Friend to Friend May 23, 2018

May 24, 2018

As Way Opens

This extended weekend we celebrate Memorial Day and the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500. With these events on my mind, I began pondering the roots of this special holiday weekend. My research uncovered more than expected. And yes, there was a racetrack involved back in May of 1865 on what historians have begun to consider the very first Decoration/Memorial Day.

In the book Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory, Professor David W. Blight made a case for Charleston, South Carolina, as Memorial Day’s birthplace. Charleston was the site of an obscure (possibly suppressed) May 1865 event held at a racetrack turned war prison where freed slaves properly reburied hundreds of Union dead found there and then held a ceremony to dedicate the cemetery. This event took place almost 3 years prior to Civil War General John Logan’s call for a national holiday in 1868.

To think that African American freed slaves founded Decoration Day at a graveyard of 257 Union soldiers is astonishing and an important story that needs to be known.

In recalling the day, David W. Blight compiled the following details from articles which appeared in the Charleston Daily Courier of that day.

The “First Decoration Day,” as this event came to be recognized in some circles in the North, involved an estimated ten thousand people, most of them black former slaves. During April, twenty-eight black men from one of the local churches built a suitable enclosure for the burial ground at the Race Course.

At nine o’clock in the morning on May 1, the procession to this special cemetery began as three thousand black schoolchildren (newly enrolled in freed slave schools) marched around the Race Course, each with an armload of roses and singing “John Brown’s Body.” The children were followed by three hundred black women representing the Patriotic Association, a group organized to distribute clothing and other goods among the freed people. The women carried baskets of flowers, wreaths, and crosses to the burial ground. The Mutual Aid Society, a benevolent association of black men, next marched in cadence around the track and into the cemetery, followed by large crowds of white and black citizens.

All dropped their spring blossoms on the graves in a scene recorded by a newspaper correspondent: “when all had left, the holy mounds — the tops, the sides, and the spaces between them — were one mass of flowers, not a speck of earth could be seen; and as the breeze wafted the sweet perfumes from them, outside and beyond … there were few eyes among those who knew the meaning of the ceremony that were not dim with tears of joy.”

The official dedication ceremony was conducted by the ministers of all the black churches in Charleston. With prayer, the reading of biblical passages, and the singing of spirituals, black Charlestonians gave birth to an American tradition. In so doing, they declared the meaning of the war in the most public way possible — by their labor, their words, their songs, and their solemn parade of roses, lilacs, and marching feet on the old planters’ Race Course.

After the dedication, the crowds gathered at the Race Course grandstand to hear some thirty speeches by Union officers, local black ministers, and abolitionist missionaries. Picnics ensued around the grounds, and in the afternoon, a full brigade of Union infantry, including Colored Troops, marched in double column around the martyrs’ graves and held a drill on the infield of the Race Course. The war was over, and Memorial Day had been founded by African Americans in a ritual of remembrance and consecration.

To the African American freed slaves, these Union soldiers had paid the ultimate sacrifice for their freedom. Too often today, Memorial Day is overly focused on glorifying war and promoting a glamorous patriotism through parades and family cookouts, while missing stories like this one. Quakers have always wrestled with supporting the goals of war and lives being given, but I believe if we promoted stories like this, we could honor the sacrifices made while giving credit where it is due. Let us respond on this weekend as the freed slaves did in 1865, together in honor, benevolence, and peace.

Grace and peace,

Bob

Joys & Concerns

Let’s give many thanks to our food pantry volunteers for the food pantry last week: Christie M; Dan H; Beth S; Linda and Rik L; Kathy and Bill F; and Carol and Jim D. Thanks for volunteering!

It is a late-start gardening season and the gardeners are happy to be planting! Soon you will see more plants as the seeds reveal the miracles they have stored inside over the winter. A little kiss from the sun and some life-giving rain tend to renew. That which was dormant is now growing and bursting with life. Out of darkness, God has called creation into the light… again.

Meanwhile, our compost bin is full of fall leaves. We are adding coffee grounds, eggshells and tea bags—no diseased or parasitic plants, weeds or pest-attracting garbage. Weeds go in a trash bin or in a pile behind the cistern to be hauled away later.

Rebuilt and new raised beds are coated with non-toxic butcher oil to preserve the woods. Tools are sanitized and somewhat rust-proofed when we dip them into a mixture of sand and linseed oil stored in a galvanized, lidded garbage can (prevents fire).

We share seeds, work, knowledge, laughs and produce. Thank you, Friends, for supporting our efforts. Take some walks around our plots throughout the growing season and be inspired as you watch the magic!

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

Friends Peace Teams: AVP and Healing Communities – Friends Peace Teams, a spirit-led organization working for intergenerational transformation, is holding a workshop. They will be breaking cycles of oppression through investing in people-to-people exchanges and healing trauma. Here you can meet coordinators of the Asia West Pacific initiative: John Machaelis from Sydney Australia, and Nadine Hoover from New York. Please join us at Earlham School of Religion, Quigg Worship Room, on May 24, 2018, 7:00-8:30pm. For more information and to RSVP, please contact jeannemariemudd@gmail.com.

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 June 30th, 2018. For an application please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.

Native American Crafts Needed! WYM Outreach Board is looking for donations for the Native American table during WYM annual sessions July 12-15. Items they would like: handcrafts (new) food, needlework, etc. Items need to be priced. Contact Norma W or Terry T for questions.

Women at the Well: A gathering of women who ponder current issues and topics, where differing views are discussed, no decisions are made, and food and drinks are enjoyed. It will take place every fourth Thursday of the month, and our next gathering will be on Thursday, May 24th, 7pm, at Redemption Aleworks (7035 E 96th St, Indianapolis/Fishers). Join other women of First Friends and enjoy a wonderful night of conversation together.

Make Plans for Memorial Day Weekend! Join us on Sunday, May 27th 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.

Happy Memorial Day! Memorial Day Sunday is an opportunity for us to remember those we love, especially those who have died in service to our country—whether in the military or in non-combat support and care of our troops. In observance of Memorial Day on May 28th, please note that there will be no Monday Meditational Worship as the church/office will be closed that day. We hope you have a good holiday.

Meditational Woods Bird of the Month for May

Fish Crow – Immigrant: Welcome or Not?
By Brad Jackson

Note: In the drawing of the all-black Fish Crow, I tried to show how the sunlight causes a sheen on the feathers.  Besides the call, the shorter legs and smaller bill help distinguish it from the larger American Crow. — Note: In the drawing of the all-black Fish Crow, I tried to show how the sunlight causes a sheen on the feathers. Besides the call, the shorter legs and smaller bill help distinguish it from the larger American Crow.

It took me a long time to choose my Bird of the Month for May. After all, the middle of May is the part of the year when one can find the largest number of species in Indiana. Ducks and other early migrants may still be around, while late migrants may have already arrived. Then there are all of the regulars in between. But while sitting in the Meditational Woods, once at the end of April, and again in early May I heard a sound from the north, beyond the woods.

Fish Crows are common on the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Coast from New England southward. Many years ago they began moving up the Mississippi River, and I remember driving all the way to the southwest tip of Indiana to see the first Fish Crows in Indiana. Since then they have continued northward and have a colony at Eagle Creek Reservoir. Once at the end of April and a second time in early May, I was sitting in the woods when I heard the unmistakable nasal call “Ehn” of a Fish Crow. Quite unlike the “Caw” of an American Crow. Fish Crows have arrived on our side of town! I rushed out of the woods so I could find the bird, which had perched atop the giant power line tower just beyond the meeting’s north property line. Later this bird flew into the neighborhood to the east, calling continuously.

Most species that are forced immigrants, that is, brought in to a place for dubious reasons and released, cause havoc, often to themselves (such as released pet birds), but often to the detriment of other birds. Examples of this are House Sparrow and European Starling, both brought from Europe and released in the United States on purpose.

Fish Crows, on the other hand, have arrived by themselves. They hang around with the American Crows, and, so far, seem to be holding their own. Building a wall won’t keep them out. Besides, I like the addition of their nasal voices to the chorus of all of the other birds which one hears in and from the Meditational Woods. They blend in nicely, but retain their identity. I say, “Welcome!”

VBS Volunteers Needed! This year we are having Vacation Bible School from Sunday July 22nd through Thursday, July 26th. This year’s theme is Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus. We are looking for volunteers that can help either one night or the whole week. On Sunday VBS will be from 12-2pm, and the rest of the week will be from 6-8pm. This is a wonderful event that children look forward to each year and we are able to offer it free of charge thanks to volunteers like you! If you’d like to help, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.

Summertime Special Music! Do you have a musical gift in ministry you’d like to share in our Meeting for Worship? As our choir takes a well-deserved hiatus for the summer, we are looking for volunteers to share their music. We need performers most Sundays from June 3rd through September 2nd. Please consider signing up for a date when you’d be willing to offer it in Meeting. Your ministry can be a blessing during this season of the year. Thank you!

Climate Change Policy Planning Workshop: POSTPONED ~ Please note that the workshop on climate change policy that was scheduled for Tuesday, May 29th is being postponed. Please keep an eye out for an update on the rescheduled event.

Fifth Tuesday: An Introduction to Human Trafficking in Indianapolis ~ The five churches of the Shalom Zone, Allisonville Christian Church, Cross & Crown Lutheran Church, Epworth United Methodist Church, First Friends Meeting, and St. Pius X Catholic Church, will be sponsoring “Fifth Tuesday Presentation” this year. Each month that contains a 5th Tuesday, a special presentation will be offered. The initial event is May 29, 2018. Subsequent presentations will be scheduled for July 31 and October 30, 2018.

On Tuesday, May 29, join us for our first presentation at Epworth United Methodist Church, 6450 Allisonville Rd. The topic is “An Introduction to Human Trafficking in Indianapolis”. An officer from IMPD and Sven Schumacher from Lutheran Child and Family Services will share information about Human Trafficking in Indianapolis.

The Indiana Attorney General’s Office has said human trafficking—which involves both labor and sex trafficking—is one of the largest and fastest-growing problems in the world, just behind the drug trade. Shalom Zone hopes to raise awareness about human trafficking and provide education on how to address the problem in our community.

Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading: Truevine: Two Brothers, a Kidnapping, and a Mother's Quest: A True Story of the Jim Crow South by Beth Macy will be held Tuesday, May 29th at 7 pm in the Parlor. If you'd like to read ahead for the June 26th discussion, the title is In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson.

