January 25, 2017

As Way Opens

This past Saturday, I called Matt and Rebecca to check in and give them our love.  Matt answered the phone, with our eight-week-old grandson in his arms.  Conor was wailing!  “Mom, we may not be able to talk very long.  Conor’s pretty upset right now.”  I was thrilled to hear the baby – even if he was crying.  It’s been a rare occasion to hear his voice.  “No, Matt – I love this.  I’ve hardly heard him make a peep!”  “He’s been at this for a while.”  “Oh Conor…” and then I started to sing. 

I made up a little sing-song ditty about Conor; how special he is, and how safe he was at home with Mommy and Daddy.  I sang it again and again, two or three times.  Before long, the phone went quiet.  Matt came on the line.  “Mom… Conor stopped crying when he heard you singing.  That was amazing!”  (I told Matt he could call me anytime!)

Regardless of who we are, how young or old we are, or what our needs are, we all cry out from time to time.  We all need soothing.  Who is it that sings for us?  Thomas Turner wrote this lovely piece:

Listen to the song of the wind.  Listen to the song of the wind.

Listen to the song of the wind.

Listen.  God is singing. God is singing.

Listen to the sigh of the soul.  Listen to the sigh of the soul.

Listen to the sigh of the soul.

Listen.  God is singing. God is singing.

Listen, silence speaks in the heart. 

       Listen, silence speaks in the heart. Listen, silence speaks in the heart.

                                    Listen.  God is singing.  God is singing.             

God bless us all, as we hear God singing, even as we cry out.

Ruthie

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Joys & Concerns

Thanks to everyone who helped at the Mid North Food Pantry in January.  It was a busy time...we served over 200 families on the 2 dates we worked in January.  The pantry dates for February are Feb-1 and Feb-15 (the first and third Weds. of the month).  All are needed and welcome.

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Announcements, Reports & Opportunities

Missing Money – An envelope with some cash inside was found in Fellowship Hall last week. If you believe this is yours, please contact the office!

The Pastoral Search Committee invites you to contemplate and provide feedback on the following query this week: In your opinion, how can our new pastor best provide pastoral counsel to members having personal problems (sick, shut-in, bereaved)?  Please provide your thoughts on the query (or any other feedback on the search process) to Sam R., who will be looking forward to hearing from you just outside the Meeting Room after Meeting for Worship this Sunday, Jan 29!

The Music Committee would like to collect input from the Meeting regarding music at First Friends. With Shawn stepping down as Choir Director, we will use this information to assist us in developing a job description and to evaluate our music program. We invite everyone age 12 and older to complete a survey and return in the offering plate or to the office. The surveys will be inserts in the bulletin on Jan 22nd & 29th (please complete only once).

Thank you, The Music Committee

Babysitting Co-Op ~ Our babysitting co-op is happening on Saturday January 28th from 5:30 - 9:30, hosted by Michael and Katie Hostetler. Dinner will be provided for the kids. Please contact Beth if you would like to have your kids join in the fun that evening!

Calling all young children ages 2 (by Sept 1st 2017) thru 5. MSPC will be holding enrollment for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year for First Friends members and attenders beginning January 23rd-January 27th. Interested families can email the office for a registration packet. Completed forms may be placed into the MSPC mail folder at FF, or mailed to FF. MSPC looks forward to including the FF meeting next year and beyond.

Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL) has been busy this year bringing a Quaker presence to the Indiana General Assembly.  How are Quakers expressing Friend’s testimonies today?  IFCL members have been attending most of the summer study committees learning about the issues, listening at hearings and meeting with many of our elected representatives.  Mary B. has written a short article about some of the things she’s learned about IFCL and FCNL. Read the article here: https://goo.gl/MXSYii

Hey Guys!  Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading is expanding the book group to everyone (both men and women) interested. Come discuss the Pulitzer Prize Winning novel: The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen, which will be led by Kristyn G. on Tuesday, January 31st at 7 pm in the Parlor.  If you’d like to have your name added to the email list, please contact the office. Looking forward to February 28th’s discussion, Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance.

New Date for Community Soup!

