Lynda Sherer, Pat Price, the Choir, the Handbell Ringers, our Children's Choir, the flautists, drummer, soloists, guitar, harpist, violists, the readers and presenters for a very moving and lovely evening spent together Sunday night at Vespers. Dan Mitchell, Leslie Kartholl and the Choir Crew prepared the Meeting Room beautifully for the season. First Friends is blessed to have talented people with gifts to share, and the willingness to share them. Thank you all for ministering to our Meeting and to the extended community.

The Vespers Buffet brought over 150 people to Fellowship Hall for a delightful spread of wonderful food and drink. Thank you so much to our Fellowship Committee for the elegant centerpieces, the beautiful decor, the delicious food, and the chance to spend time together with friends and family. Laughter, conversation, and reminiscences, all gave a wonderful sense of celebration, and a great way to end our Vespers Evening.

Dr. Lowell Renshaw turns 95 on December 10th. Lowell has been a beloved member of First Friends for at least 50 years and we still occasionally see him when he drives to our Meeting from Columbus. Let’s send him a whole lot of birthday cards to let him know how much he means to us.

Jeff Rasley wrote an article that will be published in the December issue of Friends Journal titled, ‘Yes It Does Take a Village’ discussing poverty, wealth and crime. It is a great article and we are glad that Jeff calls First Friends his faith community. Watch for your upcoming issue!

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
Help Close the Giving Gap
   December is the biggest shopping month of the year. For many retailers this month represents their entire "bottom line" for the whole year. You probably already knew "Black Friday" means the day retailers go out of the "Red Ink" and into the "Black". Perhaps a little more heart-warming at Christmas time... It's also the biggest giving month of the year. For most not-for-profit organizations it's the month they close the gap between expenses and donations.
   First Friends is no exception. Each year we come into December counting on the "Faith Factor" to close the gap in our budget. This year we need to bring in $56,000 in the month of December to close our budget gap. It's a large number, but it also nearly the same number we came through with last year. This is the money we use to pay our staff, heat our building, remove the snow from our parking lots, and all the regular needs of our meeting. Your giving is what keeps First Friends running.
   I hope that First Friends has been a big part of your Christmas celebration and helped to keep you connected to the best of Christmas - family, friends, and Christ's love in your life. I hope our Meeting has helped close any gaps for you this season and you can remember our Meeting with some extra generosity this month.
Your friend,
Eric Tinsley
Finance Committee Clerk

Would you like to help out in the office on Thursday afternoons?
We have been overwhelmed with gracious offers of help in the office like licking envelopes, or opening mail, and we have figured out some great ways to get some helpers involved. We are in need of some bulletin stuffers, and copy makers on Thursday afternoons when we print the Sunday Bulletin. If you are interested email the office (office@indyfriends.org) and we can get you on a volunteer list. We would need our helpers at around 4:00 p.m. Thank you again for all your support during this transitionary time!

Our babysitting sitting co-op will take place on Saturday December 12th from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Kathy Rhyne and Cindy Kitchel will host this gathering and plan some fun crafts and games. Dinner will be provided for the kids. We welcome anyone to bring their kids for a night of free babysitting. The co-op takes place once a quarter and parents rotate hosting. It is a great way to get to know other families and their kids and enjoy an evening out. Please contact Beth Henricks (beth.henricks@indyfriends.org) if you would like your children to attend.

Christmas Caroling on December 13th - Please join us for Christmas caroling on December 13th. All ages and abilities are welcome. We will meet at 3:20 at the Stratford in Carmel in the Retreat Lobby. We will also sing at American Village and the Forum. After caroling, we will have dinner at Steak and Shake.
If you have any questions, please contact the office or Carol Donahue.

United Christmas Service Project- First Friends is partnering with the United Christmas Service to sponsor a family this Christmas. The Rice family has been assigned to First Friends and has 10 members, 4 children and 6 adults. Names of the family members and suggested gifts are noted on tags on the “Christmas Palm Tree” in the foyer of First Friends meetinghouse. Please take a tag or two, purchase and wrap the gift(s), write the name of the family member on the gift(s), and bring the gift(s) to First Friends by Dec 13. We plan to deliver the gifts to the family on Dec. 20 after Meeting for Worship. All are invited to participate in delivering the gifts. Thanks to all for helping to brighten the Christmas for the Rice family.

The USFW Christmas Tea is coming, December 13th after worship. Please join us in the parlor for delicious cookies! At this time of the year, we are focusing on the USFW Joy Fund. The JOY FUND commemorates Eliza Armstrong Cox's joyous service to the Women's Missionary Union (now United Society of Friends Women International), and was established in 1935. Honoring Eliza's special interest in Native Americans, the recipients of this year’s Joy Fund are workers with the three Friends Native American Centers: MOWA Choctaw (Alabama); Mesquakie (Iowa); and Kickapoo (Oklahoma). There will be a free will offering at the Tea for this fund. Please let the office or Jody Long (jody.long@sbcglobal.net) know if you can help us with a couple of dozen cookies.

Sunday, December 20th – Our Annual Children’s Christmas Pageant
Presented in Meeting for Worship @ 10:15
A unique, incredible look at the Christmas Story, we know and love so well.
Invite your friends, family, grandparents, and neighbors.
It promises to be a blessed time of worship together.

Young Friends Youth Fellowship will be volunteering at Mid-North Food Pantry, next Sunday, December 20th. We will meet in Fellowship Hall after Worship, and leave to make our way over to the pantry by 11:30. Please email the office or Hayley Adams (hayley.adams@indyfriends.org) with any questions.

Shopping with a Purpose - December 20th - Our children will be making ‘cookies in a jar’ and ‘soup in a jar’ for your donations to Right Sharing of World Resources (www.righsharing.org) on December 20th after Meeting for Worship in Fellowship Hall. Coffee, chocolate, tea and olive oil will be for sale with some of the proceeds benefitting RSWR. Fragrance free products will be for sale benefitting RSWR. Sylvia Noble will have pies for your donations to support the ministries in Belize. John Noble will have some of his pottery for sale. Mark your calendars for this day of giving to support important Quaker ministries and getting some great gifts to give during the holiday season.

Everyone is welcome to join us on Thursday Evening at 5:30
December 24th for our Christmas Eve Service

A simple, lovely expression of welcoming the Christ Child
Carols, Waiting Worship, Children’s Choir, Flute Solo,
The Christmas Story
~Candlelight~
Family and Friends are All Welcome to Come!

Thanks to all the GENEROUS friends who contributed gently used toys for children of the food pantry. We have given toys for three pantry days and have seen many smiling faces! Your generosity has contributed greatly to the giving spirit of Christmas.

Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading ~ Ann Panah is preparing dinner on Tuesday, December 29th at 7 pm in her home for our year end discussion of I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. Please RSVP to Ann at a_panah@yahoo.com or if you need directions. If you are interested in being on the Oak Leaf email list please contact the office or Kathy Rhyne at kathyrichelle@yahoo.com.
Mark your calendar for upcoming 2016 titles:
January 26 - All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
February 23 - Soldier Girls by Helen Thorpe
March 29 - Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
April 26 - Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
May 31 - Still Alice by Lisa Genova
June 28 - Beloved by Toni Morrison
July 26 - Lila by Marilynne Robinson
August 30 - Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
September 27 - The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
October 25 - All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner
November 29 - The Friendly Persuasion by Jessamyn West
December 27 - The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri

As you change to the 2016 calendar, reserve the date of Wednesday, Jan. 13 for the next Seasoned Friends Luncheon. Thank You!

