July 19, 2017

As Way Opens

It has been a whirlwind two week period at First Friends.  We hosted a wedding, a funeral service, welcomed our new pastor Bob Henry and started our Vacation Bible School with over 30 children in attendance.  I think this is what a faith community is all about.  Embracing, encouraging, joining together in joy and sadness through the high moments in our lives and the times when we mourn.  And then there are all of the daily opportunities in between to connect, pray for, show our love to each other and participate in those experiences where we celebrate our children.  Vacation Bible School has been a blast this week and a chance to share, teach and have fun through a program that talks about how much God loves us all.  A message we all need to breathe into our being.

These activities are vital to our health as a congregation.   I was particularly struck by the service for Gerald Mills.  He was one of our “weighty friends” over the last 60 years and his imprint on First Friends will live on in our future.  Our Quaker values (testimonies) were lived out in his life every day.  Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community and Equality were foundational principles in his life.  We had a wonderful service on Friday and then had a procession to the gravesite in West Newton where Gerald’s wife Arzella and first son Paul were buried.  We traveled a distance in our procession and during a stretch of construction on 56th St, all of the road workers took off their hardhats and put them over their heart.  Many cars pulled aside to give a moment of respect for a beloved person that they did not know.  Watching this ritual was awe inspiring to me.  Total strangers that never knew Gerald stopped their daily routine to honor the life of a man in that moment.  

I appreciated being asked by Gerald’s family to officiant at the service.  I have lived through losing my parents and my husband and know the many emotions that a family will experience during this time of loss.  I was given a poem after Jerry passed away last year that was a powerful expression of loss and I shared it during Gerald's service.  I share this with all of you today.

Love Doesn’t Die

Give what’s left of me away

now that I’m gone.

Remember me with a smile and laughter

and if you need to cry…

cry for your brother or sister, who walk in grief beside you.

And when you need me,

put your arms around anyone and give

to them what you need to give to me.

I want to leave you something…

something better than words

or sounds.

Look for me in the people

I’ve known or loved or

helped in some special way.

Let me live in your eyes

as well as in your mind.

You can love me most

by letting love live

within the circle of your arms,

embracing the frightened ones.

Love doesn’t die, people do…

so when all that’s left of me is love,

give me away as best you can.

I’ll see you at home,

where I will be waiting.

Poem by Mary Frye

May we all live today in the reality that love never dies!

Beth
 

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Joys & Concerns

A BIG thank you to John M. and Chelsea & Kendal T. for their help in the woods last Saturday. We got the weeds pulled from the Peace Pole area as well as around the Circle. Thank you again to the three of them for their help. All are invited to the next work day, Saturday, September 16 from 9am-12pm. -Mindy & Mary of the Meditational Woods Committee

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

The Overman Family Scholarship, in memory of Jess and Mark Overman, is available again this year. High school seniors through graduate students are welcome to apply.  Undergraduate students will be given first consideration. The scholarship fund is designated to support the members and attenders of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting. Scholarship funds may be applied to any school related expense, i.e. books, supplies, tuition, housing, computer, etc. The deadline for application is July 31st, 2017. For an application please contact the office at  office@indyfriends.org.

Church Picnic! All are invited to join us for our annual picnic that is taking place Sunday, July 23rd. Our honored guests will be our new Pastor Bob Henry and his family. If you are able, please bring a dish according to last name; A-J: Desserts ; K-Z: Sides and Salads. There will also be fried chicken, hot dogs (& veggie dogs), rolls, ice cream, and drinks all provided for free. As always, there will be kickball afterward, weather permitting. Please join us!

Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading:  Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland book discussion will be held Tuesday, July 25 at 7 pm in the Parlor. All are welcome! Becki H. will be leading the discussion.  If you're interested in reading ahead for next month, the August 25th title will be: The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty.

Western Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions are coming up July 27-30! It is now time to register for the annual session of Western Yearly Meeting in Plainfield, July 27-30.  Theme of this year's session is, "Joined by every supporting ligament." Our own Beth Henricks is among the speakers!  Other speakers are: Max Carter, Oscar Mmbali (the new minister for Belize), Kathy Luethje, Ann Carter, Keith Glasgow, Jeff Wells and Andrew Heald. A concert by Tim Grimm will be Saturday evening. Registration is only $15 for adults. Yes, there is also activity all days for school-age children.   For more information and to register go to:  westernyearlymeeting.org and scroll to yearly meeting sessions.

Free Tim Grimm Concert! The Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL) will be sponsoring a concert with folksinger and Earlham alum Tim Grimm on the Saturday evening of Western YM's annual sessions - Saturday July 29 at 7:30 pm. The program is open to the public.  Please save this date on your calendar, and help spread the word.  Western YM's meetinghouse is located at 203 S East St., Plainfield, IN 46168.  Admission is free, with the opportunity for a freewill offering to benefit IFCL. For more information about the concert and about Tim, visit https://goo.gl/PgfxW1. Friends who use Twitter are strongly encouraged to check out and follow IFCL's Twitter feed at @INQuakerPolicy. There are many ways to support IFCL and keep abreast of IFCL priorities and activities, but Twitter is surely one of the easiest and best.  

Calling all ice cream lovers! First Friends will be working at the Dairy Bar at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday, August 12th all day. This is a major fundraiser for our youth programming. We plan to have two 6 hour shifts, 9:30am-3:30pm, and 3:30-9:30pm. It is fast paced but lots of fun! Volunteers will receive a free ticket to the State Fair for that day, as well as unlimited ice cream, shakes and cheese sandwiches. Please let Beth Henricks (beth.henricks@indyfriends.org) know if you’re interested in volunteering, or use the signup sheet in the hallway!

Shalom Zone Electronics Recycling Event ~ If an item runs (or used to run) with a plug or a battery, you can recycle it! This includes (but is not limited to) appliances, TVs, DVD/VCRs, gaming consoles, fax machines, Christmas tree lights, calculators, toner cartridges, hair dryers, and more! The Shalom Zone is holding their annual Recycle Force event at Epworth United Methodist Church, 6450 Allisonville Road, on Saturday, October 7, 10am-2pm. Please bring any items you wish to recycle to Epworth on the day of the event. A $10 donation is requested for CRT type monitors/TVs smaller than 27”; a $20 donation is requested for appliances containing Freon (fridges, freezers, A/C units, etc) and TVs larger than 27”; any other monetary contributions are also greatly appreciated.

2017 Friends Mission Project For FUM - Belize ~ Friends United Meeting (“FUM”)’s Mission project for this year focuses around Belize. There are three ways you can help this project!

1. FUM operates a small school in Belize which offers a “second chance” for kids failing the high school test to further their education. The FUM vision is to raise $25,000 to expand the school, establish a Quaker meeting where there currently is none, and create a community center.

2. In addition to renovating the new facility, Oscar Mmbali, a Kenyan Friend, has accepted FUM’s call to serve as the first Friends pastor for Belize.  Oscar is traveling among North American Friends raising support for his new ministry.

3. Finally, we at First Friends are honored to have one of our member families, the Thornburgs (Aaron, Michelle, Kwali, and Meshach), feeling led by God to go to Belize and help with the facility renovation and provide other assistance to the Friends school (come this Sunday for more details). The Thornburgs will need your financial assistance in order to make their Belize leading a reality.

Your prayers and financial support are needed to accomplish each part of this mission project.  Your contribution can be to all or any one of the parts of this Belize Project (checks can be made out to First Friends; please designate how your contribution is to be allocated among these 3 needs).  Please give prayerful consideration to how you might be led to provide support for this Project.

Jeff Rasley's tenth book, Polarized! The Case for Civility in the Time of Trump was recently published by Midsummer Books. It's available through any bookstore and can be ordered on Amazon. Political polarization has become so extreme and toxic - and yet the norm - that it took the attempted murder of Congressional Representatives at a baseball practice to draw national attention. Jeff's book explores the roots of hyper-partisanship and describes the US's "culture of outrage". “The Case for Civility” offers suggestions for how "regular citizens" can help cure the sickness of our body politic based on the values of civility, tolerance, pragmatism, and moderation.

July 12, 2017

As Way Opens

Part of getting adjusted to our new community was taking our family to obtain library cards this week. With all of our books in storage for the next couple months, we would go into withdrawal without having an actual book in our hands. A book that I have been wanting to read for some time, but haven’t had the chance with all the transition is Imagine: How Creativity Works by Jonah Lehrer. Creative freedom and the creative process have always been important and an intriguing study for me, especially in how it relates to our ministry as Friends.

In the first chapter of Imagine, Lehrer talks about a time of struggle, reflection, and surrender for singer and songwriter Bob Dylan. Dylan had lost all inspiration and desire to produce music - so much so, Lehrer says Dylan was literally “sick of his own music.” He was running through the motions and feeling hopeless. Without even his guitar, Dylan left the folk scene in 1965 and drove up to an empty home in Woodstock where he planned to give up music altogether.

The quote by Bob Dylan that opens the first chapter of Imagine is “Always carry a light bulb.” To me that sounded rather Quaker. Don’t we always carry with us a light bulb - that inner light within each of us. For me, the light bulb is a symbol of new and unique ideas, aha moments, and creative inspirations that God is igniting in our souls. Yet, how often do we ignore, forget or simply not acknowledge those light bulbs glowing in our lives? In reality, God may actually be giving us the means to make a difference in our world.  

Bob Dylan’s creative desert didn’t last long. In the silence of that empty home and while completely in solitude, Dylan’s “lightbulb” re-lit. In less than a month, Dylan was back to writing music. He said, It’s just this sense that you got something to say...I’d never written anything like that before and it suddenly came to me that this is what I should do. The album he was inspired to create would include the song Like a Rolling Stone which many consider a musical and lyrical achievement.

This week remember Dylan’s words, Always carry a light bulb.

Grace and peace,

Bob

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Joys & Concerns

Many thanks to those who helped at Mid North Food Pantry last week: Kathy and Bill Farris, Phil Kitchel, Ray Guest, Christie Moulton, Dan Rains, & Carol and Jim Donahue!  91 families were served.

This past Sunday we welcomed Bob Henry and his family after his first Sunday as our Pastor with a special Fellowship Hour. Thank you to the Fellowship Committee for hosting this lovely gathering.

