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Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading - July 2026

 Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading would like you to join us as we discuss Twice: A Novel by Mitch Albom. We will gather in the parlor and simultaneously via Zoom starting at 7 pm on Tuesday, July 28th. 

When he is eight years old, Alfie Logan discovers the magical ability to get a second chance at everything. He can undo any moment and live it again. The one catch: he must accept the consequences of his second try—for better or worse.

He grows up correcting his mistakes and saving himself from adolescent embarrassments. He even takes foolishly dangerous risks, just to see what it’s like to come close to death, before tapping back to safety.

Eventually, Alfie turns his gift to his love life, studying his crushes and going back to make himself more appealing. In time, he falls deeply in love with Gianna, the woman he believes is the one. He seems to find contentment.

But as the years pass, Alfie’s eye begins to wander. Which is when he learns a lone caveat to his once he undoes a love, that person can never fall in love with him again. Knowing if he gives into to temptation, he will risk losing what he has with Gianna, Alfie makes a choice that changes his life forever.

The book begins many years later, after an ailing Alfie is arrested for allegedly cheating and winning millions at a casino roulette wheel. As a curious detective interrogates him, he slowly uncovers Alfie’s incredible story, and its most unlikely conclusion.

In Twice, America’s favorite storyteller, Mitch Albom, is at the top of his powers. A love story that is enchanting, probing, and clairvoyant in matters of the heart, Twice will make you think, weep, and overflow with love from beginning to end.

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Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading “Short Story Fest”

Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading would like for you to join us for a “Short Story Fest” as we lead off with *Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan.

It is 1985 in a small Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and family man faces into his busiest season. Early one morning, while delivering an order to the local convent, Bill makes a discovery which forces him to confront both his past and the complicit silences of a town controlled by the church.

We will gather at Rik and Linda L’s home starting at 7 pm on Tuesday, June 30th led by Rik L. There will be no Zoom. 

*NOTE: Rik is proposing four additional short stories to accompany Small Things Like These. There is no particular connection between the stories other than being fairly short and well-written: The Jilting of Granny Weatherall by Katherine Anne Porter, A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote, Evidence by Isaac Asimov and The Immortal Bard by Isaac Asimov. If you’d like to receive copies of these additional stories, contact Kathy R. 

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Vacation Bible School

SIGN UP NOW for Vacation Bible School! This year’s VBS theme is Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God! We will kick off on Sunday, July 19th from 12 – 2pm with lunch for everyone and will continue Monday July 20th through Thursday July 23rd from 6:30 to 8:30pm. We invite all kids preschool - 5th grade to join us for the fun. If you’d like to sign your kids up, register online here. We still need volunteers to bring in snacks! Instructions will be provided. If you’d like to help, or if you have questions, contact Chrissy at or the office at office@indyfriends.org. Please join us, where tree-mendous adventure awaits!

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IPJC Program: The Underground Railroad in Indiana

IPJC Program: The Underground Railroad in Indiana ~ Join the Indianapolis Peace and Justice Center here at First Friends on Tuesday, July 14 at 7:00pm for a presentation exploring the history of the Underground Railroad in Indiana. The program, presented by our own Jeff and Alicia R, will explore the history of the Underground Railroad in Indiana, including its development and routes, and how enslaved people fleeing to freedom traveled through the state—either continuing on to Canada or settling in Indiana before the Civil War. It will highlight the conductors and communities who made these journeys possible, with special attention to the roles of Quakers, formerly enslaved individuals, and abolitionists. This promises to be an engaging opportunity to learn more about an important chapter of Indiana and Quaker history.

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Relational Organizing: How to Build Your Public Action

Relational Organizing: How to Build Your Public Action ~ Interested in learning how to engage more people in meaningful action and strengthen community involvement? Join the Peace Church Coalition for a free training on Saturday, June 20, from 10 am to 2 pm at Shalom Mennonite Church (6100 E. 32nd St., Indianapolis). Lunch will be provided.

This hands-on training will cover key community organizing skills, including sharing your personal story, conducting one-to-one conversations (relational organizing), and developing effective plans for action. While examples will draw from the End ICE Detention at Miami Correctional campaign, the skills learned can be applied to any cause or community effort. Please register online here so organizers can plan accordingly, and feel free to share with friends and neighbors who may be interested.

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YOUTH pool party!

YOUTH pool party!

When: Friday June 19th, 1-4 pm

Who: Youth grades 6-12

Where: Devon Country Club: 4646 Millersville Rd Indy, 46226

What: A time to cool off and celebrate summer together. Feel free to invite a friend.

Cost: Free to attend

RSVP: Email or text Chrissy by Wednesday June 17th.

