Friend to Friend November 21, 2018

November 26, 2018

As Way Opens

Last evening I participated in an interfaith Thanksgiving service with our Jewish, Christian and Muslim friends from the Northside clergy group. Our service was held in the magnificent sanctuary at St Paul’s Episcopal church. Many of us shared scripture, poem, songs and readings together. There was much ritual to the service but for me last night it was a part of the experience and in our Quaker term “we had a gathered meeting”. The St Paul’s choir sounded like a heavenly chorus and Rabbi Brett Krichiver from Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation shared an inspiring and challenging message to never put creed and doctrine above love and relationship. It was a beautiful service that represented our deep bonds of faith and hope together as spiritual seekers. As the Rabbi said in his message, we all have different names we call God but we are all connected and all are our brothers and sisters in the Divine.

I shared this poem during the service and brought us into silence as part of the worship experience for a few moments. And while in that silence the bell chimes rang and we could all feel the moving of the Spirit in the room. It felt like we were experiencing the kingdom of God here on earth. I am hopeful that during this busy weekend you will take time for silence and reflection and look for that peace within ourselves.

A Prayer for Simplicity and Peace
by Michael Leunig

Dear God,

We give thanks for places of simplicity and peace.

Let us find such a place within ourselves.

We give thanks for places of refuge and beauty.

Let us find such a place within ourselves.

We give thanks for places of nature’s truth and freedom,

of joy, inspiration, and renewal,

places where all creatures may find acceptance and belonging.

Let us search for these places in the world,

in ourselves, and in others.

Let us restore them. Let us strengthen and protect them,

and let us create them.

May we mend this outer world

according to the truth of our inner life

and may our souls be shaped

and nourished by nature’s eternal wisdom.

Beth

Joys & Concerns

Our own Mary B received the Volunteer of the Year award from the Hoosier Environmental Council! Congratulations Mary! Go to our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Indyfriends to see the video of her accepting the award! For more information you can also read the press release here: https://goo.gl/JHt8Ri.

Several folks from Indianapolis First Friends gathered on the steps of the State Capital representing Quakers and Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL), which is part of a coalition working for redistricting reform in Indiana. The father of gerrymandering, Elbridge Gerry, made a special appearance, along with a brass jazz combo, all to send an upbeat message: Hoosiers want fair redistricting for the state legislature and congressional districts. In addition, you can sign a petition at www.allinfordemocracy.org encouraging Gov. Holcomb to put redistricting reform high on his legislative agenda next session.

Youth fun at Greattimes! We had 11 youth join us on Sunday for a trip to Greattimes Fun Park for go-karting, putt-putt golf and an arcade. Everyone enjoyed themselves and Beth is thankful to see how our youth are developing relationships with each other.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Thank you for your pledges! First Friends is deeply grateful for the generosity of Friends in support of our ministries and extends a big ‘thank you’ to all of who have turned in pledge cards for 2019. This indication of support for 2019 is helpful as we plan a budget for the New Year. If you haven’t yet pledged, you can fill out and submit a pledge card online at https://goo.gl/forms/aEQnYpXva2a0MvWo2. The pledge cards will also be available at the Meetinghouse this Sunday November 25. You can place filled out cards in the offering plate during Meeting for Worship or send to the office. We have appreciated your support of all the ministries here at First Friends this year with your time, talents and financial resources. As we close out 2018, we hope you will consider including First Friends in your year-end giving.

Singalong Notice ~ Friends, please note that we will not hold our monthly Singalong in the Parlor in December. We will begin again in January. Happy holidays!

Poinsettias are available for order! You can order a red or white Poinsettia in a 6-inch pot for $8.50 each. All orders must be submitted to the office by Monday, November 26th. Order forms are available, or you can email your order to the office and send in your check separately. If emailing your order to office@indyfriends.org, please list how many of which color you want, if it is in memory of or in honor of someone, and please put ‘Poinsettia order’ in the memo line of the check when you send it in.

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 8 of our students. Any money donated will be used to purchase additional items for the boxes. We will be mailing them November 26 so please bring everything in by Sunday, November 25. Thank you for your support!

Grief Gathering on Sunday November 25th after Meeting for Worship - Circle of Care is hosting a lunch and discussion for those who have experienced a loss of a family member or cherished friend. This lunch and time together is a tangible way our Meeting is demonstrating our care for each other during times of sadness. Rev Marsha Hutchinson, retired Pastor of Care Minister at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, will facilitate our discussions that day. We invite anyone that is interested in gathering with others to share and reflect on the experience of loss. Feel free to bring any family members. Please contact the office (office@indyfriends.org) if you plan to attend. Circle of Care at is also exploring other ideas to meet the needs of our members and attenders and would like to know other ways we can support those at First Friends who are dealing with loss and grief. If you have some time, we ask that you please complete a short survey, found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8L273QQ. Thank you for your feedback!

Oak Leaf: Meeting For Reading ~ Anyone interested is invited to attend the 5th Annual Potluck Lasagna Holiday Dinner at Ruth K’s house on November 27th at 6:30 pm. We will be discussing The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Bring a friend, a side dish and a book from home for our annual holiday book swap. Contact the office at office@indyfriends.org if you need directions. The next discussion will be American Fire by Monica Hesse on December 27th at 7 pm.

Get rid of your ugly Christmas sweaters! Shawn Porter’s Hamilton Southeastern school choir’s holiday performance this year includes a song about ugly Christmas sweaters and the choir is in need of donations. If you have an ugly Christmas sweater that you no longer need, please consider donating it. If you have a sweater you’d like to give, please pass them onto Shawn on Sunday morning or bring them to the meeting office. Thank you for your help!

Work Needed ~ Please see this message from Janice H: As Career Coach at Hawthorne Community Center, I have a client who fled Rwanda on a tourist visa with her two young children a few months ago because her husband disappeared, and people were trying to kill her entire family. She is staying at a shelter and filing for asylum through Ind. Legal Services. She will not have a work permit for 5 months or more and has no pocket money. In the meantime, she is willing to clean houses or do whatever as long as it is a safe situation. She speaks and understands some English and is fluent in French and her mother tongue. Both her children will soon be in school during the day. She doesn't have a car, but Hawthorne has bus passes. She has a bachelor’s degree in management and economics from her homeland. Another need she has is for a spiritual community. If you know of any Haitian or other congregations where French is spoken, I would love to connect her with one. If you know of any work or social service assistance besides the Immigrant Welcome Center and the Exodus Refugee Center, please let the office know at office@indyfriends.org.

Talk to Congress – Letter Writing Project ~ On the last Sunday of each month (this time being Sunday, November 25), Witness and Service is offering an opportunity for you to contact Congress. We will provide information and a sample letter, which addresses a specific issue that is on the Senate and/or House of Representative radar. You are welcome to write/call your legislators about this topic, or any other that might be on your mind. The topics are chosen by Quaker Pastors, Ron and Pam Furgeson, who minister at Winchester Friends here in Indiana. They choose which topics to address based on relevance to our Quaker Testimonies. A writing station will be set up in Fellowship Hall for you to use after meeting for worship. You are welcome to write your thoughts on cards that are provided, take the material home to send later, or (if technology cooperates) send an email from the computer that is set up at the station. Your views are always private. The important part of this effort is to give you an opportunity to speak with those who decide the laws of the land, and to give Quaker/Faith Community input into their decision-making. The featured topic for November is encouraging Congress to end military involvement in Yemen. For more information and a sample letter, please visit https://goo.gl/aiBAz4.

Blood Drive! Please join us for a blood drive held in conjunction with the Indiana Blood Center on Sunday, December 2nd from 9:00am-1:00pm in Fellowship Hall. If you would like to schedule a time, visit https://www.donorpoint.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/124166. Donors must be 17 years old (16 with signed parent permission slip), meet height /weight eligibility requirements, be in good general health, and present a photo I.D. at registration. To view eligibility, visit https://www.donorpoint.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/124166. If you have any other questions, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.

Royal Sensation Choir Performance in Meeting ~ On Sunday, December 2nd, we are pleased to welcome the Royal Sensation choir from Hamilton Southeastern High School. Royal Sensation is under the direction of Shawn P. Please join us in Meeting that day to hear their performance. A goodwill offering will be taken to help support their choir.

Bake With Us! Want to slow down while learning how to make delicious, nutritious sourdough bread?! Join us Saturday, Dec 8th from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Meeting house and you'll learn how to make your very own bread! Bring a sturdy spoon for stirring, a large bowl that can hold at least 3 quarts, and a digital scale, but if you don't have some of these things you are still welcome. We'll finish the process with bread shaping and baking Sunday morning at 9 am before meeting for worship. Our bread will be ready after meeting for worship. We can hold about 16 people in the Meeting kitchen. Please RSVP to the office at office@indyfriends.org.

The Indy Winds Flute Choir will present their winter concert on Sunday December 9th at 3:00 at Roberts Park United Methodist Church. There will be a combination of Christmas music and other classical music. Carl B and Lynda S will both be performing. Lynda will be the featured soloist in a beautiful arrangement of “O Holy Night”. The concert will run about two hours, but if you’re worried about getting to Vespers on time, there will be an intermission around 4:00.

Vespers Annual Concert~ On Sunday, December 9th at 5:30pm we invite you to attend our annual Vespers concert. Our performers have been practicing hard for this concert, and it should be quite a delight. Following the concert there will be a complimentary light dinner, hosted by our Fellowship Committee. Plan to join us for the evening!

Children’s Pageant ~ Join us during our Meeting for Worship on Sunday, December 16 as our children depict and read the story of Jesus' birth. As well, the congregation will join in with singing hymns together. This is an annual tradition that you do not want to miss!

Annual Christmas Tea ~ Please join us on December 16th immediately after worship in the parlor for the annual Christmas Tea. There will be lots of cookies and punch and fellowship. If you can donate two dozen cookies, they can be dropped off 10-11am, Saturday, December 15th or the morning of Sunday, December 16th in the parlor. For more information contact the office at office@indyfriends.org. Happy holidays!

Christmas Caroling ~ Fa La La La La! Joy to the World! Deck the Halls! It's time to clear your throats and get ready to bring some Christmas cheer through singing some carols! Join us on Sunday, December 16 in the evening for some caroling. Make sure to bring the kids as we will again be heading to Steak and Shake after caroling for dinner! This should be a fun night for the entire family! Keep an eye out for more details coming soon.

Festival of Carols ~ The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Presents Festival of Carols! Dan R and Bill P are both part of this group. Make 2018 the holiday season you will forever remember! With 5 performances to choose from, the Midwest’s beloved holiday tradition includes your favorite carols and Christmas music featuring the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and musical surprises for kids from 1 to 92. Performances will be December 9 at the Warren Performing Arts Center and December 21-December 23 at the Palladium at the Center for Performing Arts. For more information or to buy tickets, visit indychoir.org!

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Friend to Friend November 14, 2018

November 15, 2018

As Way Opens

Do You Know the History of First Friends’ Neighborhood? (Part 5)

It is amazing, how much goes on in our neighborhood that we may never know is happening. This week, the pastoral staff at First Friends met with Megan H, Abby M, and our own Kristyn G from Easterseals Crossroads of Indianapolis to get know their organization better. Who knew that just south of our Meetinghouse on Kingsway Avenue sits a five-story building with nearly a 30-year history of voluntary service to those with disabilities in our neighborhood and greater Indianapolis. Here is a brief history from their website (www.eastersealscrossroads.org):

In 1936, Mrs. William E. Gavin heard of a club of 12 teenagers with disabilities had formed for socialization. She contacted her friend, Mrs. P. R. Mallory, and the two volunteers became engrossed in aiding the group by expanding the program to include profitable handicrafts.