“Friends of Nature Kids” ~ The Nature of Words:” Take turns thinking of words or phrases that refer to things in nature. Here are some examples: to ‘branch out’, to hide ‘under a rock’, to ‘turn over a new leaf’. Think of single words that are used, like a company has many branches, and people ask to hear the dirt. What words and phrases can you think of?

Comment

December 2nd, 2015

December 8, 2015

As Way Opens

Listen to the long stillness:
New Life is stirring
New dreams are on the wing
New hopes are being readied:
Humankind is fashioning a new heart
Humankind is forging a new mind
God is at work.
This is the season of Promise
by Howard Thurman

We are entering the advent season for 2015, a time where we celebrate the incarnation of God on earth through Jesus. It is a time of hope and promise and mystery. I am finishing a class at Earlham School of Religion called Theological Reflection and have spent the last three months thinking hard about some of these mysteries: the Trinity, salvation, the incarnate Christ, etc. I never fully understood the scope of disagreement, discussion and division that the understanding of the incarnation of Jesus Christ has placed in our history until this class. It has strengthened my belief that God did break through to humanity in a different way through Jesus. But I also believe that God continues to break through today. What about an incarnate Bill, an incarnate Mary, an incarnate Ed, an incarnate Nancy, an incarnate ________ (you)? Isn’t this the real promise and hope that Jesus brings to us? That we can live our human lives, that are full of anxiety, pain and disappointments, incarnated with the Spirit of God? And that changes everything! I once heard a TV evangelist declare - turn your scars into stars. I think being incarnated with God does indeed turn our scars to stars that shine as a Light for someone else. This season gives us a time to pause and reflect on ‘how am I letting my Star shine in this world?’ May others see the incarnation in our lives today.

Considering the Query: ‘When you are preoccupied and distracted in meeting let wayward and disturbing thoughts give way quietly to your awareness of God’s presence among us and in the world. Receive the vocal ministry of others in a tender and creative spirit. Reach for the meaning deep within it, recognizing that even if it is not God’s word for you, it may be so for others. Remember that we all share responsibility for the meeting for worship whether our ministry is in silence or through the spoken word.’ From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice

Joys & Concerns

Please hold Catherine Swanson in the Light as her father passed away on Sunday November 22nd in Bloomington IN. His memorial service will be held tomorrow, December 3rd.

Please continue to hold Viola Bangle, Norma Wallman’s mother, in your prayers for God’s care and healing, rest and refreshment, and remember Norma, as well.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

This Sunday, December 6th! Vespers Annual Holiday Concert!
5:00 pm with a Light Buffet to Follow
Christmas Carols and Anthems, Handbells, Soloists,
Children’s Choir, Flutes, Violas, Harps
Scripture Readings, and Waiting Worship

Bring your family and friends to this lovely service,
and be sure to remain afterward for the delightful buffet!
This is a complimentary gift, hosted by our
Fellowship Committee.

Christmas Caroling on December 13th - Please join us for Christmas caroling on December 13th. All ages and abilities are welcome. We will meet at 3:20 at the Stratford in Carmel in the Retreat Lobby. We will also sing at American Village and the Forum. After caroling, we will have dinner at Steak and Shake.
If you have any questions, please contact the office or Carol Donahue.

United Christmas Service Project- First Friends is partnering with the United Christmas Service to sponsor a family this Christmas. The Rice family has been assigned to First Friends and has 10 members, 4 children and 6 adults. Names of the family members and suggested gifts are noted on tags on the “Christmas Palm Tree” in the foyer of First Friends meetinghouse. Please take a tag or two, purchase and wrap the gift(s), write the name of the family member on the gift(s), and bring the gift(s) to First Friends by Dec-13. We plan to deliver the gifts to the family on Dec. 20 after Meeting for Worship. All are invited to participate in delivering the gifts. Thanks to all for helping to brighten the Christmas for the Rice family.

Our babysitting sitting co-op will take place on Saturday December 12th from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Kathy Rhyne and Cindy Kitchel will host this gathering and plan some fun crafts and games. Dinner will be provided for the kids. We welcome anyone to bring their kids for a night of free babysitting. The co-op takes place once a quarter and parents rotate hosting. It is a great way to get to know other families and their kids and enjoy an evening out. Please contact Beth Henricks, or the office, if you would like your children to attend.

The USFW Christmas Tea is coming, December 13th after worship. Please join us in the parlor for delicious cookies! We need your help in supplying those wonderful cookies. Please let the office or Jody Long (jody.long@sbcglobal.net) know if you can help us with a couple of dozen cookies. This quarter we are focusing on the USFW Joy Fund. The JOY FUND commemorates Eliza Armstrong Cox's joyous service to the Women's Missionary Union (now United Society of Friends Women International), and was established in 1935. Honoring Eliza's special interest in Native Americans, the recipients of this year’s Joy Fund are workers with the three Friends Native American Centers: MOWA Choctaw (Alabama); Mesquakie (Iowa); and Kickapoo (Oklahoma). There will be a free will offering at the Tea for this fund.

Sunday, December 20th – Our Annual Children’s Christmas Pageant
Presented in Meeting for Worship @ 10:15
A unique, incredible look at the Christmas Story, we know and love so well.
Invite your friends, family, grandparents, and neighbors.
It promises to be a blessed time of worship together.

Everyone is welcome to join us on Thursday Evening at 5:30
December 24th for our Christmas Eve Service

A simple, lovely expression of welcoming the Christ Child
Carols, Waiting Worship, Children’s Choir, Flute Solo,
The Christmas Story
~Candlelight~
Family and Friends are All Welcome to Come!

Thank you for your pledges! First Friends is deeply grateful for the generosity of Friends in support of our ministries and extends a big ‘thank you’ to all of who have turned in pledge cards for 2016. This indication of support for 2016 is helpful as we plan a budget for the New Year. If you haven’t had a chance to turn in your pledges, you are welcome to do so by sending it to the Meeting office.
With thanks and gratitude,
Stewardship Team 2016

Earlham Choir Performance & Housing Needed
The Earlham Choir will be performing at First Friends on Friday January 8th, 2016. The 55 member choir will need housing that evening and transportation on Saturday. Local Earlham Alumni will be helping provide some of this, but we are also asking members of First Friends to volunteer to host students and faculty Friday night through Saturday morning.
Needed:
· Transport student from the performance to your home on Friday evening
· Provide breakfast on Saturday morning
· Transport the student to a central pickup location on Saturday morning at around 7:30 AM
If you are able to help with this, please provide the following information to the office and copy Carolyn Tinsley at ctinsley@indy.rr.com
· I can provide sleeping space for _____ persons on Friday night, January 8, 2016.
· Gender preferences for guests if any
· Please provide a brief description of sleeping arrangements (e.g., one room with two twin beds, etc.).· Please list any pets you have
· Choir members and faculty agree to no smoking inside homes, but if you have a preference for no smokers, please indicate that as well

