September 14, 2016

As Way Opens

Mark 10:13-16- People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them.  But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.  Truly I tell you whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”  And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

I have always loved the image this passage of scripture creates.   These people knew there was something really special about Jesus and they just wanted their children to be touched by him.  Kind of like how people bring their children to the Pope to lay hands on them. Yet Jesus own disciples are authoritatively telling them to keep their kids away from Jesus.    And Jesus admonishes them by saying that the only way into the kingdom of God is to receive this kingdom as a child.  What is Jesus talking about?  Obviously the disciples were still not clear about what Jesus was teaching about God.   Could it be that the characteristics of children are the characteristics we need to go back to in our own lives with God?  Children aren’t worried about being productive, they don’t look for status by owning things and having power.   They haven’t yet learned to be distrustful, cautious, and fearful.  They give and receive love with an openness and honesty.  Maybe that is just the sort of kingdom of God that we are called to establish.

It was a joy to see our beloved children return to Sunday School last Sunday.  May we all step into these childlike qualities that bring us closer to God and each other.  

Beth

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Joys & Concerns

Great thanks to our volunteers! 47 lbs. of food.  We were very busy...119 families were served.  Thanks to all for helping during this busy time!

A big thank you to the Christian Education and Fellowship Committee for a wonderful breakfast last Sunday to help fuel us for the re-start of Sunday School.  A few folks dressed in their pajamas and there were 69 kids and adults that went to a variety of different classes.  We hope you will continue to come for this special time of connection each Sunday as available. 

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

‘Streams of Living Water’ theme for this Sunday will be Holiness –  Discovering the Virtuous Life.  Ann will lead the Sunday School Class in Coffee Circle and Ruthie will speak about this in Meeting for Worship.  “Holiness is goodness on fire.”  Walter Rauschenbusch - a key figure in the Social Gospel movement that flourished in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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

3B: Body · Brain · Belief ~ Our neighboring church, the Northminster Presbyterian Church, is offering a new exercise program for anyone 55 years old and over. The program is called 3B, which stands for: Body – balance and flexibility; Brain – challenge and build new cells; Belief – nurturing one’s faith. This is free and everyone is welcome! The Church is located at 1660 Kessler Blvd E Dr. Sessions are Mondays & Thursdays at 1:30 P.M. in the boardroom. The program is on-going. If you have any questions, you can contact Denise at 317-251-9489.

Who shops at MidNorth Food Pantry?  Lots of people!

Where is MidNorth Food Pantry?  3333 North Meridian Street.  Who serves at MidNorth Food Pantry from First Friends?  A team of 6-8 people. 

When do they go?  The 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month.  Why do they do this?  Because Christ asks us to… ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’   “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  Matthew 25:37-40 If you can serve, and would like to join the team, please contact the Office.  Thanks!

SHALOM ZONE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT IS SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24th at ST. PIUS!

7200 Sarto Drive, Indianapolis from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

If an item runs (or used to run) with a plug or a battery you can recycle it! This includes (but is not limited to) appliances, TVs, DVD/VCRs, gaming consoles, fax machines, Christmas tree lights, calculators, toner cartridges, hair dryers, and more!  You can also bring the items to St. Pius on the day of the event. A $10 donation is requested fir CRT type monitors/TVs; a $20 donation is requested for appliances containing freon (fridges, freezers, A/C units, etc).If you’re unable to attend, you can drop off items at First Friends no later than September 23rd (contact the First Friends office to do this). You can also bring the items to St. Pius on the day of the event!

Friendly Visitors Luncheon ~ Save the date for the Friendly Visitors Luncheon on Sunday, September 25! 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. More details coming soon.

Buddy Bags ~ The Witness and Service Committee has partnered with Shalom Zone to put together Buddy Bags for needy students at Allisonville Elementary School for their Fall Break this year.  Why?  Some students face insufficient food needs, and will not be in school to receive assistance over their break. We can help them, and their families.  We will need to gather very specific food for this event. If you are interested in donating food, please put it on the stage in Fellowship Hall. We need to have all the food at the meeting house by September 25th so we can put together the bags to be delivered on the following Thursday. Here is a list of what we need:

·         Microwaveable Entrees 2-4oz size qty 90

·         Chicken or Tuna Salad with Crackers qty 60

·         Peanut Butter Box of 8 small cups or 15 oz plastic jar qty 30

·         Fruit cups 4 or 6 pack qty 30

·         Vegetable cups 4 or 6 pack qty 30

·         Pudding cups 4 pack qty 10

·         Raisins qty 180 small boxes

·         Applesauce squeezable pouches or plastic cups 4 or 6 pack qty 120 pouches or 30 packs

·         Oatmeal packets qty 250 packets

·         Pop Tarts qty 60 foil packages

·         Protein or Granola bars qty 180 bars

·         Peanut butter or Cheese Crackers 4 or 6 crackers in an package qty 60 packages

·         Fruit roll up or Fruit snacks 1 oz qty 60

·         Saltine crackers qty 6 boxes

·         Goldfish 6.6 oz qty 20

·         Activity items like Coloring Books and Crayons, Puzzle Books, Flashcards, PlayDoh, or Books qty As many as we can get

There is a bulletin board outside of the parlor that also illustrates everything that’s needed. Cash donations will also be accepted and we will go shopping. Please contact the office if you have any questions.

Oak Leaf Ladies:  We will be meeting in the parlor to discuss "The Elegance of a Hedgehog" by Muriel Barbery on Tuesday, September 27 at 7 pm.  If you or a friend are interested in being on the mailing list for the Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading please contact the office.

Join IFCL for a conversation & new book-signing with environmentalist author Scott Russell Sanders and environmental advocate Jodi Perras! Scott Russell Sanders is the author of twenty books of fiction and nonfiction, including A Private History of Awe and A Conservationist Manifesto. He is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of English at Indiana University, where he taught from 1971 to 2009. The event is being held on Friday, September 30 at 7pm in the Parlor. For more information, contact the office.

MSPC’s Family Movie Night! MSPC invites you to bring your whole family to their movie night on Friday, September 30 at 7pm. We will be watching a movie underneath the stars outside on the playground! Admission is $10 per family. The movie showing is Happy Feet. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors. We hope to see you there!

Carmel Friends Church Invites You to hear Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, who will be speaking about Bible Teaching from a Messianic Jewish perspective. Dr. Fruchtenbaum is the founding director of Ariel Ministries and a much respected biblical authority in evangelical and messianic circles. He shines a bright light on the life of Yeshua (Jesus) and the land of Israel, interpreting the Gospels from a Messianic Jewish view. He will be speaking on Saturday October 1, 3:00-5:00pm (“The Logos and the Rabbi” John 1 & 3; “The Baptism and Temptations of Jesus”) and Sunday, October 2, 10:30am (“The Three Messianic Miracles”) and 3pm-5pm (Q&A and “The Transfiguration of Jesus”). Carmel Friends Church is located at 651 W. Main Street, Carmel. Please email carmelfriends@aol.com if you have any questions.

Giving Voices to Ghosts - After both World Wars, American Friends Service Committee gave aidand food to starving children and pregnant women in Germany.  As a ‘Thank You’, these beautiful artworks, poems, stories and letters were sent from those children back to meetings in the States. An exhibit at Marian University, including these Post WWI and II German Children's Thank You Art, Stories and Poems has been mounted. Giving Voices to Ghosts highlights some of the pieces in the collection.  Here is a link to the entire collection: http://goo.gl/xzAZCa. The exhibit runs from runs from now through October 7th. This exhibit is free and open to the public daily from 9-5.  If you are interested in visiting, please contact Marian University Art Gallery Director, Crystal Vicars-Pugh, 317-955-6664, cvicarspugh@marian.edu.

IFCL now has a newsletter! ~ IFCL’s very first monthly newsletter is now available! IFCL will use this means to share updates on their work lobbying as a Quaker voice at the Indiana Statehouse and to share the issues, legislation status, and events that are on their radar.  This month’s articles include information about summer study committees, a recap on a conversation with Rep. Ed DeLaney, a look into what events the IFCL has planned for September, and more! To view the newsletter, you may use this link: http://goo.gl/E4RVpQ. To sign up to receive the newsletter monthly, visit http://www.quakerifcl.org/NewsletterSubscribe.htm.

SAVE THE DATE! We need your blood on November 4th. We are having a blood drive from 9:00-noon in Fellowship Hall. More details later.

Leave a green footprint! ~ The Earth is an amazing and beautiful place. All its riches will last, so long as we learn to use only what we need.

How can we use energy wisely?

Tip #1: We can turn off: games, computers, lights, TV’s, stereos, and other appliances when we’re not using them.

Tip #2: We can close doors behind us, so we don’t let out the heat in winter or air conditioning in summer.

Tip #3: We can share rides to shopping, movies, and other places to reduce gas use and pollution.

 From 16 Things Kids can do to Help Care for the Earth, by Dana Kester-McCabe, 2006.

September 7, 2016

As Way Opens

I have so enjoyed my connection with scripture this past few months.  I’ve been reading through The One Year Bible in the English Standard Version.  Each day, a series of readings are given from the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs.  The Holy Spirit has blessed me, finding connections between the readings at times, and feeding my soul and spirit.  Recently, I read a portion from the Song of Solomon, and then Second Corinthians.  In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul writes about ‘cheerful giving’.  This is something I’m used to hearing when any church or meeting is urging people to give financially for the work of God.  But, juxtaposed against the readings in the Lover’s Tale, I found much more. 