Witness & Service will host the next Community Soup on THURSDAY, February 2, fro m 5:30 pm – 7 pm.  Please note the change from Friday to Thursday.  We’re trying a new day of the week to see if it will help attendance at this event.  Everyone is invited to this very informal dinner.  Soups and desserts are welcome but not necessary.  Our motto is: No cooking, no cleanup, no cost!  While this is Groundhog Day, the Community Soup will go on no matter if it rains or shines.  Hope to see you there.

2017 Eco-Film Series Begins Feb. 10 with “The Last Mountain”

Please join our area faith community for film and discussion- 7 p.m. in the parlor at First Friends

In the valleys of Appalachia, a battle is being fought over a mountain. It is a battle with severe consequences that affect every American, regardless of their social status, economic background or where they live. It is a battle that has taken many lives and continues to do so the longer it is waged. It is a battle over protecting our health and environment from the destructive power of Big Coal.

For more information please contact the office.

Scout Sunday February 12th ~ Current and former Scouts, please submit your information to the office so we can recognize you on February 12th. Please send your name, Scouting Organization, Troop number and Scout rank. Email office@indyfriends.org.

Ruthie’s Going Away Party ~ Mark your calendars for a "Going Away" party for Ruthie on her last Sunday, March 26th during Fellowship Hour. It will be a carry-in meal following Meeting for Worship to show our appreciation to her. Please join us!

Join the new Art Committee! Nichole M. is looking for (but not limited to) anyone interested in art, history, or preservation who would like to be a part of the Art committee.  This committee would focus on looking after the German Children's/American Friends Service Committee historical collection here at First Friends. 

Possible Committee Goals:

• Decide where the collection goes next
• Look into better sign and boxes for transportation
• Possible numbering to make sure pieces aren't lost
• Contact the venue and arrange for pieces to be delivered there
• Decide permanent homes for parts or all of the collection

Please contact the office if interested. 

The Earlham School of Religion is looking for volunteers! ESR has created 5 short videos on the theme of reading the Bible responsibly. This series is presented by Nancy Bowen, Professor of Old Testament. Each video is between 10-15 minutes long. ESR is looking for volunteers to make a commitment to review the videos, engage in discussion about the topics, and then provide feedback on their usefulness. They’re requesting all those interested respond by February 13, 2017 by contacting Miriam Brunner at bunnemi1@earlham.edu or 765-983-1687.

The Meditational Woods Committee is announcing their work days for 2017.  Starting on March 18, one Saturday each month will be an opportunity for Meeting members to help keep our woods in good condition.  We will be working hard at removing winter creeper (euonymus fortunei) an invasive ground cover that smothers the native wildflowers that we are trying to restore to the landscape.  Put on your gloves and come work with us!
Also, if you have shade tolerant native plants such as may apples, trillium and Virginia bluebells, please let Terry T. know.  She is helping coordinate our native plant restoration.

• March 18, 2017
• April 22, 2017   Earth Day!
• May 13, 2017
• June 10,2017
• July 15,2017
• August- off
• September 16, 2017
• October 14, 2017 – last work day

 ~Mary B. & Mindy S.

The Right Sharing of World Resources (RSWR) board will be holding their semiannual board meeting at First Friends from April 18th - 20th.  Our Meeting approved hosting this Meeting with Quakers from around the country.

We need some folks to be willing to open their home for RSWR board members to stay with them.  This will be for 3 nights starting April 18th and going through April 20th - it includes a bed for these evening and breakfast each morning - please let Beth know if you would be willing to provide home hospitality.

We also need people to help with lunch and dinner on April 18th, lunch on April 19th and lunch on April 20th.   Please contact Beth if you would be willing to help.

January 18, 2017

As Way Opens

I spent the last two weeks in Richmond IN attending an intensive class (one semester condensed into two weeks) at Earlham School of Religion (ESR) working towards my Masters in Divinity.  The class I took was on studying the Qur’an, the Prophet Muhammed and the Islamic faith taught by Michael Birkel, ESR professor and writer of a great book called Qur’an in Conversation.   The Muslim faith has been prevalent in our news cycles as terrorist radicals use the religion to do horrific acts.  I wanted to move beyond the rhetoric and understand this religion that more than one billion people practice in the world.  It was quite eye opening and I was surprised by how little I knew about Muhammed and the Qur’an before I started the class.  