“Friends of Nature Kids” ~ Bug About: On a patch of grass or soft ground, lie on your stomach and look at the ground. Be very quiet as you watch and see how many bugs are working hard on and beneath the ground. Count how many different kinds you can see. What are they all doing? From: ‘52 Nature Activities’ by Lynn Gordon

Comment

November 25th, 2015

November 30, 2015

As Way Opens
Why I am Thankful for First Friends Meeting shared in Meeting for Worship by Tom Fisher

Those of you that don't know me are saying to yourselves, "Who is that?" And those of you who do know me are saying, "He hasn't been here forever."
Good observations all. But Ruthie asked me to do this, and you don't say no to Ruthie.
This coming week we will celebrate Thanksgiving and all we are thankful for; America, family, our meeting, etc. We then enter December and celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Sharing with you gave me the opportunity to think directly why I am thankful for this meeting.
When we give thanks we often do so with regard to how it has helped with everyday life, and I give thanks in that way. Several years ago, my wife Barbara had shoulder surgery and we needed help with meals and transportation to the doctor. First Friends was there to help and we are thankful for that. But more important, I think, I am thankful for First Friends in a more abstract less tangible way.
I am thankful for the way in which the meeting deals with conflict. Dealing with conflict is never easy. They do so, attempting to understand what the real concerns of all parties are and then try to resolve the matter in a way that all can come away feeling good about the resolution or at least, that the process allowed them to be heard. Consensus is attempted and often reached. Nothing is rammed down, and hopefully all are satisfied
I am thankful to belong to a meeting where a diverse theology exists. Quakers run the spectrum in their beliefs from the universalist to the evangelical. I think that diversity is reflected in this meeting and all shades of the theology are accepted and embraced.
I am thankful to belong to a meeting where, at least to my mind, folks are not judged by anything but, in the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. in his ‘I have a dream’ speech, the content of their character. Theology, cultural status or views, economic status, occupation, physical or disability issues don't matter. I'm grateful you even accept lawyers. Seriously, all are embraced and included.
Thank you First Friends.
Considering the Query: ‘Be honest with yourself. What unpalatable truths might you be evading? When you recognize your shortcomings, do not let that discourage you. In worship together we can find the assurance of God’s love and the strength to go on with renewed courage.’ From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice
As it happens, we come to this query during the week of Thanksgiving. What a strange time to think of things that are ‘unpalatable’. Here we are, anticipating so many things pleasing to our palate – the family favorites awaiting us at the table of thanks; the food and drink that slides so easily down our throats. But what about those things that are hard to swallow? What about those things we find in ourselves that are most difficult, served cold?
Friends, we are reminded in this query that as we gather around the table of our life, we gather in worship, always. Our family and friends form our meeting, both near and far. As God opens each new day, regardless of its title, it is a Thanksgiving Day, a day for giving thanks for the gathered meeting that is our life. It is a day of worship, through the power of the Holy Spirit. And what is it that we have most to give God thanks for? God’s loving presence. grace and forgiveness. Because of these things, we are given courage to face the most foul-tasting, unpalatable truths about ourselves. Through God’s strength in us, and the care of our family and friends, we are able to remove unpleasant items from our table, and instead, replace them with healthy, delicious things that God has always had, ready-made for us. Do not be discouraged. ‘Taste and see that God is good.’ Remember, even when faced with challenges that have been difficult we have many, many things for which to be thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Joys & Concerns

Barbara Roy sends this greeting our way: I want to say thank you to my friends at First Friends.whom I have been so blessed to know over the last 7-8 years, and also a huge thank-you to those who sent me notes after I broke my arm in May. You have given me more than you will ever know. I have not returned to First Friends. I am hoping to move to Bloomington in the next 6 months in order to be nearer to my daughter and her family. I think of you all daily and wish each of you the very best. I hope that in the future I will find a church community again in my life that is as caring, and one in which I can trust. Lovingly, Barbara Roy
Please hold Catherine Swanson in the Light as her father passed away on Sunday November 22nd in Bloomington IN. His memorial service will be held on December 3rd. I am sure Catherine would appreciate your prayers and cards

Norma Wallman’s mother, Viola Bangle has been hospitalized this past week, and remains in the hospital, but has been released from Intensive Care, for which we’re thankful. Please hold Viola in your prayers for God’s care and healing, rest and refreshment, and remember Norma, as well.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
Midwest Food Bank Lunch - Thanks to Jody Long, Tom Krughoff, Ruthie Tippin, Nancy Pennington, Kathy and Bill Farris, Kim Kiser, and Carol and Jim Donahue for your help with the luncheon for the volunteers at the Midwest Food Bank. Midwest has expressed its appreciation for the wonderful lunch that you provided. A special thanks to Jody for the delicious pulled pork.

Vespers Annual Holiday Concert – Sunday, December 6th
We invite you to attend our annual Vespers concert, that will preview the many talented musicians, singers, and artists of our Meeting. Our choir and hand bell choir have been practicing hard for this concert, and it should be quite a delight. Following the concert there will be a complimentary light buffet, hosted by our Fellowship Committee. Plan to join us for the evening!

Christmas Caroling on December 13th - Please join us for Christmas caroling on December 13th. All ages and abilities are welcome. We will meet at 3:20 at the Stratford in Carmel in the Retreat Lobby. We will also sing at American Village and the Forum. After caroling, we will have dinner at Steak and Shake. If you have any questions, please contact the office or Carol Donahue.

The USFW Christmas Tea is coming, December 13th after worship. Please join us in the parlor for delicious cookies! We need your help in supplying those wonderful cookies. Please let the office or Jody Long (jody.long@sbcglobal.net) know if you can help us with a couple of dozen cookies. This quarter we are focusing on the USFW Joy Fund. The JOY FUND commemorates Eliza Armstrong Cox's joyous service to the Women's Missionary Union (now United Society of Friends Women International), and was established in 1935. Honoring Eliza's special interest in Native Americans, the recipients of this year’s Joy Fund are workers with the three Friends Native American Centers: MOWA Choctaw (Alabama); Mesquakie (Iowa); and Kickapoo (Oklahoma). There will be a free will offering at the Tea for this fund.

Grief Gathering on Sunday November 29th after Meeting for Worship - Circle of Care is hosting a lunch and discussion facilitated by Leslie Kartholl for those who have experienced a loss of a family member or cherished friend. This lunch and time together is a tangible way our Meeting is demonstrating our care for each other during times of sadness. We invite anyone that is interested in gathering with others to share and reflect on the experience of loss. Please contact the office (office@indyfriends.org) if you plan to attend. This event is sponsored by our Circle of Care.

Thank you for your pledges! First Friends is deeply grateful for the generosity of Friends in support of our ministries and extends a big ‘thank you’ to all of who have turned in pledge cards for 2016. This indication of support for 2016 is helpful as we plan a budget for the New Year. If you haven’t had a chance to turn in your pledges, you are welcome to do so by sending it to the Meeting office.
With thanks and gratitude,
Stewardship Team 2016

College Care packages for our students - We invite you to bring treats, gift cards or other assorted goodies to fill shipping boxes, located in the foyer, to show our college students that First Friends is thinking about them and holding them in the Light as they enter final exams for first semester. If it’s easier for you to have the office shop for treats, we will gladly take a money donation. There are 14 students that we will provide a care box for. We need your donations by Thursday, December 3rd to mail the packages in time for study for exams.