It struck me that in this beautiful love story, there is a generosity of giving and caring – you can’t miss it.  There is a devotion to one another, exceeding anything else.  And then, Paul writes this to friends in Corinth: “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  When I read it a second time, I added this… “whoever sows their life sparingly, will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows their life bountifully will also reap bountifully.”  What am I sowing/planting with my life?  Am I generous in my care and devotion to others? Have I been mindful about this?  Does my giving of self come from a place of love that can’t be missed, or from compulsion?  What is the fruit of the harvest of my life?
  
And then, another thought… Do I sow love into my own life?  Am I generous and caring with myself?  Am I mindful of how I care for myself, and do I remember how much the Lord cares for me?  Just as Paul encourages us to sow bountifully, I must remember how bountiful God’s love has been sown into my own life.  It is from this place of abundance that I can live and move and be –  cheerfully sharing God’s love in me – a love that can’t be missed - with everyone around me.

God bless you, as you discover with me, the bounty, depth, and goodness of God’s love.  God bless you, as you become more and more mindful of the generosity of God, in your soul, your spirit, your heart, and your life.

Ruthie

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
 

Rotation teachers needed for our 3rd through 5th Grade Sunday School Class.  You would teach once/month!  Class begins Sunday September 11th. It will be from 9:00 - 10:00 and we have a curriculum provided for volunteers. If interested, please contact the Office. Your help is appreciated!

Adult Sunday School at First Friends Meeting begin Sunday, September 11th at 9:00am.  Here are the choices for Fall Semester.  Take a look and see what interests you most!

• Coffee Circle/Wired Word; current news events discussed in the light of scripture, and our response as Quakers to what’s happening in the world today.
• Seeking Friends; ‘Our Life is Love: The Quaker Spiritual Journey’ by Marcelle Martin focuses on ten elements of spiritual transformation as revealed in the lives of Friends past and present. "Questions for Reflection" at the end of each chapter invite exploration of personal spiritual life.  Ten copies are available in the office. By going to the web site Inner Light Books, electronic copies can be downloaded.
• Old Testament Overview; a consideration of the writings of the Old Testament - their stories and significance in our lives today.  
• Couples Tune-Up; a chance to check ‘under the hood’ and consider challenges that all couples face.  A query-based group discussion class.  
• Choir; rehearses each Sunday morning at 9:00 in the Choir Room

3B: Body • Brain • Belief ~ Our neighboring church, the Northminster Presbyterian Church, is offering a new exercise program for anyone 55 years old and over. The program is called 3B, which stands for: Body – balance and flexibility; Brain – challenge and build new cells; Belief – nurturing one’s faith. This is free and everyone is welcome! The Church is located at 1660 Kessler Blvd E Dr. Sessions are Mondays & Thursdays at 1:30 P.M. in the boardroom. The next session starts on September 12 for 12 weeks. The program is on-going. If you have any questions, you can contact the church at (317) 251-9489.

We’d love to have you in our pool! The 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month give us an opportunity to “jump in” and help those who struggle for food, through our ministry at Mid North Food Pantry.  Working from 10:00 to 2:00, teams of six to eight people work together to serve clients who come in to ‘shop’. We need a bigger pool of volunteers, and we’d love your help! Some of our ‘swimmers’ travel, become ill, have other responsibilities at times, and need others to take their place.  Please consider suiting up, and jumping in – even for a quick dip!  Please contact the Office if you’re able to help!

Festival of Faiths!  Coming Sunday, September 18th! The festival is held from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Veteran’s War Memorial. The Indy Festival of Faiths is an annual gathering in downtown Indianapolis designed to recognize, highlight, and celebrate the diverse religious landscape in central Indiana. Let’s represent Quakerism! We are looking for volunteers to help with our booth. If you are interested in assisting or want more information, contact the office.

SHALOM ZONE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT ~ The Shalom Zone will be hosting an Electronics Recycling Event on Sep-24 at St. Pius X, 7200 Sarto Drive, Indianapolis, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Contact the office for more info.

Buddy Bags ~ The Witness and Service Committee has partnered with Shalom Zone to put together Buddy Bags for needy students at Allisonville Elementary School for their Fall Break this year.  Why?  Some students face insufficient food needs, and will not be in school to receive assistance over their break. We can help them, and their families.  We will need to gather very specific food for this event. If you are interested in donating food, please put it on the stage in Fellowship Hall. We need to have all the food at the meeting house by September 25th so we can put together the bags to be delivered on the following Thursday. Here is a list of what we need:

•    Microwaveable Entrees 2-4oz size qty 90
•    Chicken or Tuna Salad with Crackers qty 60
•    Peanut Butter Box of 8 small cups or 15 oz plastic jar qty 30
•    Fruit cups 4 or 6 pack qty 30
•    Vegetable cups 4 or 6 pack qty 30
•    Pudding cups 4 pack qty 10
•    Raisins qty 180 small boxes
•    Applesauce squeezable pouches or plastic cups 4 or 6 pack qty 120 pouches or 30 packs
•    Oatmeal packets qty 250 packets
•    Pop Tarts qty 60 foil packages
•    Protein or Granola bars qty 180 bars
•    Peanut butter or Cheese Crackers 4 or 6 crackers in an package qty 60 packages
•    Fruit roll up or Fruit snacks 1 oz qty 60
•    Saltine crackers qty 6 boxes
•    Goldfish 6.6 oz qty 20
•    Activity items like Coloring Books and Crayons, Puzzle Books, Flashcards, PlayDoh, or Books qty As many as we can get 

There is a bulletin board outside of the parlor that also illustrates everything that’s needed. Cash donations will also be accepted and we will go shopping. Please contact Jody Long at jody.long@sbcglobal.net if you have any questions. 

Join IFCL for a conversation & new book-signing with environmentalist author Scott Russell Sanders and environmental advocate Jodi Perras! Scott Russell Sanders is the author of twenty books of fiction and nonfiction, including A Private History of Awe and A Conservationist Manifesto. He is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of English at Indiana University, where he taught from 1971 to 2009. The event is being held on Friday, September 30 at 7pm in the Parlor. For more information, contact the office.

Giving Voices to Ghosts - After both World Wars, American Friends Service Committee gave aid and food to starving children and pregnant women in Germany.  As a ‘Thank You’, these beautiful artworks, poems, stories and letters were sent from those children back to meetings in the States. An exhibit at Marian University, including these Post WWI and II German Children's Thank You Art, Stories and Poems has been mounted. Giving Voices to Ghosts highlights some of the pieces in the collection.  Here is a link to the entire collection: http://goo.gl/xzAZCa. The exhibit runs from runs from now through October 7th. This exhibit is free and open to the public daily from 9-5.  If you are interested in visiting, please contact Marian University Art Gallery Director, Crystal Vicars-Pugh, 317-955-6664, cvicarspugh@marian.edu. 

IFCL now has a newsletter! ~ IFCL’s very first monthly newsletter is now available! IFCL will use this means to share updates on their work lobbying as a Quaker voice at the Indiana Statehouse and to share the issues, legislation status, and events that are on their radar.  This month’s articles include information about summer study committees, a recap on a conversation with Rep. Ed DeLaney, a look into what events the IFCL has planned for September, and more! To view the newsletter, you may use this link: http://goo.gl/E4RVpQ. To sign up to receive the newsletter monthly, visit http://www.quakerifcl.org/NewsletterSubscribe.htm.

The Friends Journal is available online! Did you know that you can read articles from the magazine Friends Journal for free online? The September issue is available now! Just visit http://www.friendsjournal.org/2016/september-2016/. Current subscribers can also download a PDF version by logging into the site. 

Leave a green footprint! ~ The Earth is an amazing and beautiful place. All its riches will last, so long as we learn to use only what we need. 
How can we use energy wisely?
Tip #1: We can turn off: games, computers, lights, TV’s, stereos, and other appliances when we’re not using them.
Tip #2: We can close doors behind us, so we don’t let out the heat in winter or air conditioning in summer.

August 31, 2016

As Way Opens

    This past Friday, we had one whopper of a wind storm that passed through our grounds!  It took out a huge hackberry tree that has stood for many years.  It was full and beautiful, standing tall and providing shade.  It looked beautiful, but looks can be deceiving.  Five years ago, the tree was cabled together. As it turns out, it was weak and rotten. 

    When I was a little girl, I used to watch ‘Captain Kangaroo’.  I loved that show! Mr. Green Jeans, Grandfather Clock… such a great show for children.  They ran a cartoon with Tom Terrific, and his arch-enemy Crabby Appleton whose motto was, “I’m rotten to the core!”  This was Crabby Appleton's theme song:

My name is Crabby Appleton,
and I am simply awful.
It does my heart a lot of good
to do a deed unlawful!
I'm fond of gloom, impending doom,
I think good deeds are sappy!
I laugh with glee, it pleases me
when everyone's unhappy.

    Let’s face it… there’s a lot of gloom and doom, unhappiness, and absolute rot that masquerades as strength.  Until a big wind blows through, it’s hard to tell whether something is based on truth or falsehood. What is at the core of who we are?

    Quoting Thomas Kelly, a 20th century Friend, in A Testament of Devotion, “If the Society of Friends has anything to say, it lies in this region primarily: Life is meant to be lived from a Center, a divine Center.” The Quaker testimony of integrity might be compared to a circle, the definition of which is “a locus of points, each of which is equidistant from an invisible point—the center.” For Friends, God is that invisible Center. The circle of one’s life is to be organized around the will and nature of that Divine Presence: a will characterized by the desire for a restored harmony in creation; a nature defined by love. Quaker integrity is about integrating those values into one’s life.