AVP Annual National Gathering ~ All are invited to join the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) annual conference held this year at Earlham College in Richmond. It will be on Memorial Day weekend, May 25-28. If you’re interested in registering, please visit https://goo.gl/7Mhh9K. In an attempt to bring their work to high school students, AVP is also trying to raise funds to help send some of their students to the conference as well. They have included in the program a youth panel discussion which their students will participate with youth from AVP programs in New Jersey and New York. They have invited the Peace Learning Center to be a part of this as well. This is an exciting opportunity for the students. It costs $100 to send one high school student to the entire weekend conference where they will have the opportunity to meet and learn from experienced AVP facilitators from across the country. If you’re interested in donating, please visit https://avpindiana.org/.

SAWS Ramp Build- Volunteers Needed! The Shalom Zone is planning another SAWS ramp build for the morning of Saturday, June 2nd. If you would like to volunteer to help or need more information, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org. Volunteers must complete the volunteer form before their first build. This form can be found on the SAWS website at http://www.sawsramps.org/.

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

The Indianapolis Pride Parade will be June 9th beginning at 9am this year. We will be walking in support of the LGBTQ community. If you are interested in walking with us, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org. For more information about the parade, please visit https://indypride.org/

Seasoned Friends Open Film Showing – Columbus ~ Everyone is invited to this Seasoned Friends event where we will be viewing the film Columbus. This will be in preparation for a field trip Seasoned Friends will later be taking to Columbus, Indiana. It will be held Thursday, June 21st at 6:00pm in the Parlor. Everyone, even those not in Seasoned Friends, are invited. Also keep your eye out for more information regarding the Seasoned Friends field trip to Columbus shortly after the film showing. We hope to see you there!

Worship in the Woods – Mark Your Calendars! Please note that our annual Worship in the Woods and picnic will be held Sunday, July 8. We will also hold a dedication of the new Mediational Woods path, in memory of Bob Hadley. We hope you will join us on that day.

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Friend to Friend May 16, 2018

May 17, 2018

As Way Opens

This past Sunday morning I showed up to Meeting feeling sad and tired. It had been a long week full of difficult emotions and a busyness that had left me depleted. My expectations were low for the day and I felt an emptiness of God’s presence.

And then I entered into what we Quakers call a “gathered meeting”. Thomas Kelly describes a gathered meeting as “A blanket of Divine covering that comes over the room, and a quickening Presence pervades us, breaking down some part of the special privacy and isolation of our individual lives and blending our spirits with a super-individual Life and Power - an objective, dynamic Presence which enfolds us all, nourishes our souls, speaks glad, unutterable comfort within us, and quickens in us depths that had before been slumbering. The Burning Bush has been kindled in our midst and we stand on holy ground.”

In our semi-programmed tradition, I think a gathered meeting can happen during song, messages, fellowship and open worship. For me on Sunday It started during Sunday School as the Tinsley girls asked if we could sort stamps for Right Sharing of World Resources. We all sat around the ping pong table, sorting stamps, talking and singing. And then Erin Tinsley wanted to sit with me during Meeting for Worship and we joyfully sang Morning Has Broken (one of my favorites) as our opening hymn. The choir, Eric’s vocal offertory, the children, Bob’s message encouraging us to come alive, the open worship, the closing hymn Come and Go With Me…. the time together was so full of joy and lifted my spirit. I felt I was standing on holy ground.

This is why I am a Quaker and why our world needs what Quakers can offer. I come to worship with all of you never knowing how God’s spirit will move. I don’t come to be entertained or hear a performance. I come with an expectant heart listening for God’s voice and being connected with all of you in this amazing faith community. Thank you all for how you minister to me each week.

Beth

Joys & Concerns

Fun & Successful Garden Work Day ~ Several new garden plots are expansions for the First Friends vegetable garden. An enthusiastic crew gathered to build, paint, and ready the space during our Cinco de Mayo work day. The happy crowd wrapped up the day with a feast of authentic Mexican tacos, a tres leche cake, delicious homemade salsa and more. We are trying out a large used wagon to aid in moving water, soil and plants. The compact bin is in use and a small rototiller donated by Culver G is a perfect size for our small plots. Thank you everyone for your work and generous contributions!

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

Friends Peace Teams: AVP and Healing Communities – Friends Peace Teams, a spirit-led organization working for intergenerational transformation, is holding a workshop. They will be breaking cycles of oppression through investing in people-to-people exchanges and healing trauma. Here you can meet coordinators of the Asia West Pacific initiative: John Machaelis from Sydney Australia, and Nadine Hoover from New York. Please join us at Earlham School of Religion, Quigg Worship Room, on May 24, 2018, 7:00-8:30pm. For more information and to RSVP, please contact jeannemariemudd@gmail.com.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Threshing at the Tap: (def.) a gathering of men who mull over current issues or topics, where all points of view are heard, no decisions are made, and beverages and food are enjoyed. This month we will be meeting at Big Lug Canteen. We will meet TOMORROW, Thursday, May 17th at 7pm. The address is 1435 E 86th St, Indianapolis, 46240. We hope to see you there!

Rise Up Singalong! Enjoy an evening of fun and songs old and new. Experience the retro delight of making music together. The next Sing Along with Jim K and Dan H will be May 18th, the third Friday of the month, at 7:00 in the parlor. Those who have Rise Up Singing and Rise Again, please bring them. We are planning a song list ahead of time and will have enlarged copies of the selections for those who lack books. Those who want to purchase books may get them directly from riseupandsing.org. Or, if you must, through Amazon. You may save a few dollars from Amazon, but you support the authors more by going directly. Learn more about the books on the website. Contact Linda L if you have questions.

Spring Cleaning in the Woods: Put on your work gloves and join us in the Woods on Saturday, May 19th @ 9 AM! We will freshen up the Woods for Spring! Our Woods is becoming a haven for local and migrating birds. Come enjoy the fellowship of working with others to care for creation. If you have questions please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.

Mid North Food Pantry - Food Drive ~ Folks from First Friends have financially supported the Mid North Food Pantry for many years. November has been the month when we have typically held our food pantry drive. For a couple of reasons, we are now having our food pantry drive in May this year. We have learned that the pantry has its biggest need in the summer since kids are out of school and are not receiving breakfast and/or lunch from their schools during the summer. A collection earlier in the year also helps the pantry better plan its budget for the calendar year. Please do what you can to help those who rely on the pantry and donate as you are led. Checks can be made to First Friends with “food pantry” noted in the memo section. We will hold the food drive through this Sunday, May 20th. Thank you for your support!

Jeff Rasley’s New Book “Island Adventures” ~ “Want a break from angst-causing daily headlines? If you would enjoy an escape through tales of adventure on exotic islands, this little book is for you” (Midsummer Books). Jeff Rasley has a new book out! It is called Island Adventures - Disconnecting in the Caribbean and South Pacific. It is intended to be amusing, informative, and spiritually renewing. The paperback only costs $9.99 and the eBook $3.99.

You can order it through your favorite book store, or find it on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/ISLAND-ADVENTURES-Disconnecting-Caribbean-Pacific-ebook/dp/B07CVL8VJ7

A callout for some native shade tolerant plants! If you have some extra wild ginger, may apples, trillium, etc that you’d love to donate to the Woods, please bring them this Sunday or anytime it’s convenient. Don’t know what’s native? Check out the INPAWS.org website. We are trying to recreate a native habitat that will nurture our native birds and insects. Having native plants provides pollination for fruits and insects provide protein for any nesting birds. Drop Mary B a line if you have any questions.

Women at the Well ~ A gathering of women who ponder current issues and topics, where differing views are discussed, no decisions are made, and food and drinks are enjoyed. It will take place every fourth Thursday of the month, and our next gathering will be on Thursday, May 24th, 7pm, at Redemption Aleworks (7035 E 96th St, Indianapolis/Fishers). Join other women of First Friends and enjoy a wonderful night of conversation together.

Climate Change Policy Planning Workshop ~ Join us for a workshop on climate change policy. Here is a chance to make your voice heard! Come and give feedback on policies impacting your environment and your future. Pollution and climate change are massive issues that we can only tackle by getting together to show organized support for healthier (necessary) alternatives. We can't expect to change the powerful forces working against this initiative without a little love and attention. It will be held here at First Friends on Tuesday, May 29th at 7:00pm. Dinner is provided. Please join us!

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Friend to Friend May 9, 2018

May 15, 2018

As Way Opens

In preparing to speak this Thursday (6pm) for the Friends in Action Conference at Iglesia Amigos, I reviewed Quaker Parker Palmer’s Five Habits of the Heart. These were introduced to me at a pastor’s conference a couple of years ago. Palmer says they “are deeply ingrained ways of seeing, being and responding to life that involve our minds, our emotions, our self-image, and our concepts of meaning and purpose in life.” I believe keeping these five habits ingrained in our being is key to the ongoing growth and development of First Friends. I hope you will take some time this week to reflect on, wrestle with, and allow these habits to speak and shape how you interact with those in your communities of influence. I suggest printing them out and placing them somewhere you will see them often and where you will be reminded to live them out.

1. An understanding that we are all in this together.

Despite our illusions of individualism and national superiority, we humans are a profoundly interconnected species—entwined with one another and with all forms of life, as the global economic and ecological crises reveal in vivid and frightening detail. We must embrace the simple fact that we are dependent upon and accountable to one another, and that includes the stranger, the “alien” other.

2. An appreciation of the value of “otherness.”

“…[W]e spend most of our lives in “tribes” or lifestyle enclaves—and that thinking of the world in terms of “us” and “them” is one of the many limitations of the human mind. The good news is that “us and them” does not have to mean “us versus them.” Instead, it can remind us of the ancient tradition of hospitality to the stranger…Hospitality rightly understood is premised on the notion that the stranger has much to teach us. Of course, we will not practice deep hospitality if we do not embrace the creative possibilities inherent in our differences.

3. An ability to hold tension in life-giving ways.

Our lives are filled with contradictions—from the gap between our aspirations and our behavior, to observations and insights we cannot abide because they run counter to our convictions. If we fail to hold them creatively, these contradictions will shut us down and take us out of the action. [Rather,] the genius of the human heart lies in its capacity to use these tensions to generate insight, energy, and new life.

4. A sense of personal voice and agency.

Insight and energy give rise to new life as we speak out and act out our own version of truth, while checking and correcting it against the truths of others. …[It is] possible for us, young and old alike, to find our voices, learn how to speak them, and know the satisfaction that comes from contributing to positive change—if we have the support of a community.

