December 21, 2016

As Way Opens

Christmas Mail
               Ted Kooser

Cards in each mailbox, 

angel, manger, star and lamb, 

as the rural carrier, 

driving the snowy roads, 

hears from her bundles 

the plaintive bleating of sheep, 

the shuffle of sandals, 

the clopping of camels. 

At stop after stop, 

she opens the little tin door 

and places deep in the shadows 

the shepherds and wise men, 

the donkeys lank and weary, 

the cow who chews and muses. 

And from her Styrofoam cup, 

white as a star and perched 

on the dashboard, leading her 

ever into the distance, 

there is a hint of hazelnut, 

and then a touch of myrrh.

Bless us all this Christmas, as we open the tin boxes God puts before us each day, and then spill into them the part of God’s story we know ourselves – the experiences of the Holy we have each known, and, if we’re willing, can share.  What a blessing to those who discover and find the courage to open the letters of our lives, and find stories to strengthen their own.  May we be just as courageous in spilling the stories, the experiences, the ways that open in Spirit, to others.  God bless your Christmas, and God bless the Christmas Gift you bring to each person whose life you touch.

                                                                            Ruthie

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Joys & Concerns

The icy cold weather caused us to cancel Meeting for Worship this past Sunday, but Dan M., Beth H. and I purposely came to be sure to greet those who might not have gotten the word.  Sure enough, four people came to worship.  One was a regular attender.  Two were folks who have just recently begun coming to First Friends.  One was a woman who has long been interested in visiting First Friends and had decided to come that morning for the first time.  We welcomed them into the Parlor for a cup of coffee, conversation, and a time of silent expectant worship.  God’s Spirit was evident, the silence was deep and meaningful, and our sharing was vital.  Meeting had been cancelled, but God still met with us in worship at First Friends this past Sunday.                                                                Ruthie

United Christmas Service Project A Big Success ~ Thanks to everyone who contributed gifts towards the United Christmas Service project.  All tags were taken from the Christmas palm tree and gifts were delivered this past Sunday to 5 families.  The families were most appreciative of the gifts and thanked all of you for helping them at this time of the year.  You all helped to honor the true meaning of Christmas which is to celebrate the Light that came into the world and to help others experience this Light.  Joy to the World and Merry Christmas everyone!!!

From your First Friends Meeting Staff: Merry Christmas to You All!  May God bless your Christmas gatherings, your time with family and friends, and your sense of God’s presence as you consider Emmanuel’s coming to be ‘God with us’ this Christmas.  We are blessed to serve you in ministry, even as you serve the world.

                                           Ruthie, Beth, Shawn, Rebecca, Dan, Rocio, and Jose

Bonnie and Dan H. thank First Friends for the meals and visits they have had the last few weeks.  The food and the presence of friends is healing and so appreciated.  

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Christmas Eve Service

5:30 pm at First Friends Meeting

“Finding the Christ Child”

The Christmas Story told in the Children’s Christmas Pageant

Jim & Leslie Kartholl, Duet

Our Children’s Choir – ‘Away in a Manger’

Our Year-End Christmas Offering

in support of the ministries of First Friends Meeting

Eric Baker, Solo

Meditation and Waiting Worship

Carrie Sample, Solo

Candlelight and Christmas Carols

Christmas Morning Worship

Sunday, December 25th at 10:15

Breakfast Brunch, Caroling, Christmas Sharing

and Waiting Worship in the Parlor

New Year’s Day Worship

Sunday, January 1 at 10:15

Led by Mary B., David B. & Ed M.

We have rescheduled our beloved children’s pageant to be included in our service this Christmas Eve at 5:30. Our children will depict and read the story of Jesus birth and we will sing hymns together.  Carrie S., Jim and Leslie K. and Eric B. will share songs with us and we will light candles together during this sacred evening. We hope you can join us for this special time.

Christmas morning we hope you will come and share a time of brunch, caroling and sharing in our parlor at 10:15 with Ruthie and Beth.  This will be a special Meeting for Worship for those that can attend.  

Please pick up your Poinsettias! If you’d like to take home your poinsettia(s), feel free to do so anytime this week. If you will be in attendance during our Christmas Eve service, you are also welcome to pick them up at that time! Thank you!

Just a reminder that the office will be closed on Monday, December 26 in observance of Christmas. It will also be closed on Monday, January 2 in observance of New Year’s Day. Happy Holidays!

Please note, there will be no Sunday School classes this Sunday, Dec 25 or on Sunday, Jan 1.

Please also note, there will be no Gentle Yoga this Friday, December 23. There will be a class next Friday, December 30 to help usher in the New Year.

Due to our cancellation of service last Sunday, we missed the opportunity to sell for donations to Right Sharing of World Resources (RSWR), soup and cookies in a jar that our kids assembled.  However, you will have a chance to purchase these great Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve.  There is a table in the foyer with the decorative jars as well as coffee and chocolate and tea to sell to help support this organization.  Please bring your money and check book to the Christmas Eve service!

Have an old TV? Perhaps you’d like to donate it! Janice H. works at Hawthorne Community Center, and is seeking a donation of a large screen computer monitor or TV with HDMI hook-up to show educational videos in her adult ed classroom. She does not want anyone to go out a buy a monitor to donate. Perhaps you or someone you know is getting a new TV or monitor for Christmas and would be looking to get rid of their old one? If you’re able to help, please contact the office. Thank you!

The Pastoral Search Committee's work is underway! Since we did not have Meeting for Business this past week due to the weather, we decided not to delay posting the pastoral job description at www.indyfriends.org/apply. You will notice that this description is almost identical to the one approved five years ago, but the Committee will consider further suggestions brought to it at our next Meeting for Business. Thank you for your continued prayers and support during this process.

The Pastoral Search Committee also invites you to contemplate and provide feedback on the following query this week: In your opinion, how can our new pastor best prepare and preach inspiring sermons?  Please provide your thoughts on the query (or any other feedback on the search process) to Dan Rains, who will be looking forward to hearing from you just outside the Meeting Room after Meeting for Worship this Sunday!

We need volunteers for the Mid North Food Pantry! ~ Due to the holidays, several of the “regulars” will not be able to volunteer at the food pantry on Wednesdays December 21, January 4 and January 18.  These are all days that First Friends regularly staffs the pantry. If you are in town and available during any of these dates, please consider volunteering. Let the office know if you are interested. Thank you for your assistance!

Christmas Dinner invitation: If you are planning to be in solitary splendor on Christmas afternoon, but would like to share Christmas dinner with someone, please consider coming to the home of Amy and Thad P. Come at noon, eat at 2:00. Please let the office know if you would like to come.

Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading will meet Tuesday, December 27th hosted by Ann P. in her home.  Join us for dinner at 6:30 pm; afterward Sylvia A. will be leading the discussion of The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri.  We ask that you either bring an appetizer or dessert.  Please RSVP to the office by Monday.  (Next month:  The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen led by Rhonda Craver on January 31st at 7 pm in the parlor.)   

See below and mark your calendars for 2017 Oak Leaf Women’s Meeting for Reading:

January 31 ~ The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

February 28 ~ Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance

March 28 ~ A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

April 25 ~ The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

May 30 ~ Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Asian

June 27 ~ A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

July 25 ~ Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland

August 29 ~ The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty

September 26 ~ My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor

October 24 ~ The Muralist by B.A. Shapiro

November 28 ~ The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

December 26 ~ The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian

December 14, 2016

As Way Opens

Last Sunday evening over 30 of us (including lots of kids and young people) visited four of our older friends in their apartments and care facilities to sing Christmas carols for them.  This is an annual event that First Friends has done for years (thanks to Carol Donahue for organizing this for so long!) and it is one of the most special outreach gatherings we do for our faith community.  As you can see from pictures, we don reindeer antlers, hats and bells while we sing beloved Christmas carols in beautiful harmony.  My heart is touched every year to sing with my friends and see the look of joy on the residents of these facilities.  Music has a way of moving us like no other medium.  Some of these individuals are faced with physical circumstances beyond what they ever thought possible in their lives.  They may not remember facts and information from yesterday as well as many years ago.  But when they hear these beloved songs, something unlocks inside of them and they sing all of the words with us and connect to something mysterious and wonderful within.  It’s part of the mystery of the experience of God.  We feel a sense of love and warmth that surrounds us and takes us out of our reality for a few moments.  