    What defines who we are?  What, who, is at our core?  Are we easily broken, or can we withstand even the greatest storms?  This is not a ‘sappy’ question… the invisible Center, the Divine Presence, the core of love, is rooted deeply, and is life-giving. 

Ruthie

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Join us this Sunday, for our Labor Day Weekend “Worship in the Woods’ - a lovely time of gathering with God in nature! If it’s raining, or the ground is too wet there, we’ll meet in Fellowship Hall. Please also note that the Office will be closed on Monday, September 5th in observance of the holiday.

Rotation teachers needed for our 3rd through 5th Grade Sunday School Class.  You would teach once/month!  Class begins Sunday September 11th. It will be from 9:00 - 10:00 and we have a curriculum provided for volunteers. If interested, please contact the Office, or Beth Henricks. Your help is appreciated!

Giving Voices to Ghosts - An exhibit at Marian University, including Post WWI and II German Children's Thank You Art, Stories and Poems. Giving Voices to Ghosts highlights some of the pieces in the collection.  Here is a link to the entire collection: http://goo.gl/xzAZCa. After both World Wars, American Friends Service Committee gave aid and food to starving children and pregnant women in Germany.  As a Thank You, these beautiful artworks, poems, stories and letters were sent from those children back to meetings in the States. The exhibit runs from runs from today, August 31st -October 7th. The reception is Thurs 9/1 - 4:00 at the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences (3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, In 46222).
This exhibit is free and open to the public daily from 9-5.  If you are interested in visiting, please contact Marian University Art Gallery Director, Crystal Vicars-Pugh, 317-955-6664, cvicarspugh@marian.edu.

We’d love to have you in our pool! The 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month give us an opportunity to “jump in” and help those who struggle for food, through our ministry at Mid North Food Pantry.  Working from 10:00 to 2:00, teams of six to eight people work together to serve clients who come in to ‘shop’. We need a bigger pool of volunteers, and we’d love your help! Some of our ‘swimmers’ travel, become ill, have other responsibilities at times, and need others to take their place.  Please consider suiting up, and jumping in – even for a quick dip!  Please contact the Office if you’re able to help!   

Which stream do you swim in most easily? Sign up for discussions about six different streams of faith, as we move through “Streams of Living Water’ in sermons and study this September/October.  It all begins Sunday, September 4th!  Streams of Faith, The Prayer-Filled Life – Contemplative Tradition, The Virtuous Life – Holiness Tradition, The Spirit-Empowered Life – Charismatic Tradition, The Compassionate Life – Social Justice Tradition, The Word-Centered Life – Evangelical Tradition, The Sacramental Life - Incarnational Tradition.  Contact the Office or Ruthie if you’d like to lead or join.  Times?  TBA!

Adult Sunday School at First Friends Meeting begin Sunday, September 11th at 9:00am.  Here are the choices for Fall Semester.  Take a look and see what interests you most!

• Coffee Circle/Wired Word; current news events discussed in the light of scripture, and our response as Quakers to what’s happening in the world today.
• Seeking Friends; ‘Our Life is Love: The Quaker Spiritual Journey’ by Marcelle Martin focuses on ten elements of spiritual transformation as revealed in the lives of Friends past and present. "Questions for Reflection" at the end of each chapter invite exploration of personal spiritual life.  Ten copies are available in the office. By going to the web site Inner Light Books, electronic copies can be downloaded.
• Old Testament Overview; a consideration of the writings of the Old Testament - their stories and significance in our lives today.  
• Couples Tune-Up; a chance to check ‘under the hood’ and consider challenges that all couples face.  A query-based group discussion class.  
• Choir; rehearses each Sunday morning at 9:00 in the Choir Room

MSPC has some openings! Meridian Street Preschool now has two available spots for children in the Tuesday/Thursday 3/4 class for the 2016-2017 school year. Interested families can email the office.

Festival of Faiths!  Coming Sunday, September 18th! The festival is held from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Veteran’s War Memorial. The Indy Festival of Faiths is an annual gathering in downtown Indianapolis designed to recognize, highlight, and celebrate the diverse religious landscape in central Indiana. Let’s represent Quakerism! We are looking for volunteers to help with our booth. If you are interested in assisting or want more information, contact the office..

Join IFCL for a conversation & new book-signing with environmentalist author Scott Russell Sanders and environmental advocate Jodi Perras! Scott Russell Sanders is the author of twenty books of fiction and nonfiction, including A Private History of Awe and A Conservationist Manifesto. He is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of English at Indiana University, where he taught from 1971 to 2009. The event is being held on Friday, September 30 at 7pm in the Parlor. For more information, contact the office.

Leave a green footprint! ~ The Earth is an amazing and beautiful place. All its riches will last, so long as we learn to use only what we need.

How can we use energy wisely?

Tip #1: We can turn off: games, computers, lights, TV’s, stereos, and other appliances when we’re not using them.

 From 16 Things Kids can do to Help Care for the Earth, by Dana Kester-McCabe, 2006.

August 24, 2016

As Way Opens

How do we connect our inward and outward selves?  I have been reading Parker Palmer’s book The Active Life and reflecting on the story he shares from Chuang Tsu called The Woodcarver:  "Khing, the master carver, made a bell stand of precious wood.  When it was finished, all who saw it were astounded.  They said it must be the work of spirits.  The Prince of Lu said to the master carver:  What is your secret? Khing replied:  I am only a workman:  I have no secret.  There is only this:  When I began to think about the work you commanded I guarded my spirit, did not expend it on trifles, that were not to the point.  I fasted in order to set my heart at rest.  After three days fasting, I had forgotten gain and success.  After five days I had forgotten praise or criticism.  After seven days I had forgotten my body with all its limbs.    By this time all thought of your Highness and of the court had faded away.  All that might distract me from the work had vanished.  I was collected in the single thought of the bell stand. Then I went to the forest to see the trees in their own natural state.  When the right tree appeared before my eyes, the bell stand also appeared in it, clearly, beyond doubt.  All I had to do was to put forth my hand and begin.  If I had not met this particular tree there would have been no bell stand at all.  What happened?  My own collected thought encountered the hidden potential in the wood; from this live encounter came the work which you ascribe to the spirits.”  I have been unpacking the elements to this story over the last week as I reflect on my life.  Why am I doing what I am doing?  Do I move from an internal sense of authority or driven by expectations of others?  Do my fears paralyze me from action?  How am I spending my time to nurture my inner being?  How do I develop an inner awareness to really listen to God?   Important queries to ask ourselves as we seek to live into an authentic, spirit filled life of meaning and action.

Beth   

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Joys & Concerns  

Thanks to all who contributed to the FUM Summer Project...Power To Pastors.  Individuals of First Friends gave $1,068.38 to this project and this total will be matched by monies from the Howard Taylor fund.  That’s over $2,100 towards this worthy cause.  A big THANK YOU to all who helped to make this effort a smashing success! 

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities  

Our 3rd through 5th Grade Sunday School Class is in need of a teacher.  Class begins Sunday September 11th. It will be from 9:00 - 10:00 and we have a curriculum provided for volunteers. If interested, please contact the Office. Your help is appreciated!

Travel with Tippin! ~ Sunday, August 28th during Fellowship Hour:  Jon will be sharing stories and pictures from the Tippin’s recent trip to England, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and Barra.  Of particular interest are pictures from ‘1652 Country’ – the area of England where Quakerism began.  Grab a cup of ‘joe’, and visit Jon… in the Parlor!  

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

Tutors needed! - We are looking for volunteers to help tutor children in grades 1, 3, and Kindergarten. Tutoring is done at the Lawrence North Library, helping kids with reading and homework. Time slots are available on Mondays and Thursdays, 4pm-5:15pm. Any time you can give is appreciated, even once per week, twice per month, etc. Anyone who wants to volunteer for any number of times is appreciated. It all helps! If interested, contact the office.

Which stream do you swim in most easily? - Sign up for discussions about six different streams of faith, as we move through “Streams of Living Water’ in sermons and study this September/October.  It all begins Sunday, September 4th!

Streams of Faith, The Prayer-Filled Life – Contemplative Tradition
The Virtuous Life – Holiness Tradition
The Spirit-Empowered Life – Charismatic Tradition
The Compassionate Life – Social Justice Tradition
The Word-Centered Life – Evangelical Tradition
The Sacramental Life - Incarnational Tradition

Contact the Office or Ruthie if you’d like to lead or join.

Adult Sunday School at First Friends Meeting begin Sunday, September 11th at 9:00am.  Here are the choices for Fall Semester.  Take a look and see what interests you most!

• Coffee Circle/Wired Word; current news events discussed in the light of scripture, and our response as Quakers to what’s happening in the world today.
• Seeking Friends; ‘Our Life is Love – The Quaker Spiritual Journey’ describes the transformational spiritual journey of the first Quakers, who turned to the Light of Christ within and allowed it to be their guide. Focusing on ten elements of the journey, this book is a guide to a Spirit-filled life that affects this world.
• Old Testament Overview; a consideration of the writings of the Old Testament - their stories and significance in our lives today.  
• Couples Tune-Up; a chance to check ‘under the hood’ and consider challenges that all couples face.  A query-based group discussion class.  
• Choir, directed by Shawn Porter: rehearses each Sunday morning at 9:00 in the Choir Room

Oak Leaf Ladies:  Book club will be meeting at Pat's home to discuss “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout on Tuesday, August 30th at 6:30 pm.  Please feel free to bring a friend.  Pat will be serving a lovely dessert for all to enjoy during the discussion.   If you plan to attend, or if you are interested in being on the mailing list for the Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading please contact the office.

