Friend to Friend August 18, 2021

August 19, 2021

As Way Opens

I recently had the privilege to officiate at the wedding of Mary Blackburn and David Beatty's daughter Sarah getting married to Kase in Boulder CO. Sarah grew up in this Meeting and it was lovely to see how happy Sarah and Kase are to be committed to each other in marriage.

As I reflected on this extravagant promise a couple makes to each other on their wedding day, I was thinking about some of the words in my wedding address that apply to many relationships in all of our lives. We need to offer each other a generosity and extravagance that comes from God. The apostle Paul speaks to this in Philippians 2:1-5 saying “If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete; be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Wow - these are life altering commandments and difficult to live out. Put others interests ahead of my own? Regard others as better than myself? Take on the mind of Christ Jesus? We often want others to change, to make adjustments, to believe what I believe and agree with me, to get over things and to make better choices and decisions. But as I have been trying to deepen my spiritual journey I must take these instructions in Philippians seriously. I can only change myself. Isn’t that one of the hardest lessons to learn in this life? In my wedding address I talk about our focus on trying to find that right partner for our life. But I’m not sure it is the question of finding the right person as much as it is a question of being the right person. When we do what is right and fair and honest and loving; if we are humble and kind and compassionate, our relationships will be full of these same qualities. Faithfulness to the mind of Christ in our relationships will have us respect each other’s ideas, keep each other’s secrets, guard each other’s dignity, and honor each other in public and private.

Beth

Joys & Concerns

Dan R Memorial Service ~ A service in memory of Dan R has been scheduled for Saturday, August 21st at 1pm at First Friends. We lost Dan in February of last year but have been unable to hold a service due to the pandemic. All F/friends are invited to attend the in-person service this Saturday.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Men’s 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 in-person meeting Tomorrow, August 19 at 7:00pm. See locations for 2021 here.

Artful Meditation ~ The Connections Program Meeting is offering a workshop guided by ART THERAPIST Shawn Haymaker. It will take place on Saturday, August 28th from 10-11:30am at First Friends in Fellowship Hall. Participants of all ages are invited to join in and experience. Shawn will introduce alcohol ink processes to adults and youth and conduct watercolor exercises for young children. No experience is necessary. (Please note: this is art meditation, not art therapy.) More details will be announced closer to the date.

SUNDAY FUNDAY IS COMING AUGUST 29TH! Sunday Funday is an opportunity for everyone at First Friends to come together and worship through PLAY! We will gather on Sunday, August 29th at our normal Meeting for Worship time (10:15am) in the meditational woods. Be sure to bring the kids and the swimsuits, because after worship there will be a bouncy house, a giant slip n’ slide, and volleyball. In fellowship hall we will provide board games and puzzles for those wanting to stay out of the sun (feel free to bring your own games as well)! We will provide a lunch of individually wrapped Jimmy John’s sandwiches, sides, and beverages. Mark your calendar and plan to come and enjoy worshipping through PLAY!

GLEANING Shalom Zone Event! ~ What is Gleaning? Gleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields after they have been commercially harvested or on fields where it is not economically profitable to harvest. Come learn about GLEANING, its benefits, and gleaning opportunities here in Indiana. Guest Speaker Dawn Barnes of the Society of St. Andrew will present and take any questions. All are invited to this free event, sponsored by the Shalom Zone, which will be held Tuesday, August 31st at 7 pm at Allisonville Christian Church and on their Facebook page. Join us in person at the church at 7701 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46250 or on Facebook for a livestream at https://www.facebook.com/allisonville. Dawn Barnes of the Society of St. Andrew plans to speak. The program will include time for questions. We hope to see you there!

Looking for WYM Volunteers! Friends, we are looking for volunteers to fill two roles for Central Area representation for Western Yearly Meeting. See below for information on the roles. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact the office at 317-255-2485 or office@indyfriends.org!

Quaker Men Representative - meets twice a year, once during the annual sessions and again in the spring. Objectives include bearing witness to Christ’s way of life in fellowship, business dealings, and social actions, and engaging in Christian service projects.

Peace & Christian Social Concern Board Member (term 2021-2023) CORRECTED– Please note the following corrected description: Responsibilities include the carrying out of activities in the areas of peace and Christian social thought and action. The committee strives to awaken or sensitize the consciences of members of the yearly meeting in these areas.

For more information or to volunteer for either of these positions, please contact the office at 317-255-2485 or office@indyfriends.org. Thank you for your consideration.

Western Yearly Meeting Mission Project ~ The 2021 annual mission project for Western Yearly Meeting is to provide technology (e.g. laptops, desktop computers, internet services) to several Quaker groups. The Kisumu Kenya Office (which is the hub of all Quaker activities in Africa), Friends Theological College, and Belize Friends School will all benefit from the funds raised during this campaign. The WYM goal is $15,000. This fundraiser is soon coming to a close! Thank you to those of you who have already donated. We encourage everyone to examine your hearts and give as you are led. Please Checks should be made to First Friends with a notation “WYM Mission Project”. Or you can donate securely on our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/support. Just choose “WYM Project” as the fund. Or text “WYMProject” to 317-768-0303.

First Friends Financial Update: The Meeting continues to seek financial support throughout the year. If you would like to explore ways to assist, please click on indyfriends.org/support/#givenow and scroll down to the Give Now section.

Additionally, First Friends is able to accept stock and planned gifts directly. For more information, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485.

Participate in our "Sponsor a College Student" project! Just select a college student and send them notes, cards, treats, etc throughout the school year so they feel connected. Our college students this year are Sam Arle, Savannah Baker, Lena Brooks-Kelly, Krishan Coffman, Ally Haymaker, Sam Henry, Sam Miller, Eli Sample, Isaiah Sample, Chelsea Tinsley, Kendal Tinsley, and Sam Wilson. If you’d like to participate, please email the office at office@indyfriends.org or see the posterboard in the Meetinghouse. Please consider connecting with our students this year!

Queries for the Week

· Am I quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry?

· In what areas of my life do I need to work on listening more and speaking less?

· Of the 8 Problems of Effective Listening, which one(s) do I struggle with the most?

Comment

Friend to Friend August 11, 2021

August 12, 2021

As Way Opens

Every year we have an opportunity to do a service project to help fund our youth programming at First Friends. In conjunction with the American Dairy Association of Indiana we serve a plethora of yummy dairy items to Indiana State Fair attendees at the famous Dairy Bar on a Saturday in August. If you grew up in Indianapolis, you may make the Dairy Bar an annual trip. The long lines, the heat of August in Indiana, and the smell of cheese, milk, and ice cream is what it’s all about.

Yet, there is much more going on within the walls of that round barn-like structure than just the making of grilled cheese sandwiches, the pouring of milkshakes, and the hand-scooping of ice cream. Each year our two teams of volunteers work either the morning or evening shifts on our given Saturday.

The work itself can be tiring, but it also is greatly rewarding. Not only do we have the pleasure of serving thousands of people at our three windows, we also get to interact and enjoy spending time with each other – and boy do we. The laughter, the smiles, the child-like joy is contagious! I would say we let down our hair, but we actually have to keep it up in a cow-print bandana – which always makes for some memorable photos.

This year, since Beth Henricks was out of town for a wedding, Eric Tinsley and Jim Donahue led the morning shift, while Jed and Beth K took care of the evening shift – and a fine job they all did! Working the Dairy Bar has become a tradition for many at First Friends, yet for some folks this was their first time experiencing the fun! A BIG THANK YOU to all of this year’s volunteers – Deb S, Ben F, Vera F, Eric T, Chelsea T, Kendal T, Erin T, Jim D, Carol D, Gary W, Tiffany B, Bob H, Sue H, Brenda R, Carrie S, Eli S, Rik L, Linda L, Tom F, Kevin F, Beth K, Jed K, Lucy K, Logan K, Alana K, Noelle C, Sophie H, and Gabby B.

After it is all over, we usually don’t want to see another grilled cheese sandwich or milkshake, for quite some time. And definitely no one wants to scoop ice cream because our arms continue to hurt for the next week, but the memories and stories live on.

Bob

Joys & Concerns

MANY THANKS to our Mid-North Food Pantry Volunteers: Ruth K, Barbara O, Linda and Rik L; Kathy and Bill F; Christie M; Dana F; Barb D; Deb and Phil G; Virginia and Derek S; Penny P; Mara S; Carol and Jim D. A big welcome to newcomers Dana, Barb and Deb! Over 50 families were served.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Lynda S’s mother, Bernice, this Saturday, August 14th, at 2:00pm. The service will be held at West Richmond Friends Meeting, 609 W. Main St. in Richmond, IN. A reception will be held on the lawn outside the church after the service. Bernice was a strong and compassionate woman who was a wonderful role model to all who knew her. All are welcome to join in person or remotely through Zoom—contact office@indyfriends.org for the Zoom information.

A Walk Through an Urban Wonderland~ Would you like to hear about last Wednesday’s urban homestead tour at Carrie’s house? It was a fantasyland of not-so-usual urban experiences. It included a walk through tunnels of beans winding up trellises; the sight of soft sunlight spilling over sunflowers as their heads turned to follow the fireball’s journey; the sound of colorful hens quietly clucking inside the covered pen of their chicken coop where they avoided any hawks flying overhead; and the soothing sound of sweet splashing water flowing into a homemade pond afloat with lily pads. Other experiences included dodging slightly irritated—yet friendly—bees as gathered “tourists” blocked their flightpaths to cleverly painted European hives. One hive was blue and the other, yellow. They were decorated with lovely script, quotes about nature. One example by E. B. White: “I am a queen, I am a bee, I am devil-may-care and fancy free.“

Busy educator Carrie has a casual and loving air about her garden and brands her luscious gardening style as “benevolent neglect.” After all, she is in league with her partner, Mother Nature, who seems to cover any loose ends. The “Queen Bee Carrie” tour highlighted raised beds of beans, basil and other crops in the backyard. Flowers climbed up fences while luring pollinators. Pink hollyhocks stood at the yard’s edge overseeing the activities of the adults and one awe-struck child as they gazed at and stepped over, under and around multiple plants. A pine towered over the backyard. Two small pear trees hovered near the chicken coop and a small greenhouse. (Carrie’s three children built the greenhouse as her Mother’s Day gift.) Additional garden elements included a cherry tree, four apple trees and a fringe of raspberries and blackberries along the fence line.

The front yard beckoned passers-by from the street. Many varieties of flowers, including zinnias, a peony and sunflowers, waved them in. Neat pathways among crops invited a closer inspection. Watermelon and pumpkin vines wound prettily over straw mulch. Onions, leeks and asparagus covered the ground. A flower box with purple petunias peeping over the edge sat in front of an enclosed front porch with tall multi-paned windows. The entranceway boasted a large, decorative limestone slab that hung above its double doors. Carrie is still looking into secrets of her home’s history.

Carrie invited all participants to sit and relax in a circle of chairs behind the house. She brought out a refreshing red, homemade punch made from shrub (cider vinegar, sugar water and berries). It was thirst-quenching and tour participants appreciated the accompanying snacks. Carrie handed out some of her chickens’ eggs to those who had RSVP’d. The eggs varied in hue according to the type chickens from whence they came. The temperature for this summer evening was perfect; an empty fire pit was available for cool evenings and cookouts.