First Friends Members attend the FUM Triennial in Wichita - Every three years, the global community of Friends United Meeting gathers to celebrate life together, to grow in ability to serve the world, and to worship. First Friends members Carolyn H., Ray G., and Norma W, are at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas to participate in this global gathering of Friends. Major presenters at the Triennial include: Miriam Khamadi, C. Wess Daniels, Jan Wood, and Colin Saxton. Other activities include a variety of workshops, reflection groups, social time, and USFW and Quaker Men banquets. Watch for information sharing when Carolyn, Ray and Norma return. 

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Monthly Meeting Notice: Due to Vacation Bible School and Western Yearly Meeting conflicts, our Monthly Meeting for Business for July has been moved to August 6 which will serve for both months.

Seasoned Friends: Please be advised that the Seasoned Friends Luncheon scheduled for July 26th is being postponed to August. Please keep an eye out for details in the coming weeks!

Vacation Bible School is next week! It will begin this Sunday, July 16 from 12:00-2:00pm and will continue Mon.-Thurs. from 6:00-8:00pm. Lunch will be provided for all who attend on the 16th. We welcome all our kids, grandkids and friends of our kids to participate in this fun and special time of learning that we were created by God and built for a purpose. We’re registering now! To sign up your kids, contact Beth Henricks at beth.henricks@indyfriends.org.

Western Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions are coming up July 27-30! It is now time to register for the annual session of Western Yearly Meeting in Plainfield, July 27-30.  Theme of this year's session is, "Joined by every supporting ligament." Our own Beth Henricks is among the speakers!  Other speakers are: Max Carter, Oscar Mmbali (the new minister for Belize), Kathy Luethje, Ann Carter, Keith Glasgow, Jeff Wells and Andrew Heald. A concert by Tim Grimm will be Saturday evening. Registration is only $15 for adults. Yes, there is also activity all days for school-age children.   For more information and to register go to:  westernyearlymeeting.org and scroll to yearly meeting sessions.

The Meditational Woods Committee is meeting this Saturday, July 15 to tackle the invasive euonymus (winter creeper) and honeysuckle. Winter creeper is an invasive ground cover that smothers the native wildflowers that we are trying to restore to the landscape. Come join us from 9- 12 noon or any time you have to share. Contact Mary or Mindy for questions.

Church Picnic! All are invited to join us for our annual picnic that is taking place Sunday, July 23rd. Our honored guests will be our new Pastor Bob Henry and his family. If you are able, please bring a dish according to last name; A-J: Desserts ; K-Z: Sides and Salads. There will also be fried chicken, hot dogs (& veggie dogs), rolls, ice cream, and drinks all provided for free. As always, there will be kickball afterward, weather permitting. Please join us!

Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading:  Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland book discussion will be held Tuesday, July 25 at 7 pm in the Parlor. All are welcome! Becki H.  will be leading the discussion.  If you're interested in reading ahead for next month, the August 25th title will be: The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty.

Free Tim Grimm Concert! The Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL) will be sponsoring a concert with folksinger and Earlham alum Tim Grimm on the Saturday evening of Western YM's annual sessions - Saturday July 29 at 7:30 pm. The program is open to the public.  Please save this date on your calendar, and help spread the word.  Western YM's meetinghouse is located at 203 S East St., Plainfield, IN 46168.  Admission is free, with the opportunity for a freewill offering to benefit IFCL. Friends who use Twitter are strongly encouraged to check out and follow IFCL's Twitter feed at @INQuakerPolicy. There are many ways to support IFCL and keep abreast of IFCL priorities and activities, but Twitter is surely one of the easiest and best. 

2017 Friends Mission Project For FUM - Belize ~ Friends United Meeting (“FUM”)’s Mission project for this year focuses around Belize. There are three ways you can help this project!

1.    FUM operates a small school in Belize which offers a “second chance” for kids failing the high school test to further their education. The FUM vision is to raise $25,000 to expand the school, establish a Quaker meeting where there currently is none, and create a community center.

2.    In addition to renovating the new facility, Oscar Mmbali, a Kenyan Friend, has accepted FUM’s call to serve as the first Friends pastor for Belize.  Oscar is traveling among North American Friends raising support for his new ministry.

3.    Finally, we at First Friends are honored to have one of our member families, the Thornburgs (Aaron, Michelle, Kwali, and Meshach), feeling led by God to go to Belize and help with the facility renovation and provide other assistance to the Friends school (come this Sunday for more details). The Thornburgs will need your financial assistance in order to make their Belize leading a reality.

Your prayers and financial support are needed to accomplish each part of this mission project.  Your contribution can be to all or any one of the parts of this Belize Project (checks can be made out to First Friends; please designate how your contribution is to be allocated among these 3 needs).  Please give prayerful consideration to how you might be led to provide support for this Project.

Jeff Rasley's tenth book, Polarized! The Case for Civility in the Time of Trump was recently published by Midsummer Books. It's available through any bookstore and can be ordered on Amazon. Political polarization has become so extreme and toxic - and yet the norm - that it took the attempted murder of Congressional Representatives at a baseball practice to draw national attention. Jeff's book explores the roots of hyper-partisanship and describes the US's "culture of outrage". “The Case for Civility” offers suggestions for how "regular citizens" can help cure the sickness of our body politic based on the values of civility, tolerance, pragmatism, and moderation.

July 5, 2017

As Way Opens

I was lucky enough to have friends get me a ticket to join them to see the musical Hamilton last weekend in Chicago.  This is an incredible production and I had to purchase the two Cd’s of the show and have been listening to them in my car every day.  This play has brought the story of the birth of our nation into a real and tangible expression of men, events, ideals, and principles.  While we celebrate our Independence on July 4th, 1776, this was just the beginning of the road to our freedom as a group of colonies of England.  The war lasted a number of years and many men lost their lives and at times winning this war seemed hopeless.  And yet with the bravery of many and the determination for a new type of govt, this revolution of America succeeded in breaking its bondage to England.  As difficult as this war was for our 13 colonies, the really hard part had only begun - how to lead and govern ourselves would be far more difficult than winning our freedom from England.

While all sides in the revolution were united in their pursuit of freedom from England, the ideas of how to set up a govt were varied and our first leaders were very divided in how to move forward.   Listening to this Hamilton depiction of the birth of our nation has given me hope in a time of deep political division today.  The political divisions were profound back in the late 1700’s and yet these great men found a way to come together and create the foundation of this country that has changed the world.  

What gives me hope today is what I observe of our founding fathers.  These articulate and intelligent men were flawed and yet they were able to rise above their frailties and limits and do something everlasting.  We view them as heroes today but in their time they were petty, entrenched in their positions, full of ego, positioning for power and yet they somehow came together to create something that would endure for centuries.  These leaders ultimately understood that they had to compromise.  Alexander Hamilton was a hothead and believed deeply in the need for a centralized monetary system and as Secretary of the Treasury he dug in his heels for what he believed.  The wise President Washington told him that he had to negotiate with James Madison and Thomas Jefferson who supported states’ rights and come together for a compromise which he did.   Compromise is essential in governing and leading.  

Since our beginning this has been a country of immigrants that were given opportunities based on their accomplishments and not their family heritage.  This meant that every person had an opportunity for success.  I am grateful today for living in the United States and for the ability to express my satisfaction and deep concern for actions taken within our government and society.  I am thankful for the freedom to choose my job, my spouse, my religion, my destiny.  We have much to celebrate about America and much work to do towards a better union.  This is what our founding fathers were counting on - this country would continue to evolve into something better - and we have!   And each of us is responsible for contributing for our continued evolution.    241 years of freedom!

Beth

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Please Note: There will be no gentle yoga this Friday, July 7.

Welcome, Bob! Bob Henry is here! As of July 1st, Bob has begun his work as Pastor of First Friends. He will be giving his first morning message this Sunday, July 9! Afterward we will join for a special fellowship hour to honor and welcome Bob and his family. We hope you will join us!

Monthly Meeting Notice: Due to Vacation Bible School and Western Yearly Meeting conflicts, our Monthly Meeting for Business for July has been moved to August 6 which will serve for both months.

Seasoned Friends: Please be advised that the Seasoned Friends Luncheon scheduled for July 26th is being postponed to August. Please keep an eye out for details in the coming weeks for the new date!

Have some soup cans? We’ll take them! We are gathering metal soup cans for Vacation Bible School. If you have any old or empty soup cans of any size, please feel free to bring them to the meeting and drop them in the bin next to the table in the corner of the hallway. Your help is much appreciated!

Vacation Bible School is only a few weeks away! It will begin on Sunday, July 16 from 12:00-2:00pm and will continue Mon.-Thurs. from 6:00-8:00pm. Lunch will be provided for all who attend on the 16th. We welcome all our kids, grandkids and friends of our kids to participate in this fun and special time of learning that we were created by God and built for a purpose. We’re registering now! To sign up your kids, there are registration forms in the hallway! Contact the office with questions or to register.

Jeff Rasley's tenth book, Polarized! The Case for Civility in the Time of Trump was recently published by Midsummer Books. It's available through any bookstore and can be ordered on Amazon. Political polarization has become so extreme and toxic - and yet the norm - that it took the attempted murder of Congressional Representatives at a baseball practice to draw national attention. Jeff's book explores the roots of hyper-partisanship and describes the US's "culture of outrage". “The Case for Civility” offers suggestions for how "regular citizens" can help cure the sickness of our body politic based on the values of civility, tolerance, pragmatism, and moderation.

You’re invited to the wedding! Our beloved organist and choir director Shawn P. and Dr Brett P. invite you to their celebration of marriage on Saturday July 8th with a musical prelude starting at 3:00 and ceremony at 3:30 p.m. This ceremony will be held at Indianapolis First Friends Meeting in the Meetingroom and all are welcome to gather together for this joyous occasion.

Western Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions are coming up July 27-30! You can find all of this year’s information & registration online at https://www.westernyearlymeeting.org/wymsessions/.  First Friends will be leading the morning worship service on Friday, July 28 from 9-10:15am, including Beth H., Ben W. , and Paul and Helena R. Online you’ll find all the details of the sessions such as menus, the preliminary program, housing, and more. There are also chances to volunteer for the Festival of Fun and Fellowship, the Indian Table and Interest Groups. In addition, you can see photos and videos of last year's Annual Session. Discounted pre-registration is due by July 13! We hope you are planning on joining us!