In 1939, the group became formally organized under the leadership of The Indiana Society for Crippled Children and a year later became an affiliate of what is now National Easterseals and leased a building at 30th and New Jersey streets. A curative workshop was established to prepare persons with disabilities for jobs in the community.

Since then, Easterseals Crossroads has occupied buildings in various locations, but settled at 4740 Kingsway Avenue in 1990 where its main location exists today.

How exciting that for almost 30 years, Easterseals Crossroads has been making a difference in our neighborhood, and we have the opportunity to get connected!

First Friends’ attender Kristyn G is the Camp and Respite Service Manager at Easterseals. She shared with us ways First Friends could help volunteer for respite events and make an impact on our local community.

Kristyn helps families of children with disabilities find needed rest and a well-deserved break with the many programs Easterseals offers which encourage respite. Some of the events they provide are parents’ nights/days out, teen programs for peer interaction, adult programs, and special themed events like dances, game nights, movie nights, and dinner parties.

As well as Kristyn’s respite events, Abby and Megan provided a plethora of other volunteer opportunities where we are able to partner, volunteer, and connect with our community. Here is a link to both the respite events and other volunteer opportunities for those interested in getting involved: https://goo.gl/Svz726 and https://goo.gl/eAHTgf.

If you would like to volunteer with Easterseals Crossroads, please contact Abby McIntyre (Media and Volunteer Coordinator) by email amcintyre@eastersealscrossroads.org or by phone at 317.466.100 X2414 or connect with Kristyn G (Camp and Respite Service Manager) at kgreenawald@eastersealscrossroads.org or by phone at 317.466.1000 x2420.

Grace and Peace,

Bob

Joys & Concerns

Thank you to our food pantry volunteers! They were extremely busy...about 100 families served! Our volunteers were Linda and Rik L; Kathy R; Steve R; Ray G; Beth S; Christie M; Carol and Jim D. Thanks to all our volunteers who helped out on this very busy day at the pantry!

We are so excited to share with you our new sign! Several months ago we were approached by the city and informed that our old sign was out of compliance with city ordinances. After much deliberation on how to solve the issue it was decided the best approach was to start from scratch with a new compliant sign. After much work the sign is done! Thank you so much to Cindy Small for her work organizing and carrying out this project for our Meeting!

Last Friday night, we hosted a wiener roast and sing-along as the temperatures plummeted to freezing. As you can see from these photos from Bill Heitman, we brought the singing in after trying to warm up outside around the fire. Gladly our “inner lights” were burning bright!

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

IFCL: Looking for ways to engage and make a difference after the recent midterm elections? Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL) is part of a coalition working for redistricting reform in Indiana, and you can participate. Join us for a rally organized by the Indiana Coalition for Independent Redistricting to let legislators know that 2019 is the year for redistricting reform in Indiana. The rally will be on Tuesday, November 20 at 12:30pm on the Capitol Street side of the Statehouse. The father of gerrymandering, Elbridge Gerry, will make a special appearance, and there'll be a brass jazz combo, all to send an upbeat message: Hoosiers want fair redistricting for the state legislature and congressional districts. In addition, you can sign a petition at www.allinfordemocracy.org encouraging Gov. Holcomb to put redistricting reform high on his legislative agenda next session. If you have any questions, please contact Phil Goodchild (goodch713@aol.com; 317-790-9054). Thanks.

Announcements, Reports & Opportunities

Glasses found! These glasses were found in the pews after Meeting for Worship on Sunday, November 4. They have silver metal rims and squarish lenses. If they belong to you please retrieve them from the office. Thank you!

Get rid of your ugly Christmas sweaters! Shawn P’s Hamilton Southeastern school choir’s holiday performance this year includes a song about ugly Christmas sweaters and the choir is in need of donations. If you have an ugly Christmas sweater that you no longer need, please consider donating it. If you have a sweater you’d like to give, please pass them onto Shawn on Sunday morning or bring them to the meeting office. Thank you for your help!

Food Pantry Help Needed ~ Susan M who heads up operations at the Mid North Food Pantry, is scheduled for surgery on November 9 and will be unable to perform her regular duties at the pantry for 2 weeks. Anyone who can help out at the pantry during the weeks of November 12 and 19 would be appreciated. Besides our usual time, there are also other opportunities to help the pantry. If you’d like to help clients shop (as First Friends does on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays), then the pantry can use help on Mondays and Fridays 10am – 2pm. They can also use help with unpacking and stocking deliveries on Tuesdays (at about 11am) and Thursdays (at about 10am). Also, the pantry will be open on Wednesday, November 21, (our regular day to help and the day before Thanksgiving). Thank you so much!

Threshing Together ~ If you are interested in gathering with other men who mull over current issues or topics, where all points of view are heard, no decisions are made, and all in a non-threatening atmosphere over a meal, then Threshing Together is for you! Join us for our next meeting on Thursday, November 15 at 7:00pm. See locations here: https://goo.gl/HosLVg

Sing-Along with Jim! ~ Mark your calendars for Friday, November 16th for an evening of music and fun with songs ranging from Dylan to Pete Seeger, Beetles to Stephen Foster. Some are sad, pensive, inspirational, patriotic, religious. We are now enlarging the songs and printing them, placing them in folders alphabetically, thus making a less labor-intensive process for all. Rise Up Singing and Rise Again are still useful in case we have more singers than folders. Please do bring your books. We begin at 7:00, end at 8:30 or soon after. Third Friday of the month, as usual!

Join us for these Thanksgiving services! On Tuesday November 20 at 7:00pm there will be an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6050 N. Meridian Street. Members of many different faiths will gather together for this time of prayer. The Shalom Zone will also hold an Ecumenical Thanksgiving service on November 20th at 7pm at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 5233 E 79th St. We hope you will take the time to gather with us at either of these wonderful services.

Work Needed ~ Please see this message from Janice H: As Career Coach at Hawthorne Community Center, I have a client who fled Rwanda on a tourist visa with her two young children a few months ago because her husband disappeared, and people were trying to kill her entire family. She is staying at a shelter and filing for asylum through Ind. Legal Services. She will not have a work permit for 5 months or more and has no pocket money. In the meantime, she is willing to clean houses or do whatever as long as it is a safe situation. She speaks and understands some English and is fluent in French and her mother tongue. Both her children will soon be in school during the day. She doesn't have a car, but Hawthorne has bus passes. She has a bachelor’s degree in management and economics from her homeland. Another need she has is for a spiritual community. If you know of any Haitian or other congregations where French is spoken, I would love to connect her with one. If you know of any work or social service assistance besides the Immigrant Welcome Center and the Exodus Refugee Center, please let the office know at office@indyfriends.org.

Grief Gathering on Sunday November 25th after Meeting for Worship - Circle of Care is hosting a lunch and discussion for those who have experienced a loss of a family member or cherished friend. This lunch and time together is a tangible way our Meeting is demonstrating our care for each other during times of sadness. Marsha Hutchinson, Pastor of Care Ministers at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, will facilitate our discussions that day. We invite anyone that is interested in gathering with others to share and reflect on the experience of loss. Feel free to bring any family members. Please contact the office (office@indyfriends.org) if you plan to attend. Circle of Care at is also exploring other ideas to meet the needs of our members and attenders and would like to know other ways we can support those at First Friends who are dealing with loss and grief. If you have some time, we ask that you please complete a short survey, found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8L273QQ. Thank you for your feedback!

Royal Sensation Choir Performance in Meeting ~ On Sunday, December 2nd, we are pleased to welcome the Royal Sensation choir from Hamilton Southeastern High School. Royal Sensation is under the direction of Shawn P. Please join us in Meeting that day to hear their performance. A goodwill offering will be taken to help support their choir.

Riley Children’s Hospital Fundraiser ~ A message from Heather D: I'm on a mission to save kids and I need your help. Riley Children's Hospital treats thousands of children each year, regardless of their family's ability to pay. These kids are facing scary stuff like cancer, cystic fibrosis, and injuries from accidents to name just a few. This is my third year participating in this huge worldwide celebration of the social impact of gamers of all kinds. Our team will play video games to board games and even tabletop RPG's to raise money and awareness for Riley Children's Hospital!

Since 2008, Extra Life has raised more than $40 million to help children's hospitals provide critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment, research and charitable care. It's my sincere hope that you'll find it in your heart to support my efforts with a monthly pledge or one-time gift that will go directly to my hospital. Your donation is tax-deductible and ALL PROCEEDS go to help kids. I need your help to reach my goal "For The Kids". Please make a safe, easy donation online today. You can click the following link to make a safe and easy online donation. Thank you so much for supporting my efforts! https://goo.gl/3dt8i4

Vespers Annual Concert~ On Sunday, December 9th at 5:30pm we invite you to attend our annual Vespers concert. Our performers have been practicing hard for this concert, and it should be quite a delight. Following the concert there will be a complimentary light dinner, hosted by our Fellowship Committee. Plan to join us for the evening!

Christmas Calendar at First Friends Meeting

Sunday, December 2nd

‘Royal Sensation Choir’ in Meeting

Sunday, December 9th

Vespers at 5:30pm

Complimentary Light Buffet following concert

Sunday, December 16th

Children’s Christmas Pageant in Meeting

Christmas Tea following Worship

Christmas Caroling

Sunday, December 23rd

Take your poinsettias home!

Monday, December 24th

Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 pm

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Friend to Friend November 7, 2018

November 8, 2018

As Way Opens

First Friends is a polling place for voting for precincts in Washington Township 61 and 21-13 in Marion County. These two precincts cover Keystone to 52nd and Kessler to the railroad and Kessler to Allisonville to 56th St. This is our neighborhood and at least our 15th year to host voters. I came to the Meeting at 7:00 a.m. yesterday to prepare breakfast for our poll workers and it was inspiring to see that we are not a homogenous neighborhood. Our Meeting is situated in an area with great diversity based on gender, race, and age and I observed this diversity all day. I am so inspired to see people taking time out of their day to wait in lines (sometimes for hours) to participate in the most important democratic idea we can ever embrace. At our precinct, every new voter is identified and a huge cheer and clapping occurs to support and appreciate this person. I love this! This is what we should be cheering about.

I have been thinking historically today about this idea of voting that our founding fathers knew to be the foundation of a democracy. I have been channeling our national heroes that established our country--like Washington, Adams, Hamilton, Jefferson, Penn and so many others that were willing to give up their lives for this idea of democracy. I always get emotional on voting day as we continue to live out their ideals of a perfect union.

We have much work to do to realize this perfect union. But that is our daily challenge - what am I doing to help realize this beautiful idea of democracy, equality, opportunity, and justice? Every voting day the people that show up are a peg in realizing this perfect union. The last time that we had at least 50% voting in a midterm election was 1914. Rick Small shared this information with me yesterday and I am distraught to hear this as the vote was essential to many people dying for this republic. I hope we had a plus 50% turnout yesterday.

I so appreciated Bob’s message last Sunday that talked about how we communicate with each other. We need to embrace everyone that we might disagree with and appreciate their holiness, spirit and their interest in making America the best it can be in terms of our founding fathers. We need to listen to each other. This is a spiritual matter to me. Our democracy is dependent on compromising with each other and seeing that of God in each other.