5. A capacity to create community.

Without a community, it is nearly impossible to exercise the “power of one” in a manner that multiplies… The steady companionship of two or three kindred spirits can kindle the courage we need to speak and act…

From Healing the Heart of Democracy by Parker Palmer

May the Creator grant us wisdom as we make these habits part of our practice of living out the Quaker Way in our neighborhoods and homes!

Grace and peace,

Bob

Joys & Concerns

Many Thanks to our Food Pantry Volunteers! We were very busy at the Mid North Food Pantry last Wednesday. We served over 100 families. But First Friends’ volunteers answered the call. Volunteers included Derek S, Ray G, Faye H (visiting from New Mexico!), Phil K, Dan H, Beth S, Rik and Linda L, and Carol and Jim D. Thanks to our volunteers and to all who have helped support the pantry.

Many thanks to José and Rocio for taking the time to do a thorough cleaning of our kitchen. It looks much better! Please help us keep it clean!

Lost some glasses? Some sunglasses were found in Fellowship Hall. If they belong to you, please come to the office lost and found to retrieve them!

Bob & Beth joined the Prayer Vigil today with Faith in Indiana to stop the deportation of Sonia (a fellow Friend from Iglesia Amigos). We also joined in a Jericho Walk around the detention center as a peaceful protest. There were nearly 50 people who joined in the vigil and march from various faith traditions in Brazil, Indiana.

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

Friends in Action – “Let Your Life Speak” ~ All are invited to attend the Friends in Action conference on Thursday, May 10th at 6:00pm hosted by Iglesia Amigos. Come hear what Quakers are doing in these times of confusion. We will hear from our own Bob Henry about our grounding of social justice in scripture and in our Quaker tradition. We will hear from Brian Young and Lamont Hulse and their experience of defying power and also what Friends in Muncie are doing with Neighbors for Justice. We will also have delicious food and good fellowship. Held at Iglesia Amigos, 831 N. Edmondson Ave, Indianapolis, 46219. For more information, please call 317-719-5015.

FCNL Anniversary Celebration ~ Join the Friends Committee on National Legislation at Earlham College in Richmond on the weekend of May 11-13, 2018 for a 75th anniversary celebration. The theme will be “Returning to Our Roots” as they celebrate 75 years working for “the world we seek.” The events will begin at 1:30pm on Friday and will include various workshops, panels, receptions, luncheons, and speakers, including Indiana Senator Todd Young. To view the full schedule of events and to RSVP, please visit http://fcnl.org/richmond75. If you have questions, you can contact Anna McCormally at Anna@fcnl.org or (202) 903-2522.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Happy Mother’s Day! This weekend we wish a happy Mother’s Day to all who might be mothers, who want to be mothers, those who are a motherly figure to someone, and those who are caregivers alike. Also join us this Sunday May 13th as Beth will be selling chocolate, coffee, and tea to help raise money for youth group. We will see you there!

You can order it through your favorite book store, or find it on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/ISLAND-ADVENTURES-Disconnecting-Caribbean-Pacific-ebook/dp/B07CVL8VJ7

Calling All Graduates! ~ As we do each year, we will be honoring our graduates on Sunday, May 20th. If you or someone in your family is graduating from high school or college, please notify the office so we may acknowledge them! office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485.

The Indianapolis Pride Parade will be June 9th beginning at 9am this year. We will be walking in support of the LGBTQ community. If you are interested in walking with us, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org. For more information about the parade, please visit https://indypride.org/

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Friend to Friend May 2, 2018

May 3, 2018

As Way Opens

This week we will have a guest writer for “As Way Opens” – our own John M!

Several months ago, I talked with Bob about my father’s life experiences. He asked me to write about him for the weekly meeting newsletter. I said no, I was not ready. However, after a recent message: “Now, What Are We To Do?” it came to me that now was the time.

At the beginning of World War II, my father received conscientious objector status for the draft. I know that this was not popular in either his family (son of a Methodist minister) or my mother’s (daughter of a prominent farmer/ entrepreneur), both conservative Nebraskans. He had a Ph.D. in cytology and was a college professor.

He was eventually called up and assigned to a Civilian Public Service Camp in North Dakota. After considerable thought about the work he and other camp members had been assigned (busy work of no importance to anyone) and a strong belief that his medical related skills were needed elsewhere to help those who were suffering due to the war or other situations, he walked out of the camp. He was quickly arrested, had a trial (after a year’s delay- due to federal court sessions only once a year), and sentenced to three years in prison. He had an unusual and understanding judge and was put on probation after his sentencing to work for the American Friends Service Committee in India. This was the first time any convicted CO had been allowed probation after conviction. He did not know this would be result of his action when he walked away from the camp and was willing to accept what course the law required. As such, his actions caused some relatives to disown him and my mother and many relatives never spoke to, or acknowledged, their existence from that time on.

Previously, he had been fired from a college because he caught the star quarterback cheating on a final exam and refused the college president’s command to give him another exam.

During the Vietnam War he became vocal in his opposition to the war, including articles in the local paper. A member of the College’s Board of Trustees, also the member of Congress for the local congressional district, demanded that he be fired, although he was a tenured professor.

At this time, my parents left the United States and went to Canada. My father taught at a Canadian university until he retired. My parents lived in Canada, as naturalized Canadian citizens, until their deaths.

Would I have had the strength of his convictions and taken a similar course of action? That I do not know. The question is particularly relevant today.

What action(s) is Christ asking us to take in this hurting society and world to acknowledge, speak to, and uphold, that of God in every person no matter their color, lifestyle, financial situation, location, personal belief, or anything else that makes them different from us?

Where are you?

John M

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

Quaker Voluntary Service at First Friends! Come to Meeting this Sunday, May 6th to learn more about Quaker Voluntary Service (QVS)! QVS is an 11-month experiment, living at the intersection of transformational spirituality and activism. Young adults work full-time in professional positions at community-based organizations addressing a wide range of issues, while living in a cooperative house and worshiping with, and being mentored by, local Quakers. Our guest speaker for the morning message that day will be Christina Repoley, founding executive director at QVS. Currently living in Atlanta, GA, Christina has a rich history of Quakerism and activism. She has carried the leading to create QVS for many years and is thrilled that it is finally coming into being. Christina will be giving the morning message on Sunday at 10:15, and will also be hosting an open house in our Parlor that day at 4pm. Please join us as we celebrate and learn more about this important program!

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

We are preparing for the spring with our community garden. Please reach out to the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485 if you are interested in having a garden box and participating in the organic community garden by Friday, May 4th. We'll have a community garden work day on May 5th starting at 10 am to get the season started! We’ll have a pitch-in Cinco De Mayo picnic at 12:30. Also if you can, please bring tools to share (be sure to write your name on them)! We’ll be building new raised beds and adding compost to the plot. Can't wait to see you all there!

Broad Ripple Park Master Plan Open House ~ Broad Ripple Park is our closest public park. The City of Indianapolis and Indy Parks is continuing the process of developing a comprehensive Broad Ripple Park Master Plan with public open houses. This plan will guide future development and partnership opportunities in the park. There are two remaining public comment meetings to discuss future planning and development. The next meeting is today, May 2 from 6-8 pm at Broad Ripple High School Auditorium. For more information, please visithttps://www.broadripplepark.org/please-come-broad-ripple-park-to-get-master-plan/

Fix It: Healthcare at the Tipping Point ~ Why do we Americans pay the world’s highest health care costs that leaves many Americans vulnerable? An entrepreneurial businessman explores the high cost of coverage for his employees. Join us for a screening of the documentary film Fix It: Healthcare at the Tipping Point, and a discussion to follow. Our discussion will be led by Rob Stone, M.D., a palliative care physician and director of Hoosiers for a Commonsense Health Plan. It will be held Thursday, May 3rd at 7PM in the Parlor. Please contact the office with any questions at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485. Co-sponsored by Hoosiers for a Commonsense Health Plan and People of Faith for Access to Medicines. You can find additional information at https://www.nuvo.net/screens/fix-it-healthcare-at-the-tipping-point/article_1950ff9a-4c98-11e8-a4a1-6b0d80d08a69.html

Community Soup ~ Witness & Service will host the next Community Soup, this Friday May 4th, from 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Please note that we have changed the date back to Friday instead of Thursday. Everyone is invited to this very informal dinner. If you’d like you’re welcome to bring a soup or salad but not necessary. Our motto is: No cooking, no cleanup, no cost! Hope to see you there.

Youth Group this Sunday ~ Calling all youth! We will hold Youth Group after worship this Sunday, May 6 at 11:30, led by Aaron and Michelle T and Ben W. See you there!

Changing Footprints ~ We appreciate your donations of unneeded footwear for Changing Footprints. Please fill the container in Fellowship Hall in the Donation Station corner. Last year our Indy shoe room location gave more than 46,000 pairs to primarily Indy-area nonprofit organizations. We also helped hurricane victims in Texas and Puerto Rico! Thank you all for your support.

Help keep our kitchen clean! In an effort to keep our kitchen clean and pest-free, and to ensure the health of all of our congregation, please help us by keeping the following guidelines: If you leave food in the kitchen, please make sure it is labeled and properly dated, to ensure food is not kept longer than is safe. If you bring food to share during fellowship hour, please take leftovers home with you, as things left in the kitchen may not be served or discarded in a timely manner. We will occasionally clean out the fridge and dispose of anything not labeled or that is too old, so if you wish to keep anything, please take it home on a timely basis. Thank you!

SAWS Ramp Build- Volunteers Needed! The Shalom Zone is planning another SAWS ramp build for the morning of Saturday, June 2nd. If you would like to volunteer to help or need more information, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485. Volunteers must complete the volunteer form before their first build. This form can be found on the SAWS website at http://www.sawsramps.org/.

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Friend to Friend April 25, 2018

April 26, 2018

As Way Opens

Since Christmas, I have spent several of my days off at Newfields (formerly the Indianapolis Art Museum) taking in the collections. Not only does art inspire me, it also allows me to center myself and find renewal in my ministry, family, and artistic life.

On a recent visit, I found myself drawn to the Eiteljorg Suite of African Art on the 3rd floor at Newfields. As I meandered through the exhibit, I was not expected to be moved so deeply by one unique piece of art. The piece was titled The Healing of the Abiku Children by artist: Twins Seven-Seven (1973). On further research of this piece, I learned it was made from a large wooden plaque intricately carved and dyed with pigment to depict an important Yoruba ceremony.