I will never forget taking my husband Jerry to an Abba tribute concert at Conner Prairie the summer before he passed away.  Jerry could not complete sentences or communicate his thoughts well, but he insisted on going to the front of the stage most of the concert and he could sing the words to every song they performed that evening (Abba was always one of his favorite bands).  For two hours, Jerry was transported to another place beyond his disease and the mystery of this experience affirms to me that God illuminates our world through music.  

My new favorite mystic poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote this about song “I know not how thou singest, my Master! I ever listen in silent amazement.  The light of thy music illumines the world. The life breath of thy music runs from sky to sky.  The holy stream of thy music breaks through all stony obstacles and rushes on…Ah, thou hast made my heart captive in the endless meshes of thy music, my Master! 

May we all experience the break through of God into our lives during this advent season.

Ruthie

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Joys & Concerns

Helen D. would like to extend her thanks to all the carolers this past Sunday. She very much enjoyed the caroling, and she said it was nice for her “First Friends” to meet her “Arden Woods” friends. Helen also noted that after the carolers left some of her neighbors approached her and said they loved and appreciated the caroling—some of them were even moved to tears! They don’t often get visitors, especially with such cheer! What a great reminder that even simple gestures like caroling can go a long way to brighten up someone’s holiday season. Thank you, carolers! Also a big thank you to Carol Donahue, who coordinates this event every year!

A big thanks to all our food pantry volunteers: Ed M., Bill F., Ray G,, Carol and Jim D. 39 lbs of food were delivered, and 88 families served!

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Please note, there will be no Gentle Yoga on Friday, December 23. There will be a class on Friday, December 30 to help usher in the New Year.

Monthly Meeting for Worship to Conduct Business will meet this Sunday, following the Fellowship Hour as we complete work for the current year and look forward to the year ahead. 

This Sunday, December 18th during fellowship hour, our kids will be offering soup and cookies in a jar for donations to Right Sharing of World Resources (RSWR).  The kids worked hard to prepare these holiday themed jars that will make wonderful gifts while supporting an important Quaker organization helping women start businesses in other countries.  We will also sell coffee, chocolate and tea on Sunday that will support RSWR.  Please come ready to support our kids and RSWR on Sunday!

Our youth group will be working at the MidNorth Food Pantry this Sunday December 18th.  The group will be heading over to the pantry after Meeting for Worship and our fellowship time and will eat with the guests at the pantry around noon.  Our group will then assist with clients visiting the pantry that day as well as other tasks for the pantry.  Krishan C. will deliver checks totaling $2270 that our Meeting so generously raised for the pantry.  We welcome anyone to join us this Sunday for this time of ministry in the community.  Please let Beth know if you would like to participate with us.

We need volunteers for the Mid North Food Pantry! ~ Due to the holidays, several of the “regulars” will not be able to volunteer at the food pantry on Wednesdays December 21, January 4 and January 18.  These are all days that First Friends regularly staffs the pantry. If you are in town and available during any of these dates, please consider volunteering. Let the office know if you are interested. Thank you for your assistance!

Christmas dinner invitation: If you are planning to be in solitary splendor on Christmas afternoon, but would like to share Christmas dinner with someone, please consider coming to Amy and Thad P's home. Come at noon, eat at 2:00. Please let the office know if you are interested.

Christmas Celebrations at First Friends Meeting

Children’s Christmas Pageant
December 18th, 2016 in Meeting
Children of the Meeting share the story of Jesus’ Birth

Christmas Eve Service ~ ‘Finding the Christ Child’
December 24th, 2016 at 5:30 p
Christmas Readings, Children’s Choir, Carols, and Candlelight
Celebrate in Worship with your Family and Friends

Christmas Morning Worship
Sunday, December 25th at 10:15
Breakfast Brunch, Caroling, Christmas Sharing
And Waiting Worship

New Year’s Day Worship
Sunday, January 1 at 10:15
Led by Ed M.

WYM Fundraising Challenge ~ The Western Yearly Meeting Pastoral Ministry Excellence Sustainability Task Group announces that an anonymous donor has offered a $5,000 challenge. If $12,985 are given and/or pledged toward the $100,000 PME Fundraising Goal by Christmas Day 2016, the donor will give $5,000 to complete the goal. WYM is asking for your help to rise to this generous challenge and reach the goal! Pledge cards and more materials on the PME can be found on the table in the Meeting hallway, or ask the office if you’d like information sent to you. You can also visit https://www.westernyearlymeeting.org/pme/ for more information.

December 7, 2016

As Way Opens

Just a few days ago, I brought our Nativity Set down from the attic.  I so love this set… it’s the one we’ve had since the boys were small.  The centerpiece is the Christ Child – already snuggled into a manger of hay.  But unpacking the styrofoam box, I found three Wise Men, a shepherd with a lamb across his shoulders, another lamb, Joseph, Mary, a donkey, and….

What a collection!  Such an odd gathering, brought together around the Word, the Light.  Common shepherds, and kings.  One person with royal ancestry.  Aged men, and a newborn.  One young woman.  Costly camels – meant for travel, and simple sheep and donkeys, meant for food and burden bearing.  Some were already a part of the scene – others entered into it, as travelers journeying through.   

The nativity set has made me think about our meeting.  We are a gathering too, brought together around the Word, the Light.  We have been ‘unpacked’ from the places we’ve been, and come into the scene – our Meeting - drawn together with purpose.  We are seekers who come, not just to see the Christ, but to experience all that God has to teach us, through this Gift.  And, just like the shepherds, wise men, and the Holy Family, we are a gift to each other.  We bring our own seeking stories.  Our own wonderment, our own struggles, our own joy in discovery as we learn more about God, born in us. 

Imagine the Meetinghouse as the stable… imagine us gathered around the Light… this is what we do each week when we gather in Meeting for Worship.  How grateful we can be for the sense of gathered community – whether we’re shepherds or kings, camels or donkeys, newborn or aged!  Each one of us is unique.  Each one brings their own heritage, their own characteristics, their own experiences, their own understanding of faith in God – and we’re all the richer for it.

What a beautiful, intentional gift God gave us in that natal scene… Christ was not surrounded with kings.  Christ was not surrounded with angels.  Christ was not surrounded with shepherds.  Christ was surrounded with kings and shepherds and angels.  They were all there! And so are we, in our incredible Meeting.  We are a rich gathering of varied characters, who bring heart and life to the work and witness of our Meeting.  And what holds us together?  The Word, the Light, The Spirit of Christ.  

Ruthie

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Joys & Concerns

Barbara O. has been named the Peace Learning Center's Volunteer of the Year! The PLC is an organization that educates, inspires and empowers people to live peacefully. Kristina Hulvershorn, Director of Youth Programs has worked closely with Barbara and said, "Barbara is an incredible volunteer for so many reasons. Her persistence, patience, and wisdom have allowed us to build new and meaningful programs and partnerships where there were none before… She is always there when we need her (whether it is to help us by bringing soup to feed a group in training, to help mobilize a large volunteer group, to learn about another training, or to help kids in need). Barbara is such a selfless and wonderful person." Congratulations, Barbara! See the full article here: http://peacelearningcenter.org/volunteer-of-the-year-barbara-oberreich/

Vespers was very special this year… as it always is. But this year, we celebrated a ‘Festival of Lessons and Carols’, sharing the story of Christ’s advent and birth in nine ‘lessons’ given in scripture and song.  Harp, flute, handbells, narrators, children and adult choirs all joined together with the congregation. What a joy! We are so thankful for Shawn P., our Organist and Choir Director, and to all those who shared their gifts in ministry.  Special thanks go to those who took extra time to prepare the Meeting Room so beautifully.

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Please note, the Finance Committee Meeting scheduled for December 8 has been cancelled.

Please also note – we’ve been informed that VOCE’s Madrigal Dinner scheduled for 12/10/16 is regretfully cancelled due to lack of ticket sales.

Christmas Caroling ~ Everyone is invited to join us for caroling at 4:20 pm Sunday, December 11 in the Washington Manor lobby at American Village (2026 E 54th St).  We will sing in the dining room at 4:30 and will proceed to three other places.  After singing, we will eat at Steak and Shake at 86th and Westfield Blvd.  Contact the office if you have questions.

United Christmas Service Project ~ You are cordially invited to help brighten Christmas for a family in need.  You can help by taking a tag or two from the Christmas tree in the front foyer of the meetinghouse, purchasing and wrapping the gift listed on the tag, noting the person to whom the gift is to be given on the wrapping (very important), and placing the gift under the tree.  We encourage folks to place the gifts under the tree by December 11 so that we can more easily take an inventory of gifts that have been purchased.  The absolute last date for delivery is December 18 as we intend to deliver the gifts after Monthly Meeting on December 18.  All are welcome to help in the delivery.  This is a great opportunity for everyone (particularly kids) to participate in the true meaning of Christmas by purchasing and delivering gifts to someone who will really need and appreciate the gifts.  Thanks for everyone’s help with this meaningful project.