Beth

Joys & Concerns

On Wednesday October 24 Seasoned Friends had a great time visiting the historic Beem House! We also made an unplanned stop at Brett’s farm. We had lots of fun!

Our youth group traveled to Cincinnati on Saturday October 27 to visit the Underground Railroad Freedom Center. We learned so much about African American history, the history of our country, and the treacherous journey of slaves seeking freedom. We also learned a bit about the role some Quakers played in that history!

There is just something transcendent about entering our Quaker Meetinghouse in the mornings during the season of fall. Our natural “stained glass” windows speak of the glory of God in their radiant color and leave you in silent awe. (Left)

We will hold a memorial service for Marilyn O here at First Friends Meeting on Saturday, November 10th. Visitation will be held at 10am and the service will begin at 11am. After the service there will be a light luncheon in Fellowship Hall. We are looking for volunteers to bring desserts for the luncheon. If you’re able to help, please let the office know if you can bring something. Please hold the O family in your prayers as we celebrate Marilyn’s life.

Our friend Daud A sent his love and said how much he misses First Friends. Daud and Lillian moved to Alabama 18 months ago, but he stops in to see us when he is in town. We miss them!

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Please Join us for this month’s Eco Film! This time the Shalom Zone will present Cheshire, Ohio, An American coal story in 3 acts which will be shown this Friday, November 9 at 7:00 pm at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 5233 E. 79th Street. This film follows a community devastated by coal, starting with the American Electric Power's buyout and bulldozing of this Ohio River town after exposing them to years of harmful emissions. This 75-minute film, which has won numerous awards, is a story about the increasingly difficult choices we face surrounding coal and the environment. You can watch a trailer for the film at www.cheshireohio.com. There is no admission charge, and there will be free refreshments. We hope to see you there!

Affirmation this Sunday! As a reminder, the youth will meet for Affirmation this Sunday! We hope to see all our youth there!

Food Pantry Help Needed ~ Susan M, who heads up operations at the Mid North Food Pantry, is scheduled for surgery on November 9 and will be unable to perform her regular duties at the pantry for 2 weeks. Anyone who can help out at the pantry during the weeks of November 12 and Nov-19 would be appreciated. Thanks.

Coburn Place Open House ~ Coburn Place is hosting their annual open house on Thursday, November 8th from 8am to 8pm. This is a great opportunity to learn about Coburn Place, see some of their fantastic apartments first hand, and find out more about how they’re growing and expanding services. RSVP at http://coburnplace.org/pt-event/open-house-2018/. The address is 604 E. 38th St, Indianapolis.

A Sing-Along around the campfire will take place on Friday, November 9 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Connections is planning this weenie and marshmallow roast. Jim K will provide music and Leslie K will assist as anyone who wants, chimes in. The event will take place in the Meetinghouse courtyard and Fellowship Hall. Bring your voice, an instrument if you can play, and wear warm clothes. Please RSVP with the office if possible, but everyone is welcome to come. We would appreciate anyone who brings some food to share. Do not stay away because you aren’t bringing any food. See you then!

Join us for these Thanksgiving services! Please mark your calendars now for these thanksgiving services! On Tuesday November 20 at 7:00pm there will be an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6050 N. Meridian Street. Members of many different faiths will gather together for this time of prayer. The Shalom Zone will also hold an Ecumenical Thanksgiving service on November 20th at 7pm at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 5233 E 79th St. We hope you will take the time to gather with us at either of these wonderful services.

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Friend to Friend October 31, 2018

October 31, 2018

As Way Opens

Do you Know the History of First Friends’ Neighborhood? (Part 4)

Our Glendale Neighborhood has been a draw to young families for many years. Even before Glendale Mall made its entrance to our neighborhood in 1958, across the street on the corner of 62nd and Keystone was an 18-acre wonderland for children and families known as Little America.

Harley H. Hornbeck opened Little America Amusement Park in 1930 as a “Tom Thumb” or what today we would call a miniature golf course. In the beginning they offered golf, bowling, shuffleboard, badminton, ping-pong, horseshoes, archery, and tennis. In a time, when people were becoming aware of the need for healthy recreation, the park marketed itself as “Healthful Recreation for All of the Family.” In 1941 the park had become so popular that Life Magazine selected it for a photo essay.

In the early 50’s changes began to take place at Little America. It had to evolve to meet the demand of the many families beginning to move into the newly developed suburban area. Little America changed owners several times during this time, while adding pony rides, a kiddie playground, a renovated restaurant, and the biggest draw a double header locomotive. Little America had become a family destination in Indianapolis. To continue to draw families, it was renamed “Kiddie Land Wonderland” and then later became known simply as “Kiddyland.” The draw continued, and the amusement opportunities grew. A merry-go-round, boat rides, sky fighter, auto ride, and the Little Dipper roller-coaster was added making this into family amusement park.

Not everyone was happy about the growth of the amusement park. Homeowners in the Glendale Neighborhood sued the owners of Little America and had been against another amusement part ever since White City Amusement Park in Broad Ripple had burned to the ground in 1908. This would all change when Frank Thomas would turn Little America into a nationwide success in 1957. Thomas opened the first Burger Chef restaurant within the park. Our own Dan Mitchell recalls Burger Chef’s .15 cent burgers and the .45 cent burger, fries, and delicious milk shake deal. Burger Chef went on to be sold to the Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. restaurant chains becoming a national success…and to think it all began in our neighborhood.

Sadly, in the mid 1960’s, Little America and Kiddy Land began having several difficulties. Various causes were behind its demise and closing. So many good memories were made at Little America and Kiddy Land over the years and the nostalgia is not lost.

To think that as the first Burger Chef and the first shopping mall in Indianapolis were about to open just a stone’s throw from our newly built meetinghouse, minister Errol Elliott was returning for a second time (1936-42 and 1957-1965) to serve First Friends in our newly developed and growing Glendale Neighborhood. What an exciting time it must have been.

Information from: Little America Amusement Park in Indianapolis by Julie G. Dojahn

http://www.arizonaandpacificrr.com/littleamerica/littleamerica.html

Grace and peace,

Bob

Joys & Concerns

We will hold a memorial service for Marilyn Overman here at First Friends Meeting on Saturday, November 10th. Visitation will be held at 10am and the service will begin at 11am. After the service there will be a light luncheon in Fellowship Hall. Please hold the Overman family in your prayers as we celebrate Marilyn’s life.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Community Soup ~ Witness & Service will host the next Community Soup this Friday, November 2, from 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Everyone is invited to this very informal dinner. As the weather is cooling down we will be serving soup. If you’d like you’re welcome to bring a soup but not necessary. Our motto is: No cooking, no cleanup, no cost! We will also be hearing from Norma W who will be speaking about her FUM sponsored “Living Letters” trip to Israel and Palestine. Holy Land sites will be included as well as impressions of life under military occupation. Hope to see you there.

Daylight Savings Time ends at 2am this Sunday, so don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour before you go to bed, or you may show up to church an hour early on Sunday!

Also this Sunday, Beth will be selling coffee, chocolate and olive oil to help raise money for youth Affirmation, currently under way!

Coburn Place Open House ~ Coburn Place is hosting their annual open house on Thursday, November 8th from 8am to 8pm. This is a great opportunity to learn about Coburn Place, see some of their fantastic apartments first hand, and find out more about how we're growing and expanding services. RSVP at http://coburnplace.org/pt-event/open-house-2018/. The address is 604 E. 38th St, Indianapolis. If you have any questions you can contact Sam Ryan at sam@coburnplace.org.

A Sing-Along around the campfire will take place on Friday, November 9 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Connections is planning this weenie and marshmallow roast. Jim K will provide music and Leslie K will assist as anyone who wants, chimes in. The event will take place in the Meetinghouse courtyard and Fellowship Hall. Bring your voice, an instrument if you can play, and wear warm clothes. If you would like to come, please RSVP with the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485 by Wednesday, November 7. Please say then what food you will supply if you plan to contribute some. Do not stay away because you aren’t bringing any food. See you then!

Community Garden: A Year in Review ~ Thank you to our community gardeners, supporters and those who have inspired us, including those not pictured. See you in the springtime!

~Nancy

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming
gardeners who make our souls blossom.” -Marcel Proust

Meditational Woods October Bird of the Month

Merlin – It was Magic

Last week I was prepared to draw the bird I had selected weeks ago for October, and, yes, the story was mostly complete in my head. However, I stopped mid-week to check on something with the stamp project, and decided to take a listen in the woods, just to find out what was around. As I was leaving the woods, I happened to glance down the power lines to the north, and saw a bird sitting motionless on one of the wires about halfway to the garage. It had not been there when I had arrived several minutes earlier. At first I could not judge its size; if it was small, it could be a bluebird. If it was large, it was likely to be an American Kestrel, a member of the falcon family. I decided to check it out. The day was overcast, and bird’s colors and patterns were difficult to discern against the white sky. Quickly I saw it was too large to be a bluebird, and it had a hawk-like bill. So it was a Kestrel, a species I have seen before on the property, especially around the power lines and towers. But wait!! Where was the strong double-lined facial pattern of a kestrel? Not on this bird!! Where was the kestrel’s reddish brown back and tail? Also not here. Oh my!! This was no kestrel. This was the much rarer Merlin, a falcon with an all-dark bluish-gray back, black blotches on the sides of the belly, a subtle cheek mark, and a bluish-gray tail with dark bands. This was by far the rarest bird I have seen here on the First Friends property.

In fact, in my 45 years of birding, I have never seen a Merlin well-enough on my own to identify it…until now. When people have shown them to me, they are usually far off in flight or seen in poor weather. This one, in the middle of migration, allowed me to approach it, pass it, and even get a look from behind. When I walked down the sidewalk back to the woods, I turned to give the bird one more look, but the Merlin was gone, just as it had appeared…like magic.

~Brad J

Sing-Along with Jim! ~ Mark your calendars for Friday, November 16 for an evening of music and fun. We will have copies of the songs but please do bring your books if you have them. We begin at 7:00, end at 8:30 or soon after. Third Friday of the month, as usual!

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Friend to Friend October 24

October 24, 2018

As Way Opens

In my readings for class I came across a parable that the mystic, writer and teacher Cynthia Bourgeult quotes in her book, The Wisdom Way of Knowing - "Once upon a time in a not-so-far-away land, there was a kingdom of acorns, nestled at the foot of a grand old oak tree. Since the citizens of this kingdom were modern, fully Westernized acorns, they went about their business with purposeful energy; and since they were midlife, baby-boomer acorns, they engaged in a lot of self-help courses. There were seminars called "Getting All You Can Out of Your Shell". There were woundedness and recovery groups for acorns who had been bruised in their original fall from the tree. There were spas for oiling and polishing those shells and various acornopathic therapies to enhance longevity and well-being.

One day in the midst of this kingdom there suddenly appeared a knotty little stranger, apparently dropped "out of the blue" by a passing bird. He was caplets and dirty, making an immediate negative impression of his fellow acorns. And crouched beneath the oak tree, he stammered out a wild tale. Pointing upward at the tree, he said, "We… are… that!” Delusional thinking, obviously, the other acorns concluded, but one of them continued to engage him in conversation: "So tell us, how would we become that tree?" "Well", said he, pointing downward, "it has something to do with going into the ground… and cracking open the shell," "Insane," they responded. "Totally morbid! Why then we wouldn't be acorns anymore.”

