Chapel Hill
Friends Meeting
Newsletter

November 2006

 

Monthly Query: Is the Meeting a joyful place where members and attenders feel they belong and willingly share in the work of the meeting community?

 

Contents

PFF Fall Workshop in Davidson. 2

Upcoming Forums. 2

Holiday Planning – Mark Your Calendar 3

Minutes of the October 15, 2006 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business. 3

Welcome, Review of the Agenda, and Approval of Minutes. 4

Request for Support as a Conscientious Objector (attached) 4

Treasurer’s Report 5

Peace and Social Concerns. 5

Ad Hoc Bequest Committee. 5

Concern over Iraq War 6

Announcements: 6

Letter from James Malone. 7

Report & Recommendation from the Ad Hoc Bequest Committee. 8

Computer Support Needed. 12

Many Hands Make Light Work: Hands Needed. 12

Building & Grounds Wish List 13

Quaker Earthcare Witness Annual Conference. 13

The Earthcare Working Group. 15

Writing Workshop. 15

Birth of Helen Agnes Cooper 16

Habitat for Humanity. 16

Leadership & Mary and Claude Shotts Memorial Funds. 16

Thank-you Letter 16

Wanted: Toiletries. 16

CFS Invites You to A Visioning Session. 3

Youth International Experiences 2006. 17

Carolina Friends School Book Fair 18

Jobs at FGC (Friends General Conference) 18

Monthly Query: 20

Calendar 20

PFF Fall Workshop in Davidson

The Piedmont Friends Fellowship (PFF) Fall Workshop will be on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 9:00 to 12:30 at the Davidson Clergy Center, with lunch following.  The workshop topic is “When Conflict Comes to Meeting” facilitated by Nancy Fennell.  (This workshop was developed from work Nancy recently completed as a participant in the School of the Spirit Ministry’s program On Being a Spiritual Nurturer.)

Defining conflict as “a serious and prolonged struggle accompanied by anger,” this workshop demonstrates that ordinary Friends from even small meetings have the tools necessary to deal with serious conflict. In fact, the skills needed are practiced in community on a regular basis. Participants will share our concerns about dealing with conflict and explore how our common fears and misunderstandings may make us reluctant to serve our community in the sacred task of seeking peace in the face of conflict.

Flyers with registration forms are on the meetingroom’s back table (look for the color pink) or contact Jan Blodgett at jablodgett@davidson.edu.  Advanced registration is requested to help plan for food.  Cost is only $5.00.

If you are planning on going and would like to carpool, please contact Marsha and Mike Green at 929-2339 or mgreen@mindspring.com.

Upcoming Forums

·        October 29      Russell Herman, speaking on “Coaching Activists in NC”

·        November 5     Quaker Issues in the 2006 Election, with Nancy Milio             

Holiday Planning – Mark Your Calendar

1)      Everyone is invited to a Thanksgiving Celebration on Thursday, November 23rd at the Meeting house.  We will begin at noon with a Meeting for Worship and around 12:30 will move to the multi-purpose room to gather and share our meal.  This is a potluck so please sign up for what you will bring (so that we have a variety of food to eat!).  The sign-up sheet will be posted on the door as you are leaving the foyer of the Meeting house.  Newcomers are most welcome to join us.  The Thanksgiving Celebration is a good way for all to get better acquainted.  If you have questions, please call Gwynne Pomeroy at 968-0829.

2)      The Meeting Christmas Party will be held December 16 (Saturday Evening). If you are interested in helping to plan the party, contact Hospitality Committee.

3)      The Christmas Eve Service will take place on Dec. 24 at 5:30. As we did last year, we will begin with silent worship as the light fades with one candle on the table in the center to light the darkness. As it becomes slowly darker outside, and as the spirit moves us, each of us will light our candle from the central candle and add our lighted candle to the table in silence or give whatever message we may feel led to share. After about 45 minutes, we will close with singing “Silent Night” and other carols as the spirit moves us. Children are welcome to worship with us. Candles will be provided.

CFS Invites You to A Visioning Session

Carolina Friends School (CFS) Board has embarked on creating its next Long Range Plan. As part of this process, board members are conducting “visioning” sessions with various groups – students, parents, staff, and the CFS community at larger.

The board invites all Chapel Hill and Durham Friends Meeting members and attenders to attend a visioning meeting on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. at Carolina Friends School.  We expect this worshipful sharing to take at least 90 minutes.