Earlham Choir Performance & Housing Needed
The Earlham Choir will be performing at First Friends on Friday January 8th, 2016. The 55 member choir will need housing that evening and transportation on Saturday. Local Earlham Alumni will be helping provide some of this, but we are also asking members of First Friends to volunteer to host students and faculty Friday night through Saturday morning.
Needed:
· Transport student from the performance to your home on Friday evening
· Provide breakfast on Saturday morning
· Transport the student to a central pickup location on Saturday morning at around 7:30 AM (location to be determined)
If you are able to help with this, please provide the following information to the office and copy Carolyn Tinsley at ctinsley@indy.rr.com
· I can provide sleeping space for _____ persons on Friday night, January 8, 2016.
· Gender preferences for guests if any
· Please provide a brief description of sleeping arrangements (e.g., one room with two twin beds, etc.).
· Please list any pets you have
· Choir members and faculty agree to no smoking inside homes, but if you have a preference for no smokers, please indicate that as well

“Friends of Nature Kids” ~ Twenty Questions: In a small group, take turns thinking of something from nature. The person whose turn it is has to answer any question about the object, as long as the question can be answered “yes” or “no”. Each person can ask as many questions as she wants until she gets a “no” for an answer, and then it’s the next person’s turn. Have fun! From: ‘52 Nature Activities’ by Lynn Gordon

Comment

November 11,2015

November 11, 2015

Friend to Friend

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens

Before it was called Veterans Day, November 11th was celebrated as Armistice Day in commemoration of the signing of the armistice ending World War I. Signed November 11, 1918, it signified the end of conflict between the Allied Forces and Germany. Today, almost one hundred years later, we remember the nearly 30 million military veterans in the United States. For Quakers, it is a day to honor veterans and their sacrifice, but we also remember the testimony of peace.

Quakerism was born in a time of war and conflict in England. There was no naiveté among Friends about the peril of the sword. Rather than preach against war, they spoke for peace…Declaration to King Charles, 1661 “We utterly deny all outward wars and strife and fightings with outward weapons, for any end or under any pretense whatsoever. And this is our testimony to the whole world. The spirit of Christ, by which we are guided, is not changeable, so as once to command us from a thing as evil and again to move unto it; and we do certainly know, and so testify to the world, that the spirit of Christ, which leads us into all Truth, will never move us to fight and war against any man with outward weapons, neither for the kingdom of Christ, nor for the kingdoms of this world.”

Did all Quakers refuse to bear “outward weapons”? No. Did all Quakers refuse to fight? No. Many Friends then, and throughout history have chosen to join military service. But not without thoughtful consideration of the cost, and the question of Christ’s leading. And hopefully, not without reflecting on the truth of what George Fox told the Commonwealth Commissioners in 1651: “I told them I lived in the virtue of that life and power that took away the occasion of all wars…” What an incredible world this would be if everyone would live in such a way that there would no longer be any occasion, any purpose, and any reason, for war.

“God of Consolation, every time we mark an anniversary that recalls an act of war or violence, we struggle to make sense of our world. As time moves on, remind us of the call to remain open-hearted. May our memory not harden into fear and anger, but pulse with compassion and generosity. Give us the collective voice to speak for healing and forgiveness, and bring us the peace we long for. With hope in your steadfast love, we pray, Amen.”

Considering the Query: “‘Come regularly to meeting for worship even when you are angry, depressed, tired or spiritually cold. In the silence ask for and accept the prayerful support of others joined with you in worship. Try to find a spiritual wholeness which encompasses suffering as well as thankfulness and joy. Prayer, springing from a deep place in the heart, may bring healing and unity as nothing else can. Let meeting for worship nourish your whole life.’From Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015

Joys & Concerns

Catherine Swanson’s father is moving through his last days of life, and prayers are welcomed for him and his family. His daughter Mary Ann is due to arrive from Wales this Friday. Please lift Catherine’s family in your prayers. Catherine’s parents live in Bloomington. To send Catherine a card, her address is

We thank God for his mercy and blessing in the quick recovery from recent surgery for bothBrenda Rodeheffer’s father, Bob Franklin, and for Sarah Binns

Gary and Cheryl Wyne are traveling in the Holy Land, and send us greetings from the Sea of Galilee! May God bless their journey.

Missing Red Coat! A ladies red coat with gold buttons is missing. If you happen to have it, please call the Meeting Office at 255-2485. Thank you very much!

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Cash and Cans! Thanksgiving with Mid North Food Pantry!

Witness & Service is sponsoring a food awareness drive at First Friends during the month of November. This year W&S is soliciting cash contributions rather than food items from adults since Mid North is able to purchase from Gleaners Food Bank more than 10 times the amount of food that an individual is able to purchase, for the same amount of money, at a grocery store. We think it is beneficial for the children at First Friends to continue to contribute food items. Boxes for canned food are in the children’s classrooms. Thermometers on the bulletin board will track the cash contributions and the amount of food collected. We hope that everyone at First Friends will work together to share their blessings during the month of November. Checks should be written to First Friends with a notation for Mid North. Thanks for your help.

Eco-Film Series: ‘DamNation’, Friday, Nov 13, 7:00 pm at All Souls Unitarian Church (5605 E 56th Street) The change in our national attitude regarding big dams is explored in this documentary. It has transformed from having pride in them as engineering wonders to the growing awareness that our own future is bound to the life and health of our rivers.

YFYF is going ‘out of this world’… cosmic bowling! Saturday, November 14

Meet at Woodland Bowling at 7:00. Pizza will be provided. Bring your friends. Young Friends Youth Fellowship is the place to be!

“Ish” Group Gathering: Are you looking for fellowship with Friends outside of Meeting? Our newly formed Ish group (adult-Ish, young-Ish) is having its second gathering this Friday, November 13th at Carl & Jeff’s in Carmel beginning at 7pm. Although most of our group is between early 30's and mid 50-s, anyone of adult age (21 and over) is welcome to join us for an evening of pizza, dessert, wine and fellowship. For location and details contact Bill Heitman at 317-670-7509 (call/text), billheitman@hotmail.com, or check out our Facebook group page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstfriendsyoungadults/ We are tentatively planning on reconvening the 2nd Friday of each month.

First Friends is deeply grateful for the generosity of Friends in support of our ministries and extends a big ‘thank you’ to all of who have turned in pledge cards for 2016. This indication of support for 2016 is helpful as we plan a budget for the new year. If you haven’t had a chance to turn in your pledges, you are welcome to do so by sending it to the Meeting office.