The Meditational Woods Committee is meeting Saturday, July 15 to tackle the invasive euonymus (winter creeper) and honeysuckle. Winter creeper is an invasive ground cover that smothers the native wildflowers that we are trying to restore to the landscape. Come join us from 9- 12 noon or any time you have to share. Contact Mary or Mindy for questions.

Church Picnic! All are invited to join us for our annual picnic that is taking place Sunday, July 23rd. Our honored guests will be our new Pastor Bob Henry and his family. If you are able, please bring a dish according to last name; A-J: Desserts ; K-Z: Sides and Salads. There will also be fried chicken, hot dogs (& veggie dogs), rolls, ice cream, and drinks all provided for free. As always, there will be kickball afterward, weather permitting. Please join us!

Free Tim Grimm Concert! The Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL) will be sponsoring a concert with folksinger and Earlham alum Tim Grimm on the Saturday evening of Western YM's annual sessions - Saturday July 29 at 7:30 pm. The program is open to the public.  Please save this date on your calendar, and help spread the word.  Western YM's meetinghouse is located at 203 S East St., Plainfield, IN 46168.  Admission is free, with the opportunity for a freewill offering to benefit IFCL. Friends who use Twitter are strongly encouraged to check out and follow IFCL's Twitter feed at @INQuakerPolicy. There are many ways to support IFCL and keep abreast of IFCL priorities and activities, but Twitter is surely one of the easiest and best. 

2017 Friends Mission Project For FUM - Belize ~ Friends United Meeting (“FUM”)’s Mission project for this year focuses around Belize. There are three ways you can help this project!

1.    FUM operates a small school in Belize which offers a “second chance” for kids failing the high school test to further their education. The FUM vision is to raise $25,000 to expand the school, establish a Quaker meeting where there currently is none, and create a community center.

2.    In addition to renovating the new facility, Oscar Mmbali, a Kenyan Friend, has accepted FUM’s call to serve as the first Friends pastor for Belize.  Oscar is traveling among North American Friends raising support for his new ministry.

3.    Finally, we at First Friends are honored to have one of our member families, the Thornburgs, feeling led by God to go to Belize and help with the facility renovation and provide other assistance to the Friends school (come this Sunday for more details). The Thornburgs will need your financial assistance in order to make their Belize leading a reality.

Your prayers and financial support are needed to accomplish each part of this mission project.  Your contribution can be to all or any one of the parts of this Belize Project (checks can be made out to First Friends; please designate how your contribution is to be allocated among these 3 needs).  Please give prayerful consideration to how you might be led to provide support for this Project.

We’re Hiring! First Friends Meeting is seeking a qualified applicant for the job of Music Director at the meeting. The Music Director is a part time salaried position, responsible for developing and leading the worship music, in collaboration with the pastor, in a way that is consistent with the mission, values and theology of Quakers. The applicant need not be a Quaker, but should have a knowledge of, and appreciation for, the worship experience. If you’re interested or know anyone who may be interested in this position, please visit our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/musicjob/ for more information and to apply!

June 28, 2017

As Way Opens

This past Thursday we heard terrible news over the phone.  One of my son Greg’s closest friends from high school had been killed (Marshall Pendleton).  He was traveling with friends to Southeast Asia over the last month and was in Ho Chin Minh City in Vietnam in a popular tourist area and encountered a Vietnamese man and had an exchange that ended in an altercation and this man used a knife to take Marshall’s life.  A 22 year old that will never get married, never have children, never experience a rewarding career, never fulfill his destiny.  It is so hard to process a loss like this and Greg keeps asking me how God could allow this to happen.  And I keep telling Greg that this was not God, this was the opposite of God and that we can’t deny that evil is in our world. 

It is difficult to understand anything about this tragedy.  The only way I can blot out this violence for Marshall is believing that my husband Jerry is welcoming and embracing Marshall in the beyond.  Marshall spoke out of the silence at Jerry’s memorial service talking about how special Jerry made Marshall feel every time he came to our home.  Jerry adored Marshall for all of his amazing characteristics and I have to believe that Jerry continues to show him love.

What I take away from this devastation is the fragility of all of our lives.  In a blink of an eye something can happen to us or our family members or friends.  We need to embrace every moment with joy and love and express how we feel to every family member and friend and never leave anything behind.   We need to forgive, we need to reconcile, we need to love.  Can we live each day like this is our last day?  Think about the difference this would make in our world.

"In desparate hope I go and search for her in all the corners of my room; I find her not.

My house is small and what once has gone from it can never be regained.

But infinite is thy mansion, my lord, and seeking her I have come to thy door.

I stand under the golden canopy of thine evening sky and I lift my eager eyes to thy face.

I have come to the brink of eternity from which nothing can vanish - no hope, no happiness, no vision of a face seen through tears.

Oh, dip my emptied life into that ocean, plunge it into the deepest fullness.  Let me for once feel that lost sweet touch in the allness of the universe.”

A poem by Rabindranath Tagore

Beth

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 Joys & Concerns

Great work done by our volunteers last week at Mid-North Food Pantry! Our volunteers were Ray G., Rik and Linda L., Phil K., Dan R., Nichole Y., and Carol & Jim D. A big thank you to our volunteers! 103 families were served!

SAWs Ramp Build ~ Some of our friends joined others from Shalom Zone last Saturday for SAWs—Servants At Work—to help build a wheelchair ramp for someone in need. They were able to help Gerald, who is confined to a wheelchair as a result of a gunshot. Thank you to Jim D. and Derek S. who participated in this project on behalf of First Friends!

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

We Can’t Wait for Bob! Bob H and his family will be arriving in Indianapolis later this week. We are very excited to welcome him to our Meeting, and to hear his first Morning Message on Sunday, July 9th. The picnic we are having on July 23rd will be in his honor, as well. Let’s be sure to give Bob a very Friendly welcome!

We hope you will join us for Meeting for Worship this Sunday, July 2, to hear our next guest, Jon Berry!  Jon is a lifelong Friend who has been active in meetings in New York, California, and Indiana. After a career in journalism and business, he earned a Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) in May 2017 from Earlham School of Religion. He plans to begin training for chaplaincy and to write about religion.

Have some soup cans? We’ll take them! We are gathering metal soup cans for Vacation Bible School. If you have any old or empty soup cans of any size, please feel free to bring them to the meeting office! Your help is much appreciated!

Vacation Bible School is only a few weeks away! It will begin on Sunday, July 16 from 12:00-2:00pm and will continue Mon.-Thurs. from 6:00-8:00pm. Lunch will be provided for all who attend on the 16th. We welcome all our kids, grandkids and friends of our kids to participate in this fun and special time of learning that we were created by God and built for a purpose. We’re registering now! To sign up your kids, there are registration forms in the hallway! Contact the office with any questions.

Welcome Your Neighbor Signs ~ The Welcome Your Neighbor signs have arrived!  Please pick one up after Meeting at the table in the corner of the hallway.  Proudly display them at your home and/or place of work to provide a welcome to everyone, particularly to certain ethnic groups that some have tried to marginalize.  Contributions for the signs are appreciated but not required.

We’re Hiring! First Friends Meeting is seeking a qualified applicant for the job of Music Director at the meeting. The Music Director is a part time salaried position, responsible for developing and leading the worship music, in collaboration with the pastor, in a way that is consistent with the mission, values and theology of Quakers. The applicant need not be a Quaker, but should have a knowledge of, and appreciation for, the worship experience. If you’re interested or know anyone who may be interested in this position, please visit our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/musicjob/ for more information and to apply!

2017 Friends Mission Project For FUM - Belize ~ Friends United Meeting (“FUM”)’s Mission project for this year focuses around Belize. There are three ways you can help this project!

1.    FUM operates a small school in Belize which offers a “second chance” for kids failing the high school test to further their education. The FUM vision is to raise $25,000 to expand the school, establish a Quaker meeting where there currently is none, and create a community center.

2.    In addition to renovating the new facility, Oscar Mmbali, a Kenyan Friend, has accepted FUM’s call to serve as the first Friends pastor for Belize.  Oscar is traveling among North American Friends raising support for his new ministry.

3.    Finally, we at First Friends are honored to have one of our member families, the Thornburgs (Aaron, Michelle, Kwali, and Meshach), feeling led by God to go to Belize and help with the facility renovation and provide other assistance to the Friends school (come this Sunday for more details). The Thornburgs will need your financial assistance in order to make their Belize leading a reality.

Your prayers and financial support are needed to accomplish each part of this mission project.  Your contribution can be to all or any one of the parts of this Belize Project (checks can be made out to First Friends; please designate how your contribution is to be allocated among these 3 needs).  Please give prayerful consideration to how you might be led to provide support for this Project.

You’re invited to the wedding! Our beloved organist and choir director Shawn P. and Dr Brett P. invite you to their celebration of marriage on Saturday July 8th with a musical prelude starting at 3:00 and ceremony at 3:30 p.m. This ceremony will be held at Indianapolis First Friends Meeting in the Meetingroom and all are welcome to gather together for this joyous occasion.

Western Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions are coming up July 27-30! You can find all of this year’s information & registration online at https://www.westernyearlymeeting.org/wymsessions/.  First Friends will be leading the morning worship service on Friday, July 28 from 9-10:15am, including Beth, Ben W., and Paul and Helena R. Online you’ll find all the details of the sessions such as menus, the preliminary program, housing, and more. There are also chances to volunteer for the Festival of Fun and Fellowship, the Indian Table and Interest Groups. In addition, you can see photos and videos of last year's Annual Session. Pre-registration is due by July 13! We hope you are planning on joining us!

Church Picnic! All are invited to join us for our annual picnic that is taking place Sunday, July 23rd. Our honored guests will be our new Pastor Bob Henry and his family. If you are able, please bring a dish according to last name; A-J: Desserts ; K-Z: Sides and Salads. There will also be fried chicken, hot dogs (& veggie dogs), rolls, ice cream, and drinks all provided for free. As always, there will be kickball afterward, weather permitting. Please join us!

