Our Calendar
Featured Events
Support the Shepherd Boy Education Fund – WYM Summer Project ~ Western Yearly Meeting’s summer project this year is the Shepherd Boy Education Fund, a special initiative supporting students in Turkana, Samburu, and Mt. Elgon—regions located in Kenya and Uganda. The goal is to raise $15,000 to help enroll 20 boys in school, providing them with life-changing access to education.
To support this effort, you can donate by dropping a check in the Sunday offering plate with “WYM project” written in the memo line. You can also give conveniently and securely online by visiting https://www.indyfriends.org/support/#givenow and selecting “WYM project” as the fund. If you prefer to give by phone, simply text “WYMProject” to 317-768-0303. Thank you for supporting this meaningful project. For questions, contact office@westernyearlymeeting.org.
Words from the Woods: Our next Woods work day is Saturday, July 19 from 9-10:30 AM. Activities may include trail maintenance for the trail around the perimeter and inspecting tree conditions. We’ll check to see if the clear plastic has solarized the weeds enough to clear the area. Now that the courtyard is in full sun, the plants and weeds are going crazy! Your help is needed to keep the chaos down to a minimum.. It’s always fun to work together and healing to watch plants grow and bloom. For me, being in the garden is an affirmation of God’s presence and signs that life is persistent even in a state of disorder. Come join us for half an hour or an hour and a half. We welcome you. ~ Mary and Mindy
Hear Our Stories: The Life & Afterlife of Incarceration ~ People returning to our city after being incarcerated face many challenges. They’ll share first-hand stories about their lives inside prison and what it’s like adjusting to life on the outside. Hear the lived experiences of our prison system and learn how you can get involved in the many organizations that provide services both inside and outside of prisons. Let these courageous stories change your perspective and motivate you to act. Join us Thursday, July 24, 7:30-9:00pm here at First Friends for this important discussion. See and share the flyer here! Sponsored by The Garden, Storytelling Arts of Indiana, and Trusted Mentors. The event is free, but it’s asked to make a donation if you can. Click here or text “SAI” to 44-321 on your smartphone.
SUMMER SINGALONG! Come join us for this fun time on Friday, July 25, in the parlor, from 6:30-8:30 pm. Pizza will be served before the singing. Any questions? Contact Jim K.
SIGN UP NOW! Blood Drive at First Friends, Sunday, July 27 ~ Summer is a time when donations to local blood banks decline. Please mark your calendars and consider donating blood right here at the meetinghouse Sunday, July 27. The blood drive bus will be here before, during and after programmed meeting for worship from 9:30am-1pm. Open to ages 17 and older (or 16 with parent permission), even those on certain medications. You can reserve your spot now by clicking this link! We hope you will support this important cause!
Shalom Zone 5th Tuesday- An Evening of Hope and Action ~ First Friends will host a special event with Rabbi Aaron Spiegel on Tuesday, July 29 at 7 p.m., offering an evening of hope and action around the affordable housing crisis in Indiana. With nearly 4,800 eviction filings every month, our state’s landlord-friendly laws continue to displace vulnerable families and individuals. Rabbi Spiegel—President and Executive Director of the Greater Indianapolis Multifaith Alliance (GIMA)—will speak from the front lines about eviction reform, landlord malfeasance, rent escrow options, and how faith communities can help end homelessness. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and take action. Hosted by the Shalom Zone. Find more info on Facebook!
Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading would like you to join us as we discuss Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work "her own darling child" and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, "as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print." The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen's radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England.
We will gather at Sue H’s home starting at 7 pm EST on Tuesday, July 29th led by Sue H.
There will be NO ZOOM.
Photo Directory Sessions – August 11 & 12 ~ Mark your calendars! We’ll be holding photo sessions at the meetinghouse on August 11 and 12 for a new First Friends Photo Directory. The session is free and includes a complimentary 8x10 photo. Bring your family—this is a great chance to get a family photo taken! You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase additional prints or digital images if you wish. We encourage everyone to participate—having a complete directory helps us stay connected as a community and makes it easier to learn names, faces, and grow in fellowship. Contact the office to be signed up for a time slot.
Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading meets on the last Tuesday of the month in the Parlor. If you’d like to be on the monthly email list, contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.
January 28 ~ Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips
February 25 ~ The Measure by Nikki Erlick
March 25 ~ Better Living Through Birding by Christian Cooper
April 29 ~ Dinners with Ruth by Nina Totenberg
May 27 ~ Maus a Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman
June 24 ~ James by Percival Everett
July 29 ~ Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
August 26 ~ Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardson
September 30 ~ The Women by Kristin Hannah
October 28 ~ A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan
November 25 ~ Shakespeare by Dame Judi Dench
December 30 ~ The Delgado Connection by Gary J. Rhyne