Christmas Candlelight Service in Noblesville ~ Noblesville First Friends Church cordially invites you to hear the message of the angels and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Sunday, December 11 at 6:30pm. Refreshments will be served following the program. They are located at 1055 East Division Street in Noblesville. If you have questions, you may call them at 317-773-3686.

WYM Fundraising Challenge ~ The Western Yearly Meeting Pastoral Ministry Excellence Sustainability Task Group announces that an anonymous donor has offered a $5,000 challenge. If $12,985 are given and/or pledged toward the $100,000 PME Fundraising Goal by Christmas Day 2016, the donor will give $5,000 to complete the goal. WYM is asking for your help to rise to this generous challenge and reach the goal! Pledge cards and more materials on the PME can be found on the table in the Meeting hallway, or ask the office if you’d like information sent to you. You can also visit https://www.westernyearlymeeting.org/pme/ for more information.

Legislative Priorities for FCNL - 350 Quakers from around the country met in Washington DC for the annual meeting of Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)on November 10th - 13th.  Several from First Friends attended and the legislative priorities for FCNL over the next 2 years were approved (see them here: https://goo.gl/Zukhzo).  We also lobbied our Senators and Representatives on supporting passage of Criminal Justice reform for non-violent offenders in the lame duck session.  If you are interested, call your Senators and ask them to support Senate Bill S2123 and your Representative to support bills in the house HR 3713 and HR 759.  More information about this legislation is on the FCNL website:

Christmas Celebrations at First Friends Meeting

Choirs, Cookies, and Carols!
December 11th, 2016
‘Royal Sensation Choir’ in Meeting
Christmas Tea just following Worship
Christmas Caroling at 4:20
at American Village – Washington Manor Lobby

Children’s Christmas Pageant
December 18th, 2016 in Meeting

Christmas Eve Service
‘Finding the Christ Child’
December 24th, 2016 at 5:30 pm

Christmas Morning Worship
Brunch, Caroling, and Waiting Worship at 10:15

November 30, 2016

As Way Opens

I am so thankful for our Circle of Care group at First Friends.  I am thankful for Barbara O. who had a leading 6 years ago to help establish this ministry that would support friends that had experienced a loss, an illness, a birth, a death, a short term need or other transition.  Barbara and many others like Amy P., Vicki W., Lynda S. set up groups and a process to meet needs through meals, visits, cards, transportation, and our annual Grief Gathering that occurred this past Sunday.  What a wonderful experience to have our Circle of Care host those of us that have experienced a significant loss this past year.  I am thankful for the members of the Circle of Care (Damian W., Carolyn H., Jan G., Debbie G.) that have committed themselves to this important ministry and planned this event on Sunday. (Also thanks to Ray G. for clean up).  I am thankful for Leslie K who helped facilitate our discussion of loss and provided some powerful insights.  I am thankful for all that participated and shared from their heart the feelings they have had in processing a significant loss.  As Parker Palmer has said, my heart broke open into expanded ways to hold our suffering and grief.  

I have been reading a book that Elizabeth Watson, a Quaker originally from 57th Street Friends in Chicago wrote, describing her experience of losing a daughter when she was 23 years old.  She relied on a number of writers that inspired her during this horrific time in her life.  She introduced me to Rabindranath Tagore, the Indian writer, philosopher, mystic who was the first non European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his book Gitanjali.   He wrote about life, death, our longing for God and the beauty of the ordinary (sounds pretty Quakerly to me).  This poem of his speaks to my experience of so many guests that have entered my life during this past year, shining the light of God.

“Guests of my life, 
You came in the early dawn, and you in the night.  
Your name was uttered by the Spring flowers and yours by the showers of rain.  
You brought the harp into my house and you brought the lamp.  
After you had taken your leave I found God’s footprints on my floor.”

Beth

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Joys & Concerns

Much appreciation to all who contributed to the Mid North Food Pantry during November. $1,320.00 has been collected!  Thanks to all who donated funds and thanks to the children who contributed food items. 

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Join us this coming Sunday, December 4th!
Festival of Lessons & Carols
Vespers Service
5:00 pm in the Meetingroom
Join us afterward for a Complimentary Light Buffet in Fellowship Hall
 

The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a time laden gift at Christmas, telling the story of the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Christ, using a series of scripture readings and hymns.  Choir, congregational singing, and soloists combine to share the story of Christ’s coming to earth – the Word made flesh.  The best-known version is broadcast annually from King's College, Cambridge, on Christmas Eve. The carols vary from year to year, although some music is repeated. The service ends with the hymn "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing".  You, your family and friends are welcome to join the Choir and musicians of First Friends Meeting in our Vespers Celebration of the Festival this coming Sunday, December 4th at 5:00.  A complimentary light buffet will be served afterward.

Babysitting Co-Op on Saturday, December 3!   December 3rd will be our babysitting co-op evening from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.  This is a free night of babysitting that will be hosted by Kathy R. and Cindy K.   Please let the office know if you would like to attend.  

College Care packages for our students - It is time to send college care packages to our students as they prepare for their midterms at school.  We will have boxes out this Sunday for you to provide goodies like nuts, candy, cookies and other treats.  If you would rather donate money, the office will purchase items for the boxes.  We will be mailing them December 7th so we need your support this week. If you are bringing in treats, please provide enough for 10 students.

United Christmas Service Project ~ You are cordially invited to help brighten Christmas for a family in need.  You can help by taking a tag or two from the Christmas tree in the front foyer of the meetinghouse, purchasing and wrapping the gift listed on the tag, noting the person to whom the gift is to be given on the wrapping (very important), and placing the gift under the tree.  We encourage folks to place the gifts under the tree by December 11 so that we can more easily take an inventory of gifts that have been purchased.  The absolute last date for delivery is December 18 as we intend to deliver the gifts after Monthly Meeting on December 18.  All are welcome to help in the delivery.  This is a great opportunity for everyone (particularly kids) to participate in the true meaning of Christmas by purchasing and delivering gifts to someone who will really need and appreciate the gifts.  Thanks for everyone’s help with this meaningful project.

VOCE (Carolyn T. is a member), presents the 2nd Annual Madrigal Dinner on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 6:00 -9:30 pm at the First Friends Church 3030 Kessler Blvd E. Drive, Indianapolis, 46220, in Fellowship Hall. Featuring a homemade authentic recipe five-course Renaissance meal, Madrigal music by VOCE, costumes, merriment and holiday cheer. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased November 1, 2016 – December 1, 2016 on the VOCE website - www.voceindy.org.

Legislative Priorities for FCNL - 350 Quakers from around the country met in Washington DC for the annual meeting of Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)on November 10th - 13th.  Several from First Friends attended and the legislative priorities for FCNL over the next 2 years were approved (see them here: https://goo.gl/Zukhzo).  We also lobbied our Senators and Representatives on supporting passage of Criminal Justice reform for non-violent offenders in the lame duck session.  If you are interested, call your Senators and ask them to support Senate Bill S2123 and your Representative to support bills in the house HR 3713 and HR 759.  More information about this legislation is on the FCNL website: https://www.fcnl.org/

Crown Hill Woods Petition - The Dr. Laura Hare Charitable Trust (LHCT), a private foundation whose primary purpose is to protect and preserve ecologically significant land, has made a negotiable offer to purchase Crown Hill Woods, a 14.75-acre parcel currently owned by the VA. The LHCT intends to make the site open to the public for passive recreation while preserving the forest intact-- if they are allowed to purchase the property. If you’d like to urge the VA to be a willing seller, you can sign the new Crown Hill North Woods petition here: https://goo.gl/THtChl

A simple way to share a blessing is to save our stamps!  Over $70,000 has been raised for Right Sharing of World Resources through the donation of cancelled stamps.  Save all your Christmas Card Stamps, and donate them!  Here’s how: Stamps should be cut from envelopes with 1/8” to 1/4” of paper around the stamp. For foreign mail include the envelope as well. There are many dealers who collect foreign envelopes. Save the envelopes of domestic mail postmarked prior to 1946 too. Bring your stamps to the Meetinghouse, or send them to: Quaker Missions West, 650 Harrison Ave., Claremont, CA 91711.