June 21, 2017

As Way Opens

A couple of months ago Dan R. brought a book of poetry into my office called Face to Face by Julie Cadwallader-Staub.  I didn’t have a chance to read this until yesterday.  Julie lost her husband Warren to cancer at age 49.  This book of poetry chronicles their journey through this disease.  It is honest, funny, insightful, sad and hopeful.  Warren’s family was from Iowa and Dan knows his sister well and his parents were good friends with the Cadwallader’s.  Ruthie knows another sister of Warren and it sounds like this is quite a family of faith.  Julie met Warren at Earlham and they shared a life together for 30 years and 3 kids.  I was quite moved to read some of these poems as I understand the journey of losing a spouse.  Below are two of her poems. 

Soul

One thing Darwin can’t explain is the sound of the wind in the trees.

The trees gain no advantage when their leaves rustle and moan.

But when we listen to the wind in the trees, suddenly we are four dimensional beings

Slipping from our too tight skins, shedding time, priorities, need.

Oh to embrace what we love, who we are, who we are becoming.

Oh to lose fear, to forget its name entirely.

The future is in the tug of our hearts, the wind in the trees:

Always upward, outward, bracing and embracing.

We rise to the sound.

Hope

Hope is as insidious as infatuation.

You can try to reason it away, ignore it,

Beat it into submission, but hope takes root in the cracks between today and tomorrow,

Sends its tendrils spiraling upwards, oblivious to your best efforts, smiling.   

Beth

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

This Sunday we are excited to hear our guest speaker, Brent Bill! Brent is a graduate of Wilmington College and Earlham School of Religion. He is an author, photographer, retreat leader, and recorded minister. He currently serves as the associate secretary of communications, publications and outreach for Friends General Conference (FGC). We invite you all to join us this Sunday for Meeting for Worship at 10:15 to hear Brent speak. Hope to see you then!

Please join us this Sunday for a special laying on of hands for Kathy R. who will be going into surgery on Tuesday, June 27. Becki H. and the Praying Friends will be joining with Kathy to pray for peace, blessing and healing before she takes this step. Please join us in the Parlor after worship, about 11:45am. All are welcome.

Brrr! Don’t leave on the A/C! A friendly reminder ~ as we approach hot summer days, please remember to turn the air conditioning off after using the building! Help us keep cooling costs down! Thank you!

Vacation Bible School is only a few weeks away! It will begin on Sunday, July 16 from 12:00-2:00pm and will continue Mon.-Thurs. from 6:00-8:00pm. Lunch will be provided for all who attend on the 16th. We welcome all our kids, grandkids and friends of our kids to participate in this fun and special time of learning that we were created by God and built for a purpose. We’re registering now! To sign up your kids, there are registration forms in the hallway! Contact the office with any questions.

Welcome Your Neighbor Signs ~ The Welcome Your Neighbor signs have arrived!  Please pick one up after Meeting at the table in the corner of the hallway.  Proudly display them at your home and/or place of work to provide a welcome to everyone, particularly to certain ethnic groups that some have tried to marginalize.  Contributions for the signs are appreciated but not required.

We’re Hiring! First Friends Meeting is seeking a qualified applicant for the job of Music Director at the meeting. The Music Director is a part time salaried position, responsible for developing and leading the worship music, in collaboration with the pastor, in a way that is consistent with the mission, values and theology of Quakers. The applicant need not be a Quaker, but should have a knowledge of, and appreciation for, the worship experience. If you’re interested or know anyone who may be interested in this position, please visit our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/musicjob/ for more information and to apply!

Opportunity to serve! We are currently in desperate need of an usher to replace someone that has served in this role. The open spot is every second Sunday of the month but that may be able to be changed by negotiation with the other ushers.  We also never filled the 2 open spots for every 5th Sunday (only 4 times a year!).  This is an easy job and new members are definitely welcome!  This could also be a shared position to decrease the total days of service.  Please email the office for further information.

2017 Friends Mission Project For FUM - Belize ~ Friends United Meeting (“FUM”)’s Mission project for this year focuses around Belize. There are three ways you can help this project!

1.    FUM operates a small school in Belize which offers a “second chance” for kids failing the high school test to further their education. The FUM vision is to raise $25,000 to expand the school, establish a Quaker meeting where there currently is none, and create a community center.

2.    In addition to renovating the new facility, Oscar Mmbali, a Kenyan Friend, has accepted FUM’s call to serve as the first Friends pastor for Belize.  Oscar is traveling among North American Friends raising support for his new ministry.

3.    Finally, we at First Friends are honored to have one of our member families, the Thornburgs (Aaron, Michelle, Kwali, and Meshach), feeling led by God to go to Belize and help with the facility renovation and provide other assistance to the Friends school (come this Sunday for more details). The Thornburgs will need your financial assistance in order to make their Belize leading a reality.

Your prayers and financial support are needed to accomplish each part of this mission project.  Your contribution can be to all or any one of the parts of this Belize Project (checks can be made out to First Friends; please designate how your contribution is to be allocated among these 3 needs).  Please give prayerful consideration to how you might be led to provide support for this Project.

Join us this summer on June 22nd for the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University class! Want to learn how to better handle your money, budget, and dump debt? Then this is the class for you! Samantha R. took this class twice and it has helped her be in charge and organized with her money. It has also helped her pay off $30,000 in student loans and avoid debt forever! Click on the link to sign up https://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/classes#in-progress=0 . Also you're welcome to contact the office if you have any questions. Sam and her sister will be hosting this 9 week class at East Tenth United Methodist Church at 2327 E 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46201.

You’re invited to the wedding! Our beloved organist and choir director Shawn P. and Dr Brett P. invite you to their celebration of marriage on Saturday July 8th with a musical prelude starting at 3:00 and ceremony at 3:30 p.m. This ceremony will be held at Indianapolis First Friends Meeting in the Meetingroom and all are welcome to gather together for this joyous occasion.

Western Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions are coming up July 27-30! You can find all of this year’s information & registration online at https://www.westernyearlymeeting.org/wymsessions/. You’ll find all the details such as menus, the preliminary program, housing, and more. There are also chances to volunteer for the Festival of Fun and Fellowship, the Indian Table and Interest Groups. In addition you can see photos and videos of last year's Annual Session. Pre-registration is due by July 13! We hope you are planning on joining us!

Church Picnic! All are invited to join us for our annual picnic that is taking place Sunday, July 23rd. Our honored guests will be our new Pastor Bob Henry and his family. If you are able, please bring a dish according to last name; A-J: Desserts ; K-Z: Sides and Salads. There will also be fried chicken, hot dogs (& veggie dogs), rolls, ice cream, and drinks all provided for free. As always, there will be kickball afterward, weather permitting. Please join us!

Save the date for the Dairy Bar! Be sure to mark your calendars. We will be working at the Dairy Bar at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday, August 12th all day. This is a major fundraiser for our youth programming. It’s fast-paced but lots of fun! If you’re interested in volunteering, please keep the day free, and look out for signup sheets next month!

June 14, 2017

As Way Opens

Yesterday was the birthday of Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl that died at age 14 in a concentration camp in Germany.  Prior to that, her family hid in an upstairs attic space above the family's warehouse business for two years and Anne chronicled their life in her diary that was published after her death in 1947.  The diary was an overnight sensation and also an important record to document the life of Jews during the Holocaust and in particular to give a view of this tragedy through the eyes of a young girl.  Anne would have been 88 yesterday.

I am deeply touched by the goodness she still found in people.  She wrote "In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can't build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery, and death. I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness, I hear the ever approaching thunder, which will destroy us too, I can feel the sufferings of millions and yet, if I look up into the heavens, I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty too will end, and that peace and tranquility will return again. Those who have courage and faith shall never perish in misery.” 

May each one of us see the good in others today and have courage and faith to help bring peace and tranquility to our world. 

Beth

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Brrr! Don’t leave on the A/C! A friendly reminder ~ as we approach hot summer days, please remember to turn the air conditioning off after using the building! Help us keep cooling costs down! Thank you!

Opportunity to serve! We are currently in desperate need of an usher to replace someone that has served in this role. The open spot is every second Sunday of the month but that may be able to be changed by negotiation with the other ushers.  We also never filled the 2 open spots for every 5th Sunday (only 4 times a year!).  This is an easy job and new members are definitely welcome!  This could also be a shared position to decrease the total days of service.  Please email the office for further information.

Help us provide music this Summer! We still have some open slots for folks to share their musical talent with us - singing, playing an instrument or joining together with a couple of other individuals for a trio or quartet. Please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board in the hallway. We look forward to hearing from you!

We’re Hiring! First Friends Meeting is seeking a qualified applicant for the job of Music Director at the meeting. The Music Director is a part time salaried position, responsible for developing and leading the worship music, in collaboration with the pastor, in a way that is consistent with the mission, values and theology of The Society of Friends (Quaker). The applicant need not be a member of the Religious Society of Friends, but should have a knowledge of, and appreciation for, the worship experience. If you’re interested or know anyone who may be interested in this position, please visit our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/musicjob/ for more information and to apply!

Our picnic has been rescheduled! The annual picnic that we normally would’ve had after worship in the woods a few weeks ago now has a date. Mark your calendars for July 23, where our picnic will also welcome and celebrate our new pastor Bob Henry. Look for more details as the date draws near!

Welcome Your Neighbor Signs ~ The Welcome Your Neighbor signs have arrived!  Please pick one up after Meeting at the table in the corner of the hallway.  Proudly display them at your home and/or place of work to provide a welcome to everyone, particularly to certain ethnic groups that some have tried to marginalize.  Contributions for the signs are appreciated but not required.

The Library catalog is getting even better! Besides now having our library catalog available online on our website, the catalog now has tags to help you search for the topics you’re looking for. These tags include topics such as poetry, biography, prophecy, sermons, worship, etc. To search for a topic, simply click the arrow next to the search bar and choose “advanced search”. Then change the search field to “tag” and enter the topic you’re looking for. For a list of searchable tags, visit  https://goo.gl/41ilWJ

We need your help at the food pantry! ~ Last Wednesday we served the largest number of families we have ever served in the many years we have worked at the pantry!  We are still looking for volunteers to help at the food pantry on Wednesday June 21. Need for pantry items and volunteers increases in the summer due to lack of school breakfast/lunch availability, so please consider volunteering! Let the office know if you are interested. Thank you for your assistance!

2017 Friends Mission Project For FUM - Belize ~ Friends United Meeting (“FUM”)’s Mission project for this year focuses around Belize. There are three ways you can help this project!