What a convivial evening for all who attended this fun-filled event! Thank you to a gracious hostess and her supportive hubby.

—Submitted by Nancy on behalf of Connections Program Meeting. If you have ideas for events, please pass them on to Connections Clerk Jim Kartholl.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Men’s 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 in-person meeting on Thursday, August 19 at 7:00pm. See locations for 2021 here.

Artful Meditation ~ The Connections Program Meeting is offering a workshop guided by ART THERAPIST Shawn H. It will take place on Saturday, August 28th from 10-11:30am at First Friends in Fellowship Hall. Participants of all ages are invited to join in and experience. Shawn will introduce alcohol ink processes to adults and youth and conduct watercolor exercises for young children. No experience is necessary. (Please note: this is art meditation, not art therapy.) More details will be announced closer to the date.

SUNDAY FUNDAY IS COMING AUGUST 29TH! Sunday Funday is an opportunity for everyone at First Friends to come together and worship through PLAY! We will gather at our normal Meeting for Worship time (10:15am) in the meditational woods. Be sure to bring the kids and the swimsuits, because after worship there will be a bouncy house, a giant slip n’ slide, and volleyball. In fellowship hall we will provide board games and puzzles for those wanting to stay out of the sun (feel free to bring your own games as well)! We will provide a lunch of individually wrapped Jimmy John’s sandwiches, sides, and beverages. Mark your calendar and plan to come and enjoy worshipping through PLAY!

Peace & Christian Social Concern Board Member (term 2021-2023) – Responsibilities include promoting and supervising the raising of funds for the Yearly Meeting budget and the FUM Goal, recommend to the Yearly Meeting the names of persons to serve as Treasurer, Benevolence Treasurer and Financial Trustees of Western Yearly Meeting, and provide a fidelity bond for persons handling Yearly Meeting funds.

For more information or to volunteer for either of these positions, please contact the office at 317-255-2485 or office@indyfriends.org. Thank you for your consideration.

America's Existential Crisis was just released as an audiobook ~ Jeff Rasley’s America's Existential Crisis: Our Inherited Obligation to Native Nations is a historical journey and a road trip through "Indian country". The personal histories of two of Jeff’s ancestors illustrate the conflicted relationships of white Americans with Native Americans in the 19th century. The book makes the case that the history of land theft, broken treaties, massacres, and cultural suppression created a moral obligation of the USA to Native nations. Because the United States of America pledged to grant "justice for all", Americans must reckon with that history. The book proposes how that can be done through the culturally sensitive development of Native communities. The book is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Americas-Existential-Crisis-Inherited-Obligation/dp/B09C2MBJL4 and on Audible at https://www.audible.com/pd/Americas-Existential-Crisis-Audiobook/B09C2LKB9K

Western Yearly Meeting Mission Project ~ The 2021 annual mission project for Western Yearly Meeting is to provide technology (e.g. laptops, desktop computers, internet services) to several Quaker groups. The Kisumu Kenya Office (which is the hub of all Quaker activities in Africa), Friends Theological College, and Belize Friends School will all benefit from the funds raised during this campaign. The WYM goal is $15,000. Checks should be made to First Friends with a notation “WYM Mission Project”. Or you can donate securely on our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/support. Just choose “WYM Project” as the fund. Or text “WYMProject” to 317-768-0303. Please examine your hearts and give as you are led.

Meditational Woods
Bird of the Month for August
Barred Owl: Too Late for this Friend

Pastor Bob called me this week to let me know that on the church grounds he had found a bird that might interest me. It did! After not having observed any new species here for more than a year, I had wondered what the 93rd species would be. This was it: a Barred Owl! Of the eight or nine owls that regularly appear in Indiana, five or six are rare and found in habitats much different than our woods and grassy yard. The three remaining are screech owls, which prefer more trees and less grass, great horned owls, which frequent open areas like our north meadow, but more likely ones with scattered mature trees, and barred owls, which can be found in wooded neighborhoods, but usually denser than ours. Barreds are known by their rounded head, apparent black eyes, and dark streaks…or bars…on their neck and chest. It is this last characteristic that gives the species its name.

I had often thought of coming down to the meeting house on a late spring evening, just after sunset, to imitate a barred owl, with a call of “Who-cooks-for-you, who-cooks-for-you-all,” just to see if one would respond, but I had never gotten around to it. Now it was TOO LATE!! Too late at least for this individual. You see, Bob had gotten out of his car, and noticed nearby what he thought was an item of striped clothing. It turned out to be a dead Barred Owl! Birders familiar with keeping a birdlist know that although I saw this bird, I cannot count this on my personal list for the woods. It does count on the historical list of birds “observed” on the property. So thanks to Bob, it is #93.

I wondered about this “too late” business as it applies to people. Many is the time a Friend has said, “Do you remember (so-and-so) who used to be a member here…?” Although I know our paths had crossed at one time, I had never gotten to know that person, even his or her name. For most, it is indeed, too late! This even applies to asking grandparents about family history! Don’t put it off! No time like the present!!

Note: I DID examine the owl, and found no signs of trauma or injury as if it had been hit by a car on an adjacent street. It could be the malady that is affecting the bird world, or simply old age.

~Brad J

Queries for the Week

What are the stories that have shaped my understanding of my life as a Quaker?
How might communicating my story help create better communication with those at First Friends and within our Yearly Meeting?

Comment

Friend to Friend August 4, 2021

August 5, 2021

As Way Opens

A good friend recently sent me a book called The Book of Hours, a compilation of Thomas Merton’s writings, prayers and psalms. Book of hours became popular as a Christian devotional book in the Middle Ages. This is a prayer guide and helps create a discipline of prayer throughout the day. Each book of hours was unique and often they were beautifully illustrated and almost works of art. Tens of thousands of the book of hours have survived and are in libraries and private collections all over the world.

I became quite fascinated by this way of prayer during a class at seminary that I took exploring different methods of prayer. Merton’s book of hours is organized by the day of the week as well as a reading for dawn, day, dusk and night. I have not worked up to reading all of them 4 times a day, but first thing every morning I am reading the dawn passages and often the dusk passages at night. This simple practice has deepened my devotional time and also made me realize that during this crazy time of the pandemic, I lost some of my practices. I became less focused, less disciplined and let some of my practices fade away. Reading Merton and spending time alone in prayer has brought this into a sharper focus and I am becoming intentional on re-establishing some of my practices so they become habits.

Merton’s writings have a transcendence to them as well as an appreciation for every part of nature. Here is an excerpt from Monday’s dawn passage:

“We are warmed by the fire, not by the smoke of the fire . We are carried over the sea by a ship, not by the wake of a ship. So too, what we are is to be sought in the invisible depths of our own being, not in our outward reflection in our own acts.

“When I speak of the contemplative life I do not mean the institutional cloistered life, the organized life of prayer. I am talking about a special dimension of inner discipline and experience, a certain integrity and fullness of personal development, which are not compatible with a purely external, alienated, busy-busy existence. This does not mean that they are incompatible with action, with creative work, with dedicated love. On the contrary, these all go together. A certain depth of disciplined experience is a necessary ground for fruitful action. Without a more profound human understanding derived from exploration of the inner ground of human existence, lo e will tend to be superficial and deceptive. Traditionally, the ideas of prayer, meditation and contemplation have been associated with this deepening of one’s personal life and this expansion of the capacity to understand and serve others.”

May we all seek a deeper connection to our Spirit life and prioritize that above our busyness and activities.

Beth

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

IFCL -- Indiana Legislature Kicks Off Redistricting

It's almost kick-off time for the long awaited legislative redistricting process in Indiana. Thanks to hundreds of calls and emails from Hoosiers all across the state, the Senate and House Elections Committees have scheduled meetings to take public testimony on redistricting. This is not just a spectator sport where citizens passively watch as legislators draw the district maps that will be with us for the next ten years. If we want fair maps that favor neither political party and instead serve our communities, it is critically important that we turn out for these meetings and demand an open and fair process.

The Senate Elections Committee will be holding four meetings and the House Elections and Apportionment Committee will also hold four meetings, in different locations around the state. For us in the Indianapolis/Central Indiana area, there will be a joint committee hearing of both committees on Wednesday, August 11th, at 1 p.m. in the House Chambers of Indiana State House at 200 W. Washington in Indianapolis. (This is the one that most of us at First Friends would attend.)

Everyone is welcome to attend this meeting. You do not need to testify--although anyone is welcome to. You do not need to understand the ins and outs of redistricting. Just by showing up on August 11th, you will send a clear message to legislators: we are watching them, and expect maps that serve the public interest, not their partisan interests.

For an excellent overview of redistricting and further motivation to get involved, here is a recent op-ed from The Republic newspaper in Brown County, co-written by Sunny Leerkamp. http://www.therepublic.com/2021/07/23/fair_redistricting_needed_in_indiana/ Sunny is a Quaker; she was long an active member at Noblesville Friends. She is playing a key role in trying to ensure a fair and transparent redistricting process in 2021, and we are fortunate to have a Friend involved in this effort.

For more information, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org. Thank you.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Mini Urban Homestead Tour & Artful Meditation ~ The Connections Program Meeting is offering two new events:

The Mini Urban Homestead Tour offers tips on raising chickens, beekeeping, growing flowers and creating edible landscaping throughout the yard. Carrie Sample answers questions and takes participants on a guided tour of her urban homestead. It will take place at 6:30pm TONIGHT, Wednesday, August 4th. Snacks will be provided. Please RSVP to the host at carriesample1974@gmail.com. She will respond with the address where the tour will take place. (The rain date will be Monday, August 9th at 6:30pm.)

ARTFUL MEDITATION is a workshop guided by ART THERAPIST Shawn Haymaker. It will take place on Saturday, August 28th from 10-11:30am at First Friends in Fellowship Hall. Participants of all ages are invited to join in and experience. Shawn will introduce alcohol ink processes to adults and youth and conduct watercolor exercises for young children. No experience is necessary. (Please note: this is art meditation, not art therapy.) More details will be announced closer to the date.

For more information or to volunteer for either of these positions, please contact the office at 317-255-2485 or office@indyfriends.org. Thank you for your consideration.

Meditational Woods
Bird of the Month for August
Barred Owl: Too Late for this Friend

Note: I DID examine the owl, and found no signs of trauma or injury as if it had been hit by a car on an adjacent street. It could be the malady that is affecting the bird world, or simply old age. ~Brad J

Western Yearly Meeting Mission Project ~ The 2021 annual mission project for Western Yearly Meeting is to provide technology (e.g. laptops, desktop computers, internet services) to several Quaker groups. The Kisumu Kenya Office (which is the hub of all Quaker activities in Africa), Friends Theological College, and Belize Friends School will all benefit from the funds raised during this campaign. The WYM goal is $15,000. Checks should be made to First Friends with a notation “WYM Mission Project”. Or you can donate securely on our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/support. Just choose “WYM Project” as the fund. Or text “WYMProject” to 317-768-0303. Please examine your hearts and give as you are led.

Queries for the Week

· What are the stories that have shaped my understanding of my life as a Quaker?