MSPC has some openings! Meridian Street Preschool now has two available spots for children in the Tuesday/Thursday 3/4 class for the 2016-2017 school year. Interested families can email the office.   
 
Leave a green footprint! ~ The Earth is an amazing and beautiful place. All its riches will last, so long as we learn to use only what we need.  How can we make our water supply last?
Tip #1: We can turn off faucets so they don’t drip.
Tip #2: We can take shorter showers – and baths with less water – and still get very clean.
Tip #3: We can save water when we brush our teeth – by turning it off until we need to rinse.
Tip #4:  We can take good care of our clothes so they don’t need to be washed so often. 
From 16 Things Kids can do to Help Care for the Earth, by Dana Kester-McCabe, 2006. 

August 17, 2016

As Way Opens

I spent the last two weeks in Richmond IN attending an intensive class at the Earlham School of Religion.  The course called Spiritual Formation and Personal Practices challenged us to examine our spiritual practices and the activities that we are engaging in to make us the person we want to become.  We met at Evans House for class and all stayed at Woodard Lodge.  The first day of class we had to share our spiritual autobiography and in the first 2 hours we opened ourselves up to each other in authentic and vulnerable ways.   It was pretty amazing to have 5 strangers come together in this way. 

The two weeks together with our professor Jim Higginbotham was profound for me as I reflected on God’s presence and what am I doing to go deep into my soul to experience God’s grace and love in a new way.

We worshiped together, walked in nature together, prayed together, listened to music together, laughed together, challenged each other to accept God’s love and forgiveness, and read six books on spiritual formation and the dark night of the soul that pushed us into a deep sense of self examination.

This was an amazing two weeks for me.  I never would have anticipated the depth of reflection that I would experience with this class.  Our group included people with diverse theological backgrounds and varied life experiences.  The feedback from individuals that have been rejected throughout their lives as an “other” informed our discussion.  It is easy to read the Bible and accept a faith rationale when one is not part of the “other”.  But we heard the shame and rejection that our friends felt through their early church experiences.  We also examined our families of origin and the impact they have on how we feel God’s love.   I was kind of afraid to re-enter my life and held onto to the bubble of our spiritual group for as long as I could.  But the point of a class like this is to enter the world to share our spirit and truth and experience God’s loving presence in a deeper way through our joys and our trials.

I am looking at my spiritual practices that will help me become the person I want to become.  I started journaling and will continue to do this.  I plan to re-engage with a yoga practice, a weekly nature walk, continue to participate in Monday Meditation as often as possible, unplug from electronics for at least an hour a day to engage in reading, reflection and meditation and go on a quarterly spiritual retreat. 

What are each of us doing in spiritual practices to deepen our relationship to God and challenge ourselves to enter the darkness.  I have been challenged the last two weeks and I challenge all of you to decide what could you do to enter into worship and communion daily with God.  What practices might help you examine your Light and your Darkness.  How can you engage and listen to God in a different way?

 Beth

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Joys & Concerns

Beth would like to send her thanks to everyone after the wonderful celebration for her recording this past Sunday. She said she feels so loved and supported and she really appreciates everyone’s efforts in recognizing her!

A big thank you to 25 adults and young people from First Friends that joined together to serve lots of ice cream and cheese sandwiches at the Dairy Bar at the Indiana State Fair this past Saturday.  The rain made the pace a bit slower this year but we still served lots of ice cream and grilled cheese.  With the generous contribution of everyone’s time that day, the Dairy Association will write First Friends a check for $1400.  We will use this towards our youth and children’s programming this year.  

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

IFCL Film showing! IFCL Presents the documentary film “Quakers – That of God in Everyone”. This 90-minute documentary will introduce you to untold stories of Friends from the American Heartland who profoundly influenced the course of American history, simply by seeing that of God in everyone. The IFCL will be showing the film this Friday, August 19 at 7:00pm in the parlor. Quaker scholar and author Paul Buckley, who provides commentary throughout the film, will lead us in discussion at the conclusion. For more information, contact the office.

We are looking for Sunday School teachers for our children’s class starting Sunday September 11th. It will be from 9:00 - 10:00 and we have a curriculum provided for volunteers. If interested, please contact the office. Your help is appreciated!

Underneath It All – First Friends eighth annual underwear drive begins now and ends August 31st!  We are asking for donations of new underwear, as well as socks, t-shirts, bras, etc, from toddler to adult sizes! This is a program sponsored by the John H. Boner Community Center (2236 East 10th Street) which serves some of the poorest neighborhoods in Indianapolis. Social Workers will distribute the underwear to families as needed. Please place donations in the labeled box in Fellowship Hall.  Cash or checks are also accepted and may be made out to First Friends and placed in offertory plates if labeled as donations to the Underwear Drive.  Contact the office if you have questions.

Streams of Living Water – Celebrating the Traditions of Christian Faith - Just as the Mississippi River watershed flows over a great expanse of territory, so does the expanse of Christian faith flow through time.  Friend Richard Foster brings us the story of this rich and meaningful journey, and we will study about it this Fall, through a sermon series and study group sessions throughout September and October. If you are interested in attending a study group, we welcome you, beginning the first week of September.  If you would be willing to lead a study group, with all materials supplied, please let Ruthie know.  Times and dates will be determined by the leaders/attenders.

Sermon/Study Topics
Streams of Faith
The Prayer-Filled Life – Contemplative Tradition
The Virtuous Life – Holiness Tradition
The Spirit-Empowered Life – Charismatic Tradition
The Compassionate Life – Social Justice Tradition
The Word-Centered Life – Evangelical Tradition
The Sacramental Life - Incarnational Tradition

Tippin Travelogue ~ Sunday, August 28th during Fellowship Hour:  Jon will be sharing stories and pictures from the Tippins’ recent trip to England, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and Barra.  Of particular interest are pictures from ‘1652 Country’ – the area of England where Quakerism began.  Grab a cup of ‘joe’, and visit Jon… in the Parlor!

MSPC and First Friends Meeting… did you know?  First Friends Meeting is growing, thanks to families from MSPC who have joined us for worship.  And MSPC is growing, thanks to families from First Friends who have discovered MSPC!  How wonderful!!! It’s so much fun – especially for our staff!

MSPC has some openings! Meridian Street Preschool now has two available spots for children in the Tuesday/Thursday 3/4 class for the 2016-2017 school year. Interested families can contact the office.

Oak Leaf Ladies:  We will be meeting at Pat's home to discuss “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout on Tuesday, August 30th at 6:30 pm.  Please feel free to bring a friend.  Pat will be serving a lovely dessert for all to enjoy during the discussion.   If you plan to attend or are interested in being on the mailing list for the Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading please contact the office.

Leave a green footprint! ~ The Earth is an amazing and beautiful place. All its riches will last, so long as we learn to use only what we need.

How can we make our water supply last?

Tip #1: We can turn off faucets so they don’t drip.

Tip #2: We can take shorter showers – and baths with less water – and still get very clean.

Tip #3.  We can save water when we brush our teeth – by turning it off until we need to rinse.

 From 16 Things Kids can do to Help Care for the Earth, by Dana Kester-McCabe, 2006.

August 10, 2016

As Way Opens

Early Friends were very aware of those who ministered deeply in their Meetings.  While they believed in the universal ministry of all persons, it was clear that some were gifted by God with unusual gifts in public ministry, and were therefore, given unusual responsibilities.  The meeting itself had not gifted the ministers – the meeting only recognized God’s gifts in their ministers.

They were called upon to use their gifts to train and nurture their meetings, and others as called upon.  Their meetings wrote their names down – or made record – of those so gifted.  This was called a ‘Recording’.  

 When Beth Henricks first began her recording process – now much more formalized than it was in the 1600’s! – a clearness committee was gathered to help her discern this direction in her life and ministry.  Her gifts were then recognized by our Ministry and Counsel, and approved by our Monthly Meeting.  Letters of recommendations were required for the Yearly Meeting Board of Training and Recording.  Here is a bit of what I had to share in March of 2014:

“Beth lives the gospel - the 'good news' of Christ.  Her life is good news!  She exudes an enthusiasm (en-theos; with God) that draws people to her, that makes them attend to what she has to say, and brings a loving response.  Regardless of the challenges she faces, and perhaps at times, because of them, her life of faith is a strong testimony to 'that of God'.  This is what she is able to bring to others - a ministry of presence.” 

I remember Duffy Fankboner suggesting that we not wait at all, and just record Beth two years ago!  Why is so much time given to this?  Each candidate faces the challenges of preaching in public, counseling, teaching, and study.  They are expected to be grounded in their understanding of Quakerism, of Christian life and faith, and in their own expressions of faith.  Some candidates don’t make it.  They discover that ministry is too much of a challenge, not supported well, or not what they had expected it to be.  They discover, as Fox said, that they are ‘professors’ and not ‘possessors’ of a deep faith in God – something that is essential to a life of ministry.  If anything, Beth’s gifts and faith have strengthened in the two years that have passed since I wrote that letter.  The wait has been long, but well worth it.  

I’m thrilled for Beth.  I’m thrilled for our Meeting. It’s not often that a Meeting gives birth to a Recorded Minister, and we have done so twice this year!  Both Katherine Murray and Beth were put forward for recording by our Meeting, and were celebrated at Yearly Meeting this July!  I’m thrilled for all those persons who do and will come under Beth’s pastoral care.  As we all know, she is a gifted minister of God’s good gifts.  Congratulations Beth! 