1.    FUM operates a small school in Belize which offers a “second chance” for kids failing the high school test to further their education. The FUM vision is to raise $25,000 to expand the school, establish a Quaker meeting where there currently is none, and create a community center.

2.    In addition to renovating the new facility, Oscar Mmbali, a Kenyan Friend, has accepted FUM’s call to serve as the first Friends pastor for Belize.  Oscar is traveling among North American Friends raising support for his new ministry.

3.    Finally, we at First Friends are honored to have one of our member families, the Thornburgs (Aaron, Michelle, Kwali, and Meshach), feeling led by God to go to Belize and help with the facility renovation and provide other assistance to the Friends school (come this Sunday for more details). The Thornburgs will need your financial assistance in order to make their Belize leading a reality.

Your prayers and financial support are needed to accomplish each part of this mission project.  Your contribution can be to all or any one of the parts of this Belize Project (checks can be made out to First Friends; please designate how your contribution is to be allocated among these 3 needs).  Please give prayerful consideration to how you might be led to provide support for this Project.

Join us this summer on June 22nd for the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University class! Want to learn how to better handle your money, budget, and dump debt? Then this is the class for you! Samantha R. took this class twice and it has helped her be in charge and organized with her money. It has also helped her pay off $30,000 in student loans and avoid debt forever! Click on the link to sign up https://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/classes#in-progress=0 . Also you're welcome to contact the office if you have any questions. Sam and her sister will be hosting this 9 week class at East Tenth United Methodist Church at 2327 E 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46201. 

FUM Stewards Program! Young Adult Friends (aged 18–27) who are interested in the Friends movement and in developing their leadership experience could gain significant benefit from participating in the Stewards Program offered during the Triennial on July 12-16, 2017. The program will be facilitated by Pat Byers, Assistant Superintendent, Indiana Yearly Meeting, and will include significant time working alongside those leading the Youth/ YAF Program, at the Triennial. The Stewards Program this year will have three main areas of focus: 1) Education/introduction to the Friends movement. 2) Leadership experience working with Young Friends and other Young Adults at the Triennial. And 3) Opportunity to rub shoulders with and learn from some ‘seasoned’ leaders of the Friends movement. To apply and for more information, visit https://goo.gl/jVGw6a. Applications are due June 23.

 You’re invited to the wedding! Our beloved organist and choir director ShawnP.  and Dr Brett P. invite you to their celebration of marriage on Saturday July 8th with a musical prelude starting at 3:00 and ceremony at 3:30 p.m. This ceremony will be held at Indianapolis First Friends Meeting in the Meetingroom and all are welcome to gather together for this joyous occasion.

Western Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions are coming up July 27-30! You can find all of this year’s information & registration online at https://www.westernyearlymeeting.org/wymsessions/. You’ll find all the details such as menus, the preliminary program, housing, and more. There are also chances to volunteer for the Festival of Fun and Fellowship, the Indian Table and Interest Groups. In addition you can see photos and videos of last year's Annual Session. Pre-registration is due by July 13! We hope you are planning on joining us!

Save the date for the Dairy Bar! Be sure to mark your calendars. We will be working at the Dairy Bar at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday, August 12th all day. This is a major fundraiser for our youth programming. It’s fast-paced but lots of fun! If you’re interested in volunteering, please keep the day free, and look out for signup sheets next month!

June 7, 2017

As Way Opens

“It is from the numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” 

-- Robert Kennedy

I heard the author of a new book about Robert Kennedy speak on a news show this week and he read this quote.  I have heard it before but it struck me in a new way as we all try to figure out life in our troubled times today.  There is so much fear, so much violence, such hardened political positions, that I hardly know what to do.  It feels like the very core of our democracy is being challenged.  The easy thing is to be depressed, sad, feel helpless and enclose my circle and be concerned with my little world.  But it is in troubled times that God calls each one of us to act.  When a problem seems so daunting, we have a tendency to think our small action will make no difference.  But the history of our world (and the history of Quakers) has been made by countless number of individual acts of kindness, moments that we stood up for what is right and true as we follow the example that Jesus gave us, and defended the least of our brothers and sisters among us. 

What small action can you do to today that will add to the ripple to build a current that will impact our course of history?

While these times seem like our most difficult ever, if we look at history we have experienced and survived far worse times.  And those outcomes were shaped by individuals responding to God’s light within to take a stand, to look beyond ourselves but focus on the greater good and take some action that combined with others have changed our world.

What is God saying to you today?  What act of kindness, what action do you need to take to respond to God’s voice? Is your God big and vast enough to break through your fear?  Is your faith in God deep enough to allow you to make a difference?

Beth

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Joys & Concerns

Nutmeg has found a home! We are glad to report the loveable cat up for adoption mentioned last week has now been adopted! Thank you to all who shared and helped find Nutmeg a home!

It is with great joy that Chris and Vicki W welcome a new grandson Oscar born on May 31st to Peter and Blair.  Oscar spent some time in the newborn intensive care unit, but he is doing much better now and should be home soon.  He joins brother Archie and we are excited for the whole family.

Happy Birthday Shirley! Shirley P will turn 89 on June 22nd.  If you feel so led, it would make her day to receive birthday cards and wishes from her First Friends family! 

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Help us provide music this Summer! We still have some open slots for folks to share their musical talent with us - singing, playing an instrument or joining together with a couple of other individuals for a trio or quartet. Please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board in the hallway. We look forward to hearing from you!

The cherry trees are ready! You might notice the cherry tree in the courtyard at the meeting is bright red with ripe cherries! Grab a bucket and start harvesting! Cherry pie? Cherry Jam? Cherry cobbler? Or maybe just enjoy them fresh! Please feel free to grab some cherries and enjoy them while they’re ripe.

Please note that the Woods Word Day scheduled for this Saturday, June 10th is being postponed for the time being. Keep an eye out for news on a possible rescheduled date.

The Library catalog is getting even better! Besides now having our library catalog available online on our website, the catalog now has tags to help you search for the topics you’re looking for. These tags include topics such as poetry, biography, prophecy, sermons, worship, etc. To search for a topic, simply click the arrow next to the search bar and choose “advanced search”. Then change the search field to “tag” and enter the topic you’re looking for. For a list of searchable tags, visit  https://goo.gl/41ilWJ

The Pastoral Excellence Fund of Western Yearly Meeting depends on donations to fund its benefits to WYM pastors, which have including Stan, Beth, and Ruthie, and will benefit Bob if funded adequately. Please send donation to the office for PME, or place in the offering.

We need volunteers for the Mid North Food Pantry! ~ A few of our “regulars” will not be able to volunteer at the food pantry on Wednesday June 21. 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 June 10th from 5:30 - 9:30. Dinner will be provided for the kids. Please contact Beth  if you would like to have your kids join in the fun that evening!

Indy Pride Parade - It is now, more important than ever that we stand-up for what is right in our community.  We will be walking as Quakers of Indy in the Indy Pride Parade on June 10 in support of the LGBTQ people we love.  If you are interested in walking with us, you can contact the office.  We will be meeting downtown around 9am.  Hope to see you there!

Join us this summer on June 22nd for the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University class! Want to learn how to better handle your money, budget, and dump debt? Then this is the class for you! Samantha R. took this class twice and it has helped her be in charge and organized with her money. It has also helped her pay off $30,000 in student loans and avoid debt forever! Click on the link to sign up https://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/classes#in-progress=0 . Also you're welcome to contact the office if you have any questions. Sam and her sister will be hosting this 9 week class at East Tenth United Methodist Church at 2327 E 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46201. 

You’re invited to the wedding! Our beloved organist and choir director Shawn P. and Dr Brett P. invite you to their celebration of marriage on Saturday July 8th with a musical prelude starting at 3:00 and ceremony at 3:30 p.m. This ceremony will be held at Indianapolis First Friends Meeting in the Meetingroom and all are welcome to gather together for this joyous occasion.

Vacation Bible School is coming up this July! We will kick off on Sunday, July 16 from 12:00-2:00pm and will continue Mon.-Thurs. from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Lunch will be provided for all who attend on the 16th. We are currently looking for volunteers to help! If you are interested in being a teacher, station leader, or bringing snacks, please contact Beth.

Volunteers for WYM Pancake Breakfast - Dale Graves is asking for each meeting to send one or more Quaker men to assist with the pancake breakfast at Western Yearly Meeting. This would be Saturday, July 29, starting at 7 am to set up, and continuing to 10:30 or so. YM sessions start at 9 am and men are excused if attending the sessions. Please let the office know if you will do this, and we will connect you with Dale.

FUM Stewards Program! Young Adult Friends (aged 18–27) who are interested in the Friends movement and in developing their leadership experience could gain significant benefit from participating in the Stewards Program offered during the Triennial on July 12-16, 2017. The program will be facilitated by Pat Byers, Assistant Superintendent, Indiana Yearly Meeting, and will include significant time working alongside those leading the Youth/ YAF Program, at the Triennial. The Stewards Program this year will have three main areas of focus: 1) Education/introduction to the Friends movement. 2) Leadership experience working with Young Friends and other Young Adults at the Triennial. And 3) Opportunity to rub shoulders with and learn from some ‘seasoned’ leaders of the Friends movement. To apply and for more information, visit https://goo.gl/jVGw6a. Applications are due June 23.

Save the date for the Dairy Bar! Be sure to mark your calendars. We will be working at the Dairy Bar at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday, August 12th all day. This is a major fundraiser for our youth programming. It’s fast-paced but lots of fun! If you’re interested in volunteering, please keep the day free, and look out for signup sheets next month!

May 31, 2017

As Way Opens

One of my favorite writers is Peter Rollins who is also a storyteller, philosopher and public speaker (www.peterrollins.net).  I am reading his latest book, The Orthodox Heretic and Other Impossible Tales.  I love what he writes about the Word of God becoming incarnate.  “We are invited to reflect upon the true meaning of the phrase Word of God.  While this term is often used in order to describe a set of Scriptures,….the words, or at least the message contained by the words, has a status far beyond that of even the greatest literary achievements.  We must ask whether holding the words of the Bible in such high regard is really the best way to show our love and respect to this ancient text.  For is it not the Bible itself that informs us how God’s Word never returns empty (Isaiah 55:11)?  In other words, God’s holy Word cannot be heard without being heeded; it cannot be received without being incarnated.  Indeed, it is only in being incarnated that one can say that it has been received.  For instance, the words love your neighbor should not be thought of as sacred or divine.  These words are no more than words.  They take on a revelatory role only when they are lived, that is, when someone actually gets their hands dirty and loves their neighbor - in other words, when this phrase is incarnated in action.  The idea of loving one’s neighbor is the Word of God, not when it is merely affirmed, but when it is lived.  Therefore, it is impossible to affirm God’s Word apart from becoming that Word, apart from being the place where that Word becomes a living, breathing act.  The Word of God is an incarnated Word that is lived.  Its call is heard only by those who inhale the aroma of the words and who exhale life, liberation and love.