I have not been able to stop thinking about this story since I read it. It connects so much with the book we are reading for small groups by Richard Rohr, Falling Upward. To find out true selves we must go down into our deepest crevices and begin to crack open the shell that we tell everyone is our true self but it’s not. We must become aware of our light and our shadows and embrace all of them. We must look into ourselves and appreciate our uniqueness and recognize that God calls each one of us into perfect communion and transformation with Christ and it is through this understanding that we can become our individual oak trees, our deepest and best selves and that is how we will each change the world in our destined way. What do you need to crack open to begin to find your oak tree?

Beth

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Affirmation and Youth Group ~ We completed our second Affirmation class this month finishing up Quaker history in America. We have 9 young people taking the class and I appreciated their interest in our history. Our next class will study our testimonies and Dan Lee will lead this class. We are heading to the Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati this Saturday. We will begin to do some fundraising for our trip to Philadelphia next summer. Stay tuned! ~Beth

Talk to Congress – Letter Writing Project ~ On the last Sunday of each month (starting this Sunday, October 28), Witness and Service is offering an opportunity for you to contact Congress. We will provide information and a sample letter, which addresses a specific issue that is on the Senate and/or House of Representative radar. You are welcome to write/call your legislators about this topic, or any other that might be on your mind.

The topics are chosen by Quaker Pastors, Ron and Pam Furgeson, who minister at Winchester Friends here in Indiana. They choose which topics to address based on relevance to our Quaker Testimonies. A writing station will be set up in Fellowship Hall for you to use after meeting for worship. You are welcome to write your thoughts on cards that are provided, take the material home to send later, or (if technology cooperates) send an email from the computer that is set up at the station. Your views are always private. The important part of this effort is to give you an opportunity to speak with those who decide the laws of the land, and to give Quaker/Faith Community input into their decision-making.

The featured topic for October is encouraging Congress to support The Global Fragility and Violence Reduction Act. This bipartisan bill is designed to improve U.S. capacity for reducing and addressing the causes of violence, violent conflict, and fragility across the globe. For more information and a sample letter, please visit https://goo.gl/WaH6YU.

Oak Leaf Meeting for Reading ~ Join our Oak Leaf Meeting for Reading book group for Tuesday October 30th’s pick ~ The Hour of Land by Terry Tempest Williams. The discussion will be led by Bob Henry. Click on this link if you’d like see the New York Times review: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/05/books/review/the-hour-of-land-by-terry-tempest-williams.html. Interested in being on the Oak Leaf email list or would like the book list? Please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org. Oak Leaf meets on the last Tuesday of each month in the Parlor at 7 pm. Come one, come all!

"I was a stranger and you welcomed me"
Immigration and the Meaning of Welcome: Sharing the Stories from Our Community

Please join members of the Shalom Zone churches for a discussion about immigration in our community and how we as Christians can help to welcome immigrants and refugees. Joining us to share their stories will be members of several immigrant communities in the Indianapolis area. An overview of some of the key issues about immigration, immigrants, and refugees will also be provided by our own Tim W, from Catholic Charities/Refugee Program. It will be held on Tuesday, October 30 at 7:00pm at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 5233 E. 79th St., Indianapolis, 46250. We hope you will join us for this important topic.

Meditational Woods
October Bird of the Month
Merlin – It was Magic

~Brad J

Community Garden: Our season in review

Thanks to the ushers for saving coffee grounds for the compost bin, and thanks to Breanna Cooper for helping ready the garden for next season. What a joy to look over the garden throughout the year and see the change of the seasons and the fruits of our labor!

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” ~ Audrey Hepburn

Community Soup ~ Witness & Service will host the next Community Soup on Friday, November 2, from 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Everyone is invited to this very informal dinner. As the weather is cooling down we will be serving soup. If you’d like you’re welcome to bring a soup but not necessary. Our motto is: No cooking, no cleanup, no cost! Hope to see you there.

Riley Children’s Hospital Fundraiser ~ A message from Heather DeRudder: I'm on a mission to save kids and I need your help. Riley Children's Hospital treats thousands of children each year, regardless of their family's ability to pay. These kids are facing scary stuff like cancer, cystic fibrosis, and injuries from accidents to name just a few. This is my third year participating in this huge worldwide celebration of the social impact of gamers of all kinds. Our team will play video games to board games and even tabletop RPG's to raise money and awareness for Riley Children's Hospital!

Since 2008, Extra Life has raised more than $40 million to help children's hospitals provide critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment, research and charitable care. It's my sincere hope that you'll find it in your heart to support my efforts with a monthly pledge or one-time gift that will go directly to my hospital. Your donation is tax-deductible and ALL PROCEEDS go to help kids.I need your help to reach my goal "For The Kids". Please make a safe, easy donation online today. You can click the following link to make a safe and easy online donation. Thank you so much for supporting my efforts! https://goo.gl/3dt8i4

Sing around the campfire on Friday, November 9 from 6:00 to 8:30pm. Connections is planning this weenie and marshmallow roast. Jim K will provide music and Leslie K will assist as anyone who wants, chimes in. The event will take place in the Meetinghouse courtyard and Fellowship Hall. Bring your voice, an instrument if you can play, and wear warm clothes. If you’d like to come, please RSVP with the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485 by Wednesday, November 7. See you then!

Deodorant needed for MNFP! Currently, Mid-North Food Pantry (MNFP) is collecting deodorant for men and women in need. If you would like to help out, please place unopened sticks of deodorant in the donation boxes either in the hallway by the Sunday School rooms, or in Fellowship Hall. Thank you!

Slow Church Sermon Series ~ Each Sunday we are going to explore together what a “slow movement” looks like for First Friends. This is an invitation to explore outside of what is labeled “franchise faith” and back into the Kingdom of God – where people know each other well and love one another as Christ loved the church. This will be instrumental in developing an ongoing vision for First Friends. We hope you will plan to join us for this exploration during the Fall months.

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Friend to Friend October 17, 2018

October 18, 2018

As Way Opens

Do You Know the History of First Friends’ Neighborhood? (Part 3)

Authors John Pattison and Chris Smith once again noted in our special education hour on Sunday the need to know the history of one’s neighborhood. In this third installment I want to highlight a business establishment of our neighborhood that has survived most of the changes taking places from the late 1920s through today. This establishment is Hedlund’s Hardware.

Anyone from outside our neighborhood who I drive to the Meetinghouse down Keystone Avenue inquires about Hedlund’s Hardware. The giant billboard sign on the top of the building is definitely a draw, and someone always asks if they change it every day. Actually, my son asked just this week.

The family-owned and operated business goes all the way back to 1929, when it was known as a general store. The founder, Claude Hedlund, and his wife Mary made their name known on the corner of 62nd and Keystone and quickly began servicing the growing community. Before modern grocery or convenience stores, the Hedlund’s became a one-stop shop for food, gas, and hardware. Since this was a family and neighborhood business, the Hedlund’s lived in the back of the shop with their two sons Paul and Ronald.

Today, four generations later, a Hedlund still runs the business. A lot has changed over the years, but Hedlund’s history is a living example of how our neighborhood has evolved. As the neighborhood development boom occurred in the early 1940s, there was a need for building supplies and hardware. This had Hedlund’s transitioning from a general store to a full-fledged independent hardware store. With the addition of Marsh Grocery and later Lowe’s Home Improvement, Hedlund’s has continued to reinvent itself, similar to Glendale Town Square across the street. They now focus on specialty items that big chain stores do not carry and much of their business is done online, all while still being considered a neighborhood establishment.

Some see Hedlund’s Hardware as a museum to our neighborhood’s past. Just stepping through their doors is like being in a time-machine. Yet, I believe Hedlund’s Hardware is an example of cultivating stability in our neighborhood. Johnathan Wilson-Hartgrove says that “Stability demands that we do the long, hard work of life with the other people in the place where we are.” That is exactly what Hedlund’s Hardware has done in our neighborhood. They have continued to put the needs of their local community first while offering quality service. Obviously, they have had to change over the years, but they have also continued to grow and evolve to stay endorsed and valued in their neighborhood. They know their true home (for four generations) and they insist they are not going anywhere anytime soon.

How might First Friends learn from the established stability and ongoing evolution that Hedlund’s has gone through over the years? How are we doing the long, hard work of life with other people in our place?

(Info from: http://www.hedlundhardware.com/hedlundhistory.html, http://www.townepost.com/indiana/broad-ripple/the-right-tools/)

Grace and peace,

Bob

Joys & Concerns

This past Sunday morning, we enjoyed a Special Education Hour with authors John Pattison and C. Christopher Smith of Slow Church: Cultivating Community in the Patient Way of Jesus. We also got to hear them speak during Meeting for Worship. Ben Wertz shared a special song and spoke about the Full Circle Fest (https://fullcirclefest.com/celebrate/). After the Meeting for Worship, John joined the Affirmation Class for their teaching. What a great time!

First Friends helped represent Quakers at the Indy Festival of Faiths on Sunday! Thank you to everyone who came and especially those who helped with setup, teardown, and helped at the booth throughout the day, including Ed Morris!

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Threshing Together ~ If you are interested in gathering with men who mull over current issues or topics, where all points of view are heard, no decisions are made, and all in a relaxed atmosphere over a meal, then Threshing Together is for you! Join us. Threshing Together gathers at 7pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Our next get-together will be this Thursday, October 18 at 7:00pm. See locations here: https://goo.gl/HosLVg

Sing-Along with Jim! ~ Mark your calendars for this Friday, October 19th for an evening of music and fun with songs ranging from Dylan to Pete Seeger, Beetles to Stephen Foster. Some are sad, pensive, inspirational, patriotic, religious. We are now enlarging the songs and printing them, placing them in folders alphabetically, thus making a less labor-intensive process for all. Rise Up Singing and Rise Again are still useful in case we have more singers than folders. Please do bring your books. We begin at 7:00, end at 8:30 or soon after. Third Friday of the month, as usual!

Full Circle Festival ~ Again this year our own Ben W will be holding Full Circle Festival downtown this Saturday, October 20th from 2-9pm on Monument Circle. Full Circle Fest is an open-air dining experience, an interactive art fair, a zero-waste event, a fundraiser for sustainable community projects, and much more! There will also be local bands, performers, and DJs, as well as engaging games and activities. Every year we focus on a timely community issue to guide the day's events. This year’s focus is “Everyone should have access to fresh, healthy food.” Indianapolis ranks among the worst cities in the country for food deserts (urban areas in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food). For more information please visit https://fullcirclefest.com/.

Fall Festival! ~ Meridian Street Preschool Co-Op (MSPC) will be hosting their annual Fall Festival this Saturday October 20th from 4-6pm. It is held here at First Friends and is free and open to the public—so all are welcome to come and be a part of this fun evening. There will be face painting, pumpkin decorating, a bounce house, a chili cook-off, a raffle, and more! Costumes are welcome! We hope you will join us for the fun evening.