With thanks and gratitude,

Stewardship Team 2016

Calling all Baby Boomer/Empty-Nesters. Becki Heusel is putting out an APB to see who might be interested in some fellowship. You can reach her by email at becki.from.indy@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 17, from 2:00 to 3:30 - Poetry Group program will be presented by Mac Greene, a psychologist and author of two chapbooks. Mac Greene is a transplanted Hoosier, since 1997, coming from Washington DC by way of Eau Claire Wisconsin. He began writing poetry in 2006 as a solution to the Empty Nest Before the Empty Nest, those years when he became increasingly redundant even though the kids were still home. He writes about domestic matters, children, aging, cats and dogs, but also about nature, politics, and spirituality. In other words just about anything might inspire a poem, as he looks for the little miracles that are all around us all the time. His mentor for his first six years or so of writing was our own Linda Lee, and he will always be thankful for her inspiration and guidance. We meet in the parlor.

Coffee and Queries for 20somethings… people in their 20’s who are curious

Next Tuesday, November 17th, 7:45 to 9:00, in the basement at First Friends

With Ruthie

Come!

Oak Leaf Ladies! You are invited to attend our 2nd Annual Potluck Lasagna Dinner.

Ruth Kelly has graciously offered to have our next book discussion in her home on November 17th at 7 pm. We will be talking about The Silver Star by Jeanette Walls. Bring a friend, a side dish and a book from home to swap. People who haven't previously attended book discussion are MORE than welcome to come, dinner will be on us! Please contact Ruth Kelly via email at rgkelly4@att.net for directions. If you would like to be on the Oak Leaf email list please contact or email Kathy Rhyne at kathyrichelle@yahoo.com. Our next discussion will be I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai on December 29th at 7 pm in the parlor.

Food Bank Lunch: November 20thWitness & Service is sponsoring a luncheon for the volunteers at Midwest Food Bank on Friday, Nov-20. We will meet at First Friends at 9:45 am and ride together to Midwest Food Bank. We will serve lunch to 40-50 volunteers. Midwest Food Bank is a “mini Gleaners” and provides food to many food pantries, including the Mid North Food Pantry. If you would like to help with the luncheon, please see Jim Donahue for more info

An Evening of Storytelling with Phil Gulley

Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation presents and evening of storytelling with Quaker author Phil Gulley. Purchase & signing for Phil’s NEW book: A Lesson in Hope. Friday, November 20, from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm. For more information, contact IFCL Clerk Bill Chapman (317) 255-4739. A freewill offering will be taken to support the advocacy work of IFCL.

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE – Nov. 24 at 7:00

The third annual Community Thanksgiving Service will be held on Tuesday evening, November 24th, at 7pm at First Friends Meeting. Choir members from a variety of churches in the Shalom Zone will join in the mass choir to sing John Rutter’s For the Beauty of the Earth. First Friends’ choir and handbell choir will also sing and play. Refreshments will be served after the service for fellowship time. Please mark your calendar for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and come give thanks with our neighbors!

*First Friends, Epworth UMC, Allisonville Christian, Cross and Crown Lutheran, St. Piux X

The Shalom Zone outreach focus for this event will be School on Wheels , an organization that provides tutoring for homeless children. The various churches are collecting needed items prior to the service and also at the service on Nov-24. Items requested (in addition to cash donations) are as follows:

School on Wheels' Wish List Link: http://amzn.com/w/M6L7ZEM8C05G

1) Dickies Big Boys’ Belt Casual Belt with Stitching, Black – Sizes XS to XL needed, $9.99

2) Dickies Boys Flat Front Pant, Khaki – Sizes XS to XL needed, $15.97

3) French Toast School Uniforms Girls Pants, Khaki – Sizes XS to XL needed, costs vary

4) School Uniform Unisex Short Sleeved Pique Knit Shirt by French Toast, White – XS to XL needed, $9.00

5) Appletters Game, $9.99

6) Bananagrams Game, $14.85

7) Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers, Variety Pack (30 count), $14.62

8) Welch’s Mixed Fruit Snacks (80 count), $19.49

9) Walmart, Target, Amazon Gift Cards

Grief Gathering on Sunday November 29th after Meeting for Worship - Circle of Care is hosting a lunch and discussion facilitated by Leslie Kartholl for those who have experienced a loss of a family member or cherished friend. This lunch and time together is a tangible way our Meeting is demonstrating our care for each other during times of sadness. We invite anyone that is interested in gathering with others to share and reflect on the experience of loss. Please contact the office (office@indyfriends.org) if you plan to attend. This event is sponsored by our Circle of Care.

From Ed Morris Clerk of Ministry and Counsel:

Pastor Evaluation: Ruthie shared the results of her evaluation. She asked for and got good advice on how to tweak her very good performance. She received praise and strong support from M&C for her ministry at FF.

Pastor's Report/Calendar: Ruthie reported on numerous activities planned and in progress. Those included: The Welcome Wagon which is what the Dan Mosley grant group are calling themselves these days; the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service on Nov 24th at 7:00pm at FF and Christmas Season Plans to be described in detail later.

Marriage Equality: FF Meeting will continue its discussion and discernment of M&C's proposal for Process Equality for Marriage Under the Care of the Meeting at the next monthly meeting on Nov. 15th after Meeting for Worship. Child care will be available for the duration. Copies of the proposal with better formatting will be distributed. All members and attenders are invited to participate.

First Friends Parents: Gently Used Toys (NOT new) are requested as Christmas presents for the children of MidNorth Food Pantry recipients. If you are clearing out old toys in preparation for influx of new toys at Christmas, please keep us in mind. They can be dropped off at the food donation station in Fellowship Hall or Kathy Farris (842-5844) will pick up.

“Friends Of Nature Kids” ~ Postcard Designer: Cut a rectangle approximately the size of a postcard out of a piece of paper. Now hold up the paper with the rectangle cut out in front of yourself and look around outside, framing different picture postcard scenes. Which postcard scene is your favorite? What makes a postcard scene interesting? .From ‘52 Nature Activities for Kids’ by Lynn Gordon

Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

Compassionate v Christian v Quaker

3030 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr. Indianapolis,

317-255-2485 office@indyfriends.org

Comment

November 4, 2015

November 5, 2015

Friend to Friend

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens

I recently attended a “Wine and Canvas” event at an art studio in downtown Carmel that was really a promotional event for a brand new assisted living facility. (As I review potential assisted living/memory care facilities, I am amazed at the different ways these companies try to convince one to move there.) My friend Sally encouraged me to attend so I could hear about this place. I hate doing art things because I am so bad at them. My creative outlets are definitely not arts and crafts. As my mother told me, I have “two left thumbs” so I reluctantly agreed to attend. A very nice and professional artist had painted a beautiful fall scene in an impressionist style and he proceeded to show us how to paint this canvas. He broke it down into simple steps and I tried to follow his instructions carefully. (While not creative I am diligent in following directions.) There were about 20 of us in the room and we spent 90 minutes creating our version of this fall scene. When done, I sat looking at my painting; it didn’t look like the artist’s version and it didn’t look very good at all. I asked the artist to come over and see what he could do to help - he put a few strokes of paint on the canvas to create more definition but it still looked pretty bad. Getting ready to leave the studio, I went to the back of the room to get my coat and looked across the room at 20 canvases just painted. And I spotted mine among the paintings and from 30 feet away it looked good! I did a double take to be sure that was what I just painted. From a distance it looked like a real fall scene.