Christmas Caroling ~ Everyone is invited to join us for caroling at 4:20 pm Sunday, December 11 in the Washington Manor lobby at American Village.  We will sing in the dining room at 4:30 and will proceed to three other places.  After singing, we will eat at Steak and Shake at 86th and Westfield Blvd.  Contact the office if you have questions.

November 23, 2016

As Way Opens

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!  May you be richly blessed as you remember God’s faithfulness and provision for your needs during this past year.  Even in times of struggle and loss, remember God’s presence and help.  As you gather ‘round the table with family and friends this season, take time to ‘count your blessings’ and name each one you can think of.  It’s surprising to think of all the things God has done and is doing through the power of the Holy Spirit, in each one of our lives… and God has yet to do and to be, much, much, more! 

 I’d like to share a lovely prayer, written by Samuel F. Pugh, that was shared at our Ecumenical Service this week.  As we consider our blessings, let us always remember others.

O God, when I have food, 
help me to remember the hungry; 
When I have work, 
help me to remember the jobless; 

When I have a home, 
help me to remember those who have no home at all; 

When I am without pain, 
help me to remember those who suffer, 
And remembering, 
help me to destroy my complacency; 
bestir my compassion, 
and be concerned enough to help,
By word and deed, 
those who cry out for what we take for granted. 
Amen.                                             

Ruthie    

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Joys & Concerns

A big thank you to our food pantry volunteers! They were all needed as we served a near record 116 families!

Much appreciation to all who contributed to the Mid North Food Pantry during November. $1,320.00 has been collected!  Thanks to all who donated funds and thanks to the children who contributed food items. 

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Please note: There will be no Yoga class November 25. Class will resume Friday, Dec 2.

Grief Gathering on Sunday November 27th after Meeting for Worship - Circle of Care is hosting a lunch and discussion for those who have experienced a loss of a family member or cherished friend.  This lunch and time together is a tangible way our Meeting is demonstrating our care for each other during times of sadness.  We invite anyone that is interested in gathering with others to share and reflect on the experience of loss. Feel free to bring any family members. This event is sponsored by our Circle of Care.

Hello Oak Leaf Ladies!  Come to our 3rd Annual Oak Leaf Holiday Pot Luck on November 29th at 7 pm hosted by Ruth K. in her home.  We will be discussing “The Friendly Persuasion" by Jessamyn West.  Be ready to eat lasagna!  Bring a side dish and a book from home to swap.  People who haven't previously attended our meeting for reading are MORE than welcome to come join us!  Please feel free to invite a friend, the more the merrier!  Contact the office for info on how to RSVP.

This past Thanksgiving Sunday we heard from Jackie Stillwell, General Secretary of Right Sharing of World Resources, a Quaker organization concerned with receiving blessings and multiplying them again and again through income-generating projects in developing countries. Friends raised $400 in donations for RSWR.  We were reminded that 20% of the world’s population consumes 80% of the world’s resources. What part do we play in sharing the riches of God’s blessings with those less fortunate?

A simple way to share is to save our stamps!  Over $70,000 has been raised for RSWR through the donation of cancelled stamps.  Save all your Christmas Card Stamps, and donate them!  Here’s how: Stamps should be cut from envelopes with 1/8” to 1/4” of paper around the stamp. For foreign mail include the envelope as well. There are many dealers who collect foreign envelopes. Save the envelopes of domestic mail postmarked prior to 1946 too. Bring your stamps to the Meetinghouse, or send them to: Earl Walker/Quaker Missions West, 650 Harrison Ave., Claremont, CA 91711.

Babysitting Co-Op on Saturday, December 3!   December 3rd will be our babysitting co-op evening from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.  This is a free night of babysitting that will be hosted by Kathy R. and Cindy K.   Please let the officeknow if you would like to attend. 

VOCE (Carolyn T. is a member), presents the 2nd Annual Madrigal Dinner on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 6:00 -9:30 pm at the First Friends Church 3030 Kessler Blvd E. Drive, Indianapolis, 46220, in Fellowship Hall. Featuring a homemade authentic recipe five-course Renaissance meal, Madrigal music by VOCE, costumes, merriment and holiday cheer. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased November 1, 2016 – December 1, 2016 on the VOCE website - www.voceindy.org.

Legislative Priorities for FCNL - 350 Quakers from around the country met in Washington DC for the annual meeting of Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)on November 10th - 13th.  Several from First Friends attended and the legislative priorities for FCNL over the next 2 years were approved (see them here: https://goo.gl/Zukhzo).  We also lobbied our Senators and Representatives on supporting passage of Criminal Justice reform for non-violent offenders in the lame duck session.  If you are interested, call your Senators and ask them to support Senate Bill S2123 and your Representative to support bills in the house HR 3713 and HR 759.  More information about this legislation is on the FCNL website: https://www.fcnl.org/

Crown Hill Woods Petition - The Dr. Laura Hare Charitable Trust (LHCT), a private foundation whose primary purpose is to protect and preserve ecologically significant land, has made a negotiable offer to purchase Crown Hill Woods, a 14.75-acre parcel currently owned by the VA. The LHCT intends to make the site open to the public for passive recreation while preserving the forest intact-- if they are allowed to purchase the property. If you’d like to urge the VA to be a willing seller, you can sign the new Crown Hill North Woods petition here: https://goo.gl/THtChl

Christmas Celebrations at First Friends Meeting

Vespers Festival of Lessons & Carols

December 4th at 5:00 pm

Complimentary Light Buffet following the concert

Choirs, Cookies, and Carols!
December 11th, 2016
‘Royal Sensation Choir’ in Meeting
Christmas Tea just following Worship
Christmas Caroling

Children’s Christmas Pageant
December 18th, 2016 in Meeting

Christmas Eve Service
‘Finding the Christ Child’
December 24th, 2016 at 5:30 pm

Christmas Morning Worship
Brunch, Caroling, and Waiting Worship at 10:15

November 16, 2016

As Way Opens

It has been a week since we learned the results of the election.  It has been a week of pain, joy, uncertainty, reflection, grief, concern and a host of other emotions as we all process the results of this election.  Surprise is a word that all sides would probably use to describe what happened and we are all trying to understand what this means for our future.  I believe God is at work in our world today and no matter how we voted, there is potential and hope.  I spent the last weekend in Washington DC with 350 Quakers for the annual meeting of Friends Committee of National Legislation (FCNL).  The Indiana delegation met with staffers from Senator Coats, Senator Donnelly, Representative Susan Brooks and Representative Luke Messer offices.  They were all shocked by the results last week but ready to get to work for the residents of Indiana.  I felt a sense of comfort that many folks were moving forward and working for the good of our state.  

We have no idea what President elect Trump will pursue.  I think there will be many opportunities for collaboration between all parties.  I am praying that we all put aside our prejudices, show tolerance and love to each other and step into our future together.  But we must also guard against the persecution of women, persons of color, Muslims, and others that have been identified in negative stereotypes during the last 18 months.  All faith communities around the country must be ready to stand with and support individuals that face discrimination.  Jesus calls us to this way of loving.  During times of uncertainty, our faith community becomes even more important to each of us as a sacred place of safety, certainty and the presence of the Holy Spirit.  My prayer is that we find comfort in each other and be a comfort to each other during this time of change and upheaval.

Beth

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Joys & Concerns

Thank you to everyone who donated blood on November 6! Our hospitals are often in critical need of blood and your donations are much appreciated! Every pint can save up to three lives!

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Please note: There will be no Yoga class November 18 and 25. Class will resume Friday, Dec 2.

Join us on Thanksgiving Sunday, November 20th as we welcome Jackie Stillwell, General Secretary of Right Sharing of World Resources in Meeting for Worship.  We will celebrate our blessing of being a blessing, and share together in a “World Meal”, experiencing what people around the world encounter when they come to their tables each day. We will accept donations for Right Sharing during the meal. Meeting for Worship to Conduct Business will follow immediately afterward. 

Follow the North Star! Please contact the office if you would like to join us.  We have made a reservation for 16 to attend the Connor Prairie interactive experience called Follow the North Star on November 18th at 7:15 p.m.  This is a powerful immersion experience of being a slave trying to escape.  You must be at least 12 years old to attend this event.  The cost is $20 (funds are available for support).  We will leave from First Friends at 6:30 or meet at Conner Prairie at 7:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving with Mid North Food Pantry ~ Witness & Service is sponsoring a food awareness drive at First Friends during the month of November. The Meridian Street Preschool Co-op is also partnering with First Friends to bring in donations of food and money to the Mid-North Food Pantry.  Krishan C. is working on one of his scout requirements and will head-up this food pantry drive on behalf of Witness & Service.  As was done last year, W&S is soliciting cash contributions rather than food items from adults since Mid North is able to purchase from Gleaners Food Bank more than 10 times the amount of food that an individual is able to purchase, for the same amount of money, at a grocery store.  We think it is beneficial for the children at First Friends to continue to contribute food items. MSPC will have a box labeled ‘Mid North Food Pantry’ that will be available in the hallway by the classrooms. Additional boxes for food are in the children’s classrooms.  We hope that everyone at First Friends will work together to share their blessings during the month of November.  Checks should be written to First Friends with a notation for Mid North.                         Thanks for your help.