May the Word of God be alive and incarnate in each of us today.

Beth

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Please note there will be no Gentle Yoga this week, Friday, June 2nd. Yoga will resume next week.

Friends Education Fund is a Quaker college scholarship program for African American students. If you know of a student who might be interested in applying, please ask them to contact the Meeting Office or visit our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/friends-educational-fund/. Applications are being accepted through Friday, June 2nd. The selected applicants will be celebrated later in June.

Join us for Worship in the Woods on Sunday, June 4th. Worship will be at the normal time, 10:15am, in the Meditational Woods, weather permitting. Jim and Leslie K. will be leading the service. Please note that we will not have a church picnic at this time. Keep an eye out for news on a picnic in July, after Bob Henry arrives!

You’re invited to the celebration! Everyone is invited to stop in for an open house this Sunday, 1-3:30pm in the Parlor to celebrate Lori H's graduation! Lori graduated from IUPUI’s Purdue School of Science on May 14 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. She has been accepted and plans on attending Valparaiso University to receive a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She plans on going on to receive her Doctorate for Clinical Forensic Psychology once completing her Master’s program.

Temporary Home Needed for Our New Pastor! Bob and his family have found a home in Fishers but they can’t move into it until September 1st.  Does anyone know of a need for house sitters for the summer or have room for a family of four or know of a place to rent?  They will need this from July 1st to September 1st.  Please ask around and contact the office if you have any possibilities.

The Pastoral Excellence Fund of Western Yearly Meeting depends on donations to fund its benefits to WYM pastors, which have including Stan, Beth, and Ruthie, and will benefit Bob if funded adequately. Please send donation to the office for PME, or place in the offering.

We need volunteers for the Mid North Food Pantry! ~ A few of our “regulars” will not be able to volunteer at the food pantry on Wednesdays, June 7 and 21. 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!

Please note that the Woods Word Day scheduled for Saturday, June 10th is being postponed for the time being. Keep an eye out for news on a possible rescheduled date.

Babysitting Co-Op ~ Our babysitting co-op is happening on Saturday June 10th from 5:30 - 9:30. Dinner will be provided for the kids. Please contact the office if you would like to have your kids join in the fun that evening!

Shalom Zone Garage Sale ~ On Saturday, June 3, from 8:00 am to noon (set up beginning at 7 am) the Shalom Zone churches (Cross and Crown, Allisonville Christian, Epworth, First Friends and St. Pius X) will be sponsoring "garage sale" and “craft sale” opportunities for individuals in the Cross and Crown parking lot at 79th and Allisonville Road. You will be able to reserve a space for $10 in advance ($15 day of sale). The rest is up to you - bring your own table or use the trunk of your car. You get to keep whatever you earn.  The adjoining neighborhood of Ivy Hills will have its annual garage sale the same day so there should be no shortage of folks looking for a deal.  The Shalom Zone will donate the reservation fees to School on Wheels, a voluntary program which tutors homeless children throughout Marion County.  For more information or to reserve a space contact the office.

Indy Pride Parade - It is now, more important than ever that we stand-up for what is right in our community.  We will be walking as Quakers of Indy in the Indy Pride Parade on June 10 in support of the LGBTQ people we love.  If you are interested in walking with us, you can contact the office.  We will be meeting downtown around 9am.  Hope to see you there!

Vacation Bible School is coming up this July! We will kick off on Sunday, July 16 from 12:00-2:00pm and will continue Mon.-Thurs. from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Lunch will be provided for all who attend on the 16th. We are currently looking for volunteers to help! If you are interested in being a teacher, station leader, or bringing snacks, please contact the office.

Hello, my name is Nutmeg.  My beloved owner passed away last week.  I am 13 years old.  I am cared for by the VCA hospital at 4030 W. 86th Street.  I eat Hill's CD wet and dry food, and am currently taking one medication, which is mixed in my food. I am an affectionate and playful cat. I'd do best in a home without other animals, but a girl can't be too picky. Look at my big eyes and give me a thought, please. Contact the office if you know of a home.

IFCL’s Lawmakers of the Year - Members of the Indiana FriendsCommitteeon Legislation recognized Sen. James Merritt, Jr. R-District 31, and Rep. Scott Pelath, D-District 9, as the IFCL 2017 Lawmakers of the Year on Thursday, May 25. At the legislature as in other projects, IFCL aspires to be led by the spirit of God as mediated by the traditional testimonies of Friends: peace, simplicity, equality, integrity, stewardship and earth care. More information about IFCL can be found at quakerifcl.org. To see the press release, please visit  https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B6F664YZU4gseHNPQ1BFWlR1QWc

Volunteers for WYM Pancake Breakfast - Dale Graves is asking for each meeting to send one or more Quaker men to assist with the pancake breakfast at Western Yearly Meeting. This would be Saturday, July 29, starting at 7 am to set up, and continuing to 10:30 or so. YM sessions start at 9 am and men are excused if attending the sessions. Please let the office know if you will do this, and we will connect you with Dale.

Quaker Life magazine is being offered to us for renewal at a group rate of $30.00 per year. Published by Friends United Meeting, issues come out quarterly, that will “inspire, inform and teach you.” The journal is normally priced at $40.00 annually. We keep one copy in our Library. Please let the office know if you would like to add your name to the list of subscribers. Thank you!

Rise Up – A Youth Empowerment Summit – This summer Peace Learning Center will be hosting the Youth Empowerment Summit, Rise up!, on Thursday, June 15 from 8am-2pm. It is free and open to ages 8-12. Because it is free it does fill up quickly, interested individuals and groups are encouraged to register in a timely fashion! Breakout sessions will include peer norming & bullying, upstander skills, restorative practices, and peer meditation. Along with all the learning that takes place it is very neat for students to be able to enjoy a catered meal through the Rathskeller Restaurant! For more information and to register, visit https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ee4fbw7af533bd80&oseq=&c=&ch

FUM Stewards Program! Young Adult Friends (aged 18–27) who are interested in the Friends movement and in developing their leadership experience could gain significant benefit from participating in the Stewards Program offered during the Triennial on July 12-16, 2017. The program will be facilitated by Pat Byers, Assistant Superintendent, Indiana Yearly Meeting, and will include significant time working alongside those leading the Youth/ YAF Program, at the Triennial. The Stewards Program this year will have three main areas of focus: 1) Education/introduction to the Friends movement. 2) Leadership experience working with Young Friends and other Young Adults at the Triennial. And 3) Opportunity to rub shoulders with and learn from some ‘seasoned’ leaders of the Friends movement. To apply and for more information, visit https://goo.gl/jVGw6a. Applications are due June 23.

 IFCL News ~ Now that the 2017 Indiana General Assembly session has concluded, the Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL) would like to report to Friends on the legislative accomplishments of our bipartisan Quakerly lobbying. We are positively surprised and elated by the effective influence that our faith-based IFCL organization has been able to have at the Statehouse - both in terms of substantive impact on legislation, and in terms of building personal relationships and mutual respect with lawmakers (on both sides of the aisle) that should pay rich dividends for years to come. We want to share IFCL's good news with you, and to thank you for your interest and support of IFCL - now flourishing in its 46th year.  To read the legislative summaries, visit http://www.quakerifcl.org/legislativenews.htm

2017 ESR Leadership Conference--Online Registration Now Available! The compelling urge to create new venues for service and ministry rises from deep within. A call beckons with an invitation to consider something new—a different path, a fresh venture, a new vocation. With courage the entrepreneur moves forward into a mysterious unknown with as many questions as answers, but with a certainty that the risk is worth taking. Join with others who wrestle with such callings at this year's ESR Leadership Conference, August 11-13. For more information and to register, visit http://esr.earlham.edu/news-events/events/leaders17.

May 24, 2017

As Way Opens

I was reminded this past Sunday that while most of our lives are a collection of ordinary and mundane moments, there are a few times where we have big and important decisions to make that can send us down one path over another or can have a lasting impact on our life and our family/community. We heard on Sunday about Mary Bateman Clark, an indentured servant living in Vincennes IN in the early 1800’s who decided to challenge the establishment and file a lawsuit against the State arguing that indentured servitude was illegal in IN.  She won the case at the Indiana Supreme Court and likely prevented slavery from becoming legal in IN. Mary had a moment to decide to just get along and live with the way things were and wait for change, or to stand up and say I will challenge the status quo for justice.  Her decision helped change the future course of this state in terms of slavery.

I thought about this as I saw our previous pastors Stan Banker, Ruthie Tippin and our new pastor Bob Henry lined up together in the aisle on Sunday.  We have had moments of decision in the last 27 years that have set our Meeting on a course for the future.  Choosing to build a meditational woods, opening our building to a preschool co-op, investing in a Quaker Affirmation curriculum for our youth were all decision points that will have a lasting impact on our faith community.  We all know that we stand on the shoulders of those that have come before us and I pray that in those moments of big decisions that we choose for the future.  That we don’t let fear, conserving resources, tradition and fitting in overcome our sense of future, destiny and purpose.  Quakers have a strong tradition of making decisions that go against the establishment, against the accepted norms and leading our communities to changes that result in a more loving and just world.  As our new pastor Bob joins us this summer, may we continue on a path of impacting Indianapolis with love, acceptance and service.

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Joys & Concerns

Many thanks to Joyce B, Helen D, Amy P and of course Nichole M. for their work with the German children exhibit items! These ladies have been working hard salvaging and preparing these items for preservation and exhibition. It is wonderful that these items will be taken care of as the historical treasures they are.

Thank-you to our Mid North Food Pantry volunteers: Phil K, Jim K, Bill and Kathy F, and Carol and Jim D. Your work is greatly appreciated!