Ruthie

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Joys & Concerns

A Celebration for Beth’s Recording! Join us after worship this Sunday, August 14th as we honor Beth as a Recorded Minister, and give thanks to God for this wonderful accomplishment. Friends are asked to bring salads or finger foods to share, as you can.  Let’s celebrate! Thank You!  

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Sing for a Day – this Sunday, August 14th -  Ladies Only!  All women are invited to join Ruthie for a special Sunday sing… join together for rehearsal this Thursday
night, August 11th at 6:30, and then again Sunday morning at 9:30.  The piece is lovely, simple, and not difficult to learn.  Come once, or twice for practice, but come ready to sing! No experience necessary! 

Please note there is no Gentle Yoga Class this Friday, August 12. It will resume its normal schedule next week.

We are looking for Sunday School teachers for our children’s class starting Sunday September 11th. It will be from 9:00 - 10:00 and we have a curriculum provided for volunteers. If interested, please contact the office. Your help is appreciated!

Underneath It All – First Friends eighth annual underwear drive begins now! We are asking for donations of new underwear, as well as socks, t-shirts, bras, etc, from toddler to adult sizes! This is a program sponsored by the John H. Boner Community Center (2236 East 10th Street) which serves some of the poorest neighborhoods in Indianapolis. Social Workers will distribute the underwear to families as needed. Please place donations in the labeled box in Fellowship Hall.  Cash or checks are also accepted and may be made out to First Friends and placed in offertory plates if labeled as donations to the Underwear Drive. The drive begins now and ends Sunday, August 31. Contact the office if you have questions.

Streams of Living Water – Celebrating the Traditions of Christian Faith - Just as the Mississippi River watershed flows over a great expanse of territory, so does the expanse of Christian faith flow through time.  Friend Richard Foster brings us the story of this rich and meaningful journey, and we will study about it this Fall, through a sermon series and study group sessions throughout September and October. If you are interested in attending a study group, we welcome you, beginning the first week of September.  If you would be willing to lead a study group, with all materials supplied, please let Ruthie know.  Times and dates will be determined by the leaders/attenders.

Sermon/Study Topics
Streams of Faith
The Prayer-Filled Life – Contemplative Tradition
The Virtuous Life – Holiness Tradition
The Spirit-Empowered Life – Charismatic Tradition
The Compassionate Life – Social Justice Tradition
The Word-Centered Life – Evangelical Tradition
The Sacramental Life - Incarnational Tradition

Library Committee Update: This committee was formed to work with the meeting library Current members of the committee are: Lucy Beaver, Shirley Earl, John and Ileen Moorman. Several individuals have volunteered to assist in updating the excel record of library holdings. Library archival material has been removed to an area of the library that has constant climate control. The committee is working on a donation policy for the library, straightening up the current adult library area and adding relevant items to the collection.

The committee is looking forward to input from monthly meeting and meeting members on library operations. Questions that need to be considered include:
1.    What is the purpose of the meeting library?
2.    What should be in the collection?
3.    How should it be used?
4.    Where should it be located?
5.    What financial resources should be allocated to it?
6.    Who should have oversight of it?

Committee members thank meeting members who have worked diligently on the meeting’s library in years past and looks forward to receiving a fuller understanding of the meeting’s library history and role in the life of the meeting.
IFCL Film showing! IFCL Presents the documentary film “Quakers – That of God in Everyone”. This 90-minute documentary will introduce you to untold stories of Friends from the American Heartland who profoundly influenced the course of American history, simply by seeing that of God in everyone. The IFCL will be showing the film on Friday, August 19 at 7:00pm in the parlor. Quaker scholar and author Paul Buckley, who provides commentary throughout the film, will lead us in discussion at the conclusion. For more information, contact IFCL clerk Bill Chapman - 317-255-4739.

SAWS PROJECT - The Shalom Zone is taking applications for the “SAWS” project (Servants At Work).  This is a project (much like Habitat for Humanity) that constructs ramps to homes for low income disabled folks.  The materials are pre-cut and delivered to a site where 6-10 volunteers assemble the ramp for the homeowner.  No special skills are required.  The ramps typically take 5-6 hours to assemble and are assembled on a Saturday that works for the group.  Several Saturday dates are typically provided from which the group will choose one (or two...if there are enough volunteers) that work for them.  Volunteers need to sign-up ahead of knowing which dates will be assigned and it is just fine if the date doesn’t work for a particular volunteer.  The idea is that there be a volunteer pool from which a sufficient number of folks will be able to work on a particular Saturday date.  If you would like to help with this project, please sign up at the SAWS website...www.sawsramps.org using “Shalom Zone” and advise us that you have signed up.  We would like to have folks from each of the Shalom congregations participate in the initial build so that each congregation can have someone who experiences the ramp build. Contact the office with any questions you may have.

Quaker Haven Camp invites you to join us for their annual golf scramble!  Everyone is welcome to come Saturday, August 20 to play golf, fellowship, and join in the fundraising for QHC’s Capital Fund projects. The Scramble will begin with a 2 p.m. tee time at the Honeywell Golf Course in Wabash, IN.  We will play best ball in a foursome (you may put your own foursome together).  We will end the day with an awards supper at the golf course at 6:30 p.m.. There are prizes to be won and fun to be had.  The cost for the golf scramble will be $75, which includes 18 holes of golf, golf cart, and supper. Alternatively, you can sponsor a hole for $100.  The goal this year is $3,000.  Options include: sponsoring in memory of, or in honor of a loved one. Registrations are due by August 15 and Hole Sponsorships by August 13.

The Indy Festival of Faiths is coming up on Sunday, September 18th from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Veteran’s War Memorial. The Indy Festival of Faiths is an annual gathering in downtown Indianapolis designed to recognize, highlight, and celebrate the diverse religious landscape in central Indiana. Let’s represent Quakerism! We are looking for volunteers to help with our booth. If you are interested in assisting or want more information, contact the office.

Quaker Life has a whole new look… and lots more to offer!
The new digest has all of the same quality, but many more articles, spiritual and devotional content.  80 pages of great imagery, poetry, stories and Quaker insights to help move us inward and forward in faith.  Take a look the next time you’re at the Meetinghouse, and consider a year-long subscription that will come quarterly.  Groups of five persons can get a discount at $30.00/year.  Individuals?  $40.00

Leave a green footprint! ~ The Earth is an amazing and beautiful place. All its riches will last, so long as we learn to use only what we need. 
How can we make our water supply last?
Tip #1: We can turn off faucets so they don’t drip.
Tip #2: We can take shorter showers – and baths with less water – and still get very clean.

 From 16 Things Kids can do to Help Care for the Earth, by Dana Kester-McCabe, 2006.

August 3, 2016

As Way Opens

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.                              Romans 15:13

This has long been my favorite scripture… there’s something about naming God as the God of hope that lifts me, inspires me and strengthens me.  God provides so much for me, but one thing I need more than anything is hope.  Hope for the world, hope for my family, hope for my ministry, hope for you.  

This past week has been an absolute joy for me, as our Meeting children (our “Little Quakers”) met for Bible School. I got to do the music, and I love music and children!  You just can’t top it!  The theme for VBS was all about Jesus as Light… in darkness, in fear, in lostness, in waiting, in all the circumstances of life.  Imagine this: Fellowship Hall was totally dark, and in came all our kids with lighted head lamps strapped to their heads, like a swarm of fireflies, bringing light into the darkness.  It was remarkable, and a joyful blessing.  Light invading the darkness.  Light refusing to give way to darkness.  Light, moving through time and space, carried in joy!  

Our world can seem very dark at times in many ways – personally, ecologically, politically, physically, spiritually.  How do we overcome the darkness?  By taking a deep breath of Light, and exhaling darkness.  By moving determinedly through the darkness. By living in the Light of the God of hope.  By remembering that the Light of Christ is strapped to our heads and planted (the Seed Christ) in our souls.  By remembering to look up and out, noticing the Light of Christ in others.  By acting in ways that brings Light into the darkness of others’ lives.  By refusing to give way to darkness–not through our own strength, but through the power of the God of hope.  

One of my favorite songs from VBS was all about hope… here are some of the lyrics.  I hope they will bless you, as they have me.

I can’t help but feel a little down, a little worried when I look around.
That’s why my hope is in – my hope is in the Lord.
I fix my eyes upon the God who gives,
‘Cause all I need is what I have in him.
That’s why my hope is in – my hope is in the Lord.
My hope is in the Lord.  I belong to him.  He will never let me go.

Ruthie

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Joys & Concerns

A Celebration for Beth’s Recording!  Beth Henricks has been recognized as a Recorded Minister by WYM, and it’s time to celebrate! Join us after worship on Sunday, August 14th as we honor Beth, and give thanks to God for this wonderful accomplishment.

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Please note that the USFW calendars are no longer available and will not be sold this year.

THANK YOU to all who donated and put money in the “Treasure Chest” during VBS. These funds are helping to raise money for FUM’s Summer Project of helping the Friends Theological College in Kenya equip solar panels (see more info below). Together we raised $319.38!

FUM Summer Mission Project: Power to Pastors - This year’s FUM Summer Mission Project is to support Friends Theological College (“FTC”) located in a rural area in western Kenya.  One of the challenges FTC has is frequent power blackouts.  This inhibits the ability of students to check out library materials, access items at the library, do research, and use the computers.  FTC plans to install 32 solar panels (costing $1,500 each) to help alleviate this power shortage problem.  Friends United Meeting (a global organization of which First Friends is a part) has set a goal of $20,000 to help FTC acquire the needed solar panels.  Please help as you are able.  Witness & Service will match all contributions from folks at First Friends (up to an aggregate match of $1,500.00) which are given for this project.  Checks may be written to “First Friends” with a notation of “FUM-Power to Pastors”. Your support is appreciated.  This is the final week for this campaign so if you desire to support this project, please do so this week.