Some of the important aspects of the Muslim faith is a belief in the one God, the God of the Old and New Testament who is full of compassion and mercy.  Every chapter in the Qur’an starts with the words…In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.  This is a faith that requires a person’s deeds and actions reflect God’s attributes and names (there are 99 names for God).  This is a faith that honors and learns from the great prophets of the Bible; Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Mary, Jesus….. This is a faith that embraces all of humanity.  This is a faith that encourages spiritual practices (daily prayers, fasting, pilgrimage) that bring each person into a daily remembrance of God. 

While there are significant differences in the Muslim faith versus Christianity (primarily the divinity of Christ and the concept of salvation) there are many areas of commonality and the Prophet Muhammed sought for respect and tolerance for the “People of the Book” (the term he used to identify Christians and Jews).  There are troubling passages in the Qur’an just as there are troubling passages in the Old and New Testament.  The reality is that all of our sacred texts were written by men and greatly influenced by the culture and context of ancient times.   When verses are pulled out of context, people can and do use them to subvert the overall message being conveyed in the writings.  A message of hope and love in the reality of the one true God.  

We have had a wonderful opportunity in the last 3 years to get to know our dear friends Daud and Lillian A.  Daud showed up one day because he knew the history of Quakers in terms of equality and he just continued to show up Sunday after Sunday.  We got to know him as a deeply spiritual man of God, full of wisdom and wit.  He embraced us and we embraced him.  Through Daud we were able to learn more about his faith and connect with his Mosque on 46th and Keystone, Nur Allah Islamic Center.  Daud and Lillian will be moving to Alabama in February and we are joyful for this next stage of life for them but sad for us that we will miss his presence here at First Friends.   We send our best wishes to Daud and Lillian and know that we have been changed by knowing them.  Thank you Daud and Lillian.    

Beth

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Ecumenical Service tonight! King of Glory Lutheran Church in Carmel is offering an ecumenical worship service to pray for Christian unity tonight, Wednesday January 18 at 7 pm. The church is located at 2201 E. 106th St (at Keystone Pkwy) Carmel, IN 46032. For questions, contact the church at (317) 846-1555.

The Music Committee would like to collect input from the Meeting regarding music at First Friends. With Shawn stepping down as Choir Director, we will use this information to assist us in developing a job description and to evaluate our music program. We invite everyone age 12 and older to complete a survey and return in the offering plate or to the office. The surveys will be inserts in the bulletin on Jan 22nd & 29th (please complete only once). Thank you,                                                            The Music Committee

The Pastoral Search Committee invites you to contemplate and provide feedback on the following query this week: In your opinion, how can our new pastor best minister to our children and youth to foster their relationship with God and our Meeting?  Please provide your thoughts on the query (or any other feedback on the search process) to Brenda R, who will be looking forward to hearing from you just outside the Meeting Room after Meeting for Worship this Sunday, Jan 22!

Babysitting Co-Op ~ Our babysitting co-op is happening on Saturday January 28th from 5:30 - 9:30, hosted by Michael and Katie H. Dinner will be provided for the kids. Please contact Beth if you would like to have your kids join in the fun that evening!

Calling all young children ages 2 (by Sept 1st 2017) thru 5. MSPC will be holding enrollment for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year for First Friends members and attenders beginning January 23rd-January 27th. Interested families can email the office for a registration packet. Completed forms may be placed into the MSPC mail folder at FF, or mailed to FF. MSPC looks forward to including the FF meeting next year and beyond.

Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL) has been busy this year bringing a Quaker presence to the Indiana General Assembly.  How are Quakers expressing Friend’s testimonies today?  IFCL members have been attending most of the summer study committees learning about the issues, listening at hearings and meeting with many of our elected representatives.  Mary B. has written a short article about some of the things she’s learned about IFCL and FCNL. Read the article here: https://goo.gl/MXSYii

Hey Guys!  Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading is expanding the book group to everyone (both men and women) interested. Come discuss the Pulitzer Prize Winning novel: The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen, which will be led by Kristyn Greenwald on Tuesday, January 31st at 7 pm in the Parlor.  If you’d like to have your name added to the email list, please contact the office. Looking forward to February 28th’s discussion, Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance.  

Scout Sunday February 12th ~ Current and former Scouts, please submit your information to the office so we can recognize you on February 12th. Please send your name, Scouting Organization, Troop number and Scout rank. Email office@indyfriends.org or call 317-255-2485.