· How might communicating my story help create better communication with those at First Friends and within our Yearly Meeting?

Comment

Friend to Friend July 28, 2021

July 28, 2021

As Way Opens

Last Friday night, Sue and I attended the Quaker Lecture for this year’s Western Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions in Plainfield. My former superintendent and doctoral advisor, Colin Saxton was giving the lecture, Walking Together in Power, Proximity, and Peace. Colin considered it a “part two” of his Quaker Lecture from last year. I highly recommend, if you did not already watch the lecture, to tune in here: https://youtu.be/LsQWqaZTxis (the lecture starts at about 43:40).

On Sunday for closing worship, I was asked to provide the Pastoral Prayer. Being moved by Colin’s words on Friday, I decided to let them be the inspiration for my prayer. My hope was to capture his words in both a prayer and challenge to Western Yearly Meeting. I named the prayer, SET US ABLAZE!

Gracious God,

As we join for worship at the close of these Yearly Meeting Sessions, we ask that you send down your fire upon us once again.

Refine us by its searing heat.
Warm us by its overwhelming intensity.
Renew us by its blazing energy.

Ignite Your fire light within each of us, this day!

That our ears would again hear the call of our Quaker ancestors to burn bright in the darkness of our world!

That our hearts would desire a renewed proximity to ALL our neighbors - no matter their political, ideological, racial, or sexual identities and worldviews.

That our posture would be that of refining and reconciliation – drawing our hearts to find true peace with all whom we encounter on our way.

That our lives would abide in the passionate example of Jesus Christ– whose humility called him to forsake his own nature, become a servant, and lay down his life for our peace.

NOW, set us ablaze by your Spirit that Western Yearly Meeting may not be people who simply “blow smoke” but rather be trailblazers for Your ministry of grace.

NOW, set us ablaze by your Spirit that Western Yearly Meeting may practice what we preach, live into our testimonies, and abide in your presence.

NOW, set us ablaze by your Spirit that Western Yearly Meeting may once again be a life-giving, life-saving, and life-changing community!

NOW, set us ablaze by your Spirit that Western Yearly Meeting may be a band of sisters and brothers who are knit together, and when necessary restitched, in the bond of peace and fellowship!

Great Fire of God descend upon us, we pray!

SET US ABLAZE!

And all God’s People said… AMEN!

May this also be our prayer at First Friends as we serve within Western Yearly Meeting.

Grace and peace,

Bob

Joys & Concerns

Many thanks to our Mid-North Food Pantry Volunteers from last Wednesday! Linda and Rik L; Christie M; Virginia and Derek S; David B; Kathy and Bill F; Mara S; Tom F; Jim D. Wonderful weather brought out 75 families that we served.

The Gardeners are still at it! The gardeners are keeping busy tending to and harvesting their crops! Here is a garden poem for all of us to share.

The kiss of the sun for pardon,
the song of the birds for mirth
one is nearer God’s heart in a garden
than anywhere else on earth.

A big thank you for all the volunteers that participated in our Vacation Bible School program last week. The kids loved the week and the volunteers of First Friends made it all possible. You are treasured!

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Ed M is now home and recovering after a successful second placement of a pacemaker. Thank you to everyone who sent their well-wishes and prayers!

Please pray for the Heusel family as Kim H recently lost his step-mother, Magaline H, who passed away Monday, July 12.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

The members of the First Friends Bible study group invite you to "Hearing God," the theme of the upcoming study book. This small group meets by Zoom at 7:30 pm each Thursday. The Samuel study will begin Thursday, July 29 and last 13 weeks. You are welcome to drop in and try out the group. To receive a Zoom link, contact the office. To order a study book, go to Illuminate: 1, 2 Samuel (barclaypressbookstore.com)

Monday Meditational Worship Time Change ~ Please note that the Monday mid-day meditational worship has returned to its original time of 12:15pm. Hopefully, this will allow some more people to join us for that time. We hope you will join us!

Mini Urban Homestead Tour & Artful Meditation ~ The Connections Program Meeting is offering two new events:

The Mini Urban Homestead Tour offers tips on raising chickens, beekeeping, growing flowers and creating edible landscaping throughout the yard. Carrie Sample answers questions and takes participants on a guided tour of her urban homestead. It will take place at 6:30pm on Wednesday, August 4th. Snacks will be provided. Please RSVP to the office at office@indyfriends.org. (The rain date will be Monday, August 9th at 6:30pm.)

Men’s Threshing Together ~ Hey Men! Threshing Together will return in August. We are planning several months out and have posted the locations here. Plan to join us on the third Thursday of each month at 7pm. For those interested, Threshing Together is a gathering of 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.

NOTICE: New Directory ~ Please note that due to LifeTouch Church Photography shutting down, our online directory is changing. You can now access updated addresses and contact information on our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/private. Once you access the portal just click “Access the Online Directory.” If you have any questions, contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485.

Western Yearly Meeting Mission Project ~ The 2021 annual mission project for Western Yearly Meeting is to provide technology (e.g. laptops, desktop computers, internet services) to several Quaker groups. The Kisumu Kenya Office (which is the hub of all Quaker activities in Africa), Friends Theological College, and Belize Friends School will all benefit from the funds raised during this campaign. The WYM goal is $15,000. Checks should be made to First Friends with a notation “WYM Mission Project”. Or you can donate securely on our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/support. Just choose “WYM Project” as the fund. Or text “WYMProject” to 317-768-0303. Please examine your hearts and give as you are led.

You’re Invited! We're super excited to invite you to Samantha and Gabe's baby shower happening Sunday, August 22nd! 👶Join us as we get ready to welcome baby Von Letscher into the world with raffles, don't-put-down-the-babe games, and all kinds of shower-friendly shenanigans designed by Sam's strange siblings. This party is completely co-ed (all are welcome!) and will be held at Miriam and James's place in Woodruff.

Feel free to swing by Sam and Gabe's baby registry to pick up a special tchotchke for the babe. And don't forget to come with a pack of diapers for automatic entry into the raffle! To RSVP, contact the office for details. Hope to see you there!

Fellowship Hour ~ We will begin holding fellowship hour in Fellowship Hall after worship each Sunday We will offer some individually wrapped snacks and drinks for this time. We hope you will join us!

Comment

Friend to Friend July 21, 2021

July 27, 2021

As Way Opens

It is strange and wonderful to come back together for our Vacation Bible School program this week. The joy of being together again has been significant and parents, volunteers and kids are living in the delight of joining in to sing, dance, learn about how much God treasures each and every one of us and explore some of the important characters and stories of the Bible that demonstrate how important we are to God.

I know this is an important concept for all of us to reflect on as this pandemic has isolated us and might make adults and children feel insignificant and without human connections. Each of us is a gem, a treasure, a beloved child of God and it’s been a great reminder to me this week.

The last 16 months have been such a surreal experience and it is hard to get back into a routine when everything normal for us was turned upside down. I know I felt out of rhythm working on putting the week’s details together and forgot several normal processes that we follow every year.

Yet our kids are so resilient! Much more so than we are as adults. The kids have come back together and they are running around, talking, laughing, sharing their incredible insights, being savvy about what is going on and totally into singing and dancing to the songs of this VBS program (Treasured Discovering You’re Priceless to God). VBS is always a week of the year that gives me hope as I watch our precious kids discover their value and share their unique personalities with all of us.

You are treasured!

Beth

Joys & Concerns

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

No Monthly Meeting for Business ~ Friends, please note that there will be no Meeting for Worship this coming Sunday, July 25th (neither in-person or virtual). We encourage everyone to attend Western Yearly Meeting’s annual sessions either in person or virtually (see more information below!) We will still hold 9am unprogrammed worship in the Parlor, but at 10am we hope you will join in Western Yearly Meeting’s worship service (held both at Plainfield and via live stream). Also please note that there will be no Fellowship Hour with us that day.

Western Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions ~ All are invited to Western Yearly Meeting’s (WYM’s) annual sessions which will be July 23-25, 2021. This year’s theme is “See I am Doing a New Thing” (Isaiah 43:19). Most events will be held online, with 3 in-person events at the WYM Meetinghouse with online streaming so friends can view remotely:

Friday 7/23 7:00pm - Quaker lecture by Colin Saxton

Saturday 7/24 7:00pm -Missions gathering

Sunday 7/25 10:00am - WYM meeting for worship

Other events will be held online in an interactive format (zoom) with the opportunity for friends to gather and participate virtually. There is no fee to participate, though donations are welcome. To register and for more information, please visit https://www.westernyearlymeeting.org/2021newthing.

Men’s Threshing Together ~ Hey Men! Threshing Together will return in August. We are taking July off due to VBS and Yearly Meeting Sessions. We are planning several months out and have posted the locations here. Plan to join us on the third Thursday of each month at 7pm. For those interested, Threshing Together is a gathering of 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.

Fellowship Hour ~ We will begin holding fellowship hour in Fellowship Hall after worship each Sunday (although please note there is no Fellowship Hour this Sunday, July 25th as we participate in worship with Western Yearly meeting; see above). We will offer some individually wrapped snacks and drinks for this time. We hope you will join us!

Western Yearly Meeting Mission Project ~ The 2021 annual mission project for Western Yearly Meeting is to provide technology (e.g. laptops, desktop computers, internet services) to several Quaker groups. The Kisumu Kenya Office (which is the hub of all Quaker activities in Africa), Friends Theological College, and Belize Friends School will all benefit from the funds raised during this campaign. The WYM goal is $15,000. Checks should be made to First Friends with a notation “WYM Mission Project”. Or you can donate securely on our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/support. Just choose “WYM Project” as the fund. Or text “WYMProject” to 317-768-0303. Please examine your hearts and give as you are led.

Mini Urban Homestead Tour & Artful Meditation ~ The Connections Program Meeting is offering two new events:

The Mini Urban Homestead Tour offers tips on raising chickens, beekeeping, growing flowers and creating edible landscaping throughout the yard. Carrie Sample answers questions and takes participants on a guided tour of her urban homestead. It will take place at 6:30pm on Wednesday, August 4th. Snacks will be provided. Please RSVP to the host at carriesample1974@gmail.com. She will respond with the address where the tour will take place. (The rain date will be Monday, August 9th at 6:30pm.)

Meditational Woods Bird of the Month for July

Chipping Sparrow: A Common Friend

This time of year, the number of birds singing decreases, as does singing itself. Nesting is coming to an end, and males no longer need to defend a territory. One bird that does continue to sing is the Chipping Sparrow. This species can be found anywhere in the woods, but most likely along the western edge near the parking strip. They can be in any of the trees in the front yard of the meetinghouse, or in those that line the meadow.

From April, when they arrive from the Gulf coast, through October when they leave, one can hear the song made of a string of rapid chips. This song is unlike any other Indiana bird, except for Pine Warbler (found in large pine woods), and Worm-eating Warbler (found on the slopes of the deep woods of Hoosier National Forest). Chippies are more associated with people, and have adapted to the changes in the landscape brought by humans.

Note the reddish-brown cap, black eye-stripe, clear breast, and wingbars, which help one identify this rather small bird.