Isn’t this just like how we see people? From a distance they look great and we wonder why we can’t be like them. But when we get close and personal, they are flawed and have deficits just like us. Yet God loves every single one of us just the way that we are. We are all beloved children of God. It is through God’s Love and Light filling our heart, soul and mind that we can work on our deficits and shadows and see changes for a life more centered, more loving and more forgiving to both ourselves and our neighbors. I rejoice in this Love today.

Considering the Query:

“In worship we enter with reverence into communion with God and respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Come to meeting for worship with heart and mind prepared. Yield yourself and all your outward concerns to God’s guidance so that you may find ‘the evil weakening in you and the good raised up’.”

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

Joys & Concerns

Please remember Jan Gildner in your thoughts and prayers this week. Two persons dear to Jan - her cousin, Mary Lou Krusinski, and a dear friend, Marietta Meredith - both died this past Friday, October 30th. Jan will be traveling this week to attend their funerals. If you would like to send a card, Jan’s address is …. 2064 Oldfields Cir Indy 46228

Brenda Rodeheffer’s father, Bob Franklin, has had heart valve replacement surgery this week. We rejoice that the surgery went well and that he should be feeling much better very, very soon. Please hold Bob in your thoughts and prayers, as he recovers from this major surgery, and resumes normal life. If you’d like to send Bob a card, his address is … 2521 E 57th St Indy 46220

One of our members, Sara Binns, is slated for thyroid surgery this Thursday. Would you please hold her in your heart and prayers? Sara is more concerned about her cousin Kathleen Cox, than she is about herself! Kathleen (Kay) has just completed four months of radiation and chemotherapy treatment for stomach cancer and Sara would appreciate our prayers as Kay becomes stronger in remission. If you’d like to send a card to Sara, her new address is 5589 Liberty Blvd Place, Indy 46220. She recently moved to American Village.

Thank you Fellowship Committee! What a fun ‘All [Quaker] Saints Day’ spread you treated us with this past Sunday during Fellowship Hour! Such delightful goodies, and warm hospitality… not to mention the cider! Hooray and thanks to Susan Rains, Kristyn Buckner, Dan Lee, Beth Kay, Debbie Goold, Kathy Farris, Ruth Kelly, Bill Farris, and Bob Goold!

Eric Baker helps open new School of Rock in Fishers. Eric is the Musical Director of the School of Rock in Carmel, and now in Fishers.

Last Saturday was the grand opening of the new location at 11740 Olio Rd. Check out the website - http://locations.schoolofrock.com/fishers

Congratulations Eric!

Doug and Jennifer Kinser celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 8th. They were married at New Castle Friends by Tom Mullen. They reside in Florida now and we sure miss them here at First Friends. Their address is 2063 Xanadu Loop, The Villages FL 32163.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Community Soup and a Movie! Join us this Friday, November 6th at 5:30 for soups and cinema! Delicious soups and breads, and wonderful company promise to make this a wonderful evening. The movie, Gerrymandering is a 2010 documentary feature film written and directed by Jeff Reichert. The film explores the history and the ethical, moral and racial problems raised by redistricting, i.e., the drawing of boundaries of electoral districts in the United States. Feel free to stay after the meal for the movie.

Meditational Woods Work Day: Saturday, November 7th Everyone is welcome to help put the woods to bed for the winter!

Young Friends Youth Group (YFYG) meets this Sunday at 11:30. This upcoming Sunday is our second meeting for Youth Group! We had such great conversation and fun at the last one, we are hoping that due to scheduling, more people will be able to come to this one!! Food is provided this Sunday by Beth Henricks, so please RSVP to this event so we can know how much food to bring. Our lesson is called "Rebellion" and is about Cain and Abel. Can't wait to see everybody on Sunday! Also, mark your calendars for Cosmic Bowling on Saturday November 14th in the evening. Contact Hayley for details (hayley.adams@indyfriends.org)

-Hayley Marie Adams

Friendly Visitors Luncheon”; Sunday, November 8th, 11:45 in the Parlor

The Visiting Ministry of First Friends has long been a valued part of our outreach. The Circle of Care Committee wants to thank those who have been visiting folk from our Meeting who are homebound, lonely, or otherwise distanced from us. We also hope to welcome those who might be interested in joining this ministry of visitation. If you are interested and able to come, please RSVP to the Meeting Office at office@indyfriends.org or 255-2485.

Thanksgiving with Mid North Food Pantry Witness & Service is sponsoring a food awareness drive at First Friends during the month of November. This year W&S is soliciting cash contributions rather than food items from adults since Mid North is able to purchase from Gleaners Food Bank more than 10 times the amount of food that an individual is able to purchase, for the same amount of money, at a grocery store. We think it is beneficial for the children at First Friends to continue to contribute food items. Boxes for food are in the children’s classrooms. Thermometers on the bulletin board will track the cash contributions and the amount of food collected. We hope that everyone at First Friends will work together to share their blessings during the month of November. Checks should be written to First Friends with a notation for Mid North. Thanks for your help.

Coffee and Queries for 20somethings… people in their 20’s who are curious

Tuesday, November 17th, 7:45 to 9:00, in the basement at First Friends

With Ruthie

Come

Edward Alley, an accomplished poet and a friend of Linda Lee, will present a program entitled "Musings and Meanderings" on Tuesday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m. in the Parlor

Food Bank Lunch: November 20thWitness & Service is sponsoring a luncheon for the volunteers at Midwest Food Bank on Friday, Nov-20. We will meet at First Friends at 9:45 am and ride together to Midwest Food Bank. We will serve lunch to 40-50 volunteers. Mid West Food Bank is a “mini Gleaners” and provides food to many food pantries, including the Mid North Food Pantry. If you would like to help with the luncheon, please see Jim Donahue for more info

Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation presents An Evening of storytelling with Quaker Author Phil Gulley – Friday, November 20, from 7:00 to 8:30pm at First Friends Meeting 3030 Kessler Boulevard East Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Purchase and signing for Phil’s new book will be held after the reading. . A freewill offering will be taken to support the advocacy work of IFCL.

Tuesday Evening, November 24th at 7:00 pm at First Friends

Five pastors will share readings. A mass choir from five different churches will be singing under the direction of Shawn Porter. Handbells, organ, congregational singing, special music, with praise and thanksgiving to God from various congregations in our Kessler-Allisonville Road neighborhood. Come, join us in Thanksgiving! An offering will be taken for School on Wheels, a literacy program for homeless children in Indianapolis.

First Friends, Epworth UMC, Allisonville Christian, Cross and Crown Lutheran, St. Piux X

First Friends Pictorial Directory! Contact Sue Mills for an appt: 431-2900 Pictures will be taken by Lifetouch Directories at the Meeting House on Wed., Nov. 4 – Sat., Nov. 7. 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.