As I pondered the interesting scene, I found a seat where I could study the piece in greater detail. I was moved by the colors, the faces, the story being told, and the native culture represented. I could not help but think of our faith tribe, the Quakers. Many early Quakers did not fancy art and at times discouraged artists by calling it a frivolous pursuit. As an artist, I find this a bit problematic, because I believe our art speaks volumes to who we are, what we believe, and the progress we have made.

At a recent conference on Racial Justice and Your Congregation, we heard about the importance of art in our places of worship and how it can help or hinder people feeling welcome. It had me taking a closer look at the art in our main hallway at First Friends. Next time you enter the Meeting, take a moment to consider what the message, the colors, the stories of our art conveys to people of other races, nationalities and cultures, our Native American sisters and brothers, or to those simply not having a background in Quaker history? Does our art welcome, represent, and inspire all people as they enter into our Meetinghouse?

*The Light Shines Forth by Bob Henry will be on display at First Friends beginning this week.*

These are just a few of the reasons, I have decided to begin creating new Quaker art. In my first, The Light Shines Forth (20”x20” acrylic on canvas) I utilized a similar style to that of the African piece that had inspired me by Twin Seven-Seven. Not only did I want it to convey our Quaker distinctives, I also sensed a need to tell a story of our rich history of social action while including faces from several different cultures and races. I chose the historic Quaker grays to represent the equality among us and yellow to represent the importance of the Light throughout. As well, the simplicity and rudimentary design of the artistic style is befitting our Quaker heritage. You may also note that Margaret Fell takes a slightly higher position in the center over George Fox to show the importance of the leadership of women from the very beginning among Quakers.

My hope is that new art will offer welcome, representation, and inspiration for a new generation within the Society of Friends. If you are an artist, of any medium of form, I challenge you to consider joining with me in seeing how your art can reflect our Quaker heritage and values and be a welcoming presence in our present day.

Grace and Peace,

Bob

Joys & Concerns

A big thank-you to our food pantry volunteers! Sue M, Susan R, Dan H, Ray G, Beth F, Linda L, Carol and Jim D. Thanks to all the volunteers who “stepped up” when some of our “regulars” were not available.

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

Quaker Voluntary Service at First Friends! Come to Meeting on Sunday, May 6th to learn more about Quaker Voluntary Service (QVS)! QVS is an 11-month experiment, living at the intersection of transformational spirituality and activism. Young adults work full-time in professional positions at community-based organizations addressing a wide range of issues, while living in a cooperative house and worshiping with, and being mentored by, local Quakers. Our guest speaker for the morning message that day will be Christina Repoley, founding executive director at QVS. Currently living in Atlanta, GA, Christina has a rich history of Quakerism and activism. She has carried the leading to create QVS for many years and is thrilled that it is finally coming into being. Christina will also be hosting an open house in our Parlor that day at 4pm. Please join us as we celebrate and learn more about this important program!

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Calling All Graduates! ~ As we do each year, we will be honoring our graduates next month on Sunday, May 20th. If you or someone in your family is graduating from high school or college, please notify the office so we may acknowledge them! office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485.

Women at the Well ~ A gathering of women who ponder current issues and topics, where differing views are discussed, no decisions are made, and food and drinks are enjoyed. It will take place every fourth Thursday of the month, and our next gathering will be on Thursday, April 26, 7pm, at Cooper Still (917 Conner St, Noblesville). Join other women of First Friends and enjoy a wonderful night of conversation together.

MSPC’s Rummage Sale ~ All are invited to Meridian Street Preschool Co-op’s rummage sale, happening Saturday April 28th from 10am-2pm! It will be held just outside of our building. In case of rain, the sale will be moved to May 5th from 10am-2pm. We hope you will come to help support MSPC!

All are invited to join in the City Nature Challenge! This challenge, created by the March for Science, is an effort for cities to find and document as much urban nature as possible by challenging residents to become citizen scientists: Residents are asked to explore their area (backyard, playgrounds, parks, etc.) for plants and bugs/animals, document their findings (take a photo), and report them (via the iNaturalist website or app). The underlying objective of this event is to develop a new baseline of a city’s biodiversity and to monitor how exactly change is accelerating. The City Nature Challenge will be April 27-30, 2018 and will be undertaken in dozens of cities across the world this year, and Indianapolis will be one of those cities competing in this international event! For more information and to join the challenge, please visit https://sciencemarchind.org/events/cnc/. This event has the potential to the largest citizen science event in Hoosier history, so sign-up today and make history!

In the Footsteps of Jesus’ Pilgrimage ~ Please join us on Sunday, April 29th at 9:00am as we combine our Sunday School classes to view a presentation by our own Gary W. Come see a scripture-based tour of the highlights of Gary & Cheryll's eleven-day pilgrimage in Israel. Gary will present just a small portion of the things seen and the places walked on their Pilgrimage. We will see you there!

Free VOCE Concert! ~ VOCE and Friends presents A Concert of Favorite Opera Choruses. VOCE is a vocal group of which our own Carolyn T is a member. They will be putting on a free concert on Sunday, April 29th, 3:00pm at Marion University, 3200 Cold Springs Rd, Indianapolis, 46222. Their performance will feature works by Giacomo Puccini, Georges Bizet, Guiseppe Verdi, Richard Wagner, Henry Purcell, Charles Gounod, Douglas Moore and Leonard Bernstein. A free-will offering is appreciated. We hope to see you there!

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 visit our website at www.indyfriends.org/friends-education-fund/. Completed applications should be emailed to FriendsEducationFund@indyfriends.org. Applications are being accepted through May 1st, 2018. The selected applicants will be celebrated later in June.

We are in need of volunteers for the Mid North Food Pantry! ~ Several of our “regulars” will not be able to volunteer at the food pantry on Wednesday May 2nd. If you are in town and available, please consider volunteering. The food pantry is located at 3333 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, and is open from 10am-2pm. You are welcome to stay the whole time or part of the time as you are able. Please contact the office with any questions at office@indyfriends.org. Thank you for your service!

Give us your stamps! The Right Sharing of World Resources (RSWR) stamp project is happy to accept used stamps of many types from all over the world. You can leave your stamp donations in the box in Fellowship Hall. Please note that while in the past we have accepted and sold collectibles in addition to stamps, we are now only able to process and sell stamps. In order for the stamps to be salable, please follow these guidelines:

USA stamps:
Cut or carefully tear the corner bearing the stamp(s) from the body of the envelope. If more than one stamp has been used for postage, remove the stamps as a group on the paper (do not remove separately). Leave a border of 1/8-1/4 inch around the stamp or group of stamps.

Especially desirable are:

Harry Potter or other popular culture stamps (television, movies, singers, comic books, etc.)
Stamps bearing values greater than 50 cents
Zazzle and personalized stamps

Please do not donate USA flag stamps, USA nonprofit stamps, or USA stamps from mail sent before 2000. These cannot be profitably sold.

Foreign stamps:
If the envelope is intact, leave the complete envelope, Otherwise, cut or carefully tear the corner bearing the stamp or group of stamps, leaving a 1/8-1/4 inch border.

Thank you for your support of this important ministry!

Spring Small Groups ~ Last Fall over 40 First Friends attenders and members gathered over 6 weeks at different times and locations to explore a book study and hold space for sharing parts of our spiritual autobiographies. It was a deeply enriching for those that were able to join! This Spring we have 1 more small group studies available to those that are able and interested in deepening their connections in a small group with Friends. Contact the office at office@indyfriends.org with your preferred time or sign up on Sundays just outside of the sanctuary when you're at worship. We ask that you commit to missing 2 or fewer sessions during the 5-6 week journeys together to build cohesive connection. Your presence is needed!

Exploring Your Spiritual Garden
Led by Linda L and Ed M
Location: Linda and Ed's home
Time: 6:30pm Wednesdays May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Instead of a book, we will have five focus questions: Examples might be: What nurtures your heart? How has forgiveness been important in your life? Has anger been helpful and when? What seeds do you want to grow more of?

"The Daughters of Z" Musical at Allisonville Christian ~ All are invited to "The Daughters of Z", a new musical based on 5 Sisters who are fighting for their inheritance at a time when such a thing was unthinkable. The musical is based on a short story of the same name from the book But God Remembered: Stories of Women from Creation to the Promised Land written by local Rabbi and writer Sandy Eisenberg Sasso. Sometime near the end of the Exodus, the 5 daughters of Z (Zelophehad) defy the law and convention of the day to petition for their father’s inheritance and land. Performances will be April 27 at 7pm, April 28 at 2pm and 7pm, and April 29 at 2pm at Allisonville Christian Church, 7701 Allisonville Rd. Tickets are $10 per person, $25 per family, or $7 per person for groups of 10 or more. For more information, visit www.allisonville.org.

Broad Ripple Park Master Plan Open House ~ Broad Ripple Park is our closest public park. The City of Indianapolis and Indy Parks is continuing the process of developing a comprehensive Broad Ripple Park Master Plan with public open houses. This plan will guide future development and partnership opportunities in the park. There are two remaining public comment meetings to discuss future planning and development. The next meeting is May 2 from 6-8 pm at Broad Ripple High School Auditorium. For more information, please visithttps://www.broadripplepark.org/please-come-broad-ripple-park-to-get-master-plan/

Community Soup ~ Witness & Service will host the next Community Soup, Friday May 4th, from 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Please note that we have changed the date back to Friday instead of Thursday. Everyone is invited to this very informal dinner. If you’d like you’re welcome to bring a soup or salad but not necessary. Our motto is: No cooking, no cleanup, no cost! Hope to see you there.

Youth Group Sunday ~ Calling all youth! We will hold Youth Group after worship on Sunday, May 6 at 11:30, led by Aaron and Michelle T and Ben W. See you there!

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Friend to Friend April 18, 2018

April 19, 2018

As Way Opens

Mark 2:5-12 - When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? 10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” 12 And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

I have a dear friend with a terminal illness that I have been seeing on a regular basis. Last week I was in her kitchen and saw this colored cutout made by a child with the words, "Stand up, take your mat and walk". I have been reflecting on the many meanings of this scripture from Mark. This is the story of the faith and care of friends of a paralyzed man that bring him to see Jesus and are so determined to have an encounter with Jesus that they make a hole in the roof and lower their friend on a mat in the house. Jesus blesses the faith of these men and tells the lame man to stand up and walk. The religious authorities are questioning Jesus’ words and his claim to forgive sins. And Jesus promptly forgives their sins and tells the man to go home and he does.