I want to dedicate this month’s article to Linda Lee, who always had a bird story or question, often asked during our $tamping 4 Dollar$ sessions. Like the Chipping Sparrow, she was well-known to all and seemed to be ever-present. Her “song” was unique and special. Unlike the bird, Linda was quite uncommon. If I may share one final story: Linda and Ed came to a couple of the Indiana Stamp Club meetings to help auction off our stamps. I watched her as she made the rounds of the tables in the room, talking to the folks she encountered. Later she told me about many of the people she had met. Linda remembered names and details. I must admit that I have an awkward shy streak that appears in social situations like those meetings, but Linda had met and befriended more people in two hours than I had in two years! I will miss her! ~Brad J

Queries for the Week

· Can you recall a time when someone genuinely called you “special” (in a positive way)? What effect did it have on you?

· What does it mean for you to know that you are treasured in God’s eyes?

Comment

Friend to Friend July 14, 2021

July 16, 2021

As Way Opens

My family and I just returned from what some people consider the Happiest Place on Earth (a.k.a. Walt Disney World). Others may disagree, but my family regarded this trip one of the best we have taken in quite some time. I am pretty sure this had a lot to do with feeling the need to celebrate and having the right place to do it!

As my wife described it so well on Facebook,

Finally on our intended 2020 Disney 25th Anniversary trip that turned into a “Celebrate 2020 graduations from high school and college, 25 + 1 wedding anniversary, 26 years in ministry, 20 years teaching in a school classroom, completed first professional animation movie contract, completed 1st year at School of the Art Institute Chicago, almost have my driver’s license, and beginning of senior year in high school” vacation!

Quaker Richard Foster believes celebration should be at the core of our life and at the heart of the way of Christ. He says,

Celebration brings joy into life, and joy makes us strong. Scripture tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh. 8:10). We cannot continue long in anything without it.

After this prolonged pandemic, my family needed again to embrace a carefree spirit of joyous festivity! Just being together, singing songs, laughing, dancing [yes, I may have been caught a couple of times dancing], and enjoying each other’s company without the pressures of the world, ministry, work, and school felt so freeing and way overdue.

On Thursday night, as we stood with thousands of people from around the world to watch the Happily Ever After fireworks in front of Cinderella’s Castle, I found myself feeling overwhelmed and even had tears rolling down my cheeks. I have so much to celebrate – a wonderful wife, a beautiful family, and an exciting community of faith at First Friends just to name a few. My heart is so full.

Richard Foster said, that even though singing, dancing, and noise-making (a.k.a fireworks) are not required forms of celebration,

They are examples only, to impress upon us that the earth indeed is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. Like Peter, we need to learn that nothing that comes from the gracious hand of God is inherently unclean (Acts 10). We are free to celebrate the goodness of God with all our viscera!

This week, I hope you can find a reason to celebrate! Sing, dance, make noise and celebrate the goodness of God with all your viscera!

Keep the Celebration Going!

Bob

Joys & Concerns

We’d like to give thanks to our food pantry volunteers last week: Christie M; Linda and Rik L; Tom F; David B; Mara S; Penny P; Virginia and Derek S; and Carol and Jim D. We were very busy and able to help 74 families.

Thank you for keeping our space beautiful! Many thanks to David B, Mary B and Dan M for working through the rain last week to help clean up our outdoor space!

Our own Steve S is among the six Hoosier broadcasters chosen to be inducted into the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2021! Steve is Chief Photographer and a reporter and producer for Pet Pals TV and Great Day TV with Patty Spitler. He’s spent much of his 40-year broadcast career at WISH-TV where he also reports his regular Steve’s Tech Talk segment. He also owns and operates Sweitzer Productions which has served a variety of clients including 60 Minutes, CBS Sunday Morning, CBS News and The Letterman Show. For the past 20 years, Steve has taught at IUPUI where he was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Read more about it here. What an honor! Congratulations, Steve!

Community Gardeners Plant and Harvest ~ Community Gardeners are reaping the rewards of much rain. They have not had to water as often. Crops and weeds are actively growing. Gardeners continue to plant. Some are harvesting beans, peas, asparagus, kale, lettuce and herbs. Flowers are appearing as bees gather their nectar. The weather has been humid and wet—not that comfortable for humans—but the gardeners persist. Their toil pays off. A walk among the raised beds is pretty and peaceful.

Lynda S’s mother, Bernice Wisehart, passed away in January of this year, but the family has been unable to hold a memorial service for her until now. There will be a memorial service celebrating Bernice’s life on Saturday, August 14th, at 2:00 PM. It will take place at West Richmond Friends Meeting in Richmond, IN. There will be an open house at the Wayne County Museum immediately following the service.

We are sad to share the news of the passing of our member Barbara Koons. A memorial service will be held in at Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, IN on Saturday, September 25. Visitation will begin at 10 am with a brief service at 11 am. Those who are not able to attend the service can watch the service on Zoom. To read Barbara’s obituary and/or to find more information on the Zoom event, please click here. Please keep Barbara’s family in your prayers during this time.

The Ministry Team learned this week that Culver G suffered a stroke about four weeks ago and has been recovering at home. Bob and Beth made a visit this week and found Culver doing very well. He has already graduated from physical and speech therapy and will be starting occupational therapy soon. Culver and Carolyn are excited about their Indianapolis son’s upcoming wedding in August and hope to be able to attend.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

No Monthly Meeting for Business ~ Friends, please note that there will be no Monthly Meeting for Business for this month (July). We will see you at the next Business Meeting!

Monday Meditational Worship Time Change ~ Please note that the Monday mid-day meditational worship will return to its original time of 12:15pm. Hopefully, this will allow some more people to join us for that time. We will begin with the new time starting on Monday, July 19th. We hope you will join us!

Fellowship Hour ~ We will begin holding fellowship hour in Fellowship Hall after worship each Sunday. We will offer some individually wrapped drinks and snacks for this time. We hope you will join us!

VBS Kicks off This Sunday! We are excited to kick off VBS this coming Sunday, July 18! This year’s theme is “Treasured: Discovering You’re Priceless to God.” Kickoff will be from 12-2pm after worship on Sunday, and lunch will be provided for all VBS participants that day. Daily VBS sessions will continue the following Monday through Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30. Preschoolers through 5th graders are welcome. Neighbors, friends, and grandkids are also invited!

Western Yearly Meeting Mission Project ~ The 2021 annual mission project for Western Yearly Meeting is to provide technology (e.g. laptops, desktop computers, internet services) to several Quaker groups. The Kisumu Kenya Office (which is the hub of all Quaker activities in Africa), Friends Theological College, and Belize Friends School will all benefit from the funds raised during this campaign. The WYM goal is $15,000. Checks should be made to First Friends with a notation “WYM Mission Project”. Or you can donate securely on our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/support. Just choose “WYM Project” as the fund. Or text “WYMProject” to 317-768-0303. Please examine your hearts and give as you are led.

USFWI “Quinquennial” Conference ~ The Executive Committee of the United Society of Friends Women, Incorporated, is inviting all women to participate in a “virtual triennial” that will be held via Zoom, this Friday-Saturday July 16 & 17. It might even be called a “Quinquennial (5 years) Conference” because we have not met since the 2016 Triennial that was held in Iowa. The conference theme will be “Resting in His Shadow,” which is the theme for the 2021-2022 Blueprints program year.

Click here for information about USFWI's upcoming virtual conference, including instructions for how to register. The sessions will be two hours long, one on Friday and one on Saturday. Guest speakers include Nikki Holland, Belize FUM Director, Dorcas Otieno from Tanzania Friends Mission, and Karla Jay, FUM Global Ministries Coordinator. The speakers will be exciting and the business kept to a minimum -- just what has to be done at each gathering -- so there will be opportunities to see F/friends from around the world.

The members of the First Friends Bible study group invite you to "Hearing God," the theme of the upcoming study book. This small group meets by Zoom at 7:30 pm each Thursday. The Samuel study will begin Thursday, July 29 and last 13 weeks. You are welcome to drop in and try out the group. To receive a Zoom link, contact the office. To order a study book, go to Illuminate: 1, 2 Samuel (barclaypressbookstore.com)

Friday 7/23 evening - Quaker lecture by Colin Saxton

Saturday 7/24 evening -Missions gathering

Sunday 7/25 morning - WYM meeting for worship

Other events held online will be held online in an interactive format (zoom) with the opportunity for friends to gather and participate virtually. There is no fee to participate, though donations are welcome. Please register by 12 Noon on Monday, July 19. To register and for more information, please visit https://www.westernyearlymeeting.org/2021newthing.

Pair of Binoculars! A pair of binoculars were found on the property about a month ago. If they’re yours, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485 to reclaim them! We’d like to get these back to their owner!

Feel free to swing by Sam and Gabe's baby registry to pick up a special tchotchke for the babe. And don't forget to come with a pack of diapers for automatic entry into the raffle! For more info, contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.

From the Woods: Friends will notice a new look to the Woods this week. A new, accessible pathway has been installed to the Peace Pole area to match the main walkway into the Meditational Woods. The Peace Pole meditational area was donated by Scott Small as his Eagle Scout project several years ago. The Woods Committee decided that it was time to preserve the beauty of the project by making the path easier to maintain and use over time. Come, sit and contemplate the peace of God which passes understanding.

The Woods team enjoyed freshening up the courtyard and entrances to the meetinghouse last week, even in the rain! This Thursday morning from 9- 11 AM, we will work on tidying up the plantings around the west side of the building. Put on your gardening gloves and come join us!

Learn more about invasive species and why we should all care about them.

The 2021 Indiana CISMA Conference will take place as a multi-format event with a combination of virtual and in person opportunities. The theme this year is Why Do We Manage Invasive Species? Continuing education credits via pre-recorded presentations from conference speakers will be made available to registrants only. http://www.sicim.info/cismaconference

Virtual Meeting: Aug 5, 2021 | 9 AM -12 PM ET
Field Events: Aug 6 & 7, 2021, time(s) TBD, each event will be no longer than 4 hours
Registration Fee: $25.00 (includes virtual event and an onsite field event of your choice)
Continuing education credits via prerecorded sessions
Virtual meeting w/ keynote speaker to discuss why we manage invasive species
Field events around the state that include species identification, management techniques, and onsite examples of impactful restoration

Or, learn more about the 2021 Indiana Water Summit (https://thewhiteriveralliance.org/programs/water-summit/), "an apolitical and inclusive annual forum developed to examine the complex interests and issues that face our water supply. The Summit’s subject matter… build upon current legislative actions in order to provide a broad planning perspective, weaving together diverse topics that together demonstrate the interdependency of water issues and the science behind the state of the waters.” I have attended several times and find the information fascinating. ~Mary B

Your Talent is Needed! ~ As we reopen our Sunday Meeting for Worship, we are looking for vocalists or instrumentalists who would like to perform during Meeting for Worship over the summer. Simply pick a Sunday through August and let the office know which day you would like to perform. Eric is available for accompaniment and to help you with whatever your performance needs are. If you’re interested, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485 with the date you had in mind. Or, use the sign-up sheet in the office hallway. We look forward to hearing from you!