CFS was founded over 40 years ago by members of the Durham and Chapel Hill Friends Meeting. Although the school is legally independent from the meetings, the meeting-school connection is maintained through the fact that 14 of the school board members are nominated by the two meetings, and that both meetings host an early school on their meeting properties.

But the School and the Meetings benefit from strong connections that go beyond these formal links. The visioning session on Dec. 10 is one of the opportunities that Meeting members and attenders have to continue to forge a stronger relationship.

Minutes of the October 15, 2006 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

Chapel Hill Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends

Matt Drake, clerk pro tem and Alice Carlton, recording clerk pro tem

Opening query.  Out of the worship, the clerk read the following query:  Is the Meeting a joyful place where members and attenders feel they belong and willingly share in the work of the meeting community?

 

Welcome, Review of the Agenda, and Approval of Minutes

The clerk welcomed Friends, shared regrets from Judy Purvis and Susan Inglis, reviewed the agenda, and recognized first time attenders Silver Moon, Emily Buehler, and Anne Smith.

Minutes of the September 17, 2006 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business were approved as distributed in the newsletter.

 

Request for Support as a Conscientious Objector (attached)

James H. C. Malone (Jimmy) Malone read his letter stating his intent to register as a conscientious objector to participation in the military.  From the worship many Friends spoke in appreciation, support and gratitude.  All present united in approving the following minute:

We unite in support of Jimmy Malone’s intention, as expressed in this letter, to register as a conscientious objector to participation in the military.  We know that Jimmy had previously asked for and met with a clearness committee to help him consider his decision.  We witness to the deeply held and sincere nature of his beliefs and appreciate his beautifully written letter.  Two trustees of the Meeting signed the letter as witnesses. A copy of his letter is included in the minutes.  The original will be placed in the Meeting lockbox in the library.

Curt Torell reminded us that all young men must register with Selective Service System 30 days before or after their 18th birthday.  Young men now are automatically registered for Selective Service when they obtain their NC driver’s license, which prevents them from documenting a C.O. conviction.  He recommended that our young men also continue to register by mail following our previous procedure.  This will give them hardcopy documentation of their intent to register as a C.O. at their time of Selective Service registration.  Young men cannot officially register as C.O.s, but our procedures document that they at least tried.

 

Treasurer’s Report

Michael Jokinen, treasurer, presented the report for September and year to date.  One Friend spoke in appreciation of the new simplified report format.  The treasurer’s report was accepted with appreciation.

 

Peace and Social Concerns

Hank Elkins reported for Peace & Social Concerns that Ruth Hamilton and Michael Jokinen participated as representatives of our Meeting in the Quaker Earth Care Witness Conference in New Mexico recently.  He recommended expenditure of $255 from the Environment Fund for the cost of their lodging (3 nights @ $85) at the conference.  The Meeting approved the expenditure. Friends expressed gratitude and appreciation for their participation with hopes that their attendance and their report this afternoon will encourage all of us to care for the earth.  One Friend reminded all committees, whenever possible, to inform the Meeting in advance when sending representatives to larger Quaker groups so that we may send them with our prayers and support.

 

Ad Hoc Bequest Committee

Marsha Green presented a report from the Ad Hoc Committee (attached).  She reviewed previous disbursements from the Charlotte Adams and Gerry Gourley bequests, identified approximately $36,000 as remaining to be disbursed, described “good causes” gained through two listening sessions and individual suggestions, identified causes the committee gained unity on, presented recommendations for dividing the money into two parts—one to be apportioned among the good causes identified, and another to be used for a project to strengthen the meeting--and identified two questions (see report) that need to be answered if their recommended decision process is to go forward.

Friends spoke appreciating the usefulness of the report and raised questions about what the committee meant by a project that “would strengthen the meeting” and about the proportion of the division of funds.  One Friend spoke in support of one of the listed causes.  The clerk observed that more time was needed to consider the Ad Hoc Committee recommendations and questions and recommended that our consideration continue next month.  Friends approved holding further consideration over until next Meeting for Business and commended the committee for its excellent work.  We also recognized that the committee is leading us into new processes that are exciting and, perhaps, challenging.  We encouraged the Ad Hoc Committee to meet again before November 19 to consider today’s responses.  Dirk Spruyt will contact committee members.