A New Justice At St. Luke’s UMC Presents “13th” Documentary ~ Now, more than ever, people of faith concerned for social justice must gather in mutual support and solidarity with the poor and outcast. Roger Ebert calls this documentary a “must see” that outlines the connection between slavery and the United States’ current position as the world’s biggest jailer. The Social Action Committee of St. Luke’s UMC invites you to such a gathering to view and discuss the movie, “13th” on Friday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Luke’s Parlor. This event is free and open to the public!

Tuesday evening, November 22nd at 7:00 is the date and time set for our annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at Allisonville First Christian Church.  Everyone is welcome! First Friends, Epworth, Cross and Crown, Allisonville Christian, and St. Pius congregations will join together in worship and song, as we give thanks to God for the many gifts and graces we receive.  We also have a chance to share with others – an offering will be taken to benefit Schools on Wheels – a ministry to homeless children.  Join us in thanksgiving!

Grief Gathering on Sunday November 27th after Meeting for Worship - Circle of Care is hosting a lunch and discussion for those who have experienced a loss of a family member or cherished friend.  This lunch and time together is a tangible way our Meeting is demonstrating our care for each other during times of sadness.  We invite anyone that is interested in gathering with others to share and reflect on the experience of loss. Feel free to bring any family members. Please contact the office (office@indyfriends.org) if you plan to attend.  This event is sponsored by our Circle of Care.

Hello Oak Leaf Ladies!  Come to our 3rd Annual Oak Leaf Holiday Pot Luck on November 29th at 7 pm hosted by Ruth K. in her home.  We will be discussing “The Friendly Persuasion" by Jessamyn West.  Be ready to eat lasagna!  Bring a side dish and a book from home to swap.  People who haven't previously attended our meeting for reading are MORE than welcome to come join us!  Please feel free to invite a friend, the more the merrier!  Contact the office to RSVP.

Christmas Celebrations at First Friends Meeting

Vespers Festival of Lessons & Carols

December 4th at 5:00 pm

Complimentary Light Buffet following the concert

Choirs, Cookies, and Carols!

December 11th, 2016

‘Royal Sensation Choir’ in Meeting

Christmas Tea just following Worship

Christmas Caroling

Children’s Christmas Pageant

December 18th, 2016 in Meeting

Christmas Eve Service

‘Finding the Christ Child’

December 24th, 2016 at 5:30 pm

Christmas Morning Worship

Brunch, Caroling, and Waiting Worship at 10:15

November 9, 2016

As Way Opens

Blessing For a Leader

   ~ from To Bless the Space Between Us, John O’Donahue (1956-2008)

May you have the grace and wisdom
To act kindly, learning
To distinguish between what is
Personal and what is not.

May you be hospitable to criticism.

May you never put yourself at the center of things.

May you act not from arrogance but out of service.

May you work on yourself,
Building up and refining the ways of your mind.

May those who work for you know
You see and respect them.

May you learn to cultivate the art of presence
In order to engage with those who meet you.

When someone fails or disappoints you,
May the graciousness with which you engage
Be their stairway to renewal and refinement.

May you treasure the gifts of the mind
Through reading and creative thinking
So that you continue as a servant of the frontier
Where the new will draw its enrichment from the old,
And you never become functionary.

May you know the wisdom of deep listening,
The healing of wholesome words,
The encouragement of the appreciative gaze,
The decorum of held dignity,
The springtime edge of the bleak question.

May you have a mind that loves frontiers
So that you can evoke the bright fields
That lie beyond the view of the regular eye.

May you have good friends
To mirror your blind spots.

May leadership be for you
A true adventure of growth.           

Ruthie

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Please note: There will be no Yoga class November 11, 18 and 25. Yoga classes will resume Friday, December 2.

Follow the North Star! Please contact the office if you would like to join us.  We have made a reservation for 16 to attend the Connor Prairie interactive experience called Follow the North Star on November 18th at 7:15 p.m.  This is a powerful immersion experience of being a slave trying to escape.  You must be at least 12 years old to attend this event.  The cost is $20 (funds are available for support).  We will leave from First Friends at 6:30 or meet at Conner Prairie at 7:00 p.m.

Poetry Group ~ You may know Michelangelo as a painter and sculptor, but as a poet? Norma W. will present a very special program on his poetry in the Parlor at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15.  Norma presented this program quite a number of years ago--it was so well-received that we asked her to share it with us again.

Thanksgiving with Mid North Food Pantry ~ Witness & Service is sponsoring a food awareness drive at First Friends during the month of November. The Meridian Street Preschool Co-op is also partnering with First Friends to bring in donations of food and money to the Mid-North Food Pantry.  Krishan C. is working on one of his scout requirements and will head-up this food pantry drive on behalf of Witness & Service.  As was done last year, W&S is soliciting cash contributions rather than food items from adults since Mid North is able to purchase from Gleaners Food Bank more than 10 times the amount of food that an individual is able to purchase, for the same amount of money, at a grocery store.  We think it is beneficial for the children at First Friends to continue to contribute food items. MSPC will have a box labeled ‘Mid North Food Pantry’ that will be available in the hallway by the classrooms. Additional boxes for food are in the children’s classrooms.  We hope that everyone at First Friends will work together to share their blessings during the month of November.  Checks should be written to First Friends with a notation for Mid North.                         Thanks for your help.

Friends are invited to join the Clerks Council this Saturday, November 12th at 9 am, as we consider steps in our search for a new pastor.   We will review the previous pastor's search, review the previous meeting survey, and discuss other pertinent information at that time. Suggestions and interest in the search are much appreciated!  If you would like to be considered as a potential member of the Pastoral Search Committee, please submit your name to Dan Rains, Clerk of the Meeting.  Clerks Council will be bringing names forward for approval for this Committee at our next Monthly Meeting on November 20th.

~ Ed M., Clerk of Ministry and Counsel & Dan R., Clerk of the Meeting

One of Gary R.'s writings of his experience in Vietnam was accepted for Writing Home: The Stories of American Veterans in Words, Dance, & Theater.    There will be four performances over Veteran’s Day Weekend through the spoken word and movement performed by Dance Kaleidoscope; veterans, and actors will evoke a sense of wonder, understanding, and appreciation for all.  For dates and times visit the website www.spiritandplace.org or contact the office for more info.

Fairfield Friends invites you to Books n' Brunch! The event is Saturday, November 12th from 9am-1pm. Brunch type items will be served, as well as vegetarian options. The cost is Adults $7, ages 3-18 is $3, under 3 is free. There will be crafts, a book sale, and Phil Gulley will have signed books available as well. Funds from the book sale will go to their library and other proceeds will benefit outreach/mission projects (through USFW and their Outreach Committee). Fairfield Friends is located at 10441 E. County Rd. 700 S. in Camby. Hope to see you on Nov.12th!

All are welcomed to the Parents Appreciation Banquet sponsored by Nur-Allah Islamic Center (Daud’s Mosque). This will be a dinner for all to set aside some time to honor parents and parenthood. It is being held Sunday, November 13 from 4-7pm at the Sterrett Center, 8950 Otis Ave. (One block north of 56th & Post Rd). Tickets are $40 for adults (or $75 for a couple), $35 for Seniors (62 & older) and $25 for college students & children under 13. Please contact the office if you’d like to RSVP for a ticket. For more information call 317 753-3754 or visit www.nurallah.org.

Join us on Thanksgiving Sunday, November 20th as we welcome Jackie Stillwell from Right Sharing of World Resources in Meeting for Worship.  We will celebrate our blessing of being a blessing, and share together in a “World Meal”, experiencing what people around the world encounter when they come to their tables each and every day.  Meeting for Worship to Conduct Business will follow immediately afterward. 

Tuesday evening, November 22nd at 7:00 is the date and time set for our annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at Allisonville First Christian Church.  Everyone is welcome! First Friends, Epworth, Cross and Crown, Allisonville Christian, and St. Pius congregations will join together in worship and song, as we give thanks to God for the many gifts and graces we receive.  We also have a chance to share with others – an offering will be taken to benefit Schools on Wheels – a ministry to homeless children.  Join us in thanksgiving!