Meditational Woods Bird of the Month for July

Chipping Sparrow: A Common Friend

Note the reddish-brown cap, black eye-stripe, clear breast, and wingbars, which help one identify this rather small bird.

~Brad J

Queries for the Week

• Are we too serious in our approach to life?

• Do we hold our beliefs too tightly in our hands?

• Do we love from our True Self?

• Can we release tradition that we hold dear and give grace and welcome to those that see things differently and might have slighted us or hurt our feelings?

Comment

Friend to Friend June 30, 2021

July 1, 2021

As Way Opens

Last Wednesday, Sue and I celebrated our 25+1 Anniversary in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. On Wednesday evening we had the opportunity to attend Summer Light: Art by Night at the historic Brookgreen Gardens a sculpture park and arboretum in Murrells Inlet. Upon entering the gardens, we were drawn into The Noble Gallery which featured, Wild Bees (https://www.sharpeatmanguides.com), a series of exquisite up-close photographs of native bees in their natural habitat. Sue and I were fascinated by the tremendous variety of shapes, colors, and details of these beautiful insects. Even a few of the photographs featured bees on flowers we have in the gardens surrounding our home.

While standing in the gallery viewing these photographs, I was taken back a couple weeks to a very special lunch I had with Linda Lee. After several hours of telling each other our life stories and love for different expressions of art, Linda became very animated, rose from her chair, and walked across the room to grab a large coffee table book. She was almost giddy about this book, but the subject matter came as a surprise. Linda smiled, handed me the big book, and exclaimed, “It’s a book about ants and I am learning so much from them!”

Linda proceeded to sit down next to me, and we looked in detail at each of the 160 pages of the book, Ants: Workers of the World by photographer Eduard Florin Niga and science writer Eleanor Spicer Rice. Linda pointed out the colors, the shapes, and the stunning diversity of each ant species. She told me what she learned about community and work, but it was her fascination with their dedication and commitment to one another that spoke to her condition. She remarked with a smirk on her face, “The Church could learn a lot from ants,” and then winked at me. We laughed.

Ants and Bees have always been considered metaphors for our lives. More than any other species, ants and bees function as part of a whole. They cannot and do not survive as individuals, they survive as members of a group, and the group’s survival is the implicit goal of each individual creature’s life. Linda lived her life as part of a whole and helped each of us live more fully as part of a community. What she saw in the lives of ants was what she lived out in our Meeting and the community surrounding her on a daily basis.

As Sue and I looked at those bees that evening at Brookgreen Gardens, I told her how Linda would love seeing these photos and how I couldn’t wait to share our experience with her. As we walked out into the gardens, we continued to talk about how impactful Linda has been in each of our lives, not knowing that later that very night she would suffer a massive heart attack and 48 hours later be gone.

Thank you, Linda, for always seeking to help us be whole – you will be greatly missed in our community and our lives.

Grace and peace,

Bob

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

IFCL--'For the People Act' Rally

The 'For the People Act' (H.R. 1 and S.1 in Congress) represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build up our democracy by putting more power in the hands of everyday people by strengthening voting, elections, campaign finance and ethics laws. IFCL will join with Common Cause Indiana and other allied organizations to hold a rally in support of the 'For the People Act' on Tuesday, July 6th at noon in front of Senator Todd Young's office in downtown Indianapolis. We’ll hear a few speeches and then march a few blocks to Senator Mike Braun’s office at 115 N. Pennsylvania.

Indiana lags behind most other states when it comes to voter turnout. While IFCL and others continue to work at the state level to pass common sense voting reforms like Election Day voter registration, no-excuse vote by mail, and independent legislative redistricting, what we really need is federal legislation that will set a national standard for voting and elections.

That’s why this federal legislation is so important. We want to send a clear message to Senators Young and Braun to give this important bill fair consideration.

WHAT: For the People Act Rally
WHEN: Tuesday, July 6th at noon
WHERE: Meet outside 251 N. Illinois, downtown Indianapolis

Please RSVP here, then consider joining us on July 6th. Thank you.
RSVP NOW >>

Joys & Concerns

Please Pray for Ed M & family ~ Linda L passed away peacefully last Friday evening surrounded by family. She will be deeply missed by all of us. A memorial service will be held at the Meetinghouse on Saturday, July 10 at 1pm. A calling will follow afterward with a few chocolatey desserts available, which were Linda’s favorite. You can read Linda’s obituary here. Please hold Ed and Linda’s sons in healing prayers of Light and Love.

This week Beth is in Minnesota for her brother David’s funeral. The service went well, and Beth is grateful for the support from friends during this time.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

No Friend to Friend or Office Hours next week ~ Please note there will be no Friend to Friend on July 7 due to several staff holiday absences. Also, for the same reason, there will be no regular office hours that week (July 5-8).

NO MEETING FOR WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY ~ Please also note that there will be no Meeting for Worship on Sunday, July 4. We will instead hold unprogrammed worship that day at 10:15. Also, an online video (Light Reflections from First Friends) will premiere that day on our YouTube channel as usual. Feel free to join us either way.

Calling all ice cream lovers! First Friends will be working at the Dairy Bar at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday, August 7th all day. This is a major yearly fundraiser for our youth program! We plan to have two shifts, 9:30am-3:30pm, and 3:30-10:00pm. Volunteers will receive a free ticket to the State Fair for that day, as well as unlimited ice cream, shakes and cheese sandwiches. Please let the office know if you’re interested!

Sign up NOW for VBS! Registration is now open for Vacation Bible School this summer! This year’s theme is “Treasured: Discovering You’re Priceless to God.” We will kick off on Sunday, July 18 from 12-2pm after worship and then have daily sessions the following Monday through Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30. Preschoolers through 5th graders are welcome. Neighbors, friends, and grandkids are also invited! We also still need volunteers for group leaders, station leaders and folks to prepare a snack for a night. For more information, here is the link for the intro for the VBS program: https://www.group.com/category/ministry-resources/childrens-ministry/vbs/treasured.do. If you’d like to sign your kids up or help with VBS, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.

New Raised Bed Technique in Community Garden ~ If you take a walk in the Community Garden you will see some new raised beds. They are the first to use a no drill/no hammer/no nail technique to fasten the frames. A special corner block is used. This method allows more portability and beds can easily be built higher, if desired.

I have included a planting guide from Purdue that I got at the library. We have passed the longest day of the year and gardeners might benefit from this chart that shows what can be planted locally at this time. Keep on planning! ~Nancy

Woods Words ~ Mother nature has given our trees and plants lots of water over the past week. As summer temperatures rise, make sure your trees are receiving one inch of water each week. Also, look at the trees on your property and evaluate if they have too much mulch and are at risk of disease. We think that we are protecting our trees with mulch, but too much is not a good thing. Here’s a YouTube video explaining why we should keep mulch away from the base of the tree and protect the root flare: https://youtu.be/osii6Uw-psM

Did you get over cooked the other week? David and I did on our trip out West to visit Sarah. Temperatures reached 105 during the day in Kansas, so we cut our plans short and headed straight for the air conditioning. Purdue University Climate Change Research Center is helping educate Hoosiers about climate change and things we can do here at home.

On the political front, some positive action is occurring to use economic tools to contain CO2 emissions. Senators Braun and Stabenow have sponsored legislation called the Growing Climate Solutions Act.

"The legislation, introduced by U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) and Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), joined by U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Boozman (R-AR), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and co-sponsored by more than half the Senate, helps producers to generate and sell carbon credits by setting up a third-party certification process through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The bill also creates an online resource for farmers looking to connect with those experts and get more information and establishes an Advisory Council to provide input to USDA and ensure the program remains effective and works for farmers.”

So plant trees well, turn off the lights when you leave the room and reduce unnecessary electrical use, treat water like the precious resource that it is and give thanks daily to God for the glorious universe that God created. ~ Mary Blackburn

USFWI “Quinquennial” Conference ~ The Executive Committee of the United Society of Friends Women, Incorporated, is inviting all women to participate in a “virtual triennial” that will be held via Zoom, Friday-Saturday July 16 & 17. It might even be called a “Quinquennial (5 years) Conference” because we have not met since the 2016 Triennial that was held in Iowa. The conference theme will be “Resting in His Shadow,” which is the theme for the 2021-2022 Blueprints program year.

Your Talent is Needed! ~ As we reopen our Sunday Meeting for Worship, we are looking for vocalists or instrumentalists who would like to perform during Meeting for Worship over the summer. Simply pick a Sunday in June-August and let the office know which day you would like to perform. Eric is available for accompaniment and to help you with whatever your performance needs are. If you’re interested, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485 with the date you had in mind. Or, use the sign-up sheet in the office hallway. We look forward to hearing from you!

Friday 7/23 evening - Quaker lecture by Colin Saxton

Saturday 7/24 evening -Missions gathering

Sunday 7/25 morning - WYM meeting for worship

Queries for the Week

• How has our definition/understanding of love affected/impacted the way we love each other?

• Like Jesus and Judas, how do we learn to love those that have betrayed our love for them in the past?

• As a church, what is our role in expressing Jesus’ love to those who are different from us?

Comment

Friend to Friend June 23, 2021

June 24, 2021

As Way Opens

I am just finishing the authorized biography of Eugene Peterson called “A Burning in my Bones”. Peterson was a pastor, theologian, scholar and translator of Greek and Hebrew Scriptures and while he wrote many books during his lifetime, his masterpiece was the translation of the Old and New Testament called The Message. The author, Winn Collier, had access to Peterson, his family, friends and all his papers and journals. This biography gave a candid and personal look into Peterson’s life and his journey to the place of tackling this huge project of translating the Scriptures from their original language. Peterson first translated the New Testament and a few years later translated the Old Testament. This translation was widely successful and it brought the Scriptures into common English language while attempting to share the energy, passion and life of the Scriptures.

There is a delightful story of how Bono, the lead singer from the rock group U2 loved The Message translation and incorporated readings of this translation into his concerts. He desperately wanted to meet Peterson and after a few attempts, Peterson’s agent finally set up this meeting. This began a lifelong friendship and Bono recognized that Peterson’s translation brought the Scriptures alive and they became more relevant to the common person and opened up the Bible to a whole new group.

Peterson also received a lot of criticism for this translation from some Christians that felt he was misinterpreting Scripture and strongly disagreed with much of what he wrote. They cited the King James version as the literal words of the Bible and Peterson always pointed out that every translation including KJV are an interpretation of the original writings. That is why we must read the Bible searching for Truth but holding the Scriptures lightly and with an understanding that all the words we read are an interpretation and open for discernment from the original language.

Peterson spent his entire life trying to follow God’s calling and it was inspiring to see how his path, his shortcomings and his wrestling with institutions like the Church and academia influenced his journey to a deeper relationship with God. He struggled with insecurities and ego and it once again reminded me that God uses us in all our glories and our shortcomings. May we all keep listening to our call from God.