Please join us for Community Soup (Salad) this Friday, August 5, anytime between 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.  Since it is summertime, we will serve, and are asking folks to bring salads rather than soups. No cooking, no dishwashing, and no charge.

MSPC has an opening! Meridian Street Preschool has an available spot for a child in the Tuesday/Thursday 3/4 class for the 2016-2017 school year. Interested families can email Christy Sommer at ccarlson24@hotmail.com. 

Library Committee Update: This committee was formed to work with the meeting library. It came out of a request by Ruthie Tippin for volunteers to assist in organizing the current meeting library and plan for its future. Several individuals have volunteered to assist in updating the excel record of library holdings. Library archival material has been removed to an area of the library that has constant climate control. The committee is working on a donation policy for the library, straightening up the current adult library area and adding relevant items to the collection.

The committee is looking forward to input from monthly meeting and meeting members on library operations. Questions that need to be considered include:

1.    What is the purpose of the meeting library?
2.    What should be in the collection?
3.    How should it be used?
4.    Where should it be located?
5.    What financial resources should be allocated to it?
6.    Who should have oversight of it?

Committee members thank meeting members who have worked diligently on the meeting’s library in years past and looks forward to receiving a fuller understanding of the meeting’s library history and role in the life of the meeting.

SAWS PROJECT - The Shalom Zone is taking applications for the “SAWS” project (Servants At Work).  This is a project (much like Habitat for Humanity) that constructs ramps to homes for low income disabled folks.  The materials are pre-cut and delivered to a site where 6-10 volunteers assemble the ramp for the homeowner.  No special skills are required.  The ramps typically take 5-6 hours to assemble and are assembled on a Saturday that works for the group.  Several Saturday dates are typically provided from which the group will choose one (or two...if there are enough volunteers) that work for them.  Volunteers need to sign-up ahead of knowing which dates will be assigned and it is just fine if the date doesn’t work for a particular volunteer.  The idea is that there be a volunteer pool from which a sufficient number of folks will be able to work on a particular Saturday date.  If you would like to help with this project, please sign up at the SAWS website...www.sawsramps.org and advise the office that you have signed up.  We would like to have folks from each of the Shalom congregations participate in the initial build so that each congregation can have someone who experiences the ramp build.  Contact the office with any questions you may have.

Sing for a Day – Sunday, August 14th -  Ladies Only!  No men allowed!!!
Okay girls – have you been longing to sing, but just haven’t had the chance?  Well, now you do!  You’re all welcome to join Ruthie and prepare a choral piece to sing in Meeting for Worship on Sunday, August 14th.  No experience necessary! Just bring your voice, and lift it to the Lord!  We will practice Thursday night, August 11th at 6:30, and then again Sunday morning at 9:30.  Come once, or twice for practice, but come ready to sing!   

Earlham School of Religion is receiving an evaluation committee from its accreditor, The Association of Theological Schools, on September 19-22, 2016. In preparation for and as a requirement of that evaluation, the school invites comments in writing to the school and/or to the Commission concernting the institution’s qualifications for accreditation. Comments may be sent to Earlham School of Religion, Attn: Jay Marshall, 228 College Ave., Richmond, IN 47374 prior to September 16, 2016. The school will appreciate any help that can be provided.

The Indy Festival of Faiths is coming up on Sunday, September 18th from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Veteran’s War Memorial. The Indy Festival of Faiths is an annual gathering in downtown Indianapolis designed to recognize, highlight, and celebrate the diverse religious landscape in central Indiana. Let’s represent Quakerism! We are looking for volunteers to help with our booth. If you are interested in assisting or want more information, call Ed Morris at (317) 691-5542 emorri@earthlink.net or Bill Chapman (317) 255-4739 drchapman@earthlink.net.

Quaker Life has a whole new look… and lots more to offer!
The new digest has all of the same quality, but many more articles, spiritual and devotional content.  80 pages of great imagery, poetry, stories and Quaker insights to help move us inward and forward in faith.  Take a look the next time you’re at the Meetinghouse, and consider a year-long subscription that will come quarterly.  Groups of five persons can get a discount at $30.00/year.  Individuals?  $40.00

Leave a green footprint! ~ The Earth is an amazing and beautiful place. All its riches will last, so long as we learn to use only what we need. 
How can we make our water supply last?
Tip #1: We can turn off faucets so they don’t drip.

 From 16 Things Kids can do to Help Care for the Earth, by Dana Kester-McCabe, 2006.

July 27, 2016

As Way Opens

This week we have been living in a cave in fellowship hall, learning about how Jesus is the Light of the World through our Vacation Bible School program.  This is always one of my favorite weeks of the year as we experience the excitement, the wonder and the insight of our children.  This year’s theme has felt very Quakerly as we have talked about how God lights our way through the darkness.  

I was particularly drawn to the Bible point from yesterday - Jesus gives us courage.  The Bible verse was from Mathew 14:27 “Take courage, I am here!”   We heard about the disciples being in a boat in the midst of a terrible storm and saw Jesus walking on the water toward them and they became even more alarmed thinking this was a ghost.  Jesus spoke to them and said “take courage, I am here.”  Only Peter spoke to Jesus and said “If it is you Lord, ask me to come to you on the water.”  And Jesus did just that, and Peter stepped into the storm on the sea and started walking towards Jesus.  Only when he took his eyes off of Jesus and turned his attention to the strong wind, did he start to sink into the sea.  Jesus reached out his hand to pull him out of the sinking water and asked Peter, “Why did you doubt?”

Our kids shared the things that they fear.  What is it that grabs each of us in fear?  Being alone?  Sitting in the darkness?  Getting sick? Losing a relationship?  Losing a job?  The future of our country?  What grabs our attention that takes away our sight of the Light of Jesus and we just start sinking?  Jesus calls us to take courage and know that Jesus is here for every single one of us within our fear and darkness.    Jesus grabs our hand and pulls us out of the storm and says “Why did you doubt - I was here all along.”

I was reflecting on the need for courage in our world today.  It feels like we are wrapped in fear and are sinking into the troubled storm.  The violence, the hatred, the divided political system and the pain in so many corners of our world.  I know that my fear is being alone right now and I feel Jesus’ hand pulling me out of the storm and telling me that I am not alone - Jesus has been here all along.

I pray that we all feel the sense of Jesus’ presence in our lives and that this experience will give us the courage to face our fear.  Jesus has been here all along, holding our hand and giving us the courage to walk on water.

Ruthie

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Joys & Concerns

A Celebration for Beth’s Recording!  Beth Henricks has been recognized as a Recorded Minister by WYM, and it’s time to celebrate! Join us after worship on Sunday, August 14th as we honor Beth, and give thanks to God for this wonderful accomplishment.  

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Do you get hungry on Wednesday nights?  Join Friends at Marsh’s Soup and Salad Bar at their store on the corner of Keystone and Broad Ripple Avenue from 5:30 on for a yummy meal and great fellowship.  Then, head over to the Meetinghouse for a wonderfully satisfying ‘feast in the Spirit’ in Meeting for Worship held in Silence at 7:00.  (Is this what they call double-dipping?)

Trunks of Treasures - Shalom Zone Garage Sale - On this Saturday, July 30 from 8:00 am to noon the Shalom Zone churches (Cross and Crown, Allisonville Christian, Epworth, First Friends and St. Pius X) will be sponsoring "garage sale" and “craft sale” opportunities for individuals in the Cross and Crown parking lot at 79th and Allisonville Road. You will be able to reserve a space for $10 in advance ($15 day of sale). The rest is up to you - bring your own table or use the trunk of your car. You get to keep whatever you earn.  The adjoining neighborhood of Ivy Hills will have its annual garage sale the same day so there should be no shortage of folks looking for a deal.  The Shalom Zone will donate the reservation fees to School on Wheels, a voluntary program which tutors homeless children throughout Marion County.  For more information, contact the office.

VBS Sunday!  Don’t miss the chance to go spelunking with our kids this Sunday! Bring your family and friends and join us for Cave Quest, an adventure in discovering the Light!

Please join us for Community Soup on Friday, August 5, anytime between 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Since it is summertime, we will serve, and are asking folks to bring salads rather than soups. No cooking, no dishwashing, and no charge.

Sing for a Day – Sunday, August 14th -  Ladies Only!  No men allowed!!! Okay girls – have you been longing to sing, but just haven’t had the chance?  Well, now you do!  You’re all welcome to join Ruthie and prepare a choral piece to sing in Meeting for Worship on Sunday, August 14th.  No experience necessary! Just bring your voice, and lift it to the Lord!  We will practice Thursday night, August 11th at 6:30, and then again Sunday morning at 9:30.  Come once, or twice for practice, but come ready to sing!   

Earlham School of Religion is receiving an evaluation committee from its accreditor, The Association of Theological Schools, on September 19-22, 2016. In preparation for and as a requirement of that evaluation, the school invites comments in writing to the school and/or to the Commission concernting the institution’s qualifications for accreditation. Comments may be sent to Earlham School of Religion, Attn: Jay Marshall, 228 College Ave., Richmond, IN 47374 prior to September 16, 2016. The school will appreciate any help that can be provided.

The Indy Festival of Faiths is coming up on Sunday, September 18th from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Veteran’s War Memorial. The Indy Festival of Faiths is an annual gathering in downtown Indianapolis designed to recognize, highlight, and celebrate the diverse religious landscape in central Indiana. Let’s represent Quakerism! We are looking for volunteers to help with our booth. If you are interested in assisting or want more information, contact the office.