Butler University’s Diversity Lecture Series: Victoria Defrancesco Soto ~ Butler University is hosting a lecture on Monday, October 22 at 7:00pm. DeFrancesco Soto will consider the topic of negotiating diversity within the current political landscape with a particular focus on the last decade and the upcoming mid-term election. DeFrancesco Soto is a professor at the University of Texas’ LBJ School of Public Affairs and a contributor to MSNBC, NBCNews.com, and Telemundo among others. Her areas of expertise include immigration, Latinos, women and politics, political psychology, and campaigns and elections. In looking at immigration, she takes a broad historical perspective to understand current policy debates. For more information, visit https://events.butler.edu/event/diversity-lecture-series-victoria-defrancesco-soto

An Evening with Author Michelle Alexander – Poverty: Examining Roots, Working Toward Solutions ~ You are invited to join the Faith & Action Project for an evening with Michelle Alexander, best-selling author of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness on Tuesday, October 23 at 7 p.m. at Clowes Memorial Hall. Following Ms. Alexander’s keynote, she will join a panel of local business, community and faith leaders for a conversation that delves into poverty’s foundations and the community’s role in both its expansion and eventual elimination… all with an eye toward equipping residents and organizations to squash poverty’s momentum and apply their collaborative might to the fight against poverty. Instead of tickets the event has been opened to all on a first-come first-seated basis. For more information please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poverty-examining-roots-working-toward-solutions-tickets-48658471799

Seasoned Friends ~ Seasoned Friends will hold their annual weenie roast next Wednesday, October 24th. This year it will be at the historic Beem House in Spencer, Indiana. Our meal will consist of hotdogs, iced tea, chocolate chip cookies, and potato salad. We will meet at the Meetinghouse at 9:30 and carpool from there, or if you’d like to drive yourself, the address of the Beem House is 635 W Hillside Ave, Spencer, IN 47460. We will be back by 5pm. Please RSVP with the office at office@indyfriends.org or at 317-255-2485 and let us know if you will be joining the carpool. Come for a good meal, to hear the history of the house, and enjoy time with friends. For more information on the history of the Beem house, you can visit https://pocketsights.com/tours/place/David-Enoch-Beem-House-5293 or https://indianahistory.org/wp-content/uploads/david-enoch-beem-papers-1821-1923-1954.pdf. We hope you will join us!

Talk to Congress – Letter Writing Project ~ Beginning in October on the last Sunday of each month, Witness and Service is offering an opportunity for you to contact Congress. We will provide information and a sample letter, which addresses a specific issue that is on the Senate and/or House of Representative radar. You are welcome to write/call your legislators about this topic, or any other that might be on your mind.

"I was a stranger and you welcomed me"
Immigration and the Meaning of Welcome: Sharing the Stories from Our Community

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Friend to Friend October 10, 2018

October 10, 2018

As Way Opens

Last week I was sitting in my office and someone tapped on my window. There was Daud A. outside. As many of you know, Daud is an Imam and attended Nur-Allah Islamic Center on 46th St near Keystone. Five years ago, he showed up one Sunday morning and kept coming back most Sundays and became involved in Sunday School and in outreach, and developed deep friendships with many of us. He became part of our fellowship and even gave the message one Sunday morning. He and his wife Lillian moved to Alabama a year ago but when he returns to Indianapolis he often stops by to say hello and check in on us.

Daud loves the Quakers and described his experience worshipping with us as deeply significant for him. He is looking to connect with Quakers in Alabama, but he has not found the same experience as he did at First Friends. We reminisced about hosting an appreciation ceremony together at School 43, his friendship with Duffy Fankboner (that changed both of them) and this amazing and holy experience we had during our Affirmation class three years ago. One of our lessons in Affirmation is looking at other religions and how Quakerism compares. We invited the youth from Nur Allah to come and share an abbreviated Muslim service with us, eat with us and hang out with us. There were about 10 young people as well as a couple of adults including Daud that joined us. We had an incredible gathering that I will never forget, sharing worship, food and conversation with each other. That afternoon broke down any perceived barriers of difference or labels between us. These kids - black, white, Muslim and Quaker - were just kids with each other. Both Daud and I talked about how powerful this experience was of understanding, acceptance and sacredness.

My friendship with Daud has changed me. I got to know someone very different from me but a deeply spiritual person that I learned from and showed me the Spirit’s breadth and depth in a new way. We may use different words to describe our experiences, but we have great similarities in how the Divine transforms our heart and calls us into action into the world. Our Meeting was blessed to have Daud in our community and he continues to be a blessing in this world. How do we step outside of our homogenous world and develop friendships and relationships with people different than us?

Beth

Joys & Concerns

Many thanks to everyone who helped at Mid-North Food Pantry last week: Linda L; Kathy R; Kathy and Bill F; Beth F; Tom Fisher; Dan H; Christie M; Jill, Ben, Verna and Nolan F; Carol and Jim D. Thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

As we arrive at the half-way point through our 11-week Slow Movement Sermon Series, we are excited to invite you this Sunday, October 14, to engage and hear from the authors of the book that is the basis for the series, "Slow Church: Cultivating Community in the Patient Way of Jesus!" John Pattison and Chris Smith will be with us for a special Education Hour starting at 9:00am with a light breakfast being offered starting at 8:30am. As well, John and Chris will be sharing in Meeting for Worship and will also spend some time with our Affirmation Class after the service. Don't miss this Sunday as we hear the stories and learn about the Slow Church movement taking place throughout our world. See you on Sunday!

As a reminder, this Sunday October 14th is our second session of Affirmation for our youth. They will be dismissed after the sermon to begin their class, and will be joined later by John Pattison and Chris Smith, authors of Slow Church!

Small Groups ~ We are excited to offer spiritual growth small groups again this fall starting October 15th and continuing for a 5-week period (ending the week before Thanksgiving). In the past our small groups study sessions were an opportunity to deepen connections in a small group with Friends. We will be studying the book by Richard Rohr called “Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life.” In his book, Rohr seeks to help readers understand the tasks of the two halves of life and to show them that those who have fallen, failed, or "gone down" are the only ones who understand "up." Most of us tend to think of the second half of life as largely about getting old, dealing with health issues, and letting go of life, but the whole thesis of this book is exactly the opposite. What looks like falling down can largely be experienced as "falling upward." In fact, it is not a loss but somehow actually a gain, as we have all seen with elders who have come to their fullness. See below for current available sessions. Please 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 hope you will join us!

The Rohingya Refugee Crisis ~ Last August the government of Burma forced a million Muslim Rohingya from their homes in Burma into Bangladesh. The United Nations calls this genocide and a crime against humanity. Today, Wednesday, October 10, 7:00-8:30pm, the Indianapolis Peace & Justice Center invites everyone to come hear John Clark, board of the Indianapolis-based OBAT Helpers, one of the few nonprofits working in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh. This event is free and open to the public. It will be held at the Indiana Interchurch Center, 1100 W. 42nd St. For more information, please visit www.indypeaceandjustice.org.

Shalom Zone Eco-Film - The next Shalom Zone Eco Film will be “Bidder 70”, which highlights the story of University of Utah economics student Tim DeChristopher, who in 2008 committed an act which would redefine patriotism in our time, igniting a spirit of civil disobedience in the name of climate justice. The film will be at St Pius X Church, 7200 Sarto Dr on Friday October 12th at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited. For more information see our flyer at https://goo.gl/2yekyo.

Recycling Event! The Shalom Zone plans to have its yearly recycling event with Recycle Force on Saturday, October 13 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. If an item runs (or used to run) with a plug or a battery you can recycle it! This year it will be held at Epworth United Methodist Church, 6450 Allisonville Rd. A $20 donation is requested for appliances containing Freon (fridges, freezers, ac units and dehumidifiers) and televisions. Other monetary contributions are greatly appreciated. This is a great opportunity to clean out your basement, garage, closets, attic and responsibly recycle unwanted electronics and appliances.

Political Polarization and the Need for Civil Discourse in the Time of Trump ~ Our own Jeff Rasley will be the main speaker at this local event, sponsored by Meridian Methodist Men's Group (women are welcome to attend). It will be held Saturday, October 13 at 8:00a.m. at Meridian Methodist Church, 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. An optional breakfast will be offered for $5. Please RSVP to Mary Sue McAlister at mmcalister@meridianstreet.org, if you plan to attend.

Alternatives to Violence Mini Workshops ~ Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) Indiana is hosting mini workshops using participants’ shared experience, interactive exercises and games to examine the ways we respond to situations where frustration can lead to anger and aggressive behavior through leadership development, community building and creative conflict management. These workshops are free and are for anyone who is interested in learning new and creative ways to respond to conflict in personal relationships and groups. The sessions are on the following Saturdays at Indianapolis Public Library branches:

October 13, 12:30-4:30pm at West Indianapolis Library, 1216 Kappes St, Indianapolis 46221

November 10, 10am-1:30pm at Brightwood Library, 2435 N Sherman Dr, Indianapolis 46218

December 8, 12:30-4:30pm at Wayne Library, 198 S Girls School Rd, Indianapolis 46231

For more information and to register, please visit https://avpindiana.org/registration-2/

Indy Festival of Faiths ~ We will be representing Quakers again this year at the Festival of Faiths! It will be this Sunday, October 14 from 1-5pm at the War Memorial downtown. There has never been a better time to celebrate central Indiana's richly diverse faith community. This year's theme is Compassion Through Action. They are asking everyone who attends the festival to bring a small donation of personal hygiene items for our neighbors in challenging circumstances. Soap, shampoo, combs and hair brushes, tampons, deodorant, toothpaste and tooth brushes will be collected at the festival and distributed to shelters and food pantries. There are a myriad of activities taking place inside the War Memorial and outside in Veterans Memorial Plaza. We are also looking for volunteers to help at our Quaker booth throughout the day. If you’re interested, please use the signup sheet in the Meetingroom hallway or contact the office at office@indyfriends.org. Come and stay however long you’re able—people coming early or staying late for setup and teardown would also be much appreciated! Thank you!

Sing-Along with Jim! ~ Mark your calendars for Friday, October 19th for an evening of music and fun with songs ranging from Dylan to Pete Seeger, Beetles to Stephen Foster. Some are sad, pensive, inspirational, patriotic, religious. We are now enlarging the songs and printing them, placing them in folders alphabetically, thus making a less labor-intensive process for all. Rise Up Singing and Rise Again are still useful in case we have more singers than folders. Please do bring your books. We begin at 7:00, end at 8:30 or soon after. Third Friday of the month, as usual!

Harvesting Seeds for Next Year’s Garden

The Community Garden has a small seed library and we often use seeds obtained from the Glendale Library. The oats we used for cover crops (to put nutrients back into the soil) came from the Glendale Library. Some of us collect seeds from our crops and save them for spring.

A great opportunity to learn more is at Saving and Sharing Seeds with Ben Cohen, a presentation slated for this Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Glendale Branch Library. See www.indypl.org.

Open-pollinated seeds, or OPs, retain their distinct characteristics for generations as long as they do not cross-pollinate with other types of the same species. You can collect seeds of annuals each year and harvest biennial seeds after the second season. Some plants self-seed. Perennials survive for many years and come up on their own. Beware of hybrid crop seeds since they may not produce true-to-breed. They are genetically unstable and are generally less vigorous. It is actually illegal to save and exchange some patented seeds. Globally we now have giant seed banks or vaults to preserve seeds through time for all humanity and to aid in conserving biodiversity. Hurrah!

Knowing when and how to collect seeds is important. Collect from the healthiest plants. Let peas and beans dry on the plant. Pick fleshy vegetables when ripe so you can scoop out their seeds. Separate the surrounding gel before you attempt to dry the seeds. Read up on this so you can avoid mold growth!

One way to store seeds is in a jar in the freezer. For others you may use envelopes or pill bottles as storage containers. Label with the date collected and the species variety. Most seeds require a cool, dark place. Potato and onion sets can be hung in mesh bags or stored in open boxes. Be sure to research temperature and humidity needs of each seed type according to your storage method. These variables affect longevity and viability. We want our seeds to live long and prosper so we can too!