Concern over Iraq War

Marilyn Dyer urged us to read an article in the October Harper’s magazine by George McGovern on “how to get out of Iraq” and Bob Woodward’s new book, State of Denial.  She informed us that the US military now only recognizes deaths in battle so those killed in Humvees by IEDs are not counted.

Announcements:

·        The film “Iraq For Sale” about war profiteering will be shown at the Meeting this Sunday night at 7:30 pm.

·        On Saturday, October 21 from 8:30 am–12 noon we will have a meeting work morning, starting with a pancake breakfast.

·        A party to welcome Miranda Parker into membership will occur on Oct. 28 from 6–8 pm at Catherine Elkins’ home.  Contact her for details.

·        Mike Green invites everyone to his home Friday Oct. 20 at 7:30 pm to assemble the directory, watch Washington Week in Review, and enjoy a dessert potluck.

·        Gerry Gourley’s ashes will be interred today at 12:15 in the memorial garden.  Bonnie Raphael will coordinate a brief worship at the site.

·        Ruth Hamilton and Mike Jokinen will talk about the Quaker Earth Care Witness at 1 pm in the schoolhouse.

We closed in worship.

Attending: Matt Drake, Alice Carlton, Marilyn Dyer, Pat Mann, Pam Schwingl, Anne Smith, Emily Buehler, Emilie Condon, Silver Moon, Jimmy Malone, Peter Malone, Curt Torell, Jan Hutton, Francis Coyle, Perry Martin, Dirk Spruyt, Ann Kessemeier, Marsha Green, Mike Green, Tom Smith, Bettie L. Flash, Hank Elkins, Peter deLeeuw, Margie Brache, Nancy Milio, Nancy Elkins, Ruth Hamilton, John Hite, Michael P. Jokinen


Letter from James Malone

October 14, 2006

Dear Friends,

            As I prepare to claim myself an adult, I must face the question of how I will handle signing up for Selective Service. As a forward to this letter on my beliefs, however, I would like to mention that, when I got my driver’s license, soon after my birthday on September the twenty-ninth, my personal information was sent to Selective Service through the DMV. I was told that, in order to obtain my driver’s license, I was required to allow the officer at the DMV to send my information and, since the officer was just hearing the phrase “Conscientious Objector” for the first time, she was not able to make any kind of notation on my beliefs regarding the draft.

            I hope that this letter can prove witness to my convictions against war. Primarily, I do not feel that any person has the right to take the life of another under any circumstances. All life is precious and in all people there is an inner beauty. I do not feel that I could take the life of another with the knowledge that I would be depriving the world of that person’s potential for good.

            To “assassinate,” according to the American Heritage Dictionary, is “to murder by surprise attack, as for political reasons.” This act is one I am sure most Americans would not admit to favoring. However, while one could justify participation in the killing of enemies as being for the benefit of society, I can’t help but wonder if others had the same justifications for killing in the past. For instance, one can be certain that President Lincoln, having emancipated the slaves, may not have been popular with southerners of the time. My only question is, “who decides if a cause to kill is just or not?” In my mind and in my heart, I know that there is no time that the sacrifice of another’s life has an acceptable justification.

            In writing this letter, I am taking the time to look over criteria for Conscientious Objector ship, insuring that I truly believe myself a Conscientious Objector. Though my objections to war are based on morality, they are also based on respect. I trust others to treat me in the manner I want to be treated: with respect and tolerance. In return, I strive to treat others in an equally respectful manner. Included in ways to respectfully treat others, I endeavor not to use violence against other people under any circumstances. Though I may attempt to defend my kin and myself from attack, I refuse to be trained in the tactics of combat.

            While I am opposed to the killing of human beings, I am not opposed to killers. This is a true statement in the sense that I continue to see killers as fellow humans. I am willing to help my proverbial brothers and sisters in any way that it is needed of me; I will gladly give their tired bodies nourishment and I would gladly tend to their ailments, if it were asked of me. I wholly disagree with war and I realize that soldiers must endure and witness powerful and grotesque hardships in carrying out their duties. My heart would be broken if I were to discover that not one person would tend to their basic physical and psychological needs. I feel proud in stating that, was I to be asked to aid my brothers in having their basic needs met, I would gladly accept.