“Friends Of Nature Kids” ~ Stretch and Touch: On a clear bit of ground or on the grass, lie down, close your eyes and stretch out your arms and legs. Reach out around you and try to identify ten different things that you can touch. Open your eyes and see if you guessed all of the things correctly. .From ‘52 Nature Activities for Kids’ by Lynn Gordon

Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

Compassionate v Christian v Quaker

3030 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr. Indianapolis,

317-255-2485 office@indyfriends.org

Comment

October 28,2015

October 29, 2015

Friend to Friend

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens

I was driving to the Meeting the other day and the color of the trees and brush was so breathtaking at that moment that I had to pull my car over and stop to take it in. I couldn’t just keep driving and not take the time to really notice and implant this magnificent image of nature and God’s revelation in my heart and mind knowing that this beauty would soon be gone as the leaves let go to the wind and rain . I was thinking that right here in my little corner of the universe, I can see the redemption of God through the cycle of the trees. These leaves will soon be gone to us, trampled into the ground but transformed into the material needed for the new life to come next spring.

Being Trees in Autumn

Steve Garnaas-Holmes

These trees in Buddhist saffron robes, renouncing everything,
becoming naked without fear,
in wind that is a part of them,
disclose a beauty in this death,
become new shapes, interior.
To live they cannot hoard;
this losing, too, is growth.
New shapes emerge, new vision clears.
Surrender strengthens in the soul another song.
This emptying is confidence in spring, but more—

a faithing in the growth that’s come before, a counting of the gifts
and then releasing one by one,
so as to give again,
knowing growth is not a season,
but is in the root of things.
This is no losing,
but a becoming.
Coveting such openness
of limb and heart and hand,
such bareness in the singing, I only now discover that I want

this wind, blowing where it will,

Considering the Query: ‘Worship is our response to an awareness of God. We can worship alone, but when we join with others in expectant waiting we may discover a deeper sense of God’s presence. We seek a gathered stillness in our meetings for worship so that all may feel the power of God’s love drawing us together and leading us.’ From Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015

Joys & Concerns

More than 260 people have died, mostly in Pakistan, after a magnitude-7.5 earthquake hit north-eastern Afghanistan. The death toll is expected to rise as aid reaches outlying areas. Let us hold this region of the world in prayer for mercy and care for survivors and families.

Nancy Pennington’s son Mark will have shoulder surgery this Thursday. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, for the surgery and the therapy and recovery afterward. Thank you. Mark’s address is 1434 Alimingo Drive, Indianapolis, 46260.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Set your clocks back Saturday night, October 31st. Mark your calendar now!

Central Area Meeting, this Sunday, Nov 2nd at 2:00 p.m. Valley Mills Friends Meeting, 6737 West Thompson Road 46241; First Friends is part of Western Yearly Meeting, which divides up all its Meetings into various ‘areas’. Worship, fellowship and service opportunities are offered through Area Meeting gatherings. The goal is to build a network of mutual support among monthly meetings. Decisions are made that are sent on to our Yearly Meeting. We are part of Central Area Meeting that includes Valley Mills, First Friends, and West Newton. Please mark your calendars and join us!

Community Soup and a Movie! Join us Friday, November 6th at 5:30 for soups and cinema! It’s always fun to see what variety of soups show up… and what variety of people come, too! Join us!

Meditational Woods Work Day: Saturday, November 7th Everyone is welcome to help put the woods to bed for the winter!

“Friendly Visitors Luncheon”; Sunday, November 8th, 11:45 in the Parlor

Young Friends Youth Fellowship (YFYF) - We had 13 junior and senior high kids attend youth group last Saturday evening, visiting a Haunted House and having a bonfire afterwards at First Friends. It was a great time for all. We are so thankful for Hayley’s leadership in getting our youth group going and setting up some fun and meaningful experiences. We are blessed to have her in our faith community! YFYG will meet on Sunday November 8th for their Echo series of Bible reflections and also Saturday November 14th for a fun event outside of Meeting. Mark your calendars!

Fundraiser for Daud Abdur-Rahman’s Mosque - Nur-Allah Islamic Center will be hosting a fundraising dinner (with plans to build a new mosque) on Sunday November 8th at 4:00 p.m. at the Sterrett Center at 8950 Otis Avenue in Indianapolis. Dr. David Carlson from Franklin College and Sis.Kalimah Azeez from Memphis, TN will be speaking. Tickets are $40 for adults, $75 for a couple, $35 for seniors 62 and older, and $25 for college students and children under 13. Please contact Beth Henricks (henricksbeth2@gmail.com) if you would like a ticket. This will be a great time of inter faith dialogue as well as showing our support for Daud’s congregation.

Thanksgiving with Mid North Food Pantry: We hope you enjoyed the treats provided by the Witness & Service Committee (“W&S”) last Sunday. This served as a “kick-off” to a food awareness drive at First Friends during the month of November. On Sunday (Nov-1), W&S will begin to solicit contributions from adults and food items from children for the Mid North Food Pantry. Let’s consider November as a month of Thanksgiving for all that has been provided to us. This year W&S is soliciting cash contributions rather than food items from adults since Mid North is able to purchase from Gleaners Food Bank more than 10 times the amount of food that an individual is able to purchase, for the same amount of money, at a grocery store. We think it is beneficial to the children at First Friends to continue to contribute food items. We hope that everyone at First Friends will work together to share their blessings during the month of November. Thanks for your help.

WYM and FUM OUTREACH MISSION PROJECTS for 2015: Donations can still be sent in to support WYM projects in Kenya: biosand water filters, Lindi Friends School, Lugulu Hospital; and the FUM Amari Play Center project in Ramallah, Palestine. If you’d like to contribute, checks may be written to “First Friends” with a notation of “WYM Outreach Project and/or “Amari Play Center.” Thank you. Your support is appreciated.

In Quaker Silence: Reflections on QEW's Recent Week in Washington: “In Quaker silence, do I hear our humanitarian ancestors, our abolitionist ancestors, our pacifist ancestors, crying out to us to pursue full sustainability for ourselves and our children and all folks yet to come…while there is time?

Perhaps an all-for-peace Manhattan project could be organized around a Full Sustainability Commission? Perhaps nothing less can bring together the scientists and other visionaries needed to very carefully, very sensitively usher in a new age?” Read more.

http://www.quakerearthcare.org/article/quaker-silence-reflections-qews-recent-week-washington-dc

“Friends of Nature Kids” ~ Scary and Nice: Can you think of things in nature that are scary? What makes some things in nature pretty? What makes some things boring or interesting? What are the things that you like the most? Start a shoebox collection of little things you have found in nature that you like. From ‘52 Nature Activities for Kids’ by Lynn Gordon

Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

Compassionate v Christian v Quaker

3030 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr. Indianapolis,

317-255-2485 office@indyfriends.org

Comment

October 21,2015

October 22, 2015

Friend to Friend

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought

A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

As Way Opens

Light was present in the Monthly Meeting room this past Sunday. Amidst the tender questions, the bold statements, the fiery proclamations, the eager concerns… Light was present. For the first time, our Meeting was asked to consider in a Meeting for Worship to Conduct Business the concern of equality for all persons, in marriage. Our Clerk led us carefully and well. We listened to each other, even when some things were difficult to hear. We laughed, when our common story reminded us of our joy together. God was present with us.