I think Jesus is telling us that we have to participate in our faith and our life needs to be in and through God and that we are co-creators with God. We can’t just lay on our mats and say, help me God. We can’t wallow in our perceived limitations, disabilities and sorrows. We must be active, get involved and be fully alive in our faith. I also think Jesus is telling us that we need a community of faith to give us love, support and encouragement and in turn for us to be the hands and feet of God to others. I believe my friend has this cutout on her refrigerator to remind her every day that she is picking up her mat with God, and must keep standing and walking through this valley of the shadow of death.

Beth

Joys & Concerns

Congratulations to Chelsea and Kendal T for winning the state First Robotics competition! First Robotics is a worldwide competition that was started by Dean Kamen (of Segway fame). The idea is that high schoolers challenge themselves using science, creativity and hard work to build a competition robot. Each year teams work on fundraising and outreach before the competition goal is revealed in January. After 6 weeks of designing and building, thousands of teams compete to have their robots accomplish various tasks. 36 teams qualified for the State Competition based on their performance in local/district matches. Chelsea and Kendal’s team, the TechHOUNDS recently won at the state level and will be competing against about 400 other teams in the world event this month in Detroit. If you’d like to see more, visit their team’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/Team868. Congratulations Kendal and Chelsea, and good luck!

Welcome Jackie! Congratulations to Katie and Milton F. who are welcoming Jackie to their family. Katie says, “Baby Jackie came home from the NICU this weekend. Thank you so much for the support and prayers from everyone at First Friends. It was really a long road, but Jackie is doing well and we are so glad to have her here safe and sound. We are very grateful for all the wonderful, heartfelt care we have been given.” Congratulations to the family!

Jon and Ruthie T. left Indianapolis almost exactly one year ago today. They have just left their home in Iowa and are unpacking in their new home in Washington State. Contact the office if you'd like their new address.

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

AFSC’s Gaza Unlocked: Hearing in the Heartland is a special opportunity to learn more about the crisis in Gaza and connect with others working to end the blockade. The event is modeled after a congressional committee fact-finding hearing. You’ll hear from expert witnesses who will share seldom-heard stories from Gaza about the impacts of the blockade and raise critical questions about U.S. policies in the region. Hearing in the Heartland is free and open to the public. After the hearing, join us for a ticketed dinner and celebration of Palestinian culture, featuring food, music, dance, and poetry. We hope you will join us on Saturday, April 21st, 1-5pm at the Indianapolis Central Library, 40 E St. Clair St. For more information or to buy tickets for the dinner, visit http://gazaunlocked.org/heartland.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

The Ordinance Film Screening & Discussion (Rescheduled) ~ Join the Indiana Assets & Opportunity Network, an initiative of Prosperity Indiana and the Indiana Institute for Working Families, for a screening of The Ordinance, a documentary that examines the payday and auto title loan industry while also following a small Texas town fighting for change. After the screening, members of a coalition of consumer advocates will lead a discussion about the film and answer attendees' questions about the payday industry in Indiana. Coalition members include Erin Macey, Indiana Institute for Working Families; Glen Tebbe, Indiana Catholic Conference; Bill Chapman, Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation; and Marie Morse, HomesteadCS. The event was postponed due to weather and will now be held Thursday, April 19 6:30-8:00pm at 1845 W. 18th St., Indianapolis. We hope to see you there!

Threshing at the Tap ~ In April, we are taking our "Threshing" to CHURCH - literally! Join us at St. Joseph Brewery and Public House. Saint Joseph Brewery and Public House was established in 2015, but the building that houses the restaurant and brewery has quite a history. In order to meet the demands of the growing population in the northeast section of Indianapolis, the Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis established the parish of St. Joseph in 1873, at that time it was the fourth Catholic parish in Indianapolis. Today, the church is a brewery and public house! We will be meeting at St. Joseph’s (540 N College Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202) on Thursday, April 19th at 7pm.

Threshing at the Tap: (def.) a gathering of men who mull over current issues or topics, where all points of view are heard, no decisions are made, and beverages and food are enjoyed.

Rise Up Singalong! The next Sing Along with Jim K and Dan H will be April 20th, the third Friday of the month, at 7:00 in the parlor. Those who have Rise Up Singing and Rise Again, please bring them. We are planning a song list ahead of time and will have enlarged copies of the selections for those who lack books. You are welcome to invite friends. We had sixteen singers in March for a delightful evening.

Recycling Event ~ The City of Lawrence has teamed up with Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana to host a Community Shred-It and Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday, April 21 from 10 am – 1 pm at the Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St. A $5 per shredding box donation is requested to benefit Crime Stoppers. Recycling personal electronics is free, courtesy of Technology Recyclers. There will be a $10 fee for all TV/Computer monitors.

Education Training ~ The Christian Education Committee will be holding a training session on Sunday, April 22 from 11:30-1:15 in the Parlor. We will view a presentation by Julie Burk from the Indiana Autism Society on tips and strategies on how to teach kids on the autism spectrum as well as discussing our Sunday School and Children’s Worship curriculum. We will provide lunch and childcare for those with kids. Everyone who may be interested is invited. Since we have several children in our faith community that are on the spectrum, it could be very beneficial to attend this training so we are better equipped to provide a positive experience for all of our children. Please let the office know if you'd like to attend: office@indyfriends.org

College Care packages - It is time to send care packages to our college students as they prepare for their final exams at school. We will have boxes out this Sunday for you to fill with goodies like candy, cookies, cards, and other treats. Please bring enough for all 10 of our students. Any money donated will be used to purchase additional items for the boxes, and to also mail small gifts and cards to our Friends Education Fund (FEF) Scholarship recipients—29 additional students. We will be mailing them April 23rd so please bring everything in by this Sunday, April 22nd. Thank you for your support!

This Earth Day, April 22, 2018, we will celebrate the wonder of God’s creation. The earth where we live and breathe and have our being is a miracle of creation. According to Genesis we are not separate from the earth, but we have our origin out of the elements of the cosmos and we will return to that at the end of life.

By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Gen 3:19

In his message on Easter morning, Pastor Bob shared about the role of the gardener in both the Old and New Testaments. He gave many illustrations of how gardening and earth care are essential parts of our spiritual and physical lives. When Mary Magdalene returns to the tomb on Easter morning, she mistakes Jesus for the gardener. The New Testament authors wanted to emphasize this connection between the simple acts of earth care and the resurrection. (You can listen to his message online at https://www.indyfriends.org/sunday-morning-messages/).

This month of April, you are invited to consider how you can take little steps to care for this amazing blue ball that exists within the magnificence of the heavens by remembering this credo: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. The first step is to reduce the amount of waste that we create. Simple things like taking your own bags to carry home purchases, planning menus to reduce the amount of unused food or helping us at Meeting when we choose to use the tableware and dishes to decrease the amount of material we recycle. This week, what could be your one step to take to reduce waste?

Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading: A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety by Jimmy Carter will be held Tuesday, April 24 at 7 pm in the Parlor. Nancy S will be leading the discussion. If you'd like to read ahead for the May 29th discussion, the title is Truevine: Two Brothers, a Kidnapping, and a Mother's Quest: A True Story of the Jim Crow South by Beth Macy.

Women at the Well ~ A gathering of women who ponder current issues and topics, where differing views are discussed, no decisions are made, and food and drinks are enjoyed. It will take place every fourth Thursday of the month, and our next gathering will be on Thursday, April 26, 7pm, at Cooper Still (917 Conner St, Noblesville). Join other women of First Friends and enjoy a wonderful night of conversation together.

In the Footsteps of Jesus’ Pilgrimage ~ Please join us on Sunday, April 29th at 9:00am as we combine our Sunday School classes to view a presentation by our own Gary W. Come see a scripture-based tour of the highlights of Gary & Cheryll's eleven-day pilgrimage in Israel. Gary will present just a small portion of the things seen and the places walked on their Pilgrimage. We will see you there!

Especially desirable are:

Harry Potter or other popular culture stamps (television, movies, singers, comic books, etc.)
Stamps bearing values greater than 50 cents
Zazzle and personalized stamps

Please do not donate USA flag stamps, USA nonprofit stamps, or USA stamps from mail sent before 2000. These cannot be profitably sold.

Foreign stamps:
If the envelope is intact, leave the complete envelope, Otherwise, cut or carefully tear the corner bearing the stamp or group of stamps, leaving a 1/8-1/4 inch border.

Thank you for your support of this important ministry!

Reducing Electrical Consumption and our carbon footprint: Did you know that CFL and LED light bulbs use about 75% less electricity then incandescent bulbs? One of the environmental theme words for April is "reduce". We at First Friends Meeting are doing our best to reduce our use of electricity by changing out our incandescent and CFL light bulbs for LED bulbs. In doing so we reduce our carbon footprint by 100lbs. of CO2 per light bulb in addition to reducing our electricity bill. We are almost complete with the change out which is ongoing throughout the building. We are not using CFLs because they do contain mercury and must be disposed of properly so as not to pollute the environment. If you bring your used CFL bulbs to the recycle are in Fellowship Hall and put them in the bin we will take them to one of the city's Tox Drop sites.

Now a word about batteries. Be aware that non-rechargeable batteries are not recyclable. They are considered toxic waste and we take them to one of the Tox Drop sites where they are disposed of by the city. You may bring them to the meeting house and we will take care of them for you.

Exploring Your Spiritual Garden
Led by Linda L and Ed M
Location: Linda and Ed's home
Time: 6:30pm Wednesdays May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Instead of a book, we will have five focus questions: Examples might be: What nurtures your heart? How has forgiveness been important in your life? Has anger been helpful and when? What seeds do you want to grow more of?

"The Daughters of Z" Musical at Allisonville Christian ~ All are invited to "The Daughters of Z", a new musical based on 5 Sisters who are fighting for their inheritance at a time when such a thing was unthinkable. The musical is based on a short story of the same name from the book But God Remembered: Stories of Women from Creation to the Promised Land written by local Rabbi and writer Sandy Eisenberg Sasso. Sometime near the end of the Exodus, the 5 daughters of Z (Zelophehad) defy the law and convention of the day to petition for their father’s inheritance and land. The story has been adapted for the stage by Indiana writer Georgeanna Smith and set to music by local composer Stephanie Caress. Performances will be April 27 at 7pm, April 28 at 2pm and 7pm, and April 29 at 2pm at Allisonville Christian Church, 7701 Allisonville Rd. Tickets are $10 per person, $25 per family, or $7 per person for groups of 10 or more. For more information, visit www.allisonville.org.