            Among material I have been encouraged to consider while composing this very statement is a list of procedural items for how I should handle proving that I have some right to profess myself a Conscientious Objector. First on the list includes starting a record of my attendance and participation in meeting for worship, my upbringing as a Quaker, non-violent activities that I have participated in, et cetera. Firstly, no, I do not attend Friends Meeting with the frequency of some of my fellow Friends. However, my beliefs are my own and I do not harbor them in my heart because they were put there by any religious organization. Friends Meeting has been a place for me to feel at home and to worship in the presence of those I trust. My involvement with Quaker Meeting has helped to shape me as a person, but my views on the world are entirely my own and come from within myself, not my surroundings. The fact that I was brought up in a Quaker household only provides testimony to the truth that I have been taught respect for others and the beliefs of others. Again, I am against war due to a personal truth, not because I was told that war is wrong. As for documenting my participation in non-violent activities: I strive for all my actions to be caring actions, without violence. I have done nothing with the intention of being nonviolent, but I do everything with the intention of being loving.

            So, I don’t suppose I have any concrete proof that I am against all violence, including war. It is my hope, though, that this letter acts as the closest thing to proof that I can offer: my truth.

Thank you,

James H.C. Malone

Report & Recommendation from the Ad Hoc Bequest Committee

October, 2006

First, a bit of history:

In November 2005, the monthly meeting set up an ad hoc committee to consider how to proceed in making decisions about how to disburse the money expected from two bequests: one from Charlotte Adams, and one from Gerry Gourley.

The total amounts of the bequests were $42,200 from Charlotte Adams, received by the treasurer in fiscal year 2005-2006 (11/2005), and $9,531.47 from Gerry Gourley, received by the treasurer in fiscal year 2006-2007 (7/06).  (The meeting’s fiscal year runs from July 1 – June 30).

The committee was asked to make sure that we considered the bequest guidelines set up in 1994. These guidelines suggest that for any bequest that is more than 10% of the meeting’s budget, an amount equal to 10% of the meeting’s budget be put directly into the meeting’s general fund and treated as ordinary contribution. Thus, $6,260 from Charlotte Adam’s bequest was put into the general fund in June, 2006, and $6,675 from Gerry Gourley’s bequest was put into the general fund in July, 2006. 

The guidelines also recommend that the meeting consider the needs of the Leadership Development Fund and the Overseers Fund. In April, 2006, the meeting approved transferring 10% of Charlotte Adam’s bequest amount, ($4,220), into the Leadership Development Fund. (Care & Counsel said there was no need for additional support of the overseers fund at this time).  

Thus, with the interest earned from this money, there is approximately $36,000 of the bequest money still to be disbursed.

            In April, the committee also recommended, and the meeting approved, calling two “listening sessions” to hear other ideas about how the meeting might use the money. Those listening sessions were held in April and May, and results reported in the newsletter. During those listening sessions, we heard several well-thought out requests for “good causes” to give the money to. We also heard a strong call for using the money in some way that would strengthen our meeting as a faith community by engaging many people in many ways (rather than just passing money from one institution to another)  although no specific ideas were brought forward.

            Since those listening sessions, the ad hoc committee has met several times to discern  how we are led with regards to the process for dispersing the remaining $36,000. This is what we have come to unity on.

A Recommendation

The ad hoc committee recommends that we respond to both the desire to support specific causes and the desire to “be creative” about using the money to strengthen and engage our meeting by dividing the remaining money into two unequal parts.

The first part, which we recommend to be $16,000, we would like to set aside specifically for a project that will strengthen the meeting. We do not know yet what that project will be, and we suggest setting up a committee with representatives from PSC, M&W and C&C, as well as other interested people, to boldly consider what could be done, and to come back to the meeting within 6 months with an idea.  We suggest that the entire amount be used for one project (rather than multiple projects) so that the project has maximum impact, and that the project use the money within the next 12-18 months.

The second part, the remaining $20,000, we recommend be divided between the seven “good causes” that were lifted up in the listening sessions and through other venues. These are (in no particular order)

Brief descriptions of these good causes are attached. We have also included descriptions of the two items that were raised that we could not come to unity on.

We have not attempted to determine how to apportion the $20,000 between these causes because we believe the meeting should, first, come to unity on whether these are, indeed, the causes they would like to support with this money. If the meeting is led to support all of these causes, the next step of the ad hoc committee would be to determine actual dollar amounts to give to each group.

