In This Issue
1. Caring
2. Reducing
Your Carbon Footprint
3. Four
Circles Meeting
4. Fit
for Freedom
5. American Friends Service Committee
6. People
of Faith Against the Death Penalty
7. Religious
Education
8. Prints
of New Garden Meeting
9. Finance
and Stewardship
10. Volunteer House
11. Upcoming Events
12. National Day of Listening
13.
Simple Christmas
14. Yoga
15. Happy November Birthdays
16. Looking Ahead at New Garden
17. Poem
1. Caring
I wish to express my sincere appreciation for
the cards, flowers, and prayers following the recent auto accident in which
another car hit my car. Recovery is slow, but is expected to be complete.
Judith Potthoff
Our heartfelt sympathy is with the family of
Dorothy Brown, who died
This
Week We Remember:
Harvey L. Morgan, who died
Earl Kelley (Sharon Bracci’s father), who died
If you would
like a loved one remembered in this way, contact the Meeting office, 292-5487
or newgardoff@aol.com.
Friends May Wish to Hold in
the Light: Faith
Heider.
Oatmeal for Urban Ministry The Social Concerns Committee collects
boxes of oatmeal for Urban Ministry. Please bring your contributions of oatmeal
to the meeting house and place them in the basket under the coat rack by
Friendship Hall. This is a continuing community service project.
Some small contributions are welcome to help pay for the food for
the homeless who are staying in our meeting house November 8-15. If you would
like to help with these expenses, make your check out to New Garden Friends
Meeting and put “GIHN” in the memo line.
2. Reducing Your Carbon
Footprint
- Audubon
Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses
the ACSP is an award winning education and certification program that helps golf courses protect our environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf. This program helps people enhance the valuable natural areas and wildlife habitats that golf courses provide, improve efficiency, and minimize potentially harmful impacts of golf operations. - Bioremediation
any process that uses microorganisms, fungi, green plants or their enzymes to return the environment altered by contaminants to its original condition. - Carbon
Sequestration
processes that remove carbon from the atmosphere. A variety of means of artificially capturing and storing carbon, as well as of enhancing natural sequestration processes, are being explored. This is intended to help mitigate climate change. - Forest Certification
- Mycofiltration
the process of using mushroom mycelium mats as biological filters. The term was coined by Paul Stamets. - Mycoremediation
a form of bioremediation, the process of using fungal mycelia to return an environment (usually soil) contaminated by pollutants to a less contaminated state. The term was coined by Paul Stamets.
This information is from www.globalstewards.org.
3. Four Circles Meeting
Meeting of Four Circles At NGFM
The four circles at
All members are encouraged to be present for
light refreshments and a business session.
The USFW is no longer active at
If you have additional topic(s) for
discussion or action, please communicate with Joyce Mers, moderator, at mersj@earthlink.net on or before November
1. The agenda follows.
The
Agenda for The Four Circles Business
Meeting, November 15,
1.
2. Presentation of the annual treasurer's report that covers
3. Shall we close the New Garden USFW checking and money market accounts and
disperse the funds? If so, how do we disperse them?
Note these considerations if we dispose of these funds: (1) Future
cookbook sales--go directly to NGFM? (2) There would be no more funds to
subsidize the Spring Banquet. (3) No more memorials from NG-USFW, although
individual circle could still do memorials.
4. Spring Banquet--shall we have one and if so, who will be in charge?
5. Any proposed changes in the monthly flower assignments?
6. Is there a need for a business meeting a year from now? If there is one,
it's the
7. Other business and announcements
If you have any
questions, comments, or additions to this agenda, please contact Joyce Mers,
288-4921, or e-mail
4. Fit for Freedom
Our 6-week study of African
Americans and Quakers and the myth of racial justice, using the book by Vanessa
Julye and Donna McDaniel, has concluded, with over 30 attending each session.
Many shared personal experiences to understand how our different opinions were
formed. Some major points of the book are summarized below:
- Although Quakers are known as a denomination to
have been very active in the civil rights/equality struggle, this is a
myth. Actually, it was only a small percentage who deserved this
reputation. The majority of Quakers was uninvolved or even against such
activism, beginning in the 1680’s with slavery abolition and continuing
through voting rights and integration in the 1970’s. Some Quakers were
actually members of the KKK. Some believed it was acceptable to own slaves
if you taught them the gospel.