We are in need of volunteers for the Mid North Food Pantry! ~ Several of our “regulars” will not be able to volunteer at the food pantry on Wednesday May 2nd. If you are in town and available, please consider volunteering. The food pantry is located at 3333 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, and is open from 10am-2pm. You are welcome to stay the whole time or part of the time as you are able. Please contact the office if you have any questions at office@indyfriends.org. Thank you for your service!

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Friend to Friend April 11, 2018

April 12, 2018

As Way Opens

For several weeks now, I have been slowly digesting the internationally renowned art dealer, Michael Findlay’s latest book, Seeing Slowly: Looking at Modern Art. I am sure I was drawn to the title because of its Quaker-like focus on taking it slow. Also, as one who has seen the benefits of the Slow Food, Money, and Church movements, I was hoping it would offer an exploration into a Slow Art movement. In his introductory section called, Peeling the Onion, Findlay briefly talks about how viewing art has changed in our day, by explaining;

“We collect experiences rather than engage in them, as demonstrated by our widespread use of cameras in museums and galleries. We glance at a work of art, tell ourselves it is so compelling that we want to remember it, and immediately capture its image digitally. Ironically, what we experience is capturing the image, not actually seeing the work, and often the experience of taking the picture is all we remember.”

This week I was helping our ministry team look for a specific photo to go on one of our bulletin boards at the meetinghouse. As I began looking through the photos on my phone, I quickly realized that I was able to put together a fairly complete timeline of all I had experienced at First Friends since arriving 9 months ago. The same was true of the photos of my life since 2007 on Facebook and 2011 on Instagram. As one who enjoys the art of photography and the spontaneity of taking selfies, I realized I had become a collector of experiences in digital images for the past 11 years. I had to ask myself,

“Am I just a collector or was I truly seeing and engaged?”

I wonder how many of us, if we really took time to reflect would find ourselves just “collectors” in many areas of life. Allow yourself this week to see slowly, don’t quickly capture the photo (mental or digital) and move on. Find opportunities to linger, reflect, slow down, and engage, and you may find yourself remembering a greater experience than just taking that photo.

Grace and peace,

Bob

Joys & Concerns

Many thanks to our food pantry volunteers! We had a couple of new individuals help at the pantry. We needed them as we helped 99 families. Our volunteers were: Ray G; Dan H; Dan R; Phil G; Linda L; Phil K; Lewis and Bob H; Beth F; Carol and Jim D. Thanks to all!

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Eco-Film: The Breakthrough in Renewable Energy ~ Join us right here at First Friends Meeting for the April Eco-Film! It will be held Friday, April 13 at 7:00pm in the Parlor. Clean energy is becoming less exotic and more practical than ever before thanks to the efforts of a few key countries. Collectively, they're greasing the wheels for a worldwide revolution. The Breakthrough in Renewable Energy, a new documentary produced by the acclaimed VPRO Backlight series, takes us inside the corporate offices and production lines where this groundbreaking work is being done, and examines what it could mean for the future of energy consumption on Earth.

USA stamps:
Cut or carefully tear the corner bearing the stamp(s) from the body of the envelope. If more than one stamp has been used for postage, remove the stamps as a group on the paper (do not remove separately). Leave a border of 1/8-1/4 inch around the stamp or group of stamps.

Especially desirable are:

·         Harry Potter or other popular culture stamps (television, movies, singers, comic books, etc.)
·         Stamps bearing values greater than 50 cents
·         Zazzle and personalized stamps

Please do not donate USA flag stamps, USA nonprofit stamps, or USA stamps from mail sent before 2000. These cannot be profitably sold.

Foreign stamps:
If the envelope is intact, leave the complete envelope, Otherwise, cut or carefully tear the corner bearing the stamp or group of stamps, leaving a 1/8-1/4 inch border.

Thank you for your support of this important ministry!

Meditational Woods Bird of the Month for April
Fox Sparrow
“This bird was a surprise for me. It literally took my breath away as I gasped, ‘It’s a Fox Sparrow!’ The truth is I had just walked several miles in a couple of Carmel parks, but I had an errand that would take me near the meetinghouse. So I arrived in mid-day (not the best time for birds singing), and expected only a few common species.

“This visitor comes through Indiana in March and April on its way up to northern Ontario to nest. It has a wonderfully bold song, although this one did not sing; perhaps it was a female. I first noticed it when the traffic on Kessler ceased for a moment, and I heard scratchings in the leaves on the ground. Only a few bird species find food this way: Jump forward and scratch backward with both feet at the same time. I knew it had to be one of those! The bold red streaking and other red markings is what really grabs one’s attention. The bird was near the far northeast corner of the woods.

“I have noticed that occasionally when I am tired and expecting very little from a situation, God surprises me in a quiet moment with an unexpected treat, even a colorful avian visitor passing through, pausing for lunch in our Meditational Woods.” ~Brad J

Spring Small Groups ~ Last Fall over 40 First Friends attenders and members gathered over 6 weeks at different times and locations to explore a book study and hold space for sharing parts of our spiritual autobiographies. It was a deeply enriching for those that were able to join! This Spring we have 2 more small group studies available to those that are able and interested in deepening their connections in a small group with Friends. Contact the office at office@indyfriends.org with your preferred time or sign up on Sundays just outside of the sanctuary when you're at worship. We ask that you commit to missing 2 or fewer sessions during the 5-6 week journeys together to build cohesive connection. Your presence is needed!

Braving the Wilderness
Led by Deb S and Bill H
Location: Deb's home
Time: 7:00pm Mondays April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21
Book study: Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brené Brown

We are in need of volunteers for the Mid North Food Pantry! ~ Several of our “regulars” will not be able to volunteer at the food pantry on Wednesdays April 18th and May 2nd. If you are in town and available during any of these dates, please consider volunteering. The food pantry is located at 3333 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, and is open from 10am-2pm. You are welcome to stay the whole time or part of the time as you are able. Thank you for your service!

From the Creation Care Team: As you may know, we at First Friends are doing our best to be good stewards of the creation that God has given us. In the realm of environmental sustainability little things can make a big difference. We have done away with Styrofoam containers and we are encouraging everyone to use our reusable coffee cups instead of paper as much as possible. We continue to use recyclable plastic for cold drinks and sometimes plastic dishes for special occasions. What we have not been doing so well is recycling our plastic containers. If you drink from one of our plastic cups we would like for you to put them in the GREEN RECYCLE CONTAINER that you will find near the serving area in Fellowship Hall. Drinking cups should be empty and if you are using a plastic container for food shake or wipe it off before putting it in the recycle container. Please DO NOT put plastic containers in the trash can unless you are absolutely sure it is non-recyclable. Thank you all!

By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Gen 3:19

Threshing at the Tap: (def.) a gathering of men who mull over current issues or topics, where all points of view are heard, no decisions are made, and beverages and food are enjoyed.

Recycling Event ~ The City of Lawrence has teamed up with Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana to host a Community Shred-It and Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday, April 21 from 10 am – 1 pm at the Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St. A $5 per shredding box donation is requested to benefit Crime Stoppers. Recycling personnel electronics is free, courtesy of Technology Recyclers. There will be a $10 fee for all TV/Computer monitors.

"The Daughters of Z" Musical at Allisonville Christian ~ All are invited to "The Daughters of Z", a new musical based on 5 Sisters who are fighting for their inheritance at a time when such a thing was unthinkable. The musical is based on a short story of the same name from the book But God Remembered: Stories of Women from Creation to the Promised Land written by local Rabbi and writer Sandy Eisenberg Sasso. Sometime near the end of the Exodus, the 5 daughters of Z (Zelophehad) defy the law and convention of the day to petition for their father’s inheritance and land. The story has been adapted for the stage by Indiana writer Georgeanna Smith and set to music by local composer Stephanie Caress. Performances will be April 27 at 7pm, April 28 at 2pm and 7pm, and April 29 at 2pm at Allisonville Christian Church, 7701 Allisonville Rd. Tickets are $10 per person, $25 per family, or $7 per person for groups of 10 or more. For more information, visit www.allisonville.org.

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Friend to Friend April 4 2018

April 5, 2018

As Way Opens

I had a great awareness of Jesus’ suffering last week, starting from his entrance into Jerusalem, the betrayals, the rejections, pain, torture and the cross. I reflected on how Jesus could possibly continue to offer grace and love throughout all that he was experiencing. I think I was preoccupied with this because it was a tough week for me. I spent time with a dear friend with a terminal illness, lost a dear friend to Alzheimer's (and relived my husband Jerry’s loss two years ago to the same disease), and struggled in a couple of important personal relationships to me. Yet I felt Jesus along side of me all week experiencing his own suffering of the passion week. There is such comfort in knowing that Jesus understands my pain through his own experience of suffering. Dan Rains sent me a quote from Martin Luther King Jr that said, “One must learn to make the transition from “let this cup pass from me” to “nevertheless, not my will, but thy will be done.” And God grant that as you face life with all of its decisions--as you face the bitter cup which you will inevitably face from day to day--God grant that you will learn this one thing and that is to make the transition from “this cup” to “nevertheless”….This, you see, is the thing that determines whether you go through life devoted to an eternal cause or whether you go through life depending on your own finite answers, which really turn out to be no answers. This is the thing that determines whether you can rise out of your egocentric predicament to devotion to a higher cause. This is what Jesus was able to do and this is the lesson that he presents to us today.

I needed Easter this past Sunday. The promise of hope and resurrection. The path of Jesus that triumphs over death. The knowledge that the cross was not the end of the story. The idea that Jesus as my gardener that tends to me and cares for me through my own struggles and rebirth to a greater spiritual awakening. Throughout the morning of beautiful flowers, children’s laughter and smiles, songs, words, and sermon - my heart was overflowing with a sense of optimism of the future and my part in that future that contrasted so much with my heavy heart of last week. This is the story of Easter.

Beth

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

IFCL Legislative Update -- Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation has been hard at work at the Statehouse, attempting to translate the social concerns of Friends into legislative action. Here are summaries of legislation that received particular focus from IFCL this past session: http://www.quakerifcl.org/legislative-issues/2018-ifcl-legislative-summary/ Following each bill is a notation indicating whether IFCL supposed or opposed, and current status.