Beth

Joys & Concerns

June Jubilee/Juneteenth: Hot and Humid but Fun and Educational

What a weekend! June Jubilee, a new federal holiday: Juneteenth, Father’s Day, graduation parties and the summer solstice! Neighbors walking in the First Friends lot dropped in and there was enough food to share, just like the Bible’s loaves and fishes story. Jim brought hot dogs and Craig set them up so they could roast on their own since it was too hot to sit by the fire. Amy T. had to attend a grad party but brough s’more kits daughter LeeAnn made for the event. Mary brought enough food to pass around, including melon. We weren’t sure until the last minute whether we would be inside or outside but the rain stopped and the sun came out. It was hot and humid but there were plenty of games: disc golf, corn hole, basketball, jump rope and fun quizzes about Juneteenth and Father’s Day. They were interactive and people won prizes.

Saturday the 19th in this year of 2021 was the first day Juneteenth was celebrated as a federal holiday. It commemorates the symbolic end of slavery in the United States. In 1863 during the American Civil War President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation declaring the three million slaves living in Confederate States to be free. Two-and-a-half years passed before the news reached African-Americans living in Texas. In 1865 Major General Gordon Granger and 2000 Union troops arrived in Galveston to deliver the message and enforce the law. The freed slaves prayed, sang hymns and danced. Some called this the “break.” They were freed but had the means to support themselves when they had no land, property or jobs. In 1866 Freedmen in Texas organized Jubilee Day (Day of Jubilee). Sometimes “Day” was plural because news was sporadic in Texas. Confederates learned the war was over and finally surrendered by early summer. A few months later states that had rebelled had to adhere to the 13th Amendment of the Constitution in order to be reintegrated into the Union. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery everywhere in the U.S., not just in the states that seceded. In the 1890s Jubilee Day became known as Juneteenth. Until last Saturday only 47 states and D.C. officially celebrated Juneteenth. Early celebrations included political rallies to provide voting instruction. At the June Jubilee we discussed the Juneteenth flag, holiday colors and customary foods. We spoke of celebrating Juneteenth by supporting Black business and by educating ourselves and others about Juneteenth and race. We agreed that as humans we still have much to learn and much to do to improve human relations.

Holliday Park Songsters Entertain Birders ~ Enthusiastic is a descriptor for Brad Jackson. As leader of a birdwatching walk yesterday at Holliday Park, he gestured like a maestro as he encouraged birders to listen and really hear the multiple calls of the many species observed in the Park. Brad usually hears birds—even a tiny hummingbird—before he sees them. The group started the walk by watching a Cedar Waxwing “teeing up” (like a golf ball on a tee) atop a Hemlock tree. That is birdwatcher language for a bird perching at the very top of a tree for some time while it scans the view, possibly while singing. Lower down the tree sat a Northern Flicker. She was a female since she lacked the mustache marking of the male. Brad looks at subtle changes in flight patterns, color, types and lengths of tails and wings, bill shapes and bird size to I.D. the flyers. He also listens to their calls, songs and pecking noises. He engages walkers with his exotic interpretations of specific species’ calls and songs. Sometimes he mentions well-known humorous descriptions of auditory clues. For instance, Tanagers “sound like a hoarse robin—a robin with a sore throat.” It is lower-pitched with a thicker sound. The birders identified both male and female of this species.

Brad records birds’ locations and behaviors on apps that can be used by birders and scientists across the nation and the world. Through apps and observation he knows how common or unusual it is to find any given bird at a specific location. As a result he pronounced the Prothonotary Warbler the Bird of the Day. It is seldom seen in this area and is named for its yellow head that resembles the hood-like garment worn by judges in old England. This warbler nests in woodpecker holes that have caused tree limbs to weaken and lean over rivers, swamps and ponds in woodland settings.

When the birding group reached the river they looked up and saw 47 mud nests stuck to the side of the bridge. Cliff Swallows had fashioned them. The graceful swallows dived and swooped toward the round openings in their nests, delivering food to their hungry young. Brad informed the group about several types of nesting behaviors. Being able to detect them helps to locate mates, identify species and predict populations.

Both inexperienced and knowledgeable birders can benefit from birdwatching with Brad. Connections Program Meeting arranged for this second birdwatching session. Since nesting and fledging seasons are ending, birds will no longer need to stake out their territory and populations will quiet down. When birds sing less they are more difficult to locate and identify so birders will need to put serious birdwatching on hold. No doubt there will be future birdwatching sessions with Brad—eventually. After all, the walks are relaxing and fun jaunts for everyone involved. Read through the list of birds encountered at the Park yesterday:

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

No Friend to Friend or Office Hours week of July 4 ~ Please note there will be no Friend to Friend on July 7 due to several staff holiday absences. So be sure to get your notices in early! Also, for the same reason, there will be no regular office hours that week (July 5-8). If you need to be let in the building, please contact Beth at beth.henricks@indyfriends.org.

Also please note that there will be no Meeting for Worship on Sunday, July 4. We will instead hold unprogrammed worship that day at 10:15. Also, an online video (Light Reflections from First Friends) will premiere that day on our YouTube channel as usual. Feel free to join us either way.

We welcome Brown Mujete to Meeting for Worship this Sunday! Brown will be giving the morning message at both in-person and online worship. Brown, together with his spouse, Petra, and their children Alexis, Drake, and Alyssa, comes to us from Kenya in East Africa. Brown went to Friends Theological College (FTC) in Kaimosi – Kenya, then to St. Paul's University for his undergraduate studies, before joining Earlham school of religion in Richmond, IN, where he recently graduated with an MDiv. Brown has served as a pastor in several monthly meetings and a chaplain to quaker sponsored schools in Kenya. He is also an ordained minister with the Anglican Church of Kenya and has been serving as a supply priest for St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond. He is extending his studies at ESR for one more year to pursue a master's of peace and social justice while preparing for doctoral studies.

Your Talent is Needed! ~ As we reopen our Sunday Meeting for Worship, we are looking for vocalists or instrumentalists who would like to perform during Meeting for Worship over the summer. Simply pick a Sunday in June-August and let the office know which day you would like to perform. Eric is available for accompaniment and to help you with whatever your performance needs are. If you’re interested, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485 with the date you had in mind. Or, use the sign-up sheet in the office hallway. We look forward to hearing from you!

Friday 7/23 evening - Quaker lecture by Colin Saxton

Saturday 7/24 evening -Missions gathering

Sunday 7/25 morning - WYM meeting for worship

Two Poems read at Meeting on Father’s Day: Climbing by Linda Lee in her book Before the Final Fire and Those Winter Sundays by Robert Hayden which may be read at poetryfoundation.org.

Climbing

Higher than the house, higher

than the metal roof of the barn,

beyond the pointed top of the poplar,

up the old silo he climbed.

The ladder rattled, the rungs felt cool,

rough with rust.

Higher than the church steeple,

not higher than his wife’s voice.

“Donald it’s dangerous. Donald,

I’m afraid. You’ll fall. Don’t

fall, Donald, you’ll be a father soon.

His pleasure in the muscles of his arms,

the strength of his legs, in his fingers the grasp, pull, push,

in the motion of his body trusting.

His joy in the long view

across the valley toward his family’s farm,

the school where he’d met my mother

in second grade. His climbing because he wanted to.

His escape from her fear. The courage he claimed.

From within her womb I heard him say,

“Have confidence in my strength, my competence.

I will take care of you and this child,

of three more children and a dog.

Trust me and the child, this football-shaped moon, yourself and the love we share.”

When he stood safe, they squeezed me between them

with their hugging.

Queries for the Week

How has patriarchal and toxic masculinity effected my life?
Whether a father or not, what can I do to promote and model a better way of being human?
What father in my life might I need to speak life, beauty and hope to, today?

Comment

Friend to Friend June 16, 2021

June 17, 2021

As Way Opens

Many of you know I lost my brother Dave a little over a week ago. His death was not unexpected as he had been declining but it was still a shock. I thought I had more time with him. I had planned to visit him over the Fourth of July and didn’t do enough checking with him to make sure I had all his user IDs, passwords and information to handle things after his death. As we know, almost everything is online, so it is crucial to have all of this information to access a loved one’s data. The last week has cautioned me to make sure I have all of this information available for those that will handle my affairs after I’m gone.

Most of us don’t like to talk about this. We all think we have more time and we don’t want to think about our death or the death of any of our loved ones. We figure that we will get to this someday down the road. But the reality is that all we have is today and nothing more. We should not be afraid of this but embrace today. My experience has taught me that I do not need to fear death and can feel joy in the idea of only today as God is present with me always. As Psalms 139:8-12 shares, “If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night, even the darkness is not dark to you; for night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.” What a promise that God is with us always!

Friends, hug your family and friends today. Reach out to them and say that you were thinking about them today. If you have broken family relationships, consider how you might begin the work of reconciliation. All we know is that we have today. And we don’t need to be afraid to talk about death. God provides bread for this journey.

Beth

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

Quaker Voluntary Service Annual Supporters’ Briefing ~ You’re welcome to join QVS’s annual supporters’ briefing, whether you’re a(n) alum, supporter, past or current spiritual nurturer, or Friend who’s curious to learn more about QVS. Quaker Voluntary Service is a fellowship program dedicated to equipping young adults for whole lives rooted in Spirit-led social change. The virtual event will take place on Thursday, June 17, 2020, at 7pm ET. There will be interactive opportunities to connect with one another, so we hope you can join us on the day-of.

This event will center on storytelling. We’ll hear stories of impact from QVS Fellows, alumni, and partnered Friends. Meanwhile, QVS board members and staff will share about the numbers that make up QVS and what those numbers mean! You will leave with a deeper understanding of our 2020 milestones, about the 2021 vision ahead, and how you can get involved. For registration, questions, or to ask for a recording, click here.

"Engaging With Ecological Grief" is an article that appears on the front page of the new quarterly Quaker Earth Care Witness. This article addresses the shock and grief caused by the results of climate destruction resulting from forest fires, floods, and overdevelopment, to name a few. Other articles include, "Rebuilding Infrastructure", "A National Black Climate Agenda", and "Advocating on Sustainable Energy and the Environment". Although this excerpt is depressing, Joanna Macy and others write that "Releasing our unaddressed grief and fear about climate change frees up energy we need to deal with the magnitude of the problem. Pain is the price of consciousness in a threatened and suffering world... It is an absolutely necessary component of our collective healing." The excerpt below may inspire or reinspire you to become a witness for the environment and/or subscribe to Earthcare Witness.

~ Sylvia A - "Befriending Creation Newsletter" liaison

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Men’s 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 in-person meeting TOMORROW, Thursday, June 17 at 7:00pm. See location(s) here.

No Meeting for Business in June ~ Friends, please note there will be no Monthly Meeting for Business in June. Please enjoy this summer “sabbath” and we look forward to seeing you all in a future Monthly Meeting.

JUNE JUBILEE - The Connections Team would like to invite you to a fun outdoor gathering on SATURDAY, JUNE 19, from 4pm to 7pm, in the north parking lot of the Meeting House. Let's celebrate our reopening this month with campfires, hot dogs, s'mores, cornhole, volleyball, basketball, and other surprises. Bring your own food and drinks, lawn chairs, and masks (just in case) as we follow social distancing protocol. The weather is looking good for Saturday but it might be a bit warm. Stay hydrated. If the weather changes for the worse, please check your email or the First Friends Facebook page for an announcement about postponement. Hope to see you there!