--Nancy 🍂

Full Circle Festival ~ Again this year our own Ben W will be holding Full Circle Festival downtown on Saturday, October 20th. Full Circle Fest is an open-air dining experience, an interactive art fair, a zero-waste event, a fundraiser for sustainable community projects, and much more! There will also be local bands, performers, and DJs, as well as engaging games and activities. Every year we focus on a timely community issue to guide the day's events. This year’s focus is “Everyone should have access to fresh, healthy food.” Indianapolis ranks among the worst cities in the country for food deserts (urban areas in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food). Full Circle Fest is in need of your support to help bring this event to life. To donate, please drop your contributions in the offering plate or in the meeting office with the notation “Full Circle Fest”. An anonymous donor will match donations up to $500, so please consider supporting this important cause. For more information please visit https://fullcirclefest.com/.

Fall Festival! ~ Meridian Street Preschool Co-Op (MSPC) will be hosting their annual Fall Festival on Saturday October 20th from 4-6pm. It is held here at First Friends and is free and open to the public—so all are welcome to come and be a part of this fun evening. There will be face painting, pumpkin decorating, a bounce house, a chili cook-off, a raffle, and more! Costumes are welcome! We hope you will join us for the fun evening.

Seasoned Friends ~ Seasoned Friends will hold their annual weenie roast on Wednesday, October 24th. This year it will be at the historic Beem House in Spencer, Indiana. Our meal will consist of hotdogs, iced tea, chocolate chip cookies, and potato salad. We will meet at the Meetinghouse at 9:30 and carpool from there, or if you’d like to drive yourself, the address of the Beem House is 635 W Hillside Ave, Spencer, IN 47460. We will be back by 5pm. Please RSVP with the office at office@indyfriends.org or at 317-255-2485 and let us know if you will be joining the carpool. Come for a good meal, to hear the history of the house, and enjoy time with friends. We hope you will join us!

Oak Leaf Meeting for Reading ~ Join our Oak Leaf Meeting for Reading book group for Tuesday October 30th’s pick ~ The Hour of Land by Terry Tempest Williams. The discussion will be led by Bob Henry. Click on this link if you’d like see the New York Times review: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/05/books/review/the-hour-of-land-by-terry-tempest-williams.html. Interested in being on the Oak Leaf email list or would like the book list? Please contact office@indyfriends.org. Oak Leaf meets on the last Tuesday of each month in the Parlor at 7 pm. Come one, come all!

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Friend to Friend October 3, 2018

October 4, 2018

As Way Opens

Do you know the history of First Friend’s neighborhood? (Part 2)

In my last As Way Opens, I shared some of the early history of the location of our current Meetinghouse. This week, I want to take us back to the 1950s. The Glendale neighborhood was about to put the American suburban lifestyle on the map in Indianapolis, and First Friends would be showing up just in the nick of time.

First, let me give you some background. The Glendale area which is also geographically known as the Keystone-Kessler neighborhoods did not see significant development until after the First World War. Artificial barriers such as the Monon Rail Road and the State Fairgrounds kept residential areas from expanding north out of downtown. After the Great Depression of 1929 very little was residentially developed. That is until the 1930s, when apartments began being built just south of 46th street.

Demographically, our neighborhood has experienced significant change. From the 1950s through the 1980s there were great shifts in the racial character of the area. Large numbers of African American households moved into the southern regions of our neighborhood north of the Indiana State Fairgrounds. 49th to 53rd streets were filled with apartment complexes for multi-family and transitional housing (today, this area is experiencing a great deal of gentrification and change once again). Predominately white, single-family, and duplex housing occupied the northwestern and north-central portions, as well as, the northeastern section where our Meeting is located.

The Keystone-Kessler intersection saw major development in the post-World War II period. Proximity of upper- and middle-class post-war auto-oriented suburbs, such as Glendale on the northside of Indianapolis, stimulated the development of several auto related enterprises on Keystone Ave. including car dealerships and open-air shopping centers. Our neighborhood was known for some of the earliest “strip commercial” development in Indianapolis. In 1956, just prior to this residential and commercial boom, First Friends moved into the neighborhood. This would be considered “really good timing.”

Our first years in our new Glendale location would witness one of the most significant changes to Indianapolis. Within a stone’s throw of our new Meetinghouse would be one of the region’s first shopping malls. Glendale Mall was built in 1958 as an open-air shopping center. It was designed by mall pioneer Victor Gruen and Associates. The 685,000 square foot mall was a premier retail center in Indianapolis and boasted an impressive array of upscale retailers. Until Glendale’s construction, most major department stores in Indianapolis were located downtown. Glendale was frequently the first local branch store away from the established flagship locations downtown.

In the 1960s, Glendale Mall was converted to a covered mall seeing even more success. Sadly, in the 1970s a new fashion mall began being built just 3.2 miles north of Glendale off of Keystone. The Fashion Mall at Keystone would slowly draw away Glendale’s better-known tenants and be the demise of the glory days of Glendale Mall. Since then, it has gone through many changes including its current Glendale Town Center which has less of a mall and more of a community persona.

This leaves me questioning what is next for our neighborhood. Already people are describing us as being located in “extended Broad Ripple.” With the draw of urban living, bike lanes, community-friendly spaces, and opportunities for small entrepreneurs to start artisan and craft businesses, we may be on the verge of exciting times once again. Keep your eyes open and be aware of your neighborhood.

Sources: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glendale_Town_Center, “Keystone-Kessler Neighborhood Plan,” November, 1985, and https://newspapers.library.in.gov/.

Grace and peace,

Bob

Joys & Concerns

Congratulations to our own Nichole M, a German teacher at Hamilton Southeastern High School for recently receiving the Deutsch macht Spaß (German is fun) Grant from the American Association of Teachers of German to help promote German learning and engagement in and out of the classroom. She was awarded a little more than $300 to fund a project for her German students this semester. This story was also featured in a recent edition of the newspaper “Current in Fishers” and you can find the full article here: https://goo.gl/irZbmw (thanks to Amy P for the scan of the article). Congratulations, Nichole!

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

IFCL Meeting ~ Everyone is invited to the next Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (IFCL) meeting on Saturday, October 6 from 9-11am in the First Friends Parlor. IFCL is in the midst of restructuring and this is an open meeting to any who might be interested in IFCL or in giving feedback. Feel welcome to contact Diana Hadley (Dhadley@franklincollege.edu), Phil Goodchild (goodch713@aol.com) or Ed Morris (emorri@earthlink.net) with questions or suggestions regarding IFCL initiatives. We hope to see you there.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

All are invited on Sunday, October 14, to hear C. Christopher Smith and John Pattison, authors of Slow Church, speak at our Meeting. We will hold a light breakfast at 8:30 and have a combined youth and adult Sunday School class featuring our guests. Then Christopher and John will give the morning message during Meeting for Worship. Please come!

SAWS Ramp Build ~ The Shalom Zone is planning another SAWS ramp build. Please note that the date for the ramp build has been changed to Saturday, October 6th. SAWS is an organization that builds ramps for low income folks who need a ramp to enter/exit their homes. 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: http://sawsramps.org

The Creation by Haydn Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Performance ~ All are invited to the Indianapolis Symphonic choir’s performance on Sunday, October 7th at 6pm at Hilbert Circle Theater. Dan R and Bill P will both be performing. The 82nd season begins with Haydn’s oratorio The Creation, vividly depicting through the human voice and orchestra the creation story. Eric Stark conducts the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra in this performance that begins with the famous musical painting of void, chaos and all that follows. If ten or more people from First Friends go there is a 20% discount on tickets. For more information please visit https://indychoir.org/performances/haydn-creation/.

The Rohingya Refugee Crisis ~ Last August the government of Burma forced a million Muslim Rohingya from their homes in Burma into Bangladesh. The United Nations calls this genocide and a crime against humanity. On Wednesday, October 10, 7:00-8:3pm, the Indianapolis Peace & Justice Center invites everyone to come hear John Clark, board of the Indianapolis-based OBAT Helpers, one of the few nonprofits working in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh. This event is free and open to the public. It will be held at the Indiana Interchurch Center, 1100 W. 42nd St. For more information, please visit www.indypeaceandjustice.org.

Shalom Zone Eco-Film - The next Shalom Zone Eco Film will be “Bidder 70”, which highlights the story of University of Utah economics student Tim DeChristopher, who in 2008 committed an act which would redefine patriotism in our time, igniting a spirit of civil disobedience in the name of Climate justice. The film will be at St Pius X Church, 7200 Sarto Dr on Friday October 12th at 7”00 p.m. Everyone is invited. For more information see our flyer at https://goo.gl/2yekyo.

Political Polarization and the Need for Civil Discourse in the Time of Trump ~ Our own Jeff R will be the main speaker at this local event, sponsored by Meridian Methodist Men's Group (women are welcome to attend). It will be held Saturday, October 13 at 8:00a.m. at Meridian Methodist Church, 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. An optional breakfast will be offered for $5. Please RSVP to Mary Sue McAlister at mmcalister@meridianstreet.org, if you plan to attend.

October 13, 12:30-4:30pm at West Indianapolis Library, 1216 Kappes St, Indianapolis 46221

November 10, 10am-1:30pm at Brightwood Library, 2435 N Sherman Dr, Indianapolis 46218

December 8, 12:30-4:30pm at Wayne Library, 198 S Girls School Rd, Indianapolis 46231

For more information and to register, please visit https://avpindiana.org/registration-2/

Lessons from the Garden

*Photo of the Community Garden by Chelsea T.*

Preparing the soil and environment is important.It is part of the groundwork to help plants thrive.Testing the soil for alkaline and acid makeup and determining if there are enough nutrients of the right kind for the crops you intend to grow is helpful.Testing for heavy metals is another useful step.After testing you can correct the growing medium.

Planting seeds requires attention. They must have the right amounts of sunlight and moisture. A garden must be weeded so the crops are not crowded out. Seedlings must be nurtured and protected. Unwelcome varmints that can interfere with growth and kill seedlings must be eliminated or decreased. Sometimes flowers can distract these creatures. Other times complementary crops can be planted together for company and to ward off disease and pests. Insects that prey upon undesirable bugs can be employed to guard the garden if other methods do not work.

Don’t feel like you must save all “volunteer” plants that crop up on their own in a new season. Focus on the crop you are planting. You save your energy and may prevent the spread of disease that volunteers may harbor. Volunteers may differ from their parent plants. For instance, tomatoes‘ progeny may be miniatures rather than the larger fruit of the previous generation. Sticking with your original garden plan may be the best idea. When your plan involves crop rotation to enrich soil and deter disease, some volunteers may be transplanted to other areas if you determine they are healthy and wanted.

Plant several types of the same species (e.g. Better Boy and Sungold tomatoes). Some may thrive during a particular season whereas others may fail to progress because of many variables such as drought and flood. Your chances of overall success increase in a garden with diversity.

Consider multiple perspectives and other possibilities when trying to solve a problem. Once I tried growing tomatoes with no luck at all and thought it was my missing green thumb. Turns out it was the walnut trees. They release a substance into the soil that is toxic to tomatoes. I had to plant tomatoes farther away where they were safer and could stand their ground.

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again—but not forever. Once I bought quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) seeds from a local store and tried to grow them for three seasons. They looked almost identical to a native weed, so I kept letting them grow. They did not grow, but that particular weed flourished. Finally, I discovered quinoa grows in mountainous regions and Indy’s small hills are closer to molehills than mountains. I encouraged the store to stop selling quinoa to trusting and unsuspecting customers. They complied.