The Medidational Woods plaque had a makeover! We’d like to send a big thank-you to all who helped revamp the plaque near the entrance of the Meditational Woods, including Mary B, Dan M, Amy P, Mindy S, and Terri T. They planted switchgrass, foxglove beardstongue (AKA smooth penstemon), purple coneflower, and smooth aster on the mound. They planted wild stonecrop as a ground cover just in front of the plaque. All five species are native to Indiana, in keeping with the meditational woods committee's philosophy. They aimed for a Quaker-like, simple, low-key appearance, medium height so it wouldn't block the view of the butterfly garden, and for successive blooms of different colors for beauty.

Ben W, our youth leader has been selected to join the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) advocacy corp team to help mobilize communities to influence members of Congress.  15 individuals from across the country were selected to take part in the year long program kicking off with a 12 day summer intensive training in August in Washington DC.  The program runs September through May and participants do receive a small stipend for their work.  We are really excited for Ben and look forward to his work here in Indiana.

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Make Plans for Memorial Day Weekend! Join us Sunday, May 28th for Worship in the Big Oval! Memorial Day Sunday’s are really special at First Friends Meeting – we gather in Fellowship Hall, and enjoy our own ‘Indy 500’ experience in the Spirit!  Eric B. will provide music and Beth will be speaking about forgiveness. 

Please note: There will be no Monday Meditational Worship at First Friends on Memorial Day. You are, as always, welcome to worship wherever you are. The Office will be closed.

Temporary Home Needed for Our New Pastor! Bob and his family have found a home in Fishers but they can’t move into it until September 1st.  Does anyone know of a need for house sitters for the summer or have room for a family of four or know of a place to rent?  They will need this from July 1st to September 1st.  Please ask around and contact the office if you have any possibilities.

The Pastoral Excellence Fund of Western Yearly Meeting depends on donations to fund its benefits to WYM pastors, which have including Stan, Beth, and Ruthie, and will benefit Bob if funded adequately. Please send donation to the office for PME, or place in the offering.

Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading: Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan will be held Tuesday, May 30th at 7 pm in the Parlor. All are welcome! Vicki W. will be leading the discussion.  If you'd like to read ahead for next month, the June 27 title will be: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.

Friends Education Fund is a Quaker college scholarship program for African American students. If you know of a student who might be interested in applying, please ask them to contact the Meeting Office or visit our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/friends-educational-fund/. Applications are being accepted through June 2nd, 2017. The selected applicants will be celebrated later in June.

Join us for Worship in the Woods on Sunday, June 4th. Worship will be at the normal time, 10:15am, in the Meditational Woods. Jim and Leslie K. will be leading the service. Please note that we will not have a church picnic at this time. Keep an eye out for news on a picnic in July, after Bob arrives!

We need volunteers for the Mid North Food Pantry! ~ A few of our “regulars” will not be able to volunteer at the food pantry on Wednesdays, June 7 and 21. 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 June 10th from 5:30 - 9:30. Dinner will be provided for the kids. Please contact the office if you would like to have your kids join in the fun that evening!

Volunteers for WYM Pancake Breakfast - Dale Graves is asking for each meeting to send one or more Quaker men to assist with the pancake breakfast at Western Yearly Meeting. This would be Saturday, July 29, starting at 7 am to set up, and continuing to 10:30 or so. YM sessions start at 9 am and men are excused if attending the sessions. Please let the office know if you will do this, and we will connect you with Dale. 

Hello, my name is Nutmeg.  My beloved owner passed away last week.  I am 13 years old.  I am cared for by the VCA hospital at 4030 W. 86th Street.  I eat Hill's CD wet and dry food, and am currently taking one medication, which is mixed in my food. I have been living alone for nearly two weeks, although I am an affectionate and playful cat.  I have been depending on the kindness of strangers to feed me, toss my toys for me, and, sometimes, let me sit on their lap. I'd do best in a home without other animals, but a girl can't be too picky. Look at my big eyes and give me a thought, please. Contact the office if you know of a home.

Quaker Life magazine is being offered to us for renewal at a group rate of $30.00 per year. Published by Friends United Meeting, issues come out quarterly, that will “inspire, inform and teach you.” The journal is normally priced at $40.00 annually. We keep one copy in our Library. Please let the office know if you would like to add your name to the list of subscribers. Thank you!

Vacation Bible School is coming up this July! We will kick off on Sunday, July 16 from 12:00-2:00pm and will continue Mon.-Thurs. from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Lunch will be provided for all who attend on the 16th. We are currently looking for volunteers to help! If you are interested in being a teacher, station leader, or bringing snacks, please contact the office.

IFCL News ~ Now that the 2017 Indiana General Assembly session has concluded, the Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL) would like to report to Friends on the legislative accomplishments of our bipartisan Quakerly lobbying. We are positively surprised and elated by the effective influence that our faith-based IFCL organization has been able to have at the Statehouse - both in terms of substantive impact on legislation, and in terms of building personal relationships and mutual respect with lawmakers (on both sides of the aisle) that should pay rich dividends for years to come. We want to share IFCL's good news with you, and to thank you for your interest and support of IFCL - now flourishing in its 46th year.  To read the legislative summaries, visit http://www.quakerifcl.org/legislativenews.htm

Shalom Zone Garage Sale ~ On Saturday, June 3, from 8:00 am to noon (set up beginning at 7 am) the Shalom Zone churches (Cross and Crown, Allisonville Christian, Epworth, First Friends and St. Pius X) will be sponsoring "garage sale" and “craft sale” opportunities for individuals in the Cross and Crown parking lot at 79th and Allisonville Road. You will be able to reserve a space for $10 in advance ($15 day of sale). The rest is up to you - bring your own table or use the trunk of your car. You get to keep whatever you earn.  The adjoining neighborhood of Ivy Hills will have its annual garage sale the same day so there should be no shortage of folks looking for a deal.  The Shalom Zone will donate the reservation fees to School on Wheels, a voluntary program which tutors homeless children throughout Marion County.  For more information or to reserve a space contact the office.

Indy Pride Parade - It is now, more important than ever that we stand-up for what is right in our community.  We will be walking as Quakers of Indy in the Indy Pride Parade on June 10 in support of the LGBTQ people we love.  If you are interested in walking with us, you can contact the office.  We will be meeting downtown around 9am.  Hope to see you there!

SCHOOL ON WHEELS ~ The School on Wheels (which provides tutoring help for homeless children) is, once again, sponsoring the Run 317 through Broad Ripple on Thursday, June 15 and needs the help of over 100 volunteers.  Details for the volunteer positions as well as signup can be found here:
https://raceroster.com/events/2017/11126/broad-ripple-run317.  Thanks for your consideration.  

Rise Up – A Youth Empowerment Summit – This summer Peace Learning Center will be hosting the Youth Empowerment Summit, Rise up!, on Thursday, June 15 from 8am-2pm. It is free and open to ages 8-12. Because it is free it does fill up quickly, interested individuals and groups are encouraged to register in a timely fashion! Breakout sessions will include peer norming & bullying, upstander skills, restorative practices, and peer meditation. Along with all the learning that takes place it is very neat for students to be able to enjoy a catered meal through the Rathskeller Restaurant! For more information and to register, visit https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ee4fbw7af533bd80&oseq=&c=&ch

SAWS ~ The Shalom Zone has scheduled a SAWS build for Saturday morning, June 24, 2017.  SAWS (Servants At Work) is an all-volunteer organization that designs and builds (with YOUR help) wheelchair ramps to homes for lower income individuals at no cost to such individuals.  No prior construction experience is necessary.  Details of exactly where and what time to meet on June 24 will be forthcoming.  In the meantime, if you would like to participate in this build (or any build in the future), you need to be registered with SAWS.  You can complete the volunteer form, located on the SAWS website (www.sawsramps.org).  When registering, please indicate that you are with Shalom Zone and would like to do builds in Marion and surrounding counties.  Those who have previously registered need not register again.  Children under 16 are welcome but need to be accompanied by a parent.  We need to know who is available to help with the June 24 build.  If you are available to help on the morning of June 24, please notify the office as soon as possible so we can coordinate the Shalom Zone team.  If enough folks are available, we could form 2 or more teams and build multiple ramps at different locations.  Please consider if you are able to help with this worthwhile cause.

2017 ESR Leadership Conference--Online Registration Now Available! The compelling urge to create new venues for service and ministry rises from deep within. A call beckons with an invitation to consider something new—a different path, a fresh venture, a new vocation. With courage the entrepreneur moves forward into a mysterious unknown with as many questions as answers, but with a certainty that the risk is worth taking. Join with others who wrestle with such callings at this year's ESR Leadership Conference, August 11-13. For more information and to register, visit http://esr.earlham.edu/news-events/events/leaders17.

AVP (Alternatives to Violence Project) Indiana is planning a Community Basic Workshop to be held in Indianapolis. It will be at West Newton Friends Meeting (6800 S. Mooresville Rd.) on Saturday and Sunday, August 26-27. They will meet from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm both days. Lunch and dinner will be provided. They are using a sliding fee scale to cover food and expenses of the workshop: $10 to $40, depending on your financial means. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. AVP seeks to help those interested in learning new and creative ways to respond to conflict in personal relationships and groups. The workshops use the shared experience of participants, interactive exercises, games and role-plays to examine the ways in which we respond to situations where injustice, prejudice, frustrations and anger can lead to aggressive behavior and violence. The training is highly experiential and fun, with participants choosing many of the ways in which the exercises and skill-learning occurs. For more information and to register, visit their website at www.avpindiana.org/registration. Please register by August 18. 

May 17, 2017

As Way Opens

While we are in an interim period, some of our members will contribute to our publication. This piece comes to us from Leslie Kartholl.

When I am Weak
Written by Leslie Kartholl

I attended a worship service a week ago while visiting a client in rehab. I have never been in a situation where the congregation, as well as the staff, was so blatantly, so vocally, so unquestionably humbled and laid bare. It stirred something in me; it made me think of all the times I pretend to have it together, all the times I rely upon myself instead of God and other people because I don't want to be honest and vulnerable, I don't want to be judged, I don't want to be shamed. I felt as though I were witnessing something truly holy; men and women who had reached the point in their lives where they were willing to throw up their hands in front ofGod and man and say I can't do this, I am weak, help me. Help me.