Quaker Life has a whole new look… and lots more to offer! The new digest has all of the same quality, but many more articles, spiritual and devotional content.  80 pages of great imagery, poetry, stories and Quaker insights to help move us inward and forward in faith.  Take a look the next time you’re at the Meetinghouse, and consider a year-long subscription that will come quarterly.  Groups of five persons can get a discount at $30.00/year.  Individuals?  $40.00

Leave a green footprint! ~ The Earth is an amazing and beautiful place. All its riches will last, so long as we learn to use only what we need. 

How can we make our water supply last?

Tip #1: We can turn off faucets so they don’t drip.

 From 16 Things Kids can do to Help Care for the Earth, by Dana Kester-McCabe, 2006.

July 20, 2016

As Way Opens

We cannot avoid it.  No matter where we turn, we find politics.  Even when traveling, we find newscasts on televisions in airports, on radios in our cars, in prompts on our computers.  Whether it’s the European Union and Brexit, a failed coup in Turkey, the Republican and Democratic National Conventions for the Presidency, or our own choices for positions on various Meeting Committees, choices are being made that will affect policies for various groups of people – large and small.  We can try to avoid politics – we can look away, turn off, drop out, etc but in the end, the policies others make without our participation will eventually affect our lives.  

I remember sitting at the dinner table some years ago with my parents and extended family.  We broke the cardinal rule of talking about religion and politics, but then, that was no big surprise for us.  What was a surprise was that political lines had become hardened in intervening years.  I was, and am an Independent, and shared about the research I’d been doing regarding candidates – listening to various sources about each one, reading articles, etc.  My family was shocked.  First of all, they didn’t think I was that interested in such things, and secondly, they didn’t think I knew as much as I did.  Nowadays, it’s hard not to know what’s going on.  It’s hard not to form an opinion, considering the barrage of ‘talking heads’ giving us information and viewpoints.  It’s hard work to discern, for ourselves, what choices to make.  

Perhaps some advice from an old Friend might help.  Edward Burrough was raised in the Church of England, later became a Presbyterian, and when hearing George Fox preach in 1652, immediately converted to what would become the Religious Society of Friends.  He was in his late teenage years.  Rejected by his parents, Edward became a major voice in the Society, preaching as one of the ‘Valiant Sixty’ and writing pamphlets supporting the life and testimonies of Friends.  He spoke with King Charles II on behalf of Quakers who were being persecuted in New England by Puritans there.  He was later imprisoned, where orders for his release from Charles II were ignored.  He died at Newgate Prison at the age of 29.  He felt the physical and spiritual brunt of politics, and what it meant for his country and for his personhood.  Here is one of the many things he wrote:

“We are not for names, nor men, nor titles of Government, nor are we for this party nor against the other… but we are for justice and mercy and truth and peace and true freedom, that these may be exalted in our nation, and that goodness, righteousness, meekness, temperance, peace and unity with God, and with one another, that these things may abound.” [1659]

For more about Burrough go to http://www.hallvworthington.com/Burrough/Memoir1.html

Ruthie

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Joys & Concerns

Congratulations Beth!  Beth Henricks was recognized as a Recorded Minister of the Gospel this past Sunday, July 17th during the final gathering for worship at Western Yearly Meeting.  Both she and Katherine Murray were honored for their work and recognized for their call to ministry with presentations of the recording certificates.  Each of these women were put forward for recording by Indianapolis First Friends.  We’re so thankful for the ministry that God has done and will continue to do through their lives.  A celebration is being planned!

Sara Edgerton has received the Outstanding Contributions to Cancer Control Award from the Indiana Cancer Consortium. A news report says: “Sarah Edgerton’s professional career began 35 years ago as CEO of the Indiana Community Cancer Care. The organization focused on working to provide cancer programs for rural and underserved hospitals… Sara’s well rounded education served her well in an unusual career path that allowed her to live out her Quaker philosophy of living a life of service to others.”  We congratulate Sara for this remarkable award, and know and have seen the fruit of her life in the many ways she serves in our own Meeting. Congratulations Sara!

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Wednesday Supper before Worship - Since the closing of the Broad Ripple MCL, Friends have been searching for a new location to meet to eat before Unprogrammed Worship on Wednesdays.  For those interested, Friends will be meeting for supper Wednesday evenings between 5:30 and 6:00 pm at the Marsh Supermarket's Soup and Salad Bar at 2350 Broad Ripple Avenue, at least through the month of July before Silent Worship.   The worship gathering begins at 7:00 in the Parlor.   

YOU are invited! - The Ish group at Indianapolis First Friends invites you and your family to join us on Saturday, July 23 for an all ages evening of music and fellowship. We will gather early to share food, beverage and connection and then stay for the 8pm show put on by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and their special guest Michael Cavanaugh.  The theme for the evening is the music of Elton John and Billy Joel. Have the perfect Rocket Man snack or Piano Man punch recipe? Bring snacks and beverages to enjoy and/or share with others.  Please RSVP so that we can be on the lookout for you and share if you know what you might bring. Parking is free. Plan is to meet at the front entrance at 6:30 to stake our spot. (You can always join us later as well if that's too early.)  Evite:  http://evite.me/jhTTqBt84P or contact the office.

Oak Leaf Meeting for Reading women will be gathering Tuesday July 26th in the parlor at 7 pm.  Catherine will be leading the discussion for the novel Lila by Marilynne Robinson.   If you are interested in being on the email list please contact the office or Kathy Rhyne at kathyrichelle@yahoo.com.  

Future 2016 Oak Leaf novels will be:  
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

Trunks of Treasures - Shalom Zone Garage Sale - On July 30 from 8:00 am to noon the Shalom Zone churches (Cross and Crown, Allisonville Christian, Epworth, First Friends and St. Pius X) will be sponsoring "garage sale" and “craft sale” opportunities for individuals in the Cross and Crown parking lot at 79th and Allisonville Road. You will be able to reserve a space for $10 in advance ($15 day of sale). The rest is up to you - bring your own table or use the trunk of your car. You get to keep whatever you earn.  The adjoining neighborhood of Ivy Hills will have its annual garage sale the same day so there should be no shortage of folks looking for a deal.  The Shalom Zone will donate the reservation fees to School on Wheels, a voluntary program which tutors homeless children throughout Marion County.  For more information, contact the office

Sing for a Day – Sunday, August 14th -  Ladies Only!  No men allowed!!!
Okay girls – have you been longing to sing, but just haven’t had the chance?  Well, now you do!  You’re all welcome to join Ruthie and prepare a choral piece to sing in Meeting for Worship on Sunday, August 14th.  No experience necessary!
Just bring your voice, and lift it to the Lord!  We will practice Thursday night, August 11th at 6:30, and then again Sunday morning at 9:30.  Come once, or twice for practice, but come ready to sing!   

Save the Date! IFCL Film showing! IFCL Presents the documentary film “Quakers – That of God in Everyone”. This 90-minute documentary will introduce you to untold stories of Friends from the American Heartland who profoundly influenced the course of American history, simply by seeing that of God in everyone. The IFCL will be showing the film on Friday, August 19 at 7:00pm in the parlor. Quaker scholar and author Paul Buckley, who provides commentary throughout the film, will lead us in discussion at the conclusion. For more information, contact the office.

Earlham School of Religion is receiving an evaluation committee from its accreditor, The Association of Theological Schools, on September 19-22, 2016. In preparation for and as a requirement of that evaluation, the school invites comments in writing to the school and/or to the Commission concernting the institution’s qualifications for accreditation. Comments may be sent to Earlham School of Religion, Attn: Jay Marshall, 228 College Ave., Richmond, IN 47374 prior to September 16, 2016. The school will appreciate any help that can be provided.

Picture it: A Jewish wedding – “l'chaim, mozeltov!” Buddhists chanting, a turbaned Sikh on a large white stallion, dancers, songs and prayers in different languages........and a large array of Quakers with messages of peace, love and light. These are some of the things you might see and hear at the Festival of Faiths on September 18 at the Veterans War Memorial from 1:00 – 5:00pm.

The idea is to have a large Quaker presence including First Friends Meeting, Plainfield, Fairfield, Valley Mills and others as well as AFSC, FCNL, IFCL and other Quaker organizations. 

We are inviting everyone to attend and we are asking people to help with the Quaker area representation. We need a few people to help set up, take down and attend the booth. It is not necessary to be present the whole time. Come anytime that works for you and any time you can give will be appreciated. If you are interested in helping or want more information contact the office.

Leave a green footprint! ~ The Earth is an amazing and beautiful place. All its riches will last, so long as we learn to use only what we need. 
How can we best use the Earth’s gifts?
Tip #1: We can appreciate our food, and try not to waste it.
Tip #2: We can take care of our toys and games and share them when we are done with them.
Tip #3: We can wrap presents with the Sunday news comics to reduce the number of trees cut for paper.
Tip #4: We can visit local parks and wildlife preserves to learn how to enjoy and protect our environment.

 From 16 Things Kids can do to Help Care for the Earth, by Dana Kester-McCabe, 2006.

July 13, 2016

As Way Opens

Dear Friends, 
I have reflected on this message and struggled with what to say today with the continued gun violence and death of officers and victims and the significant personal mourning that I have been experiencing over the last week.  I tried to separate these feelings but I just can’t write anything today that doesn’t bring all of this together.