- However, the few were so passionate and tenacious
on the cause of equality, that they tried again and again (using more than
20 methods) to work for justice for African Americans. Moreover, in taking
their stand, they risked loss of income, status, and even their lives.
- The Quakers who worked for freedom for blacks did
not accept blacks as Friends (members of Meetings) or as friends (social
equals). Some Quakers stood in the way of school integration because they
feared interracial dating and marriage.
- The testimony of peace seems to have gotten in
the way of the work for racial justice. Friends were afraid to disturb the
peace of the Meeting, by bringing up controversial topics and expressing
anger. In fact, some Meetings were split into two schisms: the “quietists”
and the (radical) “immediatists”.
- Those Quakers who chose the path of active
antiracism did so for several reasons: they heard equality as a call from
God; they saw the model of Christ as an agitator; they realized that both
whites and blacks actually need each other.
- It was often Quaker women or youth who led the
charge against racism.
- It is
racist to assume silent worship is “unsuited” to all African Americans.
- Locally,
- Gaining access for all people to institutions is
important, but the real work of antiracism begins AFTER the doors are
opened to all.
- Now that we recognize the myth of the past, we
can be grateful for the opportunity to build greater respect for diversity
and inclusion today.
Some questions raised by the
book:
- Do Quakers have to give up our group identity to
embrace diversity and be more inclusive?
- Racism is still a problem in society – judging
from the inequities in housing, education, prison, jobs. How many ways are
New Gardeners currently active in anti-racism?
- New Garden, like other Quaker Meetings, does not
reflect the larger society in its membership, being largely made up of
middle class white or European Americans.
Are there ways we could attract or be more inclusive of diverse
seekers? What about Quakerism might attract poor people or people of
color?
- What are we doing now that people may look back in a hundred years and ask, “Why didn’t you do something?!”
Oct.
2009
5. American Friends Service Committee
The
American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a 90 year old Quaker organization
working for peace, justice and humanitarian assistance worldwide. AFSC's work
is based on the Quaker belief in the worth of every person and faith in the
power of love to overcome violence and injustice.
The purchase of this scarf helps
enable AFSC to continue this important work.
Scarf Details: scarves are $15 each, and are approx. 9" wide and 60"
long.
Colors available: Charcoal gray, Burgundy, Orange, Purple, Olive Green, Dark
blue
Order form available at www.afsc.org/greensboro or
call 336-854-0633.
The American Friends Service Committee
Area Office of the
Invites you to our
Saturday,
Families and children welcome. There will be activities for all.
Celebrate the season with us:
·
·
Hands-on activities to support peace and justice, like
o
Packing humanitarian assistance kits
o
Making holiday cards for Pres. Obama for peace
o
Knitting circles to make items for those in need
o
Taking action for immigration reform.
·
View short films from the Immigrant and Refugee movie-making class.
·
·
Learn more about the work of our office and how to get involved.
·
Visit with F/friends old and new
336-854-0633
6. People of Faith Against the Death Penalty
People of Faith Against the Death Penalty (PFADP) is launching a major effort to
get a bill to abolish the death penalty in
This resolution was presented to New Garden
Monthly Meeting on November 1. Members
present agreed to allow this resolution to “season” until the December monthly
meeting for worship and business in order to allow Friends to consider it
thoughtfully and to give Friends who were not present on November 1 the
opportunity to read and consider it. Interested Friends may then attend
December monthly Meeting for discussion of the proposal.
If you need a copy of this resolution
contact Dot Mason at hmason@triad.rr.com or at 288-2852.
7. Religious Education
First Day
Forum,
November 15: Islam: an outline, views on
November 22: Buddhism, a discussion with Eric Mortenson
Brotherhood Class, 9:45 AM, Sundays, Bible
Study in the Brotherhood Room
November 15: A Suffering People
November 22: A Faithful People
8. Prints of New Garden Meeting
Limited Number of
New Garden Friends Meeting House
Framed Prints Available
In an ongoing commitment to
fund all the important projects undertaken by the Meeting at large, the Finance
and Stewardship Committee will be selling original numbered prints of our
Meeting House. (By the way, these make wonderful Christmas
presents!)