It is when we are willing to drop all pretense of power that we find our sure footing. It is our unwillingness to acknowledge our frailty that keeps us in bondage. We try to cut a swath through life with a rubber machete; we end up bitten and broken and lost in the jungle. We develop addictions and neuroses, we struggle with anxiety, with fear, with anger and dejection because we are trying so hard to control what we cannot.

In II Corinthians 12, Paul refers to a weakness in his life that he has repeatedly asked God to remove. He says the response he got from God was this "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness." He goes on "That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

That worship service at the rehab center was not polished or refined. The band that played the music was iffy, the words to the songs flashed off and on due to a faulty projector, the speaker was all over the place with his message, the congregants showed up in pajama pants and stocking feet, some of them still in the throes of detox. Despite this, there was an atmosphere of holiness, a sense of the sacred, an awareness of the Presence born of humility and hope. And there was truth; the truth that we are meant to seek God's sufficient grace, for it is when we admit that we are weak that we find our strength.

Leslie Kartholl

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Joys & Concerns

Andy Cunningham recently had an article published on KevinMD.com titled, ‘Am I the only doctor who isn’t burned out?’ The article is a short piece that explores how he feels nine years into his medical career in comparison to other current medical professionals. Andy writes, “Throughout my premed and medical training, I’ve been deluged with a steady stream of negative thoughts regarding medicine as a career from outspoken, burnt-out physicians. To this day, nine years since I’ve finished my residency in family medicine, I remain passionately opposed to this sentiment.” To read the whole article, visit http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2017/05/doctor-isnt-burned.html

Our office admin, Rebecca and her husband Michael would like to send their sincerest thanks to clerks, members, and attenders at First Friends for all their wedding wishes, cards, and also for their generous gift of paid time off for their honeymoon! They had a wonderful time! Rebecca loves being at First Friends and is touched by their kindness!

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Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Friends Education Fund is a Quaker college scholarship program for African American students. If you know of a student who might be interested in applying, please ask them to contact the Meeting Office. Applications are being accepted through June 2nd, 2017. The selected applicants will be celebrated later in June.

Quaker Life magazine is being offered to us for renewal at a group rate of $30.00 per year. Published by Friends United Meeting, issues come out quarterly, that will “inspire, inform and teach you.” The journal is normally priced at $40.00 annually. We keep one copy in our Library. Please let the office know if you would like to add your name to the list of subscribers. Thank you!

Transplanting Demonstration and Open House- DATE ADJUSTMENT~ All are welcome to a transplanting demonstration and open house on Thursday, May 18th, 12:30-1:30pm (rescheduled from May 11th due to weather). Topics include learning to transplant vegetable starts into mulched raised beds, and trying out interseeding techniques to plant cover crop seeds along with veggie transplants. This event is open to the public! Held at Indy Urban Acres, 7700 E 21st Street, Indianapolis. For questions, contact Kevin Allison at kevin-allison@iaswcd.org.

Are you coming to Carrie and Shawn's wedding this week? We thought it would be fun to do an old church tradition of a "pounding" for the couple as a fun way to give something of ours to them.  You're invited to bring a pound of something from home for them for their new life together. They are a very creative couple so the possibilities are endless: soup mix or soup for the freezer, pound of yarn or fabric, a pound of records, flour, rice etc. See you there! 

Please join us this Sunday, May 21st for a special day of Worship. We will be honoring our 2017 high school and college graduates. We will also take some time to thank our teachers, leaders and volunteers throughout the past year. Not only that, but we will have guest speakers Ethel McCane and Eunice Trotter who will be giving a presentation on the life of their ancestor, Mary Bateman Clark, former slave whose lawsuit changed the history of slavery in Indiana (see below for more information). Please note it will also be the last day of Sunday School for all ages. We hope to see you there.

We welcome Ethel McCane and Eunice Trotter to Meeting for Worship this Sunday, May 21st to provide a lecture and reenactment of Mary Bateman Clark’s life.  Mary Bateman Clark was born a slave in Kentucky and brought to Indiana where she sued one of the most significant leaders in the Old Northwest Territory in the early 1800s.  Her lawsuit, seeking her freedom from an indentured servitude contract, was filed in 1821 in the Knox County Circuit Court in Vincennes, IN.  She lost, but appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court at Corydon and won the precedent-setting case affirming Indiana’s legal standing on the issues of slavery and indentured servitude.  Her case helped stop slavery, under the guise of indentured servitude, from becoming acceptable in Indiana.  Ethel and Eunice are her great, great, great granddaughters and have made this presentation to many groups and churches and had a video made for public television.

First Friends Library Book Sale ~ For the past several months the First Friends Meeting Library Committee has been removing library materials from the Library as per the guidelines given the committee last year by the Ministry and Counsel Committee.

The next sale date is Sunday May 21 during the Fellowship Hour. Materials will cost $2.00 for Quaker books and $1.00 for non-Quaker books. Proceeds from the sale will enable the purchase of new materials for the Library.

The committee recognizes that some of the material discarded from the collection due to condition, not meeting Ministry and Counsel Committee guidelines, or being duplicate copies in poor condition, will have donation information. The committee understands the sensitive nature of this material and suggests that members purchase such material for their home collections where the recognition may continue to be of personal value.

Make Plans for Memorial Day Weekend! Join us Sunday, May 28th for Worship in the Big Oval! Memorial Day Sunday’s are really special at First Friends Meeting – we gather in Fellowship Hall, and enjoy our own ‘Indy 500’ experience in the Spirit!  Bring your family and friends, and join us at 10:15. 

Please note: There will be no Monday Meditational Worship at First Friends on Memorial Day. You are, as always, welcome to worship wherever you are. The Office will be closed.

IFCL News ~ Now that the 2017 Indiana General Assembly session has concluded, the Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL) would like to report to Friends on the legislative accomplishments of our bipartisan Quakerly lobbying. We are positively surprised and elated by the effective influence that our faith-based IFCL organization has been able to have at the Statehouse - both in terms of substantive impact on legislation, and in terms of building personal relationships and mutual respect with lawmakers (on both sides of the aisle) that should pay rich dividends for years to come.  Indeed, lawmakers (up to and including the Governor) have sought us for conversations and advice.  We want to share IFCL's good news with you, and to thank you for your interest and support of IFCL - now flourishing in its 46th year.  To read the legislative summaries, visit http://www.quakerifcl.org/legislativenews.htm

The First Friends Meeting Library Catalog is now accessible through the Meeting webpage. Go to indyfriends.org then click on attenders. Once there click on library. You have now entered the Library Catalog. It is searchable by author, title and tag. Tags include, history, worship, sermons, autobiography, biography, youth collection, spirituality, and missionaries. To check out materials come to the library and complete the charge out sheet. At a later time, if demand warrants it, the checkout process will be automated as well.

Shalom Zone Garage Sale ~ On Saturday, June 3, from 8:00 am to noon (set up beginning at 7 am) the Shalom Zone churches (Cross and Crown, Allisonville Christian, Epworth, First Friends and St. Pius X) will be sponsoring "garage sale" and “craft sale” opportunities for individuals in the Cross and Crown parking lot at 79th and Allisonville Road. You will be able to reserve a space for $10 in advance ($15 day of sale). The rest is up to you - bring your own table or use the trunk of your car. You get to keep whatever you earn.  The adjoining neighborhood of Ivy Hills will have its annual garage sale the same day so there should be no shortage of folks looking for a deal.  The Shalom Zone will donate the reservation fees to School on Wheels, a voluntary program which tutors homeless children throughout Marion County.  For more information or to reserve a space contact the office.

SCHOOL ON WHEELS ~ The School on Wheels (which provides tutoring help for homeless children) is, once again, sponsoring the Run 317 through Broad Ripple on Thursday, June 15 and needs the help of over 100 volunteers.  Details for the volunteer positions as well as signup can be found here:
https://raceroster.com/events/2017/11126/broad-ripple-run317.  Thanks for your consideration.  

Rise Up – A Youth Empowerment Summit – This summer Peace Learning Center will be hosting the Youth Empowerment Summit, Rise up! It is free and open to ages 8-12. Because it is free it does fill up quickly, interested individuals and groups are encouraged to register in a timely fashion! Breakout sessions will include peer norming & bullying, upstander skills, restorative practices, and peer meditation. Along with all the learning that takes place it is very neat for students to be able to enjoy a catered meal through the Rathskeller Restaurant! For more information and to register, visit https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ee4fbw7af533bd80&oseq=&c=&ch

SAWS ~ The Shalom Zone has scheduled a SAWS build for Saturday morning, June 24, 2017.  SAWS (Servants At Work) is an all-volunteer organization that designs and builds (with YOUR help) wheelchair ramps to homes for lower income individuals at no cost to such individuals.  No prior construction experience is necessary.  Details of exactly where and what time to meet on Jun-24 will be forthcoming.  In the meantime, if you would like to participate in this build (or any build in the future), you need to be registered with SAWS.  You can complete the volunteer form, located on the SAWS website (www.sawsramps.org).  When registering, please indicate that you are with Shalom Zone and would like to do builds in Marion and surrounding counties.  Those who have previously registered need not register again.  Children under 16 are welcome but need to be accompanied by a parent.  We need to know who is available to help with the June 24 build.  If you are available to help on the morning of June 24, please notify the office as soon as possible so we can coordinate the Shalom Zone team.  If enough folks are available, we could form 2 or more teams and build multiple ramps at different locations.  Please consider if you are able to help with this worthwhile cause.

AVP (Alternatives to Violence Project) Indiana is planning a Community Basic Workshop to be held in Indianapolis. It will be at West Newton Friends Meeting (6800 S. Mooresville Rd.) on Saturday and Sunday, August 26-27. They will meet from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm both days. Lunch and dinner will be provided. They are using a sliding fee scale to cover food and expenses of the workshop: $10 to $40, depending on your financial means. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. AVP seeks to help those interested in learning new and creative ways to respond to conflict in personal relationships and groups. The workshops use the shared experience of participants, interactive exercises, games and role-plays to examine the ways in which we respond to situations where injustice, prejudice, frustrations and anger can lead to aggressive behavior and violence. The training is highly experiential and fun, with participants choosing many of the ways in which the exercises and skill-learning occurs. For more information and to register, visit their website at www.avpindiana.org/registration. Please register by August 18.