Grief Gathering on Sunday November 27th after Meeting for Worship - Circle of Care is hosting a lunch and discussion for those who have experienced a loss of a family member or cherished friend.  This lunch and time together is a tangible way our Meeting is demonstrating our care for each other during times of sadness.  We invite anyone that is interested in gathering with others to share and reflect on the experience of loss. Feel free to bring any family members. Please contact the office (office@indyfriends.org) if you plan to attend.  This event is sponsored by our Circle of Care.

Christmas Caroling! ~ Please join us for Christmas caroling on Sunday, December 11, in the late afternoon.  Specific details will be announced later.  If you have any questions, please contact Carol Donahue.

November 2, 2016

As Way Opens

By the time I write here again next week, our country will have a new President.  Barring a contested election, recounts or struggles with the outcome, we will have chosen a new person to serve in our highest office of government.  It’s been a long time in coming… most of us will be relieved to have it done.

This past week, my husband and I visited family in Seattle.  While there, we saw campaign signs all over the place.  One stood out from all the rest – “Jesus for King”.  It made me laugh!  And then it made me think – a lot.  What if Jesus were running for President?  What would his platform be?  That’s pretty easy to figure out… it would be the same one his Jewish forerunners had built for generations…

‘The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed me;
He has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,
To bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And release to the prisoners,
To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’
(Isaiah 61:1/Luke 4:18-19)

Imagine it… Christ would spend three years campaigning, and many people would be convinced that he was the right choice.  Still, he would lose his election to a man named Barabbas, only to go on to victory another day.

Jesus never ran for President.  And Christ doesn’t put up campaign signs for his Kingship.  In fact, one of the things he taught us was that his kingdom is ‘at hand’ – with us, present, in us, all the time.  Regardless of who now serves, or who will serve as President of the United States, Christ Jesus is King, and his Kingdom is within us.  He calls us to live out of that centered place, that unchangeable place, that blessed place.

Dear Friends, in the stillness and silence of the Power of the Almighty dwell, which never varies, alters, nor changes, but preserves over, out of, and above all the changeable worships, religions, ministers, churches, teachings, principalities, and powers… to the Kingdom of Christ… in which there is no changing, who is King of kings, Lord of lords, all Power in heaven and earth… given to him…

  So in that live… the unchangeable Life, the unchangeable Mind, the unchangeable Spirit and Wisdom and the unchangeable worship and Church of which Christ is the unchangeable head… the same yesterday, today, and forever…

Ruthie 

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Joys & Concerns

What a blessing!  A HUGE thank-you to all who donated to help send the Belize kids to the pool! All together we raised $730, which should be plenty to send them to their favorite swimming spot!  Thanks to Dan R for following God’s leading.

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Community Soup! We will have Community Soup this upcoming Friday, November 4th, from 5:30 – 7 p.m.  Soups, rather than salads, will be featured. Everyone is welcome to bring a soup and/or dessert. We hope to see you there!

We need your blood! We are having a blood drive this Sunday, November 6th from 9am-1pm in the Bloodmobile, which will be parked in our parking lot. The Blood Mobile will be everything necessary including cookies and juice so please save your blood donations until November 6th.  Please bring a picture ID for your donation. Every pint you donate can potentially help 3 people! To register ahead of time, use this link: https://www.donorpoint.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/108217

Free choral concert by VOCE (Carolyn T is a member) at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church Sunday, Nov 6, 2016 at 3PM. VOCE is a 16-member choral ensemble dedicated to beautiful music that moves people and enriches their life.  VOCE will be performing John Rutter’s Requiem at St. Joan of Arc, located at 4217 Central Avenue, Indianapolis.

GREETERS NEEDED! Jim K is putting together a schedule for Friends willing to serve as Greeters on Sunday mornings. Please contact the office if you are interested in serving the meeting in this way.

Join Us at Area Meeting Gathering for Central and West Central Areas on Sunday, Nov 6th.  Two areas will join together at 3:30 pm. at Valley Mills Friends Meeting.  Representatives and Friends from Amo, Fairfield, Hadley, Mooresville, Plainfield, West Union, First Friends, Second Friends, Valley Mills, and West Newton will all have a chance to do business together, hear Dale Graves speak, and do a Christmas Card project for Belize School students.  And… we’ll enjoy a pitch-in supper together.  What used to be set aside for an entire weekend is something we’ll enjoy together in just a few hours… don’t miss it!   Our hosts?  Marilee Gabriel and Della Stanley Green.

Thanksgiving with Mid North Food Pantry ~ Witness & Service is sponsoring a food awareness drive at First Friends during the month of November. The Meridian Street Preschool Co-op is also partnering with First Friends to bring in donations of food and money to the Mid-North Food Pantry.  Krishan Coffman is working on one of his scout requirements and will head-up this food pantry drive on behalf of Witness & Service.  As was done last year, W&S is soliciting cash contributions rather than food items from adults since Mid North is able to purchase from Gleaners Food Bank more than 10 times the amount of food that an individual is able to purchase, for the same amount of money, at a grocery store.  We think it is beneficial for the children at First Friends to continue to contribute food items. MSPC will have a box labeled ‘Mid North Food Pantry’ that will be available in the hallway by the classrooms until November 11th. Additional boxes for food are in the children’s classrooms.  We hope that everyone at First Friends will work together to share their blessings during the month of November.  Checks should be written to First Friends with a notation for Mid North.  Thanks for your help.

The Houses of Abraham – All are invited to this free panel hosted by the Spirit & Place Festival.  This panel will highlight the major sacred “homes” of the Abrahamic religions and focus on what each place means to the faithful of that tradition. People will get to see beautiful images of each religious edifice, learn about their historical and religious origins and traditions, and hear panelists who are members of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths discuss what their religious monuments represent. It is being held Monday, November 7, 7-9PM at the Indiana Interchurch Center, 1100 W. 42nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46208. Walk-ins are welcome, but RSVPs are requested. To RSVP, please visit https://goo.gl/forms/vxXra2AXkhUEx7Ja2.

One of Gary Rhyne’s writings of his experience in Vietnam was accepted for Writing Home: The Stories of American Veterans in Words, Dance, & Theater.    There will be four performances over Veteran’s Day Weekend through the spoken word and movement performed by Dance Kaleidoscope; veterans, and actors will evoke a sense of wonder, understanding, and appreciation for all.  For dates and times visit the website www.spiritandplace.org or contact the office for more info.

Mark your calendar! Friends are invited to join the Clerks Council on Saturday, November 12th at 9 am in Fellowship Hall, as we consider steps in our search for a new pastor.   We will review the previous pastor's search, review the previous meeting survey, and discuss other pertinent information at that time. Suggestions and interest in the search are much appreciated!  If you would like to be considered as a potential member of the Pastoral Search Committee, please submit your name to Dan Rains, Clerk of the Meeting.  Clerks Council will be bringing names forward for approval for this Committee at our next Monthly Meeting on November 20th.           ~ Ed M, Clerk of Ministry and Counsel & Dan R, Clerk of the Meeting   

Books n’ Brunch! Fairfield Friends invites you to Books n' Brunch! The event is Saturday, November 12th from 9am-1pm. Brunch type items will be served, as well as vegetarian options. The cost is Adults $7, ages 3-18 is $3, under 3 is free. There will be crafts, a book sale, and Phil Gulley will have signed books available as well. Funds from the book sale will go to their library and other proceeds will benefit outreach/mission projects (through USFW and their Outreach Committee). Fairfield Friends is located at 10441 E. County Rd. 700 S. in Camby. Hope to see you on Nov.12th!

All are welcomed to the Parents Appreciation Banquet sponsored by Nur-Allah Islamic Center (Daud’s Mosque). This will be a dinner for all to set aside some time to honor parents and parenthood. It is being held Sunday, November 13 from 4-7pm at the Sterrett Center, 8950 Otis Ave. (One block north of 56th & Post Rd). Tickets are $40 for adults (or $75 for a couple), $35 for Seniors (62 & older) and $25 for college students & children under 13. Please contact the office if you’d like to RSVP for a ticket. For more information call 317 753-3754 or visit www.nurallah.org.

Follow the North Star! We have made a reservation for 16 to attend the Connor Prairie interactive experience called Follow the North Star on November 18th at 7:15 p.m.  This is a powerful immersion experience of being a slave trying to escape.  You must be at least 12 years old to attend this event.  The cost is $20 (funds are available for support).  We will leave from First Friends at 6:30 or meet at Conner Prairie at 7:00 p.m.  Please contact the office if you would like to join us.