January 11, 2017

As Way Opens

Dan Mitchell gave a gift to each of the women on staff this Christmas: a glass jar and a paperwhite narcissus bulb – with instructions. “Fill jar with water to base of bulb. Wait.”  I did.  I waited until after I returned from vacation to fill my jar with water and set the bulb, sprouting already from its dead brown skin.  Before long, strange white tentacles erupted downward into the water, lengthening slowly.  Within a week, something else became quite noticeable… the sprout was greening and stretching upward.  The further the roots descended, the more the sprout gained in height.  It won’t be long before more and more stalks will appear and the narcissus will bloom into full flower.

So it is with each one of our spiritual lives.  We each, seemingly dry dormant bulbs, are filled with God’s spirit of life and the capacity for growth and newness.  When nurtured, our souls stretch deeply and become rooted in life giving energy.  That is when the evidence of God’s life in us becomes apparent.  The deeper our experience, the stronger the mark of God’s presence.  The fruit and flower of God’s work in us is revealed, while our rootedness is hidden, known only to God.

Dormancy is a necessary part of life… we need times of rest and conservation of energy.  But we also must remember our need for nurture – the Quickening Source that feeds us.  What nurtures your soul?  It may be prayer, study, scripture, nature walks, worship groups, journaling, drawing, volunteering, poetry, reading… God, our Present Teacher, is eager to lead each of us to deeper and greater growth.  Let us be willing to put ourselves in a nurturing place, and then… wait.

Ruthie    

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Joys & Concerns

A big thank you for all the donations received for Right Sharing of World Resources from the sale of cookies and soup in a jar! We raised $209 to support women in India, Kenya and Sierre Leone.

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Monthly Meeting will gather this Sunday, January 15th.  Everyone is welcome to join us!

Beth’s Sunday School parenting class will meet in the parlor at 9:00 this Sunday, January 15.  We will be studying Dr. Brene Brown’s book, The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting: Raising Children with Courage, Compassion and Connection.  Beth is a big fan of Brene Brown and this is a new series she has developed so Beth hopes parents of all ages will join.

The Eternal Promise is the study for Seeking Friends this quarter.  Join Ruthie and others as we move through this collection of short essays by Friend Thomas R. Kelly.  The Wired Word continues in the Coffee Circle class, covering current events with a spiritual point of view. 

The Pastoral Search Committee invites you to contemplate and provide feedback on the following query this week: In your opinion, how can our new pastor best develop and lead adult educational programs?  Please provide your thoughts on the query (or any other feedback on the search process) to Carolyn T., who will be looking forward to hearing from you just outside the Meeting Room after Meeting for Worship this Sunday, Jan 15!

We still 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 Wednesday, 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!

Babysitting Co-Op ~ Our babysitting co-op is happening on Saturday January 28th from 5:30 - 9:30, hosted by Michael and Katie H. Dinner will be provided for the kids. Please contact Beth if you would like to have your kids join in the fun that evening!

Job Opportunity! “A bite of Energy Snacks and Vending” operates and stocks vending machines on a route that serves multiple counties throughout central Indiana. They are looking for a competent, dedicated, and friendly employee to transport product and assist in restocking machines. For a full job description, visit https://goo.gl/Belrfo. If you know anyone looking for a job, please share!

Hey Guys!  Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading is expanding the book group to everyone (both men and women) interested. Come discuss the Pulitzer Prize Winning novel: The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen, which will be led by Kristyn G. on Tuesday, January 31st at 7 pm in the Parlor.  If you’d like to have your name added to the email list, please contact the office ~ looking forward to February 28th’s discussion, Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance.  

Scout Sunday February 12th ~ Current and former Scouts, please submit your information to the office so we can recognize you on February 12th. Please send the office your name, Scouting Organization, Troop number and Scout rank. 

January 4, 2017

As Way Opens

On November 29, a small group of Friends gathered on the last beautiful day of autumn to hand-pull euonymus (also known as winter creeper) in the Woods.  Euonymus fortunei was planted extensively in suburban neighborhoods for its sturdiness, evergreen coloring and rapid growth habit. Over the past decade, ecologists have recognized that this plant, native to Asia, has a negative impact on our Eastern United States and Canada. Our native species of flowers and other plants are smothered by euonymus. Ephemeral spring flowers can’t emerge through the dense mat. Insects that feed on these early bloomers have no source of nourishment.  This lack in turn affects our bird population, which can’t find enough protein-rich insects to feed their babies in the nest, putting our bird populations at further risk of decline.