Remove dead and withered plant parts. Disease can spread fast. Pick up debris from underneath plants since it can harbor fungi, pests and weeds.

Be patient and flexible. Consider a garden an experiment. Risk trying new things and learn from your mistakes and the wisdom and collective knowledge of fellow gardeners.

Harvest your crops and be grateful for the miracle of life. Be thankful for the cooperation of the elements and creatures like pollinators and earthworms. Realize the gifts you are contributing by tending the garden—the miracle of your own body and brain. Enjoy what you do not need to do for your garden because God does it for you. God completes the part you cannot accomplish alone. So does the community of which you are an integral part. You are both blessed and a blessing.

“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?”

-Matthew 6:26

--Nancy 🌺

Indy Festival of Faiths ~ We will be representing Quakers again this year at the Festival of Faiths! It will be on Sunday, October 14 from 1-5pm at the War Memorial downtown. There has never been a better time to celebrate central Indiana's richly diverse faith community. This year's theme is Compassion Through Action. They are asking everyone who attends the festival to bring a small donation of personal hygiene items for our neighbors in challenging circumstances. Soap, shampoo, combs and hair brushes, tampons, deodorant, toothpaste and tooth brushes will be collected at the festival and distributed to shelters and food pantries. There are a myriad of activities taking place inside the War Memorial and outside in Veterans Memorial Plaza. We are also looking for volunteers to help at our Quaker booth throughout the day. If you’re interested, please use the signup sheet in the Meetingroom hallway or contact the office at office@indyfriends.org. Come and stay however long you’re able—people coming early or staying late for setup and teardown would also be much appreciated! Thank you!

Full Circle Festival ~ Again this year our own Ben W will be holding Full Circle Festival downtown on Saturday, October 20th. Full Circle Fest is an open-air dining experience, an interactive art fair, a zero-waste event, a fundraiser for sustainable community projects, and much more! There will also be local bands, performers, and DJs, engaging games and activities. Every year we focus on a timely community issue to guide the day's events. This year’s focus is “Everyone should have access to fresh, healthy food.” Indianapolis ranks among the worst cities in the country for food deserts (urban areas in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food). Full Circle Fest is in need of your support to help bring this event to life. To donate, please drop your contributions in the offering plate or in the meeting office with the notation “Full Circle Fest”. An anonymous donor will match donations up to $500, so please consider supporting this important cause. For more information please visit https://fullcirclefest.com/.

Seasoned Friends ~ Seasoned Friends will hold their annual weenie roast on Wednesday, October 24th. This year it will be at the historic Beem House in Spencer, IN. Our meal will consist of hotdogs, iced tea, chocolate chip cookies, and potato salad. We will carpool from the Meetinghouse that day. Come for a good meal, to hear the history of the house, and enjoy time with friends. Stay tuned for more details.

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Friend to Friend September 26, 2018

October 1, 2018

As Way Opens

This past Sunday night First Friends hosted a service appreciation dinner for 8 of our weighty Friends that have spent many years in service and faithful commitment to our community and have served in so many ways over the years (clerks, committees, new ministries, service projects, small groups, spiritual development etc). This event was started a number of years ago as several folks (led by Jim Donahue) lamented the fact that we don’t share how we really feel about folks until they are gone. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for our friends to hear the impact they have had on us now! These friends and so many before them have sustained First Friends through many changes, have supported the various ministries and have showed us how to live through the joys and sorrows of life. I am thankful for each person that we recognized last Sunday night and over the last 15 years and their impact on my faith journey. May we all share our appreciation in verbal and tangible ways to each other.

The same evening, we had 7 of our youth (6th - 10th grade) join us to prep and serve tables, clear away dishes and learn how to run our industrial size dishwasher and wash all dishes and put away our food. These kids were amazing and everyone attending the dinner felt a sense of hope and future of Quakerism watching these youth work as a team, be helpful and gracious and work their tails off. I was so proud of them (I know Quakers aren’t supposed to feel pride but sometimes it just pops out) and loved to watch them honor and appreciate these friends in the room. My heart was full of joy to see the intersection of young and old connecting in a room full of God’s presence. God knits us all together in a mystical and profound way.

Beth

Joys & Concerns

We thank our volunteers for serving at the Mid-North Food Pantry last week: Kathy R, Dan H, Christie M, Tom F, Kathy and Bill F, Linda and Rik L, and Carol and Jim D.

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Buddy Bags ~ The Shalom Zone is continuing its support of Allisonville Elementary School and the food insecurity issue by providing Buddy Bags to some of its more vulnerable students during school breaks. First Friends plans to provide Buddy Bags prior to Fall break. You can help by taking a tag which will have certain food items listed, purchasing such items in the quantity noted, and putting them into the box on the stage in Fellowship Hall. The Buddy Bags will be delivered the first week of October, so we will need the items no later than September 28. Together, we can work to make life in our community a little bit better. Thanks for your help.

Full Circle Festival ~ Again this year our own Ben W will be holding Full Circle Festival downtown on Saturday, October 20th. Full Circle Fest is an open-air dining experience, an interactive art fair, a zero-waste event, a fundraiser for sustainable community projects, and much more! There will also be local bands, performers, and DJs, engaging games and activities. Every year we focus on a timely community issue to guide the day's events. This year’s focus is “Everyone should have access to fresh, healthy food.” Indianapolis ranks among the worst cities in the country for food deserts (urban areas in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food). Full Circle Fest is in need of your support to help bring this event to life. To donate, please drop your contributions in the offering plate or in the meeting office with the notation “Full Circle Fest”. An anonymous donor will match donations up to $500, so please consider supporting this important cause. For more information please visit https://fullcirclefest.com/.

Underneath It All ~ In the fall some of our thoughts turn toward school children, cooler weather and the importance of underwear. For maybe 8 or 10 years First Friends has been donating underwear to the John H. Boner Center on the near east side. Social workers there have it on hand to give to children in need. This includes some preschoolers on up through high school, so a variety of sizes are needed. If shopping for underwear is not your favorite thing, a check will be welcomed. There will be a donation box in Fellowship Hall. Questions? Ask Linda L

Shalom Zone movie - The next Shalom Zone Eco Film will be Bidder 70, which highlights the story of University of Utah economics student Tim DeChristopher, who in 2008 committed an act which would redefine patriotism in our time, igniting a spirit of civil disobedience in the name of Climate justice. The film will be at St Pius X Church, 7200 Sarto Dr on Friday October 12th at 7”00 p.m. Everyone is invited.

Meditational Woods Bird of the Month: September

Ruby-throated Hummingbird – A Energetic Friend

This little guy (yes, I drew the male with its red throat; the female lacks the red patch) can be seen flying across the parking lot and Parker Street to visit the two houses with hummingbird feeders. I also have seen hummingbirds visiting the flowers in the garden and sitting on power line wires above the east edge of the parking lot. Because they fly into the meditational woods, it is possible they nest there, especially in the pine trees. A nest has yet to be discovered. Maybe next year! As you read this most hummingbirds will be leaving to make their way south for the winter.

Those folks who put out feeders will attest to the fact that hummingbirds are quite jealous and can expend both time and energy to keep others away from a feeder. While there are usually four perches on a feeder, one bird may chase away any others that try to occupy even just one of the other perches. With a species so dependent on getting energy for their fast-moving wings, one would think the idea would be to conserve energy and share as a community! But no! It reminds me of humans (like me) who likewise seem to expend much energy in needless worry and wasted overactivity that may freeze up the mind, making things worse. There’s a sermon in there somewhere. I’ll leave that to other Friends.

I often hear hummingbirds before I see them. It’s not the hum of their wings I hear. It is a chattering sound they make in flight. It is quite distinctive, unlike any other sound in nature. By the time I spot the individual, usually it has flown on by. Hearing it chatter while it is feeding among flowers gives a better chance to observe this little friend.

~Brad J

SAVE THE DATE! We need your blood on Sunday, December 2nd. We are having a blood drive from in Fellowship Hall. Keep an eye out for more details in coming months!

The Rohingya Refugee Crisis ~ Last August the government of Burma forced a million Muslim Rohingya from their homes in Burma into Bangladesh. The United Nations calls this genocide and a crime against humanity. On Wednesday, October 10, 7:00-8:3pm, the Indianapolis Peace & Justice Center invites everyone to come hear John Clark, board of the Indianapolis-based OBAT Helpers, one of the few nonprofits working in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh. This event is free and open to the public. It will be held at the Indiana Interchurch Center, 1100 W. 42nd St. For more information, please visit www.indypeaceandjustice.org.

October 13, 12:30-4:30pm at West Indianapolis Library, 1216 Kappes St, Indianapolis 46221

November 10, 10am-1:30pm at Brightwood Library, 2435 N Sherman Dr, Indianapolis 46218

December 8, 12:30-4:30pm at Wayne Library, 198 S Girls School Rd, Indianapolis 46231

For more information and to register, please visit https://avpindiana.org/registration-2/

First Day of Fall: A Boon for Community Gardeners

It is a joy to work outside on a cool autumn day when the sun is shining. Thanks to the people who showed up on the first day of fall for the Community Garden Work Day and Harvest Picnic! We were blessed with a gorgeous day, perfect for gardeners. A few people who are not regular First Friends gardeners also came. Rick donated a weed eater to the Meeting and then stayed to help.

Workers applied butcher oil on raised bed frame wood and pulled up rotted wood from frames needing repair. Children and adults participated by sorting our seed library; photographing and mapping garden plots for future reference; planting oat cover crops to overwinter and enrich soil; labeling and cleaning tools and equipment; weed eating overgrown plots and aisles; disposing of diseased and buggy plants and composting healthy, spent crops. Some gardeners preferred cutting and leaving spent crops in place, and then digging them under or covering them. Thanks to Dan for keeping the garage tidy. We shared mini bouquets, tomatoes and herbs with the Meeting. Here is a peek of our day. –Nancy

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Friend to Friend September 19, 2018

September 19, 2018

As Way Opens

This past Sunday, during my sermon I asked everyone several queries. One being, Do you know the history of First Friends’ neighborhood? A couple of weeks ago, I began compiling some of our neighborhood’s history and it has uncovered a great deal of fascinating information. Below is “Part 1” of my findings.

In 1821, the land surrounding where our meeting currently stands was a 400-acre farm owned by Hiram and Mary Bacon. Their farm stretched from what today is Glendale Town Center all the way south to The Donut Shop on Keystone Ave. Actually, The Donut Shop sits where the Bacon homestead originally did in 1821.

On the east side of the homestead (approx. the Meijer parking lot) stood a large barn. In 1931, the Indianapolis Star reported that it contained a wheat bin, which could be entered only from outside by a ladder. In that day it was usually concealed by large piles of hay. The Bacon homestead and barn became known as a major stop within Indiana on the Underground Railroad helping fugitive slaves escape.

The draw for fleeing slaves in this area was the Bacon Swamp which was created by a melting Wisconsin Glacier about 20,000 years ago. The swamp which evolved into a peat bog, was a remote and difficult area to navigate, thus fleeing slaves found it a place to hide. All that is left of the Bacon Swamp and bogs, today, are a couple small ponds just south of Bishop Chatard High School and west of Meijer off Keystone Ave.

The Bacons were not natives of Indiana. Hiram was from Williamstown, Massachusetts, a Presbyterian by faith who studied law at Williams College. Due to poor health, Hiram joined the government surveying expedition, which introduced him to Indiana when he was 19. At the age of 21, Hiram married Mary Blair and moved to the area in which our Meeting now resides.