Therefore, we are asking the meeting to consider two questions:

  1. Does the meeting approve the process of dividing the remaining $36,000 into two unequal parts, one part of  $16,000 to be used for a single project to strengthen the meeting community, and one part of $20,000 to be used to fund good causes brought forth from the meeting?
  2. If so, can the meeting come to unity that the seven causes listed are ones that the meeting is comfortable supporting with the $20,000, with the actual division of the money to be determined at a next meeting of the ad hoc bequest committee?

If the meeting approves the concept of a “creative fund” we will need to set up a committee to consider options.

If the meeting approves the causes to be supported by the “good cause” fund, the ad hoc bequest committee will consider the amounts to go to each group and report back next month.

 

Brief Descriptions of good causes

·        Provide some or all of the money to Quaker House for needed renovations.

·        Use up to $17,000 (estimated cost) to renovate our Meeting Room with energy efficient windows, better insulated ceiling, and new rug

·        Use approximately $8,400 to fund a stipend for a part-time, six-month intern for NC Choices to help maintain momentum in producing educational materials about civilian (as opposed to military) opportunities for service for highschool graduates. NC Choices is an independent organization with core members from the Chapel Hill and Durham Friends Meeting, Episcopal Peace Fellowship, Pullan Baptist Church, and other faith communities. The hope is that within 6 months they will be better prepared to find grant support from other programs such as AmeriCorp.

·        Use some of the money to fund a scholarship for someone in our meeting to attend the School of the Spirit’s program “On Being a Spiritual Nurturer.” This two-year program costs $5,200 and residencies for the 2007-2009 program will be in Durham. The program is intended to nurture individuals who are called to nurture the spiritual life of the Society of Friends.

·        Support Carolina Friends School during the Capital Campaign, while money donated is being doubled by an anonymous donor.

·        Support the Orange County Day Care Trust. Without subsidies, many families cannot afford to place their children in child care, and consequently can't work. It is the hope of the Board of the Orange County Partnership for Young Children (our local Smart Start agency) that congregations and businesses will support this endeavor. The Orange County Commissions have pledged $50,000, which will be used to match gifts for subsidy.

·        Support for the Charlotte Friends School. The Charlotte Meeting is planning on opening a k-3 school in the fall of 2007. They have a school board and are in the final stages of raising money to be able to rent space. (They cannot use the Charlotte Meeting House because of zoning regulations.)

 

Causes the Ad Hoc Committee could not come to unity on supporting

·        Provide money for statues in front of the post office commemorating Joe Straley and Charlotte Adams.

·        Establish a scholarship fund for Chapel Hill Meeting children to attend Carolina Friends School so more Chapel Hill Meeting children could attend there.  We felt that the meeting’s administration of such a fund would be a burden, selection of recipients could be divisive, and worried that people might join meeting because of the school, rather than because of spiritual calling.

 

Computer Support Needed

Building and Grounds is looking for someone interested in providing occasional help with keeping the Meeting’s computer healthy. We have an immediate need with some “clean up” issues, as well as someone who can advise when other computer issues come up. Please call John Hite if you are able to do this.

 

Many Hands Make Light Work: Hands Needed

Thanks to the many people who showed up to fold and staple the Meeting Directory at a “work evening” sponsored by the Publications and Records committee, 130 copies were whisked through the process in a record 20 minutes! That gave workers plenty of time to enjoy the delicious desserts.

The Publications and Records Committee has many other opportunities for many hands to make light work:

·        Newsletter Editor. Requires 4-5 hours of work once a month (usually the 4th week of the month). Involves receiving submissions by email and from the Meeting House and putting them into the newsletter format using WORD, then emailing the finished product by Friday morning to the print shop. There is room for editorial innovation.

·        Mailing copies of the newsletter each month to PFF meetings and non-resident Friends. Requires picking up 15-20 copies of the newsletter on 4th Sunday, printing off mailing labels, stuffing envelopes with newsletter, and delivering to the post office. Postage costs are reimbursed by the Meeting.

·        Reporters. People willing to search for information that might be shared through the newsletter, whether from committees, book reviews, other Quaker resources, etc.

Contact Mike or Marsha Green (929-2339 or mgreen@mindspring.com) if you are interested in any of these jobs.