With this knowledge in mind, Terry T., Amy P., Mary B., Dan M., David B., and John N. removed dense mats of euonymus along the fence bordering our neighbor to the east.  Terry sprinkled seeds for blue mist flowers and blue flag iris in the newly uncovered earth.  Hopefully in the spring many of these seeds will yield new life in rich soil that is now open to new possibilities.  We hope to have more days in 2017 to remove additional areas of winter creeper in the Woods.  Please let Mindy Sommers or Mary Blackburn know if you’d like to help.

Later I was reflecting on the spiritual equivalent of “invasive species.” I pondered what things were introduced into my life that have good qualities and yet are covering up my joy and creativity.  My winter creeper is my smart phone.  It is a great piece of technology that allows me to do so many things, and yet, has insidiously taken over much of my free time.  Checking Facebook, checking emails, Googling curious questions while avoiding loneliness or empty spaces.

If you were to clear the “euonymus”, the “invasives” in your life, what would you plant in the rich soil?  What would you like to see grow in your empty spaces?

Mary B.

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Sunday School Classes begin for all Ages on Sunday, January 8!

• Coffee Circle; ‘Wired Word’ – shared leadership
• Seeking Friends; Thomas Kelly’s ‘Eternal Promise’ – shared leadership
• Beth's Parenting Class will also start Sunday, January 15 in the Parlor.

Monthly Meeting will gather Sunday, January 15th.  Mark your calendars!

The Pastoral Search Committee invites you to contemplate and provide feedback on the following query this week: In your opinion, how can our new pastor best plan and lead a program of new member recruitment?  Please provide your thoughts on the query (or any other feedback on the search process) to Dan R, who will be looking forward to hearing from you just outside the Meeting Room after Meeting for Worship this Sunday, Jan 8!

We still 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 Wednesday, 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!

Job Opportunity!  “A bite of Energy Snacks and Vending” operates and stocks vending machines on a route that serves multiple counties throughout central Indiana. They are looking for a competent, dedicated, and friendly employee to transport product and assist in restocking machines. Please contact the office for the full job description. If you know anyone looking for a job, please share!

Seasoned Friends will be Wednesday January 11 from 11:30 to 1:00pm.  Comfort foods consisting of meat loaf, soup and macaroni and cheese will be provided. Games will be provided to play after the lunch.   Please RSVP to the office by January 9 so proper amounts of food can be prepared.  Seasoned Friends for the rest of the year will be: April 12, July 12, and October 11.

Hey Guys!  Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading is expanding the book group to everyone (both men and women) interested. Come discuss the Pulitzer Prize Winning novel: The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen, which will be led by Kristyn G. on Tuesday, January 31st at 7 pm in the Parlor.  If you’d like to have your name added to the email list, please contact the office ~ looking forward to February 28th’s discussion, Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance.  

Mark your calendars for the Eco Film Series!

February 10-  “The Last Mountain”- Official trailer here: https://youtu.be/c5wmUkpOCKE

March 10- “Blind Spot”-Official trailer here: https://youtu.be/ok4onUXvL8o

April 14- “Bidder 70”- Official trailer here: https://youtu.be/27vl_VbehIs

All films will be shown at First Friends at 7 pm in the Parlor on the second Friday of the month. If Friends have questions they can contact the office.

December 28, 2016

As Way Opens

I hope that each of you had a special and sacred Christmas with family, friends and our faith community.  Our service on Christmas Eve was beautiful and what a treat to have our children depict the story of Jesus birth and have a real baby Jesus (thank you Sally Mitchell Scharbrough and Peter Scharbrough) in the manger.  There was something powerful about a real baby Jesus that brought the presence of Jesus in an intimate and fleshly way to all of us that evening.  We had a special time of brunch, caroling and worship Christmas morning with about 25 of us gathered in the parlor.  My son Greg said afterward that this is what Quaker worship is all about.

We now are reflecting on the closing of 2016 and what might lie ahead for us in 2017.  I came across this plaque that I have in my office that identifies 26 attributes (following the alphabet) that I want to embrace, adopt and enhance in my life in 2017.  If we all did this our world would be changed.  