Do you and your children know the significance of Quakers and the North Star?  The path to freedom for slaves?  Check out these titles in our Children’s Library:

Follow the Drinking Gourd, by Jeanette Winter

The Drinking Gourd, by F.N. Monjo

President of the Underground Railroad – A Story About Levi Coffin, by Gwenyth Swain

IFCL Advocate - IFCL’s monthly newsletter is now available for October! This month’s articles include ISTEP (Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus) Hearings, Redistricting Reform, information on recent IFCL events, and more! You can view it here: http://www.quakerifcl.org/Advocate/IFCL_Advocate-October.pdf To sign up to receive the newsletter monthly, visit http://www.quakerifcl.org/NewsletterSubscribe.htm

It’s time to winterize your gardens! Autumn is here and the frost is on the pumpkin. If you have a plot in our community garden, please take the time to clean up the plot as soon as possible! In a community garden, each plot can affect other plots and other gardeners, and disease can spread easily. Feel free to use the large blue rolling receptacles behind the kitchen to clean up debris in your community garden. For more tips and information on winterizing your plot (either here or your own at home!) see these tips from Nancy S! https://goo.gl/hyLgmW

October 26, 2016

As Way Opens

I have been thinking a lot about discernment since we heard the news that Ruthie will be retiring.  We are collectively entering a time of corporate discernment to take a wise and insightful path forward.  Corporate discernment is not easy as we must put aside our own desires and search out a path that is from God.  Proverbs 4:5-6 says Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.  Do not forsake her and she will keep you; love her and she will guard you.  But how do we get such wisdom and insight from God?  How do we truly hear God’s voice above our own voice and the voices of so many others?  I think it involves prayer, meditation, deep listening to each other and to the whispers of God within our center, being open to new ideas and never saying something won’t work.  God will not forsake us when we are in this space of searching.  This is not a process to fear but one to enter into prayerfully and with joy as new openings and possibilities could be before us.  We must trust each other and God as we come together in the precious faith community we call First Friends.

I found this quote from Quaker Eileen Flanagan written in 1999- “Spiritual discernment is the process of sifting Divine guidance from other influences:  from internal forces such as fear or selfishness to external pressures and expectations.  A willingness to listen and to let go of our own agendas can help us sift through all the voices we hear and discern how God is leading us.”  

Beth

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

GREETERS NEEDED! We are putting together a schedule for Friends willing to serve as Greeters on Sunday mornings. Please contact the office if you are interested in serving the meeting in this way.

This Sunday at First Friends Meeting we welcome guest speaker Dale Graves! He will be speaking about Belize Friends Mission. “When I took my first trip to Belize, I was part of a FUM short term work project. Since that time I have become more involved and am currently the FUM representative on the board of the Belize Friends School, a school that serves children who are unable to pass the entrance exam into high school. This has given me a chance to begin to make some Belizean friends and to begin — just begin, mind you — to understand some of the issues in the area where the school is located.” Come hear him speak this Sunday, October 30 at 10:15!

Fall Philanthropy for Mid-North Food Pantry – The Meridian Street Preschool Co-op and First Friends are partnering together to help Mid-North Food Pantry as MSPC’s fall philanthropy project. MSPC and FF will be holding this food drive Monday October 31st- Friday November 11th. Donations may be placed into the box in the hallway near the children's classrooms labeled Mid-North Food Pantry.

Shawn P. has served First Friends for 20 years as both Organist and Choir Director.  He has made the decision to leave his position as Choir Director at the end of this Choir year, in May 2017.  He intends to continue as our Organist.  What a gift he has given, serving First Friends in both positions!  Now, he looks forward to continuing his service to the Meeting, but in a new way.  We are grateful for Shawn’s gifted ministry among us.  The Monthly Meeting is interested to know what your thoughts are about a new Choir Director.  We welcome your comments about the music in worship of First Friends Meeting.  Representatives from the Music Committee will soon be meeting with Ministry and Counsel.  Please contact the office for contact info for the music committee members.

We need your blood! We are having a blood drive on November 6th from 9am-1pm in Fellowship Hall. The Blood Mobile will be everything necessary including cookies and juice so please save your blood donations until November 6th.  Please bring a picture ID for your donation. Every pint you donate can potentially help 3 people!

Community Soup! We will have Community Soup on the first Friday in November, November 4th, from 5:30 – 7 p.m.  Soups, rather than salads, will be featured. Everyone is welcome to bring a soup and/or dessert. We hope to see you there!

Free choral concert by VOCE (Carolyn T. is a member) at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church Sunday, Nov 6, 2016 at 3PM. VOCE is a 16 member choral ensemble dedicated to beautiful music that moves people and enriches their life.  VOCE will be performing John Rutter’s Requiem at St. Joan of Arc, located at 4217 Central Avenue, Indianapolis.

Join Us at Area Meeting Gathering for Central and West Central Areas on Sunday, Nov 6th.  Two areas will join together at 3:30 pm. at Valley Mills Friends Meeting.  Representatives and Friends from Amo, Fairfield, Hadley, Mooresville, Plainfield, West Union, First Friends, Second Friends, Valley Mills, and West Newton will all have a chance to do business together, hear Dale Graves speak, and do a Christmas Card project for Belize School students.  And… we’ll enjoy a pitch-in supper together.  What used to be set aside for an entire weekend is something we’ll enjoy together in just a few hours… don’t miss it! 

Mark your calendar! On November 12 at 9 am, we will have a meeting to review the previous pastor's search, and look at the meeting survey and other pertinent information from that time. Suggestions and interest in the search are much appreciated! -Dan R, Clerk. 

Follow the North Star! We have made a reservation for 16 to attend the Conner Prairie interactive experience called Follow the North Star on November 18th at 7:15 p.m.  This is a powerful immersion experience of being a slave trying to escape.  You must be at least 12 years old to attend this event.  The cost is $20 (funds are available for support).  We will leave from First Friends at 6:30 or meet at Conner Prairie at 7:00 p.m.  Please contact the office if you would like to join us.

It’s time to winterize your gardens! Autumn is here and the frost is on the pumpkin. If you have a plot in our community garden, please take the time to clean up the plot as soon as possible! In a community garden, each plot can affect other plots and other gardeners, and disease can spread easily. Feel free to use the large blue rolling receptacles behind the kitchen to clean up debris in your community garden. For more tips and information on winterizing your plot (either here or your own at home!) see these tips from Nancy S! https://goo.gl/hyLgmW

Did you know? “Joined together through our shared experience of God and united in common ministries, FUM forms a beloved fellowship that is powerfully at work in our local areas and through cross-cultural service.  From the Caribbean to Palestine, Africa to North America and scattered places in between, Friends United Meeting is building a global partnership in a season of history when much of the world is being stretched and strained by cultural, political and geographic differences. We are a collection of Christ-centered Quakers, embracing 34 yearly meetings and associations, thousands of local gatherings and hundreds of thousands of individuals.”  Save the date now for WICHITA 2017… the next Friends United Meeting Triennial – July 12-16 – with Quakers gathering from around the world!

October 19, 2016

As Way Opens

I have been thinking a lot about food security for our most vulnerable friends in the city.  I attended the gathering hosted by Christian Theological Seminary with David Brooks (one of my favorite writers) and Tavis Smiley who spoke about poverty. I then attended a gathering with Rev William Barber from North Carolina at Light of the World church who challenged us that the churches must take the lead during this time of moral crisis.  I have volunteered several times this month at the Food Pantry.  All of these experiences have been stirring something deep within me about how we incorporate the teachings of Jesus, our Quaker testimonies and the desperate need for food for so many people in our city.  One of my spiritual friends at seminary pointed out to me that food pantries used to be a place for emergency assistance to families in need.  However, today it is the source of regular food for so many families.  How did we let this happen?  When I hear statistics that 27 percent of our families live below the poverty level in Indianapolis, my heart breaks and I feel like I need to work to make a difference in these statistics.  

I had an amazing encounter with an 8 year old at the Pantry on October 7th.  She and her younger brothers were sitting in the hallway while her mom shopped in the pantry.  We sang a couple of silly songs together and shared some personal stories.  She engaged with me and we connected on a personal level in those 15 minutes in the hallway.   And then her mom finished shopping and came out in the hallway to tell me that they were homeless and she asked for wipes to take into the bathroom to clean up all of them.  All of a sudden this beautiful and smart young girl hid her head and we were no longer on an even level.  I was now a person that had a home and she did not have a place to live.  