 

Building & Grounds Wish List

Several generous Friends/Attenders have inquired about the Meeting’s need for various items. We would like to start a regular “wish list” feature in the newsletter where needed items might be listed. Each Committee is requested to send in items needed related to their committee’s focus for listing in the newsletter. Newsletter listing should match items with the committee and provide a contact person to make it easy for donors to responds. Call Catherine Alguire (408-0268) if you have questions.

 

Quaker Earthcare Witness Annual Conference

by Micheal Jokinen

 

My wife, Ruth Hamilton, and I attended the annual conference of Quaker Earthcare Witness (QEW) October 5-8, at Ghost Ranch in northern New Mexico. QEW was originally organized as Friends Committee on Unity with Nature in 1987 with the purpose of encouraging Friends to explore and appreciate the spiritual roots of humanity’s relationship to the Earth.  However, as time progressed it was recognized that the goals of the organization also included the need to bear witness for the protection and care for the natural world.  Thus, in 2003 the vision statement of the organization was revised and the name was changed to Quaker Earthcare Witness. The basic QEW belief is that the entire world is the Creation of God and is to be respected and held in reverence in its own right, and that we are called to live in right relationship to all Creation and to actively promote the well being of the Earth.

            68 people attended the conference, many of whom were Friends from western states who generally do not take part in national organizations of Friends. The conference included committee meetings and reports, plenary sessions with several platform presentations, and a Meeting for Worship on Sunday morning.  There was a wonderful morning hike up a beautiful box canyon on Ghost Ranch, and for the early risers there were morning meetings for worship and bird hikes. One of the high points of the conference was a talent show, held Saturday night, with Ruth leading off the show by conducting a humor tune-up with the group. You never saw such a happy bunch of Friends. All in all we found it a well organized, informative, stimulating, inspiring, and enjoyable conference that was definitely worth attending.

            One presentation that particularly inspired Ruth was about an international program called ZERI (Zero Emissions Research & Initiatives) in which field projects are established in economically underdeveloped areas to help residents find creative ways to use available resources to build a viable and sustainable local economy. A woman from New Mexico described her ZERI project with the native people of Picuris Pueblo, one of the poorest pueblos in New Mexico. Ruth was so inspired by the hearing of the success of this project that she is seriously considering taking a course offered by ZERI to train individuals in the ZERI methods.

I was particularly struck by a presentation given by a young couple who established a small farm in way far northern Minnesota (up by my old home country) in which they raise vegetables for sale to local residents as part of a local agricultural cooperative. They discussed the plight of the small farmer and gave some enlightening facts, including that small farmers are several times more efficient at land use than large corporate farms, and that an enormous amount of energy is used to produce food on corporate farms.  Food production is one of the largest consumers of petroleum products. Ruth and I decided that from now on we would patronize our small local farmers to the maximum extent possible. Not only is it good for the local economy but is also good for the Earth.

            What struck us most strongly, though, was what a very fine group of people the members of QEW are. They were wonderfully friendly and welcoming to us and even though we arrived there as strangers it did not take long before we felt very much a part of the group. Their spiritual belief that we have a sacred trust to cherish and protect the Earth is clear, as is their commitment to take concrete action based upon their belief. (One couple we met are personal friends with Jeff Barrie who made the film KilowattOurs.)  

Ruth and I definitely plan to continue to be active in QEW. We have agreed to help edit a manuscript being prepared by some QEW members describing economics in an ecological context to help Friends make economic decisions that are friendly to the environment.  Green economics is an area that is becoming very interesting to me and I am very happy to be involved in this undertaking.

            We feel QEW is an organization of which Friends can justifiably be proud. To learn more about QEW just ask Ruth or me or you can go online at info@QuakerEarthcare.org. The world you save will be your own.

 

The Earthcare Working Group

On Sunday, Oct. 15, a group of Chapel Hill Friends met to hear Ruth Hamilton and Micheal Jokinen share their experiences at the Quaker Earthcare Witness Conference (QEW) at Ghost Ranch, NM (see article above).  Ruth and Mike reported that QEW is encouraging local meetings to form Earthcare Working Groups. The concerns that these working groups could consider include: destructive consumption, global warming, habitat loss, and declining availability of fossil fuels.  Further issues that QEW recommends are: practices for development of renewable energy, thoughtful population choices, helpful agricultural practices, and simple sustainable living.  After discussion, it was decided to form an Earthcare Working Group.  Those attending were Margie Brache, Tom Smith, Mike Green, Dirk Spruyt, Perry Martin, Hank and Nancy Elkins, Ruth Hamilton and Micheal Jokinen.