-        Accept Differences

-        Be kind

-        Count your blessings

-        Dream

-        Express thanks

-        Forgive

-        Give freely

-        Harm no one

-        Imagine more

-        Jettison anger

-        Keep confidences

-        Love truly

-        Master something

-        Nurture hope

-        Open your mind

-        Pack lightly

-        Quell rumors

-        Reciprocate

-        Seek wisdom

-        Touch hearts

-        Understand

-        Value truth

-        Win graciously

-        Xeriscape

-        Yearn for peace

-        Zealously support a worthy cause

Blessings on each of you this New Years.

Beth

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Joys & Concerns

Many thanks to Greg H, Terry T, Ann P, Jim K, Bill and Kathy F for helping at mid-north food pantry Dec. 21.  A total of 92 families were served.  The next pantry date is Jan. 4.  We continue to need help for this date.

Paula G. wanted to send the Meeting her thanks for the Christmas gifts. She very much enjoyed the teddy bear, chocolates, the electric blanket, everything! She was overjoyed with the Meeting’s generosity. Thank you all!

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of E. Banker, Sr (Stan Banker’s father), who passed away early in the morning on Saturday, December 24. He was a wonderful man who touched a lot of people during his 70+ years of ministry. A viewing will be held 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN Services to celebrate Stanley's life are at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2016, at College Wesleyan Church, 200 E. 38th St., Marion, IN. Rev. William Kinnan will be officiating with burial following at Grant Memorial Park. Read the full obituary here: http://nswcares.com/tribute/details/5826/E-Banker/obituary.html#tribute-start.

What a beautiful gathering we had on Christmas Eve celebrating the birth of Christ.  Our children dressed up as shepherds, wisemen, Mary’s, Joseph and angels and gathered around Finn S. (Dan M's grandson) as the baby Jesus.  We sang hymns, read scripture, heard some beautiful singing and opened our hearts up to the Spirit of Christ.  Thank you for all that joined us on this special evening. 

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Join us for worship on New Year’s Day! We will have unprogrammed worship in the Parlor on Sunday, January 1st at 10:15, led by Mary B and David B. Please join us!

Please note, the office will be closed Monday, January 2nd in observation of New Year’s Day.

Jon and Ruthie Tippin are traveling in Washington State for the holidays, visiting their family and meeting their new grandson, Conor.  They will return Wednesday, January 4th.  Ruthie will be in the office January 5th.  In the meantime, if you have any needs or concerns, please contact the Office, Beth, or any member of our Ministry and Counsel.

Sunday School Classes begin for all Ages on Sunday, January 8!

·         Coffee Circle; ‘Wired Word’ – shared leadership

·         Seeking Friends; Thomas Kelly’s ‘Eternal Promise’ – shared leadership

Beth's Parenting Class will also start Sunday, January 15 in the Parlor.

Monthly Meeting will gather Sunday, January 15th.  Mark your calendars!

The 2017 Directory is here! We now have the printed pocket directory available for 2017. Please stop by the office if you’d like a copy, or let us know if you’d like one sent to you through the mail. You can also access the directory online at www.indyfriends.org/private. The page is password protected; if you need the password, please call the office. For security reasons, the password will only be given to members and attenders over the phone.

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, Jan 1!

We still 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, 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!

Seasoned Friends will be Wednesday January 11 from 11:30 to 1:00pm.  Comfort foods consisting of meat loaf, soup and macaroni and cheese will be provided. Games will be provided to play after the lunch.   Please RSVP to the office by January 9 so proper amounts of food can be prepared.  Seasoned Friends for the rest of the year will be: April 12, July 12, and October 11.

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!

Mark your calendars for the Eco Film Series!

February 10-  “The Last Mountain”- Official trailer here: https://youtu.be/c5wmUkpOCKE

March 10- “Blind Spot”-Official trailer here: https://youtu.be/ok4onUXvL8o

April 14- “Bidder 70”- Official trailer here: https://youtu.be/27vl_VbehIs

All films will be shown at First Friends at 7 pm in the Parlor on the second Friday of the month. If Friends have questions they can contact Bill Chapman at (317) 255-4739 or drchapman@earthlink.net

Be sure to also 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 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