I strongly believe in a sense of responsibility and accountability.  We teach our kids this and many of us have had to make tough decisions to live in this sense of accountability with our family members.  But I had a sense on October 7th that the only way I can help this amazing 8 year old was to help her mother.  I am guessing that her mother has made terrible decisions and it is hard to support her.  But she is the mother of an 8 year old that we need to love and care for so that she can break out of this cycle.  We can’t help young children that deserve our help without assisting their parents that we might reject.  

Food security transcends politics and theology.  I pray that we can all come together to help the Mid North Food Pantry and other organizations that continue to be a positive influence in our city and that we give our time and money to help our most vulnerable children.  I get inspired when I listen to our friends Ed Morris, Linda Lee, Barbara Oberreich and Amy Perry as they are working with the Peace Learning Center in our public schools to help our children learn to constructively deal with conflict and to give them a voice (ask them about what they are doing).  I am so thankful for all of the outreach that our Witness and Service committee is doing that is making an impact in our city.

I ask each of us to discern how we can help support other amazing 8 year olds that need us to be involved and connected.  

Beth

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Joys & Concerns

We had a very productive Meditational Woods Work day due to the help of four enthusiastic Boy Scouts. Krishan Coffman, Patrick Smith, Jackson Breman, Orion Brown and his father Lance, and Larry Coffman helped remove invasive plants, overgrown shrubs, fallen tree limbs and edge the path.  They even cleaned the memorial plaque and the peace pole plaque!  Other volunteers removed a dead pine and others weeded the peace pole area, meditational circle and courtyard.  Thanks to everyone who helped!

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

GREETERS NEEDED! We are putting together a schedule for Friends willing to serve as Greeters on Sunday mornings. Please contact the office if you are interested in serving the meeting in this way.

Can you spare an easel? Thanks to Nichole, next Sunday, October 23 we will be hosting the “Giving Voices to Ghosts” exhibit items. We will have the items on display throughout the meeting to view on your way into the Meeting and during Fellowship hour. We are asking everyone if we may ‘borrow’ their easels! Any size works—from standing easels to table easels! If you have a spare easel, we’d appreciate if you could bring it to the Meetinghouse by Thursday, October 20 so we can set up the displays! Thank you for your help!

This Sunday at First Friends Meeting:  "It was cocoa mainly that we were given. . . . This was warm and sweet, and the memory of that means that the early memory I have of the Quakers is of warmth and sweetness."  This is a quote from a German, remembering the care of Quakers who fed him and other children left devastated after World War 1.  Quakers had been aware of hunger and malnutrition for many years.  “In 1919, Friend Herbert Hoover asked the Service Committee to carry out his massive feeding program in Germany. Hoover had collected large sums of money through the American Relief Administration. This was placed at the disposal of the American Friends Service Committee, and, in four years' time, the AFSC was feeding one million German children per day. Money raised from other sources aided this effort.”  Read more about it here: https://www.afsc.org/story/warmth-and-sweetness-beginnings-postwar-feeding-program-germany Discover more about it, and see the thankyou notes from many of the children who were fed, at First Friends Meeting this Sunday, October 23rd in Meeting for Worship with Nichole .  Join us at 10:15. 

Opportunity to serve! We are currently in need of 2 ushers to serve every 5th Sunday (only 4 times a year!) and at least 2 others to be available on an as-needed basis when our current ushers cannot serve their scheduled time. Next to the minister, the organist, and choir, the ushers have the most important task to perform in the worship service.  The ushers are the representatives of First Friends to the people who come to worship here. The role of the usher should be seen as a ministry to men and women in fulfilling the call to be a servant like Jesus.  Please email the office for further information. 

Shawn has served First Friends for 20 years as both Organist and Choir Director.  He has made the decision to leave his position as Choir Director at the end of this Choir year, in May 2017.  He intends to continue as our Organist.  What a gift he has given, serving First Friends in both positions!  Now, he looks forward to continuing his service to the Meeting, but in a new way.  We are grateful for Shawn’s gifted ministry among us.  The Monthly Meeting is interested to know what your thoughts are about a new Choir Director.  We welcome your comments about the music in worship of First Friends Meeting.  Representatives from the Music Committee will soon be meeting with Ministry and Counsel.

Oak Leaf Friends:  We will be meeting in the parlor with Carolyn to discuss “All Fall Down" by Jennifer Weiner on Tuesday, October  25th at 7 pm.  For those interested, bring your E-Readers to explore the technology (wifi available), Carolyn will share her knowledge about Kindle, Goodreads and Bookbub.    If you or a friend are interested in being on the mailing list for the Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading please contact the office. 

‘Streams of Living Water’ sermon series has ended, but there will be one last Sunday School class to summarize and discuss all that we’ve learned these past weeks… Join Mary Ellen Lohr and the class this Sunday in the Coffee Circle Classroom! 

Would you like your car detailed?  Our young people are offering their services to detail your car on October 30th during the Sunday School hour (9:00 - 10:00 a.m.) Several of our young people practiced this service on Beth’s car and they did an amazing job.  Please contact the office if you would like to make a reservation.  The service will be provided for a donation to the youth group (a check can be made to First Friends designated for the youth group).

We need your blood! We are having a blood drive on November 6th from 9am-1pm in Fellowship Hall. The Blood Mobile will be everything necessary including cookies and juice so please save your blood donations until November 6th.  Please bring a picture ID for your donation. Every pint you donate can potentially help 3 people!

Community Soup! We will have Community Soup on the first Friday in November, Nov-4, from 5:30 – 7 p.m.  Soups, rather than salads, will be featured.  Everyone is welcome to bring a soup and/or dessert. We hope to see you there!

Join Us at Area Meeting Gathering for Central and West Central Areas on Sunday, Nov 6th.  Two areas will join together at 3:30 pm. at Valley Mills Friends Meeting.  Representatives and Friends from Amo, Fairfield, Hadley, Mooresville, Plainfield, West Union, First Friends, Second Friends, Valley Mills, and West Newton will all have a chance to do business together, hear Dale Graves speak, and do a Christmas Card project for Belize School students.  And… we’ll enjoy a pitch-in supper together.  What used to be set aside for an entire weekend is something we’ll enjoy together in just a few hours… don’t miss it!   Our hosts?  Marilee Gabriel and Della Stanley Green. 

Did you know? “Joined together through our shared experience of God and united in common ministries, FUM forms a beloved fellowship that is powerfully at work in our local areas and through cross-cultural service.  From the Caribbean to Palestine, Africa to North America and scattered places in between, Friends United Meeting is building a global partnership in a season of history when much of the world is being stretched and strained by cultural, political and geographic differences. We are a collection of Christ-centered Quakers, embracing 34 yearly meetings and associations, thousands of local gatherings and hundreds of thousands of individuals.”  Save the date now for WICHITA 2017… the next Friends United Meeting Triennial – July 12-16 – with Quakers gathering from around the world!

Chicken Yassa Recipe –There have been some requests for the Chicken Yassa (Senegalese Stew) recipe that Sue Mills brought to World Quaker Day.  Here it is!  Have fun!

Chicken Yassa (Senegalese Stew) from West Africa:  Gambia, Guinea, Ivory Coast.  Serves 4-6.  (I doubled for World Quaker Day)

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds Chicken Tenders, cut into bite-size pieces.  (Can also use whole chicken, beef, lamb, or fish) 

2 large Onions, sliced

¾ c. Lemon Juice (I used), or juice of 4 lemons

3 T. Dijon mustard

½ c. Olive Oil

2 t. minced garlic from jar (I used) or 1 head garlic

1 can (14.5 oz) Chicken Broth

1 t. Black Pepper

1 T. Chili Powder

1 Bell Pepper – Red or Yellow

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken with 2 T. mustard, half the garlic, ½ the lemon juice, and black pepper.  (I used a plastic bag).  Marinate for 1-2 hours (I did), or overnight.

2. Marinate the onions and bell pepper with 1 T. mustard, ½ the lemon juice, and black pepper.  (Plastic bag).  I did for a few minutes.

3. Heat chicken on the stove with 4 T. oil on high heat.  Remove when brown and set aside.

4. Heat 4 T. oil in a cooking pot and stir-fry the onions and pepper for a few minutes.  Add the remaining garlic.

5. Place onions and pepper in pot with the chicken.  Add 1 can chicken broth and chili pepper.  Simmer for 30 min. or until chicken is done and liquid is mostly absorbed. 

Serve with jasmine rice or couscous.