As Presbyterians, the Bacons became friends with abolitionist Henry Ward Beecher, brother of novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe, when he served as minister of Second Presbyterian Church downtown. Beecher often came out to Bacon’s Swamp in the 1840’s when this was a remote part of Marion County.

In 1835, the Bacons deeded the land located today at Keystone and Kessler, to Washington Township for the specific purpose of creating a cemetery. It was appropriately named Bacon Cemetery and is considered one of Indianapolis’ earliest cemeteries. Some may have heard of two other cemeteries in the vicinity – the Dawson and Culbertson (closer to Rural Ave.). However, when Crown Hill opened in 1864, many of the bodies were relocated.

George Edward Kessler, one of the 20th century’s preeminent landscape architects, opted to route his new road directly through this area and also the cluster of cemeteries. Due to George Kessler’s drive to finish his new road, his love for the automobile, and the speedy development of homes surrounding the new street, he paved and built directly over graves that had not previously been relocated to Crown Hill.

In 1984, Dorothea Sargent took it upon herself to spare what was left of the Bacon cemetery. This left the small plot of land on the southeast corner of Keystone and Kessler which today is considered The Dickerson-Sargent Memorial. Believed to be buried on that corner are Robert Dickerson, a private in the 2nd Virginia Regiment of the American Revolutionary War and his wife, Nancy. Also, Dorothea had John Jacob Sargent buried on this spot after he passed in 1991. John Jacob Sargent was the great-great-great grandson of John Sargent, a missionary from Stockbridge, Massachusetts who was the subject of an unfinished Norman Rockwell painting. The painting depicted Sargent meeting with Chief Konkapot who had requested that he convert the Mahican tribe to Christianity.

Be watching for more to come about our neighborhood in future “As Way Opens.” Meanwhile, as you drive around, take a look at what all you see and the history that lies all around us.

[Info from: Hoosier State Chronicles (https://newspapers.library.in.gov/) and https://historicindianapolis.com/]

Grace and peace,

Bob

Joys & Concerns

Talk to Congress! In these confusing days, it is important to keep communication happening! That is why during September we will have this table set up in our Fellowship Hall with ways to keep communication happening with our congressional representatives. No matter what political leanings you have, this is your right as a citizen of America. Speak Truth to Power and make your voice heard!

New Sign Coming! Now that the Crab Apple tree has come down, some of us are getting excited about our new sign! Here are the renderings! Thanks to our Trustees, especially Cindy Small for working with the city and the contractors to make this happen. The brick will match our building and present clear identification for our meetinghouse. Our address numbers will be visible on the ends of the sign from both directions. We hope to see this happening really soon! Be watching!

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Threshing Together ~ This Thursday night, September 20th, the men of First Friends and their guests will be celebrating the one-year anniversary of gathering and Threshing Together at 7pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month.

Our first year of “threshings” found us in a variety of neighborhoods where the men of First Friends abide. These gatherings provided needed socialization and comradery for nearly 50 different men at our 10 venues last year. The only changes for this coming year will be a variety of new venues and a new name, Threshing Together!

If you are interested in gathering with men who mull over current issues or topics, where all points of view are heard, no decisions are made, and all in a non-threatening atmosphere over a meal, then Threshing Together is for you! Join us. See locations here: https://goo.gl/HosLVg

Sing-Along with Jim! ~ Mark your calendars for Friday, September 21 for an evening of music and fun with songs ranging from Dylan to Pete Seeger, Beetles to Stephen Foster. Some are sad, pensive, inspirational, patriotic, religious. We are now enlarging the songs and printing them, placing them in folders alphabetically, thus making a less labor-intensive process for all. Rise Up Singing and Rise Again are still useful in case we have more singers than folders. Please do bring your books. We begin at 7:00, end at 8:30 or soon after. Third Friday of the month, as usual!

Join our Oak Leaf Meeting for Reading book group on Tuesday, September 25 for September’s pick ~ Sourdough by Robin Sloan. If you are interested in being on the Oak Leaf email list or would like the book list, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org. Oak Leaf meets on the last Tuesday of each month in the Parlor at 7 pm, everyone is welcome.

Invite to Saturday’s Harvest Picnic and Work Day; Heavy Morning Rain Will Postpone Event

Everyone, including non-gardeners, is invited to the Harvest Picnic and Garden Work Day this Saturday, September 22 at 9 a.m. Feel free to come for the work day, the picnic, or both. The Picnic is a pitch-in. Rain is in the forecast and we are hoping it is dry in the morning. We can move the picnic to the Parlor if needed. If it is a drenching rain in the a.m. we will postpone the work and the picnic. Remember to bring your oats from the Glendale Library if you want to plant a cover crop!

Service Appreciation Dinner ~ All are invited to share memories and stories about several of our treasured members who have admirably served First Friends over the years. Please reserve this Sunday, September 23, 5:30-8:30, for this exciting free dinner and program. This year’s honorees include Judy and Clarence D, Tom F, Bev and Dan H, Barbara O, Dan R, and Gary & Cheryll W. Please let us know if you would like to attend-- see the sign-up sheet on the table in the hallway or contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485.

Full Circle Festival ~ Again this year our own Ben W will be holding Full Circle Festival downtown. Full Circle Fest is an open-air dining experience, an interactive art fair, a zero-waste event, a fundraiser for sustainable community projects, and much more! There will also be local bands, performers, and DJs, engaging games and activities. Every year we focus on a timely community issue to guide the day's events. This year’s focus is “Everyone should have access to fresh, healthy food.” Indianapolis ranks among the worst cities in the country for food deserts (urban areas in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food). Full Circle Fest is in need of your support to help bring this event to life. To donate, please drop your contributions in the offering plate or in the meeting office with the notation “Full Circle Fest”. An anonymous donor will match donations up to $500, so please consider supporting this important cause. For more information please visit https://fullcirclefest.com/.

RSWR Stamp Newsletter – Volume 1! As you may know, in December 2017, Indy First Friends assumed the role of stamp processor for Right Sharing of World Resources (RSWR). Amy P, who currently heads the program in conjunction with Brad J, and other volunteers have been busy working since then. If you’d like to see what they’ve been up to, you can read their first newsletter here: https://goo.gl/KkETHa. As of August 14, we've taken in $1,012 for RSWR! Thank you to everyone who is making this program possible and supporting RSWR!

Meditational Woods Bird of the Month: September

Ruby-throated Hummingbird – A Energetic Friend

~Brad J

SAVE THE DATE! We need your blood on Sunday, December 2nd. We are having a blood drive from in Fellowship Hall. Keep an eye out for more details in coming months!

Non-Lethal Ways to Control Nuisance Animals in the Garden, Part II

Animals may be cute, but they can be hazardous to a garden. Some gardeners plant extra knowing that the native creatures will consume a portion. In the last garden article we explored short-term solutions for managing nuisance animals. Since we want to save most of the feast for ourselves rather than our local wildlife, we will discuss long-term solutions for fending off damage. So move over Rocky Raccoon and all rabbits, deer, moles, woodchucks, voles and chipmunks. Mercifully, we are focusing on non-lethal methods, leaving the lethal to the “guard hawks” system devised by Mother Nature. Most information provided here is from the Purdue Extension-Marion County City Gardener Program course. The course helps one to grow a greener thumb.

LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS

EXCLUSION

Install a buried wire fence around gardens. Use galvanized wire or hardware cloth with a small mesh. One-inch mesh will exclude rabbits while one-fourth to one-half inch mesh is necessary for smaller animals. Bury the fence at least one foot into the ground or make a “skirt” to discourage animals from digging beneath it. Hardware cloth can be extended perpendicular to a fence and tent-staked or garden-stapled down. This can be covered with soil and a bed of flowers or secured with rocks to keep animals out.

· Repair leaky faucets, hydrants and irrigation systems.

CULTURAL

Till soil.
Grow plants less susceptible to damage.

TRAPPING

Live trap or box trap and relocate problem animals. Check traps two to three times a day. Take precautions against bites. Before relocating consider how the animal’s welfare can be threatened by relocation since animals are acclimated to living in particular environments where they know their neighbors and predators. They know where they can find food and water and where they can find safe places to rest. Such knowledge is unknown when an animal is relocated. In addition, introduction to a new environment can cause territorial disputes among animals and may spread disease since creatures tend to take over the habitats of previous tenants. A gardener should get permission from land owners before releasing animals onto their property. By law, captured wildlife must be released back into the same county from whence they came.

HABITAT MODIFICATION

Block access to hiding places by removing brush, lumber and rock piles. Reduce mulch depth if needed. Mow grass on a regular basis.
Screen or enclose compost piles.
Destroy burrows; fill entrance and exit holes.

********************

Deterring animals before they become regulars at your garden is important so plan ahead. I hope this article is helpful. Let me know if there are garden topics you would like to see in future issues. Meanwhile, read the advice of one poet as he ponders over animals and considers the options from the animal’s perspective:

Early Bird

Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird

And catch the worm for your breakfast plate.

If you’re a bird, be an early early bird—

But if you’re a worm, sleep late.

--Shel Silverstein

~Nancy 🍁

Just Faith: Living Compassionately ~ All are invited to an 8-week small group opportunity at Epworth United Methodist Church. JustFaith allows participants to gain deeper understanding of contemporary issues through the lens of Christian faith. In this first phase, we will cover the topic of living compassionately by caring for the poor, in which participants will focus on poverty, consumerism, and the Gospel call to care for the poor. The times and dates are:

Mondays | 6PM | Beginning September 24

Thursdays | 10AM | Beginning September 27

To enroll please contact Pat Engel- engelp@epworthindy.org.

The Creation by Haydn Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Performance ~ All are invited to the Indianapolis Symphonic choir’s performance on Sunday, October 7th at 6pm. Dan R and Bill P will both be performing. The 82nd season begins with Haydn’s oratorio The Creation, vividly depicting through the human voice and orchestra the creation story. Eric Stark conducts the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra in this performance that begins with the famous musical painting of void, chaos and all that follows. If ten or more people from First Friends go there is a 20% discount on tickets. Stay tuned for more information, or see Dan R.

The Rohingya Refugee Crisis ~ Last August the government of Burma forced a million Muslim Rohingya from their homes in Burma into Bangladesh. The United Nations calls this genocide and a crime against humanity. On Wednesday, October 10, 7:00-8:3pm, the Indianapolis Peace & Justice Center invites everyone to come hear John Clark, board of the Indianapolis-based OBAT Helpers, one of the few nonprofits working in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh. This event is free and open to the public. It will be held at the Indiana Interchurch Center, 1100 W. 42nd St. For more information, please visit www.indypeaceandjustice.org.

October 13, 12:30-4:30pm at West Indianapolis Library, 1216 Kappes St, Indianapolis 46221

November 10, 10am-1:30pm at Brightwood Library, 2435 N Sherman Dr, Indianapolis 46218

December 8, 12:30-4:30pm at Wayne Library, 198 S Girls School Rd, Indianapolis 46231

For more information and to register, please visit https://avpindiana.org/registration-2/

Poverty 101 Class ~ The Shalom Zone is pleased to be hosting Tim Streett and his Poverty 101 course at First Friends on Monday evenings at 7 pm through October 15. Feel free to come for any or all remaining sessions. A donation of $20 is requested for the course and scholarships are available for anyone who would like one. Simply notify the First Friends office. All proceeds will go to the Shepherd Community Center.

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