 

Writing Workshop 

Perry Martin and Dirk Spruyt are organizing a weekend workshop, Saturday, Nov. 11 and Sunday, Nov. 12 on Proprioceptive Writing.  This is a meditative writing practice in which you learn to listen and write from your inner voice.  It will be facilitated by Mary Bok, an experienced teacher from Camden, Maine.  There will be a fee to cover her expenses. Call Perry or Dirk for details:  967-4746

 

Birth of Helen Agnes Cooper

Asta Crowe and Bob Cooper delightedly report that Thomas Cooper is now the proud father of Helen Agnes Cooper, born in New York on October 12th.

Habitat for Humanity

Help habitat for Humanity without swinging a hammer! Donate, volunteer and shop at the Habitat Hand-Me-Up Store. Open Tues-Fri 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 3710 Shannon road Durham.  Visit habitathandmeups.org or call 919-403-8668 to schedule a free pickup of furniture and appliances. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity in Orange and Durham Counties.

 

Leadership & Mary and Claude Shotts Memorial Funds 

Our Meeting is fortunate to have financial resources to assist individuals with a relationship to Chapel Hill Meeting for the purpose of enrich and developing their lives and their leadership capabilities. There are two funds which support these activities. The Mary and Claude Shotts Memorial Fund and The Leadership Development Fund. Previously funded proposals have included support for participating in service activities abroad, attending leadership training events, and attending FGC. To apply for these funds, please submit a proposal outlining the nature and purpose of the support you seek. Proposals are reviewed by the Shotts/Leadership Development Funds Committee. You may send a hard copy your proposal or email your proposal to Renee Prillaman.

Thank-you Letter

Dear Treasurer of CHFM,
Thank you for your donation to CFS for tuition aid.  Your continued support and generosity is very heart warming.  We are truly appreciative.  Best Wishes,
-- Laura Shmaniam CFS

Wanted: Toiletries

All year long, Middle School kids wish to collect your assortments of Gathered toiletries (shampoos, soaps, etc.) offered by hotels you have visited. We plan to repackage them into kits for use by IFC and other shelters. Please bring to multi-purpose room on First Day or call us for a pick-up. MS pod teachers - Catherine Elkins, Susan Inglis, Hank Elkins.

 

Youth International Experiences 2006

Miranda Parker, Oriana Filiaci and Nora Brown shared their international experiences at Forum on October 8, 2006.  The experience was life-changing for all three.  They were all grateful for support from the Meeting (including a fundraising supper early in the year).

Miranda spent three weeks in a service project at an orphanage in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in Africa.  Limited health care, HIV and many diseases result in early death and a growing number of orphans.  Miranda noted that many villages have mostly children who live on their own.  At the Ministry of Hope, Miranda and her friends helped care for 30 babies.  Opportunities to find adoptive families overseas are limited by adoption laws.          

Miranda wants to go back and work with the children and learn more.  She wants to spread awareness of the children and how they live.  There are so many children in rags, dirty, sick, and begging for a handout.  Even small donations can make a difference—it doesn’t take much money to buy a crib for a baby to replace a plastic crate.  This experience changed Miranda’s outlook and goals.  She would like to do international studies in college, study abroad and work in international development.  And she would like to help make a difference in the lives of the children of Malawi.

Oriana Filiaci visited her parents and sisters in Indonesia just after a huge earthquake devastated parts of the country in May.  Oriana’s father, who does development work in Indonesia, helped Oriana find a relief team that surveyed the damage in villages on the Island of Java.  Photographs and interviews were used to assess needs.  Then the team bought materials using donated money and distributed them in villages.  Primary needs were food, kerosene, cooking oil, personal care products, sleeping mats and cash.  Oriana also wrote a human interest story to inform people about what occurred and to encourage donations.  She was very impressed with the hope and resilience of the Indonesians and was grateful to be able to help.