IFCL had notable victories in stopping two predatory lending bills (HB 1319 and SB 420); expanding mental healthcare access (HB 1007) and funding for community mental health centers (HB 1141); resourcing suspected victims of human trafficking (HB 1191); and incremental progress towards eventual redistricting reform (SB 326) and a meaningful hate crimes bill (SB 418), among others. The breadth of accomplishments that will have a real-world impact is what separates IFCL from other lobbying organizations.

Many of the bills that did not become law this year will likely resurface in the future, for example HB 1022, which would have repealed the current law that requires a person to obtain a license to carry a handgun in Indiana, and SB 33 regarding firearms in houses of worship (both opposed by IFCL). In light of the recent March for Our Lives and Pastor Bob’s message this past Sunday, now is a great time for Friends, through IFCL, to have a direct impact on how their elected representatives address vital issues of statewide and national importance. To echo the call and response during the March for Our Lives rally at the Statehouse -- "What does democracy look like?" "THIS is what democracy looks like!" -- your involvement with IFCL can be what democracy looks like. If you are interested in relating our Quaker testimonies to the shaping of responsible decisions by our state government, please reach out to Ed Morris at emorri@earthlink.net or (317) 691-5542 or Phil Goodchild at goodch713@aol.com or (317) 790-9054, or visit the IFCL website at www.quakerifcl.org.

AFSC’s Gaza Unlocked: Hearing in the Heartland is a special opportunity to learn more about the crisis in Gaza and connect with others working to end the blockade. The event is modeled after a congressional committee fact-finding hearing. You’ll hear from expert witnesses who will share seldom-heard stories from Gaza about the impacts of the blockade and raise critical questions about U.S. policies in the region. Hearing in the Heartland is free and open to the public. After the hearing, join us for a ticketed dinner and celebration of Palestinian culture, featuring food, music, dance, and poetry. We hope you will join us on Saturday, April 21st, 1-5pm at the Indianapolis Central Library, 40 E St. Clair St. For more information or to buy tickets for the dinner, visit http://gazaunlocked.org/heartland.

Save the Date: FCNL Anniversary Celebration ~ Join the Friends Committee on National Legislation at Earlham College in Richmond on the afternoon of Saturday, May 12, 2018 for a 75th anniversary celebration. The theme will be “Returning to Our Roots” as the celebrate 75 years working for the world we seek. We will share more information as it becomes available. If you have questions, you can contact Anna McCormally at Anna@fcnl.org or (202) 903-2522.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Spring Wildflower Hike ~ Join our very own Norma Wallman, author of Wildflowers of Holliday Park, for a leisurely spring hike at Holliday Park to see what’s blooming. It will be held at the park at 6363 Spring Mill Road this Saturday, April 7 from 10-11:30am. Norma began personally documenting wildflowers on walks and has now collected 20 years of data specific to the flowers of Holliday Park. Ages 16+. Call 317-327-7180 for reservations. Tickets are $7/person, pre-registration is required. For more information, visit https://www.hollidaypark.org.

Youth Group this Sunday ~ Calling all youth! We will hold Youth Group after worship this Sunday, April 8 at 11:30, led by Aaron and Michelle T and Ben W. See you there!

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 visit our website at www.indyfriends.org/friends-education-fund/. Completed applications should be emailed to FriendsEducationFund@indyfriends.org. Applications are being accepted through May 1st, 2017. The selected applicants will be celebrated later in June.

Meditational Woods Bird of the Month for April: Fox Sparrow

“This bird was a surprise for me. It literally took my breath away as I gasped, ‘It’s a Fox Sparrow!’ The truth is I had just walked several miles in a couple of Carmel parks, but I had an errand that would take me near the meetinghouse. So I arrived in mid-day (not the best time for birds singing), and expected only a few common species.

Spring Small Groups ~ Last Fall over 40 First Friends attenders and members gathered over 6 weeks at different times and locations to explore a book study and hold space for sharing parts of our spiritual autobiographies. It was a deeply enriching for those that were able to join! This Spring we have 2 more small group studies available to those that are able and interested in deepening their connections in a small group with Friends. Contact the office at office@indyfriends.org with your preferred time or sign up on Sundays just outside of the sanctuary when you're at worship. We ask that you commit to missing 2 or fewer sessions during the 5-6 week journeys together to build cohesive connection. Your presence is needed!

Braving the Wilderness
Led by Deb S and Bill H
Location: Deb's home (N side behind Walmart on Keystone)
Time: 7:00pm Mondays April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21
Book study: Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brené Brown

By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Gen 3:19

Support our Ministries with Automatic Donations ~ We welcome any Friends that would like to set up their contribution as an automatic debit. This can be helpful for folks that don’t have checks and don’t want to have to remember to bring a checkbook to the Meeting. In order to do this, you will first need to contact your bank (in person or via the website) and set up online automatic payments (also commonly called “Bill Pay”). Once that is set up, you can add First Friends as a payee by typing our name and address into the system, and choosing how much you’d like to contribute, and how frequently. Your bank will automatically send a check to us at the specified frequency. After it’s set up you don’t have to do anything else! We are grateful for everyone’s continued support of ministries here at First Friends.

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Friend to Friend March 28, 2018

March 28, 2018

As Way Opens

For many this week is Holy Week. That means by Sunday morning we will be hearing a great deal about resurrection. There will be talk of a tomb, a stone being rolled away, and new life emerging. Yet, for people unaffiliated with the church or somewhat skeptical, the resurrection story of Jesus is simply a great myth or a fairy tale with a grand ending, and that’s about all. If the life of this radical rabbi from the Middle East, who our entire religious movement is named for, is going to have any lasting impact on our current lives, we must continue to learn how to see resurrection in our present condition not just as something that happened 2000+ years ago.

Throughout my spiritual life, I have had many people ask me if I believe in the resurrection of Jesus. Most were the theological privileged trying to question my faith and see if I was a “true believer” or at least made from their same mold. Often my affirming answers would trail long, and I enjoyed firing challenging questions back at those asking. I think in my mind I was always trying to find a way to answer the question that made sense both when I thought about it and actually said it.

Then in 2009, I attended the “Poets, Prophets and Preachers” conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. One of the main speakers for this event was writer, philosopher, storyteller and public speaker, Peter Rollins. Rollins, who is from Belfast, was just hitting American audiences at this time. His controversial message, as his website indicates, “sets aside questions regarding life after death to explore the possibility of life before death.”

As Rollins closed his last session, he caught the audience off guard when he said the following,

“Without equivocation or hesitation, I fully and completely admit that I deny the resurrection of Christ. This is something that anyone who knows me could tell you, and I am not afraid to say it publicly, no matter what some people may think…”

Briefly we all sat in shock with Rollins’ boldness, but before people had a chance to protest or leave the gathering, he continued.

“I deny the resurrection of Christ every time I do not serve at the feet of the oppressed, each day that I turn my back on the poor; I deny the resurrection of Christ when I close my ears to the cries of the downtrodden and lend my support to an unjust and corrupt system.

However there are moments when I affirm that resurrection, few and far between as they are. I affirm it when I stand up for those who are forced to live on their knees, when I speak for those who have had their tongues torn out, when I cry for those who have no more tears left to shed.”

Rollins’ explanation left me weeping and changed. For the first time, I truly knew what the resurrection of Jesus meant and the impact it has on our world. May the resurrection of Jesus impact your world in the same way this week.

Easter Blessings,

Bob

Joys & Concerns

We had a great turn out for the March for our Lives in Indy last Saturday! Thousands of people came out to show their support, despite the snow. Some of us and our signs even made it onto local and national news! We also had a chance to meet Senator Joe Donnelly. Thanks to all who braved the weather and came to represent First Friends!

Last Sunday we celebrated Palm Sunday with our traditional “Hosanna” while our kids danced in with palm branches. Thanks to Kathy R for capturing these wonderful shots of our Meeting for Worship!

Youth group had a great time last Friday evening at SkyZone Trampoline Park. We had 16 jumpers as well as several of us adults enjoying the action from comfortable chairs in the lobby. Upcoming events include helping in the woods this Saturday morning, youth group with Aaron and Michelle T and Ben W on April 8th and a trip to Connor Prairie for the Follow the North Start experience on April 20th. Please let Beth H know if your youth (6th - 12th grade) would like to join us.

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

Many of the bills that did not become law this year will likely resurface in the future, for example HB 1022, which would have repealed the current law that requires a person to obtain a license to carry a handgun in Indiana, and SB 33 regarding firearms in houses of worship (both opposed by IFCL). In light of the recent March for Our Lives and Pastor Bob’s message this past Sunday, now is a great time for Friends, through IFCL, to have a direct impact on how their elected representatives address vital issues of statewide and national importance. To echo the call and response during the March for Our Lives rally at the Statehouse -- "What does democracy look like?" "THIS is what democracy looks like!" -- your involvement with IFCL can be what democracy looks like. If you are interested in relating our Quaker testimonies to the shaping of responsible decisions by our state government, please reach out to the office at office@indyfriends.org, or visit the IFCL website at www.quakerifcl.org.

AFSC’s Gaza Unlocked: Hearing in the Heartland is a special opportunity to learn more about the crisis in Gaza and connect with others working to end the blockade. The event is modeled after a congressional committee fact-finding hearing. You’ll hear from expert witnesses who will share seldom-heard stories from Gaza about the impacts of the blockade and raise critical questions about U.S. policies in the region. Hearing in the Heartland is free and open to the public. After the hearing, join us for a ticketed dinner and celebration of Palestinian culture, featuring food, music, dance, and poetry. We hope you will join us on Saturday, April 21st, 1-5pm at the Indianapolis Central Library, 40 E St. Clair St. For more information or to buy tickets for the dinner, visit http://gazaunlocked.org/heartland.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Join us for our Easter Celebrations!
Sunday, April 1st
10:15 Meeting for Worship
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt after the Children’s Message
Easter Brunch following Worship

Spring Cleaning in the Woods: Put on your work gloves and join us in the Woods this Saturday, March 31 @ 9 AM! We will freshen up the Woods for Spring! One team will cut back the switch grass, others will weed around the fountain area and others will pull out some more of that invasive honeysuckle. Our Woods is becoming a haven for local and migrating birds. Come enjoy the fellowship of working with others to care for creation. If you have questions: email office@indyfriends.org. Our next Woods work day will by May 19th, so mark your calendars!

Garden Plots ~ Spring time is around the corner and the community garden is gearing up! Please reach out to the office at office@indyfriends.org if you are interested in having a garden box and participating in the organic community garden. Fresh produce and flowers are calling your name!