New Birdwatching Event THIS TUESDAY! Everyone is invited to a birdwatching walk this Tuesday, June 22nd from 8:30am to about 10:30am, led by Brad J. We will meet in front of the Nature Center at Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Rd, 46260. Please dress for a potentially muddy walk. It will be postponed in case of a hard rain. We hope you will join us!

Free Book Available ~ The Library has recently been the recipient of several large donations. As the Library already has two copies of the following title, there is a free copy up for grabs that we’d like to give a new home:

Thornburg, Opal. Earlham The Story of the College 1847-1962. The Earlham College Press 1963.

If you’re interested, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.

Calling all ice cream lovers! First Friends will be working at the Dairy Bar at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday, August 7th all day. This is a major yearly fundraiser for our youth program! We plan to have two shifts, 9:30am-3:30pm, and 3:30-10:00pm. It is fast paced but lots of fun! Volunteers will receive a free ticket to the State Fair for that day, as well as unlimited ice cream, shakes and cheese sandwiches. Please let Beth H know if you’re interested in volunteering!

Volunteers Needed for VBS! We can’t believe summer is already approaching, but we sure are looking forward to Vacation Bible School this year! We will hold VBS in person July 18th-22nd. The Sunday session will be held after Meeting for Worship and Monday-Thursday will be held in the evenings. We will need group leaders, station leaders and folks to prepare a snack for a night. For more information, here is the link for the intro for the VBS program: https://www.group.com/category/ministry-resources/childrens-ministry/vbs/treasured.do. This year’s theme is “Treasured: Discovering You’re Priceless to God.” If you’d like to help with VBS, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.

Woods Update ~ Last Wednesday, Dawn Slack of the Nature Conservancy, Director of Stewardship and Chair of the Invasive Plant Advisory Committee returned to our Woods for management update. She was happy to see so many violets, wild strawberries, and sedges serving as groundcover. As I’ve posted in past articles, these same changes are supporting so many pollinators. (Great spangled fritillary is one of several fritillary butterflies that use violets as a larval food source. Wild strawberry’s spring flowers attract bees and butterflies).

Dawn was excited to see our 19 year old woods and the wonderful variety that it provides for birds, animals, insects and plant species. She did, however, give us some assignments to continue to improve the habitat and keep the invasive plants under control.

To that purpose, a mighty band of peaceful Quaker warriors, armed with loppers, shovels, gloves, saws and the fantastic weed wrench, did battle with several of the top priorities on Dawn’s list. Dan Mitchell was expert in privet and larger honeysuckle shrub removal. Brad Jackson and I took a team approach to white mulberry treatment: he sawed and girdled the trunk, and I carefully applied brush killer to be absorbed by the xylem down into the roots, minimizing any negative effect on the environment. Amy Perry, Linda Lineback and Terry Trierweiler pulled honeysuckle, wild onion, and burning bush.

While not everyone finds this a fun way to spend 2 hours on a hot day, we had a delightful time, as you can tell from these photos. We invite you to join us next time or have fun tackling your own invasives in your backyard. For more information, see:

https://www.extension.purdue.edu/Marion/article/32299

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XWtXDIrBKAd486-uxcExB0YawlzBixVX/view

Newly Available Audiobook by Jeff Rasley ~ While beliefs and faith can inspire beautiful art, cathedrals, hymns, and glory on the battlefield and athletic arenas, they are also the cause of toxic polarization, hatred of the other, and wars. Godless - Living a Valuable Life beyond Beliefs is now available as an audio book narrated by the well known voice of George Utley (also in paperback and eBook). The book explains how and why religious and political beliefs, not based on facts, are the sources of so much pain and suffering in the course of human history. The book makes the case that, when people recognize their shared values, peace, prosperity, and progress follow, if individuals, religious organizations, and governments express those values in actions and policies. The book draws on the philosophy of American Pragmatism, the Quaker values Jeff learned here at First Friends Indy, and the animism and environmentalism of the Rai people of Basa, Nepal to describe how to live a values-based life. It's available through Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Godless-Living-Valuable-Beyond-Beliefs/dp/B08YF69516 or, on Audible at https://www.audible.com/pd/Godless-Audiobook/B08YFBJB5H

Tips for Community Gardeners and Organic Gardening

1. SOIL with rich nutrients is one of the most important components when creating a healthy organic garden. Use organic soil but no unprocessed animal manure because it can cause disease and spread weeds. Check the internet for proper ratios of ingredients or simplify the process by purchasing organic raised bed soil.

2. Handpick and remove grubs and roly-poly BUGS. Some grubs become beetles. These pests will eat seedlings, roots, and plants. They also feed on sap and may bore into stems.

3. Scatter washed (to avoid attracting curious canines) crushed eggshells or rough items like sweetgum balls around plants to prevent slug and snail infestation. The PESTS delicate tissues cannot tolerate ragged, cutting edges.

4. Because our cistern WATER is runoff from the garage roof it may contain unhealthy bacteria that should not be poured directly on edible plant parts. Our agricultural agent assures us it is safe to use when applied at the base of plants so always water the soil—not the plant. Backsplash can transfer bacteria from soil onto plants and cause fungal infections so water gently.

5. WATER your plot in early morning and late afternoon when sun will not scorch wet leaves. Avoid watering too late so plants can dry naturally and the possibility of fungal infection is lessened.

6. Plan ahead and even diagram a garden plan. Follow proper seed and plant SPACING guidelines so a crowded plot will not promote disease and so you have room to care for your plants. Raised beds are meant for compact growing that crowds out weeds but remember your plants will grow much larger. Inexperienced gardeners often plan too little space for plant growth. Thin seedlings when needed. It helps prevent pests and disease.

7. WEED when weeds are small and easy to remove—before their roots become deeper. Weeds spread rapidly—even into your neighbors’ plots. Make good use of fingers, hoes and trowels.

8. SANITIZE your tools after use and before working on a different plot. Pests and disease can be spread by tools. Use the galvanized trash can by the garage door and coat your tools with the sand and mineral oil found inside. It helps to preserve your tools as well.

9. In addition to buying seed and plants, consider using the Community Garden Seed Library stored in a shoebox shelved in the garage. Experiment by trading seeds and plants with fellow gardeners. Use the Indianapolis Public Library branches’ FREE SEED libraries. Claim the YOUNG PLANTS located between the cistern and garage. We thank the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired for donating them to us!

10. RESOURCES: If you have questions, ask fellow gardeners. Refer to the red three-ring notebook shelved in the garage and use internet and library sources.

11. CARE for your plot(s) responsibly and ask for help if you need it. Be respectful of fellow gardeners. Ask permission before messing with someone else’s plot. They have their own plan and what you identify as a weed may be an unfamiliar variety of produce. Your watering may result in overwatering or fungal growth because of backsplash. Get permission before picking plants outside of your plot. Don’t let your plants stray into another bed. Keep aisles clear for mowing.

12. Help maintain the Hope and Food Pantry plots. Ask Nancy for guidelines first so you are familiar with the plot design and plan. Volunteer to deliver produce to the Mid-North Food Pantry.

Thank you for taking part in our organic Community Garden. Remember, all gardening is an experiment. Enjoy! ~Nancy

Friday 7/23 evening - Quaker lecture by Colin Saxton

Saturday 7/24 evening -Missions gathering

Sunday 7/25 morning - WYM meeting for worship

Your Talent is Needed! ~ As we reopen our Sunday Meeting for Worship, we are looking for vocalists or instrumentalists who would like to perform during Meeting for Worship over the summer. Simply pick a Sunday in June-August and let the office know which day you would like to perform. Eric is available for accompaniment and to help you with whatever your performance needs are. If you’re interested, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485 with the date you had in mind. Or, use the sign-up sheet in the office hallway. We look forward to hearing from you!

Pair of Binoculars found! A pair of binoculars were found on the property recently, along with another personal item. If they’re yours, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485 to reclaim them! We’d like to get these items back to their owner!

Reopening Task Force Report. First Friends resumed indoors meeting for worship on June 6. The reopening plan, approved at Monthly Meeting on May 16, addresses specifics including social distancing, mask-wearing, ventilation and accommodations for children. The plan also details outdoors meeting for worship and future Monthly Meetings. Click to read the re-entry plan.

Trustees arranged for an air quality assessment during the June 6 meeting for worship and determined that CO2 levels were considerably better than CDC recommendations for inside air quality. The Reopening Task Force will be reviewing this data and other factors to determine next steps in the reopening process.

Note – in the meantime, until further notice:

· The re-entry plan continues to include a mask-wearing requirement, despite recent new directive of the CDC. The issue of mask-wearing can be revisited as appropriate in the near future, mindful of children’s ability to be fully vaccinated. Extra face masks will be provided for those who need them.

· Virtual worship services will continue to be offered each Sunday at 10:15 a.m. Online worship is to continue as a permanent alternative to in-person worship to ensure availability of worship options.

Currently, the Meetinghouse is open to small groups, with requirements for face coverings and social distancing protocol. A recent development is that, for groups of 10 or fewer, participants may remove face coverings if all have been fully vaccinated. Participants assume responsibility for risk of COVID-19 exposure. To check on availability of small groups, including Zoom options, contact the office at office@indyfriends.org, 317-255-2485.

Additionally, larger groups of up to 30 people may meet in Fellowship Hall, with the same safety criteria and assumption of responsibility as smaller groups, including mask-wearing. Groups using Fellowship Hall will need to be trained to operate fans and switches, as well as shown how to open and reclose/relock the windows. Training sessions can be coordinated through the office.

Ventilation:

· As reported in March 2021, the Trustees have shared the following messaging with the Reopening Task Force: “Trustees established fresh air ventilation is abundant in Fellowship Hall and the Meeting Room. First Friends was built without central air conditioning. Ventilation was an important consideration during construction planning. We are blessed with an excellent ventilation system in Fellowship Hall and the Meeting Room. There are fans and switches in both locations. When fans are running and windows and doors are opened, there is an abundance of fresh air available in each of those rooms. Any group requesting use of Fellowship Hall is required to use the ventilation system in place while meeting.”

· As a review, the Trustees presented a report in November 2020 on the ventilation at the First Friends building, based on assessment including: the HVAC system and filters, attic and exhaust; a 1950s report created by the First Friends Construction Committee; and measurements taken using a CO2 detector. Among the findings:

- In the Meeting Room, there are four windows that open, plus four ventilation fans in the ceiling. With windows opened, the fans can draw air through the Meeting Room to meet the CDC guidelines of six fresh air exchanges per hour.

- In Fellowship Hall, a fan on the west wall and an exhaust fan in the kitchen draw air outside. A fan near the entrance brings fresh air inside, heats and circulates it. There are 11 windows that open and two new air conditioning fans.

Queries for the Week

What celebrations have I missed during this pandemic? And how has it affected me?
How might I seek a greater balance in my “doing and being” this week?
In what ways do I plan to celebrate my being in this present moment?

Comment

Friend to Friend June 9, 2021

June 9, 2021

As Way Opens

On Sunday, we joined together for worship within our Meetinghouse for the first time in over a year. Not only was it a joyous occasion to simply be together, but it was also an opportunity to acknowledge all that we have been through and have learned during this pandemic.