We are mourning the death of so many - the officers in Dallas and victims killed by police in Louisiana and Minnesota.  We have no idea of the number of deaths every day in each state that are the result of guns, hatred, drugs and a lack of understanding of being a beloved child of God.  I don’t know what to do.  There is a sense of hopelessness.   And then I am hit with a deep sense of personal mourning related to the projected selling of our home that we built 19 years ago (which no one has shown interest in), the loss of memories, the loss of my husband, the sense that I am no longer married and disappointments in some relationships.  I am mourning on a national and personal level.  It can be hard to move forward with the weight of this reality.  I have struggled to find balance.  I realize that I am grieving personally and collectively.

I have found that when we are down, God often gives us a book, a call from a wise friend or an insight that is just what we need at that moment in time.  I experienced this over the weekend as I started reading Anne Lamott ’s book Traveling Mercies - Anne is deeply spiritual, full of simple insight and irreverent in her comprehension of our lives.  This book was what I needed over the weekend.  In particular I was touched by her concept of grace: “I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.” Wow - that is the kind of grace I need right now.  I will be transformed by this grace and my life won’t be what it was because God’s grace has found me.  

How do we move forward with the realities of this evil world?  How do we live with the grief of our losses and changes?  How do we know that we are going to be safe?

We put one foot in front of the other with the grace of God that will give us a glimmer of hope in our darkest of times.  Even when we don’t see any way forward, there will always be a third way.  We must have faith in this possibility because of grace.  We can have this faith because we have experienced it and seen it before.  When we experienced many dark moments, we can look back and see that a way opened that we could not have expected.   We must hold onto the idea that even when we feel despair, there is a third way.

I am praying that we can all experience God’s grace that changes hearts and minds and gives us a way forward that we could not have imagined. Do not lose hope, because grace is powerful. 

Beth

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Joys & Concerns

I’m home, and glad to be so!  It was an honor to travel to sessions of Friends General Conference and United Society of Friends Women International during these past ten days, presenting workshops and messages at each one. I look forward to sharing about these visits with you all!    -Ruthie

A big thank you to Maltie and Larry who hosted 22 of us at the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana last Sunday.  We had a wonderful learning and sharing experience of this ancient religion. The Hindu’s have a variety of shrines that are different representations of the Deity and based on one's family background and location, one worships a specific representation of God. It is interesting that we all have a bit different representation of God and create our own image to worship based on many factors.  A reminder that our different world religions are more alike than we can imagine.

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Please note! Due to Western Yearly Meeting there will be no Monthly Meeting this Sunday.

Western Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions are coming up this weekend July 14-17 in Plainfield! Here’s a schedule of some of the major events you might enjoy coming to. Check out the WYM website here for more information.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 9:30: Scott Wagoner, North Carolina Yearly Meeting will speak; Scott presented at WYM Spring Retreat

Thursday, July 14th:
7:00 Piano/Organ Concert by Joe and Tom Roberts
7:30 Quaker Lecture with Jonathan Vogel Borne; ‘The Mark of True Discipleship – The Flourishing of Faith, Truth, and Love Among Us’
You’ll find information about Jonathan here: http://www.pacificyearlymeeting.org/2014/documents/about-jonathan-vogel-borne-and-his-keynote-address/  

Friday, July 15th:
1:45-3:15 Alternatives to Violence/Help Increase the Peace Workshop with Jonathan Vogel Borne and his wife Minga Caggett Borne.  An interactive and informative time together.
7:00 Dessert and Dialogue at the Conversation Café; Young Friends will host a discussion about topics to strengthen our multi-generational relationships and the Yearly Meeting.
Saturday, July 16th:
6:00 Mission Banquet USFW will gather in the Dining Hall.  Quaker Men will gather at Friends Apartment Homes on the Yearly Meeting Campus.

Sunday, July 17th:
9:30 Faith, Truth, and Love in Music! Ruthie Tippin and Shawn Porter will lead a concert of Yearly Meeting Friends, including Jim and Leslie Kartholl and Jon Tippin from First Friends Meeting.
10:30 Meeting for Worship; Scott Wagoner speaking.  Recording Recognition of Beth Henricks and Katherine Murray.
Back at First Friends, Amy Perry will convene unprogrammed worship in the parlor this Sunday from 10:15 - 11:15.  Children are welcome to head to the nursery with Tom and Lori Heusel for games and play outside.   

Drivers needed - We have invited children from Iglesias Amigos (Quaker Spanish Church) to join us for Vacation Bible School. They have come the past couple of years and it has added to our experience.  This year, Karla Moran is not able to drive them because she is getting married in Kansas.  The children have no way to get to First Friends. We are looking for anyone who is available to pick up kids in the Westfield area around 6:00pm and bring them to First Friends and take them back to the church in Westfield at 8:30 (Monday - Thursday)? We also need a pick up kids from the Irvington area at 6:00 to bring them to First Friends.  Beth will take this group of kids home each evening (Monday - Thursday). Please let Beth (beth.henricks@indyfriends.org) know if you could help in this way.

Wednesday Supper before Worship - Since the closing of the Broad Ripple MCL, Friends have been searching for a new location to meet to eat before Unprogrammed Worship on Wednesdays.  For those interested, Friends will be meeting for supper Wednesday evenings between 5:30 and 6:00 pm at the Marsh Supermarket's Soup and Salad Bar at 2350 Broad Ripple Avenue, at least through the month of July before Silent Worship.   The worship gathering begins at 7:00 in the Parlor.   

Vacation Bible School is only twelve days away! It will begin on Sunday, July 24 from 12:00-2:00pm and will continue Mon.-Thurs. from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Lunch will be provided for all who attend on the 24th. We welcome all our kids, grandkids and friends of our kids to participate in this fun and special time of learning that Jesus is the Light of the World. We’re registering now! To sign up your kids, there are registration forms in the hallway! Contact Beth with any questions at beth.henricks@indyfriends.org.

Oak Leaf Meeting for Reading women will be gathering Tuesday July 26th in the parlor at 7 pm.  Catherine will be leading the discussion for the novel Lila by Marilynne Robinson.   If you are interested in being on the email list please contact the office.

Future 2016 Oak Leaf novels will be:  
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

Calling all ice cream lovers!  First Friends will be working at the Dairy Bar at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday August 13th all day. This is a major fundraiser for our youth programming.  We plan to have two 6 hour shifts, 9:30am-3:30pm, and 3:30-9:30pm.  It is fast paced but lots of fun! Please let Beth (beth.henricks@indyfriends.org) know if you’re interested in volunteering! 

Trunks of Treasures - Shalom Zone Garage Sale - On July 30 from 8:00 am to noon the Shalom Zone churches (Cross and Crown, Allisonville Christian, Epworth, First Friends and St. Pius X)  will be sponsoring "garage sale" and “craft sale” opportunities for individuals in the Cross and Crown parking lot at 79th and Allisonville Road. You will be able to reserve a space for $10 in advance ($15 day of sale). The rest is up to you - bring your own table or use the trunk of your car. You get to keep whatever you earn.  The adjoining neighborhood of Ivy Hills will have its annual garage sale the same day so there should be no shortage of folks looking for a deal.  The Shalom Zone will donate the reservation fees to School on Wheels, a voluntary program which tutors homeless children throughout Marion County.  For more information contact the office.

Vegetable Garden - We are in need of a galvanized garbage can to help our vegetable garden! This garbage canister may be large or small but it will need to have a tight lid. It will be used to sanitize tools and will need to keep fumes inside. Our community garden also has flowers if anyone is interested in helping with those. If you’d like to help out, please contact the office. We’d also like to extend our thanks to the gardeners who are weeding and mowing!

Save the Date! IFCL Film showing! IFCL Presents the documentary film “Quakers – That of God in Everyone”. This 90-minute documentary will introduce you to untold stories of Friends from the American Heartland who profoundly influenced the course of American history, simply by seeing that of God in everyone. The IFCL will be showing the film on Friday, August 19 at 7:00pm in the parlor. Quaker scholar and author Paul Buckley, who provides commentary throughout the film, will lead us in discussion at the conclusion. For more information, contact the office.

Take me out to the BALL GAME! Join First Friends on Sunday, August 7th at 1:30 PM to see the Indianapolis Indians! This is a time of fun for anyone to join in from First Friends and ticket costs will be free! Contact Beth if you’re interested (beth.henricks@indyfriends.org).
 

Picture it: A Jewish wedding – “l'chaim, mozeltov!” Buddhists chanting, a turbaned Sikh on a large white stallion, dancers, songs and prayers in different languages........and a large array of Quakers with messages of peace, love and light. These are some of the things you might see and hear at the Festival of Faiths on September 18 at the Veterans War Memorial from 1:00 – 5:00pm.

The idea is to have a large Quaker presence including First Friends Meeting, Plainfield, Fairfield, Valley Mills and others as well as AFSC, FCNL, IFCL and other Quaker organizations. 

We are inviting everyone to attend and we are asking people to help with the Quaker area representation. We need a few people to help set up, take down and attend the booth. It is not necessary to be present the whole time. Come anytime that works for you and any time you can give will be appreciated. If you are interested in helping or want more information contact the office.

Leave a green footprint! ~ The Earth is an amazing and beautiful place. All its riches will last, so long as we learn to use only what we need. 
How can we best use the Earth’s gifts?
Tip #1: We can appreciate our food, and try not to waste it.
Tip #2: We can take care of our toys and games and share them when we are done with them.
NEW TIP: Tip #3: We can wrap presents with the Sunday news comics to reduce the number of trees cut for paper.

 From 16 Things Kids can do to Help Care for the Earth, by Dana Kester-McCabe, 2006.