The Ordinance Film Screening & Discussion ~ Join the Indiana Assets & Opportunity Network, an initiative of Prosperity Indiana and the Indiana Institute for Working Families, for a screening of The Ordinance, a documentary that examines the payday and auto title loan industry while also following a small Texas town fighting for change. After the screening, members of a coalition of consumer advocates will lead a discussion about the film and answer attendees' questions about the payday industry in Indiana. Coalition members include Erin Macey, Indiana Institute for Working Families; Glen Tebbe, Indiana Catholic Conference; Bill Chapman, Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation; and Marie Morse, HomesteadCS. The event will be held Tuesday, April 3 6:30-8:00pm at 1845 W. 18th St., Indianapolis.

We are in need of volunteers for the Mid North Food Pantry! ~ Several of our “regulars” will not be able to volunteer at the food pantry on Wednesdays April 4th and 18th and May 2nd. If you are in town and available during any of these dates, please consider volunteering. The food pantry is located at 3333 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, and is open from 10am-2pm. You are welcome to stay the whole time or part of the time as you are able. Please contact the office if you have any questions at office@indyfriends.org. Thank you for your service!

Financial Education Class ~ Join us this spring, Thursday, April 5th 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! The class will be hosted by Sam R and her sister. This class has made a HUGE impact on her life and her financial plan for the future and can do the same for you! Click here to sign up or copy and paste the link below. Also, you're welcome to contact the office if you have any questions at office@indyfriends.org. This will be a 9-week class held at East Tenth United Methodist Church, 2327 E 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46201.
https://www.fpucentral.com/classes/1061655/registration

Rise Up Singalong! The next Sing Along with Jim K and Dan H will be April 20th, the third Friday of the month, at 7:00 in the parlor. Those who have Rise Up Singing and Rise Again, please bring them. We are planning a song list ahead of time and will have enlarged copies of the selections for those who lack books. You are welcome to invite friends. We had sixteen singers in March for a delightful evening.

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Friend to Friend March 21, 2018

March 22, 2018

As Way Opens

I am reading a book called A People’s History of Christianity - The Other Side of the Story by Diana Butler Bass for my class at ESR. She examines the question that many outside the Christian faith ask - I don’t have a problem with Jesus, but what happened after Jesus? How did our Christian faith and tradition develop after Jesus? What did that early faith community look like when it was being persecuted by the Romans? And how did Christianity change after Constantine declared Christianity the official state religion in the Roman Empire in 380 AD?

The Bible is the most important book in my life and because of that I invest the time and effort to study and wrestle with the Scriptures. The words of the early Christian leader Origen of Alexandria (184-253 AD) speaks to my condition in studying the Bible. He felt that the study of the Bible and the spiritual practice of prayer were intertwined. And he searched for the "wisdom hidden" under the literal words.

In that context, the more I study the life of Jesus in the Bible, the more aware I am of how radical his call is to us and how difficult this call is to embrace in our world today. Jesus didn’t come to set up a new religion but to transform Judaism. Jesus wasn’t interested in setting up doctrinal and faith statements to establish a new movement called Christianity and to provide the guidance to set up its hierarchical structure (which is often how the Bible is used in modern Christianity). Jesus proposed a new way of life for people living in a chaotic world in the Roman Empire. Jesus’ entire ministry was about transformation of the heart to a way of love, non-violence, acceptance, equality, humility, community and sacrifice. And the early Christian community embraced this message of Jesus as these early Christians were called the "People of the Way”. I like the quote from one of the early Christian defenders, Justin Martyr (100-165 AD) “We who formerly…valued above all things the acquisition of wealth and possession, now bring what we have into a common stock, and communicate to everyone in need; we who hated and destroyed one another, and on account of their different manners would not live with men of a different tribe, now, since the coming of Christ, live familiarly with them, and pray for our enemies.” This was the beginning of Christianity and these early Christians were willing to lose their life not for a belief system but for a new way of living. How has our 21st century Christianity come so far from this original idea? Are we reading the Bible more to determine our theological positions on doctrine and less on the passion, energy and zeal for living in the way of Jesus? Has Christianity become too aligned with power and position and seeks purity of belief versus acceptance and embrace of all?

Bass highlights a term of generative Christianity that does not reject tradition but can find new discoveries in the early Christian church around meaningful spiritual practices and social justice. A re-emerging Christianity that is not new but has always been the beating heart of Christian history. She says that “Whereas militant Christianity triumphs over all, generative Christianity transforms the world through humble service to all. It is not about victory; it is about following Christ in order to seed human community with grace.” In these troubled times in our world, I am hopeful for renewal of the People of the Way that take Jesus and the Bible seriously in how we are to transform our community. That is the challenge for each of us individually as well as collectively in our faith communities.

Beth

Joys & Concerns

This past Saturday, a few friends gathered at Coburn Place to set up an apartment for a new resident that will be moving in soon. We went shopping in the furniture store and pantry in the basement for all the decorations and kitchen wares. We cleaned the apartment first and then began decorating. It was fun picking out furniture, bedding and dishes for this new resident. Coburn Place is the only transitional housing available in the state for victims of domestic abuse who are homeless. The residents are allowed to stay there up to two years rent free while getting their lives back on track. First Friends has supported this mission for several years now by donating items and for the past two years we have purchased an apartment. Thanks to Jim and Carol D, Amy P, Kathy and Bill F, Rebecca L, and Jody L for all of your help. If you would like more information about Coburn Place, please visit www.coburnplace.org.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

We hope to see you this coming Palm Sunday at Meeting for Worship. Beth Henricks will also be selling chocolate, coffee, tea, and olive oil to support youth group.

Women at the Well – Discussion for Women ~ For several months now, the women of First Friends have been asking for their own Threshing at the Tap. We are proud to introduce Women at the Well- a gathering of women who ponder current issues and topics, where differing views are discussed, no decisions are made, and food and drinks are enjoyed. It will take place every fourth Thursday of the month, and our next gathering will be on Thursday, March 22, 7pm, at Flatwater (832 E Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis). Join other women of First Friends and enjoy a wonderful night of conversation together.

March For Our Lives Gun Violence Rally ~ Come and join us for a local Rally for Hoosiers Concerned about Gun Violence this Saturday, March 24. This is a rally in support of the fight against gun violence in our state and our country, being held nationwide. This event is led by youth and students. The event in Indianapolis will start at 11:00 a.m. at the Indiana Statehouse. If you’d like to carpool with us, meet at the Meeting at 9:45 a.m. Please visit https://marchforourlives.com/ for more information.

The Absurd Cross: Escaping the Tyranny of Certainty & Satisfaction ~ See Peter Rollins and GraceUnlimited at Christian Theological Seminary (1000 West 42nd Street) on Saturday, March 24, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. At any moment we might be undone by the feeling that this world is absurd. In response, we shore up all manner of religious defenses that promise to keep the void at bay. In contrast, Peter Rollins argues that there is a religionless heart to Christianity that overturns the tables of meaning, clears out the temples of tidy answers and drives out the sellers of certainty. We will hear a gospel with the incendiary ability to break down our defenses against the abyss, so that we might confront it face to face. Join Rollins and GraceUnlimited as they sensitize themselves to the scandal of this gospel message—a message that promises personal and political transformation only when we embrace a life beyond meaning, beyond certainty and beyond satisfaction, a life freed from the frenetic pursuit of wholeness, and from all the demons hidden along that path. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://goo.gl/MvxTN1.

Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading: Turtles All The Way Down by John Green will be held Tuesday, March 27th at 7 pm in the Parlor. All are welcome! Cindy K will be leading the discussion. If you'd like to read ahead for next month, the April 24th title will be: A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety by Jimmy Carter

Spring Cleaning in the Woods: Put on your work gloves and join us in the Woods on March 31, 2018 @ 9 AM! We will freshen up the Woods for Spring! One team will cut back the switch grass, others will weed around the fountain area and others will pull out some more of that darn invasive honeysuckle. Our Woods is becoming a haven for local and migrating birds. (See Brad Jackson’s birding observations). Come enjoy the fellowship of working with others to care for creation. If you have questions: email Mindy- mcs16zoom@gmail.com or Mary- mary.blackburn4@gmail.com. Our next Woods work day will by May 19th, so mark your calendars!

Join us for our Easter Celebrations!
Sunday, April 1st
10:15 Meeting for Worship
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt after the Children’s Message
Easter Brunch following Worship

Help a Nurse Practitioner ~ Janice H is a First Friends attender working at Hawthorne Community Center and is trying to help a lovely Chinese-American client named Sophie find a primary care physician office or similar setting for her family nurse practitioner preceptorship. This is her capstone practicum and she has lots of prior clinical experience and has worked the last seven years in out-patient surgery at IU Health. She has a BSN from Purdue. The doctor who has supervised her prior clinicals is on maternity leave. Her university (Chamberlain) leaves it up to the student to arrange her practicum and her employer has not provided any leads that were fruitful. The requirements of the supervisor are minimal: 1) a 5 min. online evaluation of the student at four weeks and end of practicum (eight weeks). 2) Completion of 125 HOURS of clinical experience with primary care patients, preferably between April 30 and June 20, 2018. Preceptor can be an MD, NP, or PA. If you can help or even provide a referral to someone who might be willing to help, please contact Janice at jhise@hawthornecenter.org or 317-443-6458 or leave a message at work: 317-637-4312 X 125 and she will call back.

Financial Education Class ~ Join us this spring, Thursday, April 5th 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! The class will be hosted by Sam R and her sister. This class has made a HUGE impact on the her life and her financial plan for the future and can do the same for you! Click here to sign up or copy and paste the link below. Also, you're welcome to contact the office if you have any questions at office@indyfriends.org. This will be a 9 week class held at East Tenth United Methodist Church, 2327 E 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46201.
https://www.fpucentral.com/classes/1061655/registration

AVP Annual National Gathering ~ All are invited to join the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) annual conference held this year at Earlham College in Richmond. It will be on Memorial Day weekend, May 25-28. If you’re interested in registering, please visit https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=2022849. In an attempt to bring their work to high school students, AVP is also trying to raise funds to help send some of their students to the conference as well. They have included in the program a youth panel discussion which their students will participate with youth from AVP programs in New Jersey and New York. They have invited the Peace Learning Center to be a part of this as well. This is an exciting opportunity for the students. It costs $100 to send one high school student to the entire weekend conference where they will have the opportunity to meet and learn from experienced AVP facilitators from across the country. If you’re interested in donating, please visit https://avpindiana.org/.

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