Wear your swimsuit and sunscreen, and pack a towel. Small inflatables are allowed. Please bring your favorite snack to share. Chrissy will bring a cooler with drinks. We have two picnic tables reserved in the shade. The concession stand will also be open for purchases.

Parents, you're welcome to drop your teens off or stay. Lifeguards are on staff at Devon. There are plenty of shady places to stay cool and wind down with a good book, or sunny lounge chairs to soak up some Vitamin D!

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Friends Education Fund (FEF) Sunday

We hope you will join us on Sunday, June 14, to worship with and honor our  Friends Educational Fund scholars. Chris Lindley, Pastor of Blue River Friends Church will give the message that day and provide more information about the history of FEF, a Quaker college scholarship program for Indiana’s African American students. There will be a reception following Meeting for Worship with refreshments and time for you to greet and congratulate these aspiring young Hoosiers. This year, we were able to award  69  scholarships, and we expect a large turnout. Our tradition of providing these scholarships began with a large bequest from John Williams, a formerly enslaved man who bequeathed his assets to the only orphanage in Indiana that cared for African American children, which was founded by First Friends Meeting. When the orphanage was closed many years later, the assets were used to start the Friends Educational Fund because of  Williams’ intent to fund the  education of African American children. Please join us to hear the entire fascinating story of John Williams and to honor this year’s scholars.

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ILLUMINATE Friends Bible Study

Rebuilding Community, Remaking the World ~ The ILLUMINATE Friends Bible Study “Zoom Only” group cordially invites you to join us this summer on Thursday evenings beginning June 11th at 7:30 pm for our 13-week study Ezra; Nehemiah; Esther; Song of Songs: Rebuilding Community, Remaking the World

Ezra and Nehemiah tell the story of the return home after the traumatic generations of forced exile under the empires of Assyria and Babylon. Through internal and external opposition, the descendants of Israel work to rebuild their city and their worshiping community and to learn how to be the people of God in a new era. Esther explores what it means to live faithfully outside of Israel. Esther navigates a setting that is dangerous due to her gender and her ethnicity, using the power she has to help her people. Song of Songs, a book of love poems, shows a biblical precedent for embodied joy and romantic love, as well as an allegory for the depth of intimacy between our souls and God.

 1. Introduction to Ezra (Ezra 1; 3:1–3, 6–8, 10–13)

 2. Persian Support for Ezra (Ezra 6:1–12; 7:1–5, 11–16, 25–28)

 3. Worship Renewed, Foreigners Rejected (Ezra 6:13–22; 10:1–12)

 4. Introduction to Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1; 2:1–5, 8d, 13, 17–20)

 5. Enemies and Oppression (Nehemiah 4:1–13; 5:1–12)

 6. Penitential Prayer (Ezra 9:5–11; Nehemiah 9:6–7, 29–38)

 7. Rituals Reinstated–and Ethnocentrism (Nehemiah 8:1–3, 9–17; 13:1–3, 10–12)

 8. Introduction to Esther (Esther 1:1–5, 9–12, 15–16, 19; 2:2, 5, 7–8, 12–18)

 9. Courage Despite Risk (Esther 3:1–10, 13; 4:1–3, 9–17)

10. Esther Takes Action (Esther 5:3–14; 7:1–10)

11. Celebration through Purim (Esther 9:5–17, 20–32)

12. Introduction to Song of Songs (Song of Songs 1:1–5, 9–15; 2:1–12)

13. Seeking Deep Love (Song of Songs 3; 4:1–4, 9–16)

Feel free to drop in, everyone is welcome. To purchase your booklet online, go to this link: https://barclaypress.corecommerce.com/ILLUMINATE/Illuminate-Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther-Song-of-Songs.html An extra copy will be available for sale for $10 at the Connections Fair on May 31st.

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Sitting Saturday June 13th

Save the Date for Sitting Saturday! Our next Sitting Saturday is Saturday June 13th, 4:30-7:30 pm, hosted by Christina N and Violet T. This is a free event for kids ages 3 thru 5th grade. We hope your kids can join us for an evening of fun. It’s a great opportunity for parents to drop off their kids, and for the kids to have a fun night! RSVP online here! Questions? Reach out to Chrissy S via email.

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CONNECTIONS FAIR 2026

CONNECTIONS FAIR - Do you want to become a more active participant in First Friends Meeting and get to know others on a deeper level?  Learn more about Meeting committees and ongoing small groups by attending the Connections Fair on SUNDAY, MAY 31, in Fellowship Hall immediately after worship.  The fair will give new folks and regular attenders a chance to see where they might be led to connect with others and help serve at the Meeting. Representatives will be available to answer questions at each booth. The Fair is sponsored by the Connections Committee. Contact Jim K or the office if you have questions or if you want a space at the fair to represent your group.