In times past, the equality question that’s come before us, has usually been “Who?” It has been framed as an “Us vs. Them” query. Who’s in, and who’s out? Scripture is full of these questions. Jesus was asked this question many times. The question that came before us this past Sunday was different. It was “How?” It was a “We” query. How will we care for, love, respect, honor one another? The first question is easy to answer. It’s much easier to figure out how to live as “Us vs. Them”, than as “We”. That’s why everyone loves our Meeting so much. This is exactly why people are attracted to First Friends. There aren’t many faith communities who have the wide diversity of opinion, of faith experience, of Biblical understanding, of Quaker heritage, or life itself, that holds them together with such passion. They, like we, are seeking to learn more of God… to know a God who loves them through people like you.

Jesus had a lot of answers for us about how to love one another. He didn’t give us a choice. He reminded us of God’s command; to love God first and always with everything we’ve got, and then to love everyone else as much as we love ourselves. It takes a lot of work to do this. If you’re anxious about how our Meeting will answer these “how” questions in the coming days, I’d ask you to remember Jesus. He literally “hung around” to show us the answer.

Love and Light,

Considering the Query: ‘Be aware of the spirit of God at work in the ordinary activities and experience of your daily life. Spiritual learning continues throughout life, and often in unexpected ways. There is inspiration to be found all around us, in the natural world, in the sciences and arts, in our work and friendships, in our sorrows as well as in our joys. Are you open to new light, from whatever source it may come? Do you approach new ideas with discernment? From Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015

Joys & Concerns

Eight walkers and a dog participated in the Crop Walk for Hunger this past Sunday. Donations of $320 were given to support the efforts to reduce hunger. Thanks to all for their participation. If you would like to contribute to this cause, please contact Beth Henricks (beth.henricks@indyfriends.org) as donations are still being received.

Meridian Street Preschool Co-Op! The fall festival this past Saturday was a wonderful time of fun and fellowship. Several of our families joined families from the preschool co-op for a beautiful fall event that included chili, games, costumes and music. We are blessed to have the preschool here at First Friends. We have several families that attend both the preschool and First Friends. A big thank you to our Meeting for opening our hearts and doors for this event.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Jewish and Quaker - Finding Solidarity in our Shared Values. Share a Middle Eastern meal and meet Brant Rosen, the American Friends Service Committee Regional Director this Thursday October 22nd from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Indiana Interchurch Center at 1100 42nd St. Brant is a Jewish Rabbi that has written the book, Wrestling in the Daylight - A Rabbi’s Path to Palestinian Solidarity and will speak about his experiences and work. Brant is a fascinating person in a leadership role at one of our Quaker national organizations so you won’t want to miss this. His book will be available for purchase that evening with all proceeds supporting American Friends Service Committee. Attached is the link to register - the cost to attend is $25.00. https://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/50601/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=83234

YFYF Halloween Haunted House Fun! The Young Friends Youth Fellowship will be joining together to have their Halloween fun this Saturday, October 24th at 7pm. Afterwards, (if we didn't lose any kids to the Haunted House), we will be coming back to Meeting and enjoying S'mores out on the front patio. If you haven't already RSVP please do so by Thursday to Hayley Adams (Adamsh2011@gmail.com)

Speed Queries this Sunday! Speed Queries is like Speed Dating, only in a distinctly Friendly style! Many of us have been following Ruthie’s queries on our own (http://www.indyfriends.org/ruthies-blog/), but Speed Queries will be a fun way to meet some new faces and engage more deeply with the questions in a social atmosphere. Stick around for one hour after Fellowship time THIS Sunday, October 25 to discuss three queries with three different partners. Who will be your partner? It’s a surprise! You will have to come to find out! Snacks will be provided.

Central Area Meeting on Sunday Nov 2nd at 2:00 p.m. First Friends is part of Western Yearly Meeting which divides up all the Meetings into various areas. We are part of Central Area Meeting that includes Valley Mills, First Friends, and West Newton. (West Newton Meeting is not splitting as was earlier reported.) We will meet for fellowship and business as an area on Sunday, November 2nd at 2:00 p.m. at Valley Mills. Please mark your calendars. Everyone is welcome.

Sponsor a College Student: There are only a couple of young people left to select for this important ministry of care and love to our college students. Please

Consider selecting a student (the poster board of student information is in fellowship hall) to periodically send notes, treats or words of

Encouragement throughout the year. Our students love to hear from us and

Receive something in the mail. Please let Beth Henricks

(beth.henricks@indyfriends.org) know if you would like to sponsor a student. We would like to have all of our students selected by this Sunday.

WESTERN YEARLY MEETING 2015 OUTREACH SPECIAL PROJECT

Each year Western Yearly Meeting initiates an outreach project to help the less fortunate. This year’s project is to raise $12,000 for health and education in East Africa. Monies collected will be evenly divided to assist as follows: 1) Water and sanitation projects in Kenya and Uganda...Friends United Meeting partners with Friendly Water for the World to expand access to low-cost clean water technologies (biosand water filters) and information about health and sanitation; 2) Lindi Friends School...founded in 1996 for young children living in the Kibera slum, Nairbi, Kenya, which is considered one of the largest slums in the world; 3) Lugulu Hospital...$40 provides one day of inpatient are to the poorest of the poor; the hospital’s motto is “We treat, but Jesus Heals and Saves.” Please consider helping Western Yearly Meeting reach its goal by contributing as you are able. Checks may be written to “First Friends” with a notation of “WYM outreach Project.” Thank you.

FUM SUMMER MISSION PROJECT –

A PLACE TO PLAY

This year’s FUM Summer Mission Project is to support the Amari Play Canter. The Amari Play Center provides a pre-school education and a place to play for the community within the Amari Refugee Camp which is at the outskirts of the city of Ramallah, near Jerusalem. It is a symbol of tolerance and peace for the camp’s almost entirely Muslim population. Opportunities for education of these young children are very limited. This project will help repair, renovate and resurface the playground and will also provide new play equipment, refurbish the kitchen and bathrooms, and complete several other minor repairs. FUM’s goal is $25,000. Please help as you are able. Checks may be written to “First Friends” with a notation of “Amari Play Center.” Your support is appreciated.

Wanted for the Homeless: The John H. Boner Center would make good use of our old coats, scarves, gloves, mittens, hats to give to the homeless people they serve. Look for a donation box in Fellowship Hall. Our contact person there, Felecia, sends her appreciation for the underwear drive. Thanks to all who contributed. Linda Lee (317 253 0053)

Those who regularly attend Sunday School may now join the choir too, in preparing for the traditional Vesper service! Vesper rehearsals have started.at 9:45 am each Sunday. The Vesper service will take place on Sunday, December 6 at 5 pm. “All are welcome”. Regular choir rehearsals start at the 9:00 am hour.

Set your clocks back before going to bed Saturday, October 31st.

Mark your calendar now!

“Friends Of Nature Kids” ~ Nature by Alphabet: Gather together some leaves, twigs, rocks, and other small things. See if you can spell your name by shaping the letters with these pieces of nature on a clear piece of ground. Try writing other words and maybe even a sentence. Can you read each other’s words? You can make a nameplate by saving the pieces of nature for your name and gluing them onto a piece of wood or paper. From ‘52 Nature Activities for Kids’ by Lynn Gordon

Indianapolis First Friends Meeting

Compassionate v Christian v Quaker

3030 Kessler Blvd. E. Dr. Indianapolis,

317-255-2485 office@indyfriends.org

Comment