During my message, I spoke about a time of reorienting our lives by utilizing Sabbath Rest - one of the two subjects we will be looking at as we enter the summer months at First Friends.

As I mentioned on Sunday, reorienting through rest begins by making time to look at our self, our relationship with the Divine, and our interactions with one another, once again. This reorientation also involves seeking a balance between two mental modes of our lives:

doing — completing tasks towards a predetermined goal, and
being — allowing oneself to experience the present moment.

Kelsey Sorum in the article, Doing vs. Being: A Mindshift for Quarantine and Beyond provides the following chart to help you begin to explore the differences between these two modes.

I sense the pandemic has hyper-focused us on the Driven-Doing Mode and sent us out of balance with our Being Mode. Finding time for reorienting through Sabbath rest is how we as people of faith return the balance within our being and help us focus on celebrating and experiencing life in this moment right NOW!

My hope is that as we continue to emerge from the pandemic, you and I will find ways to embrace our being once again and come together and celebrate all that we are as individuals and as the body of Christ together!

Grace and peace,

Bob

Joys & Concerns

Many thanks to our Mid-North Food Pantry Volunteers! Christie M; Rik L; Tom F; David B; Brenda R; Mara S; Penny P; Phil G; Barbara O; Ruth K; Corrine I; and Carol and Jim D. Those who worked outside had to contend with rainy weather but helped out 27 needy families.

Please pray for Beth H and her family. After Beth finished her Affirmation Class this morning she received news of her brother, Dave Euler, passing away. He had had some health issues as of late, but passed away in his sleep. Dave lived in Plymouth, MN. This was Beth’s last living sibling. Please take a moment to lift Beth and her family in your prayers and shower her with love and Light.

Quaker-Affiliated Organizations

Quaker Voluntary Service Annual Supporters’ Briefing ~ You’re welcome to join QVS’s annual supporters’ briefing, whether you’re a(n) alum, supporter, past or current spiritual nurturer, or Friend who’s curious to learn more about QVS. Quaker Voluntary Service is a fellowship program dedicated to equipping young adults for whole lives rooted in Spirit-led social change. The virtual event will take place on Thursday, June 17, 2020, at 7pm ET / 6pm CT / 5pm MT / 4pm PT. There will be interactive opportunities to connect with one another, so we hope you can join us on the day-of.

Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities

Kids Tennis Lessons! Are your kids interested in tennis? There will be kids’ tennis lessons near 96th and Keystone Ave. They will be held Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:45-5:45PM in June (weather permitting). First lesson starts today Wednesday, June 9. Please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.

The Overman Family Scholarship, in memory of Jess and Mark Overman, is available again this year. High school seniors through graduate students are welcome to apply. Undergraduate students will be given first consideration. The scholarship fund is designated to support the members and attenders of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting. Scholarship funds may be applied to any school related expense, i.e. books, supplies, tuition, housing, computer, etc. The deadline for application will be June 15, 2021. Find the application here. Please send the completed application and related material to the office at office@indyfriends.org.

Fellowship Hour: Now at 11:30 ~ Please make note that virtual Fellowship Hour will now take place at 11:30am each Sunday. This is to allow for the extra time that in-person worship takes. So please, remember to join us on Zoom at https://bit.ly/FF-FellowshipHour at 11:30 from now on. Look forward to seeing you there!

Free Plants Available for Community Gardeners ~ This spring is a challenge with late frost, heat, humidity and torrential rain. Most gardeners have plants in their plots and others will soon follow. Remember that new, rich soil provides nourishment and is key to success of an organic garden. There are still a few free plants available to community gardeners. They are in trays between the cistern and garage. Their roots are aching for freedom to spread out in a new home, free of the confines of a pot. Save a plant today!

JUNE JUBILEE - The Connections Team would like to invite you to a fun outdoor gathering on SATURDAY, JUNE 19, from 4pm to 7pm, in the north parking lot of the Meeting House. Let's celebrate our reopening this month with campfires, hot dogs, s'mores, cornhole, volleyball, basketball, and other surprises. Bring your own food and drinks and masks as we follow social distancing protocol. If the weather is nasty, check your email or the First Friends Facebook page for an announcement about postponement. Hope to see you there!

Calling all ice cream lovers! First Friends will be working at the Dairy Bar at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday, August 7th all day. This is a major yearly fundraiser for our youth program! We plan to have two shifts, 9:30am-3:30pm, and 3:30-10:00pm. It is fast paced but lots of fun! Volunteers will receive a free ticket to the State Fair for that day, as well as unlimited ice cream, shakes and cheese sandwiches. Please let Beth H know if you’re interested in volunteering!

Your Talent is Needed! ~ As we reopen our Sunday Meeting for Worship, we are looking for vocalists or instrumentalists who would like to perform during Meeting for Worship over the summer. Simply pick a Sunday in June-August and let the office know which day you would like to perform. Eric is available for accompaniment and to help you with whatever your performance needs are. If you’re interested, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485 with the date you had in mind. Or, use the sign-up sheet in the office hallway. We look forward to hearing from you!

Words from the Woods ~ We are enjoying a beautiful June here in the woods. The north part of the woods is purposefully wild to create a safe nesting place for our wildlife neighbors, but will keep the south side of the path tamer! We are hoping to have a new path installed to the Peace Pole soon, weather permitting. Next year we hope to celebrate our 20th anniversary in the Woods to celebrate an acre of grass transformed into an abundant habitat!

Today we will have a visit with Dawn Slack, from The Nature Conservancy to perform a follow up survey on our invasive removal program.

In the courtyard, the Little Henry itea, dwarf oakleaf hydrangea and evening primroses are in bloom. Soon our butterfly milkweed (Asclepius tuberosa) will be blooming and attract our hungry monarch butterflies. I hope that everyone has the opportunity to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

I like to highlight what local groups are doing in the community. Here is a partial update from the Carmel Green group in Hamilton County and the MCSWD.

What Can You Do to Help our Common Home? We should do all we can to flatten the curve of climate change. One of the easiest things Hoosier can do is to turn things off when you’re not using them because electricity is the largest single source of carbon emissions in Indiana. Save energy, save money and reduce your footprint! (Do you remember when your grandmother used to tell you that?)

Learn about Solar - Going solar is the cleanest energy you can get! And you can still take advantage of net metering and the 26% federal tax credit this year which make solar more affordable. Join us for a free solar webinar to figure out if solar is right for you! RSVP for Thursday, June 24, 6:30 p.m.

Heat Preparedness - On Wed. June 9, Noon, join IU ERI for a free webinar on how to use an equitable approach to prepare for extreme heat events. Think back to the super-hot summer of 2012 when the Morse Reservoir dried up and Indy issued a watering ban. According to the Purdue Climate Change Research Center, if we continue dumping carbon pollution into the atmosphere, every summer will be hotter than it was in 2012. We should do all we can to avoid this scenario, but since there is already some warming baked into the system, we need to start thinking about heat preparedness. Read more.

Climate Change & Invasives - On June 10, 11 a.m. join the MIPN for a free webinar on how climate change is affecting plants. You will learn which invasive plants might be expanding northward into the Midwest as the climate warms and which species might undergo range contraction. Register here.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby Conference - On June 12-13, join Citizens’ Climate Lobby for the virtual conference on The Push for a Price on Carbon. An economy-wide carbon price is the single most powerful tool we have to reduce America’s carbon pollution to net zero by 2050. We’re asking Congress to enact that powerful tool this year! You’ll get updates on what’s happening in Washington, D.C. and you’ll learn about actions you can take to push for a price on carbon. Read more and sign-up.

Eco-Film: KISS THE GROUND - Join us on Thurs. Jun 17, 7:30 p.m. for the screening of Kiss the Ground on the outdoor screen at Midtown Plaza by the Monon. Kiss The Ground is an uplifting documentary about climate solutions involving Regenerative Agriculture, a holistic approach to food production that’s good for your health and the environment. The screening is free and open to the public. Read more.

From the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District:

Workshops for a Cleaner Waterway - Our district is teaming up with ROW (Reconnecting to Our Waterways), Kheprw Institute and The City League to offer Rain Garden and Rain Barrel Build workshops this summer! Made possible by our Clean Water Indiana grant through the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, space for these outdoor workshops is limited to 25 Marion County residents and COVID-19 precautions will be followed. Here are the workshop details:

Fall Creek: Rain Garden Workshop, Thursday, June 24 from 6:30-7:45 PM at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Residents living along Fall Creek will be able to learn about the benefits of and how to build their own rain garden in their yard with step-by-step instructions and will even take home several native plants from Indy Urban Acres to get it started. Register here.
Pogue’s Run: Rain Barrel Build Workshop, Thursday, July 29 from 6:30-8:00 PM at the Boner Fitness & Learning Center. As part of The City League’s basketball tournament, residents living along Pogue’s Run will be able to build their own rain barrel to capture stormwater off of their home downspouts. Thank you to the Kheprw Institute (KI) and their ‘Express Yourself Rain Barrels’ program for providing both the knowledge and materials needed for this workshop. Register here.

Meditational Woods Bird of the Month for June

Great Crested Flycatcher – Summer Riddle

Here is your riddle:

Who weeps every day, all day long, but never sheds a tear?

The answer is Great Crested Flycatcher!

This is a bird that I almost always hear before I see. It says, “Breeeep, breeeeep, weep, weep, weep.”

He or she may arrive as early as late April, and will be somewhere in the neighborhood throughout the summer. Indeed, I have heard or seen this bird in the Meditational Woods in May, June, and July, and as recently as this past week. It is often not very high up in a tree, affording us great looks, while it quietly sits waiting for an insect to fly by. The flycatcher does not just feed on flies, but will go for bigger insects such as dragonflies. How about periodic cicadas this year? Yum, yum!!

Let’s talk about the name. Many birds have hyphenated names. With ruby-throated hummingbird, white-eyed vireo, and red-winged blackbird, the descriptor is connected to the body part being described. It is usually a color, but not always (as in long-billed dowitcher). In the case of our June bird, however, there is no hyphen. The word “Great” therefore is NOT describing the crest (which is noticeable), but is instead describing the entire bird, as in Great Blue Heron or Great Horned Owl. It is true that the Great Crested is by far the largest of our Indiana flycatchers.

It “weeps,” but it does not cry. ~Brad J

First Friends Financial Update: The Meeting seeks your support in moving toward a vibrant new phase. As we begin to resume in-person worship and other activities, our expenses rise, yet our donations remain at a low level, strained by the difficulties of 2020.

Please give prayerful consideration to how you could help. While we were able to manage last year’s financial loss, we will need to increase donations in order to stem further losses. To assist, please visit indyfriends.org/support/#givenow.

Additionally, First Friends is able to accept stock and planned gifts directly at any time of year. For more information, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.orgor 317-255-2485.

Note – in the meantime, until further notice:

Ventilation:

Queries for the Week

• Amid the chaos of transitioning back from the pandemic, am I rediscovering ways to reorient my relationship with the Divine?

• Are any of my doubts fed by the notion that my worth comes solely from my productivity rather than my identity as a child of God?

• In relation to others, do I recognize and validate the worth and need for rest in others? How might I help someone this week find some needed rest.

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