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Men’s Threshing Together: May 2026

Men’s Threshing Together ~ If you’re 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, May 21 at 7:00pm. See upcoming locations here.

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Sabbatical Calendar - Speakers & Events

With the beginning of Bob’s sabbatical, we are entering a season of renewal, reflection, and shared ministry centered on Jesus’ words: “I have called you friends.” See our calendar of guest speakers and special events planned as we step together into this season of discovery, friendship, and renewal.

·      May 17th - Emily Provance; catered lunch & open Meeting for Business

·      May 24th - Jim S

·      May 31st - Patrick J; soup buffet & Connections Fair

·      June 7th - Eric B

·      June 14th - Chris L; Friends Educational Fund Sunday & Reception

·      June 21st - Jeff G

·      June 28th - Kelly Kellum of Friends United Meeting; lunch

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Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading - Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection

Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading would like for you to join us as we discuss Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green

Tuberculosis has been entwined with humanity for millennia. Once romanticized as a malady of poets, today tuberculosis is a disease of poverty that walks the trails of injustice and inequity we blazed for it.

In 2019, John Green met Henry, a young tuberculosis patient at Lakka Government Hospital in Sierra Leone while traveling with Partners in Health. John became fast friends with Henry, a boy with spindly legs and a big, goofy smile. In the years since that first visit to Lakka, Green has become a vocal and dynamic advocate for increased access to treatment and wider awareness of the healthcare inequities that allow this curable, treatable infectious disease to also be the deadliest, killing 1.5 million people every year.

In Everything is Tuberculosis, John tells Henry’s story, woven through with the scientific and social histories of how tuberculosis has shaped our world and how our choices will shape the future of tuberculosis.

We will gather in the parlor and on Zoom at 7 pm EST on Tuesday, May 26th led by Loryne C.

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WYM Annual Session Gathering - Spring Meeting at Carmel Friends

WYM Annual Session Gathering - Spring Meeting at Carmel Friends ~ Western Yearly Meeting invites Friends to gather for a day of worship, shared meals, and thoughtful conversation on Saturday, May 16, from 10:00am–4:30pm at Carmel Friends (651 W. Main St., Carmel, IN). This gathering will serve as the first part of their annual sessions and will focus on deep listening, vulnerability, and exploring the future of our faith and practice, with no decisions to be made, simply space to listen and discern together. Lunch is included, and childcare is available. Register online here or contact tom.s@westernyearlymeeting.org with questions. Zoom option available.

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Summertime Special Music

Summertime Special Music! Do you have a musical gift in ministry you’d like to share in our Meeting for Worship? As our choir takes a well-deserved hiatus for the summer, we are looking for volunteers to share their music. We need performers most Sundays starting May 31 through the end of August. Please see the signup sheet on the bulletin board and consider choosing a date when you’d be willing to perform in Meeting. Your ministry can be a blessing during this season of the year. Thank you!

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2026 Overman Family Scholarship

The Overman Family Scholarship is available again this year. The scholarship fund is designated to support the members and associate members of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting. High school seniors as well as anyone attending post-secondary or vocational education is welcome to apply. Scholarship funds may be applied to any school related expense. The deadline for application will be July 8, 2026. Find/download the application online here, or contact the office if you’d like a printed copy sent to you.

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First Friends Rummage Sale - June 27, 2026

First Friends Rummage Sale ~ After many years of hiatus, we are hosting a rummage sale on June 27 from 8-3. We are calling it the Nancy Pennington Memorial Rummage Sale in honor of our dear friend Nancy who passed away recently. Please bring your items and put them behind the curtain on the stage in fellowship hall. If you have something large that needs picked up, contact the office for more information.

We will need help setting up the week before and the day of. If you are available to help please contact Jody L or Janis C.

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Emerging Friends Camp ~ June 7–11, 2026

Emerging Friends Camp ~ Join us June 7–11 at Quaker Haven Camp for a week of fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories. From games and outdoor adventures to meaningful moments together, there’s something for everyone! Registration is now open! Scholarships are available. All are welcome. Register and learn more at quakerhaven.com 

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Midwest Young Adult Gathering Saturday May 16

Midwest Young Adult Gathering ~ Everyone who considers themselves a young adult is invited to a fun evening of fellowship on Saturday, May 16th at 5:00 PM at Bru Burger (12901 Old Meridian St., Carmel). We’ll enjoy drinks, food, music, and games together, and then head back to Carmel Friends Church afterward for a board game night. Come connect, relax, and have a great time!

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