Nora Brown spent two weeks in Nicaragua with Witness for Peace.  The 25-member teen delegation found a poor country still recovering from the contra war and struggling with national debt and domination by US policies and corporations.  Delegates paired up to stay with families, one in Managua and one in the countryside.  In their neighborhood, they found that many children live on the streets where addiction to glue sniffing is a major problem.  A local rehabilitation center helps get kids on a path to health and skill building.  The group also visited a factory and learned about worker conditions and trade issues in the context of an apparel cooperative. 

            In the country, families work small plots of land, growing primarily coffee and corn.  Nora learned about the difficulties of rural life and the problems of a family trying to support itself and afford school.  Connections between US foreign policy and economic conditions in Nicaragua were evident. The trip inspired Nora to work on change in US policies that affect economies in other countries.  She is more aware of how what we buy affects others, and she realizes that the difference of a few votes in Congress can pass a controversial policy like the Central American Free Trade Agreement. 

Carolina Friends School Book Fair

Support Carolina Friends School by shopping at the Regulator Bookshop on 9th Street in Durham Nov. 3–5.

The Book Fair also involves a chance to hear readings by various members of CFS:

            Friday (Nov. 3) at 7 p.m.: Upper School Readings

            Sat. (Nov. 4) at 11:30 a.m.: Lower School students and staff read

            Sat. (Nov. 4) at 12:45 p.m.: Middle School students and staff read

            Sat. (Nov. 4) at 1:45 p.m.: Open Mic

 

Jobs at FGC (Friends General Conference)

FGC is looking to fill several jobs:

 

For more information on any of these positions, contact the FGC office at 215-561-1700.

 

 

 

 

Chapel Hill Friends Meeting

Meetings for Worship

Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Forum at 9:45 a.m.       Child Care: 9:30-12:15         First-Day School: 11:15-12:00

 

Clerk of the Meeting: Judy Purvis (402-0649)

Chapel Hill Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends

531 Raleigh Road, Chapel Hill, NC  27514.

Resident: John Hite (929-5377)

 

 

This newsletter is published every fourth Sunday under the care of the Publications and Records committee. The deadline for submissions is third Sunday evening. Please email submissions to chfmnewsletter@mindspring.com, or call Marsha Green at 919-929-2339.

 

For announcements and for In the Light via email, please contact Mike Green at chapelhillfriends@mindspring.com

 

This and past issues of the newsletter are available online at www.chapelhillfriends.org.

 

Monthly Query:

Is the Meeting a joyful place where members and attenders feel they belong and willingly share in the work of the meeting community?

Calendar

Sun., Oct 29

8:30 & 11:00

Meetings for Worship

Sun., Oct 29

9:45 – 10:45

Forum: Russell Herman, “Coaching Activists in NC”

Thurs., Nov. 2

9 a.m. – noon

Chapel Hill Friends Cooks at IFC

Sun. Nov. 5

8:30 & 11

Meetings for Worship

Sun., Nov. 5

9:45 – 10:45

Forum: Quaker Issues in the 2006 Election, -- Nancy Milio

Sun. Nov. 5

1 – 3 p.m.

Meeting Potluck

Sun., Nov. 12

8:30 & 11:00

Meetings for Worship

Sun., Nov. 12

9:45 – 10:45

Forum: Comfort and Accessibility in the Meeting Room – Catherine Alguire

Wed. Nov. 8

7:00 p.m.

Friendly Eights: Finding the sacred in everyday life

Thurs., Nov. 9

7:00 p.m.

Plumbing the Depths of Quakerism session #4

Sun., Nov. 19

8:30

Meetings for Worship with Attention to Business

Sun., Nov. 19

11:00 a.m.

Meeting for Worship

 

 

Vegetarian Potluck

Thurs., Nov. 23

Noon

Thanksgiving Potluck

Sun., Nov. 26

8:30 & 11:00

Meetings for Worship

Sun., Nov. 26

9:45 – 10:45

Forum: Maria Darlington, discussing the “Speak Out” television programs

Thurs., Nov 30

7:00 p.m.

Plumbing the Depths of Quakerism session #5

Sat., Dec. 2

Time TBA

High School and Middle School Video Scavenger Hunt

Sun., Dec. 3

8:30 & 11:00

Meetings for Worship

Sun.,  Dec. 3

9:45 – 10:45

Forum: Alternative Gift Mart – Middle School Youth

Sun.  Dec 10

4 p.m.

CFS Visioning Session – All Welcome (details in newsletter)

Dec. 16

TBD

Christmas Party