The print was originally
drawn by artist Patsy Faires. Framed,
the print measures approximately 17 by 21 inches, with gold-colored moulding by
Framerica Corporation, a company
founded on a commitment to the use of recycled wood as well as other
eco-friendly manufacturing practices. A
prototype of the finished product can be seen in the meeting house foyer.
" ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾
Order Form
Quantity
Cost Total
Framed Print ____ $99.00 ________
Unframed Print ____ $35.00 ________
Additional Tax-deductible
Donation: ________
Please make checks payable to
New Garden Friends Meeting. You may drop
off your order form and payment in the Meeting office, or mail it to New Garden
Friends Meeting,
9. Finance and Stewardship
Dear Friends,
Our
As of the end of October, we have brought in
substantially less than we need to support our important ongoing operations –
including pastoral ministry, religious education for children and adults, and
important outreach projects in the community.
This deficit is larger than deficits at this time of year in the
past. We are certain that all New
Gardeners will dig deep and rise to the occasion, just as you have in the past.
Second, please fill out the intention slip
below to let us know what you hope to contribute in the coming year. We know that circumstances change, so we
aren’t asking for a guarantee. But if we
hear from you about what you intend to give if you are able, we will
have a much better idea of how to develop a realistic 2010 budget for our Meeting. Please return your card as soon as possible. You can drop it in the offering plate, email
it to the office at newgardoff@aol.com
or surface mail it to the office.
We thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely, Your Finance and
Stewardship Committee
"We make a living by what we get. We make a life
by what we give." -- Winston Churchill
INTENTION TO GIVE TO NEW
GARDEN MEETING IN 2010
_____ I/We plan to contribute
$____________ in 2010 to support the Meeting’s programs.
_____ I/We will contribute in
2010 to support the Meeting’s programs.
Name(s) _____________________________________
10. Volunteer House
Exciting
Project of Quaker Relations Committee: Volunteer House
With today’s economy, it’s hard for
young people who have just graduated from college to find jobs, much less
meaningful work that provides an opportunity for service to their
communities. In the future, we at NGFM may be able to solve this dilemma for a
small group of young people. Our Quaker Relations Committee has been
discussing a proposal by Friends Center of Guilford College for a Volunteer
House in our area.
The Volunteer House would provide room, board and a small stipend to 4-6
people, probably recent college graduates, so that they could live in
community for one year while offering service to their neighbors. This
project will be a collaborative effort of
This project is in the planning stages. The Quaker Relations Committee
will soon be organizing forums and other opportunities for as many New
Gardeners as possible to help develop the plans for our Volunteer House before
we propose this project to Monthly Meeting for Business. We will seek
off-budget funding, most likely to include a grant from the Sampson fund, and
other outside funding. We plan to solicit the partnership of other local
meetings.
If the project is approved, we would look to rent a house nearby and
form a committee to oversee all aspects of the Volunteer House, including the
development of the application process and selection of residents.
For more information on a similar Volunteer House in
11. Upcoming Events
Taking Action for Equality and Anti-Racism
A focus for Social Concerns
this year is our testimony of equality; specifically, what are our past efforts
as Quakers against racism, and what new steps of inclusivity can we take, both
as individuals and as a Meeting group? Since the summer we have offered a six-week
book study, a visit from author Vanessa Julye, and a session with Mayor Yvonne
Johnson, all generating discussion and ideas on the topic. Still to come are an
experiential workshop with a Friends General Conference trainer, a visit from
syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts in January, and more in 2010!
The FGC workshop related to Quaker efforts
on racial justice in the past, present, and future will be a half-day (3 hours)
on a Saturday at the Meeting house. Dates considered are Jan.9, 16, 23. PLEASE LET CATHIE HOLCOMBE KNOW IF YOU ARE
INTERESTED IN ATTENDING EITHER DATE. (288-7555 or
The 18th Annual Winter Walk for
Aids is
New Garden
will again be responsible for the
Please contact her if you are interested in
being a part of this collaborative Friends’ tradition of welcoming the new
year: khood@guilford.edu or 292-4275.
The United Way
is hosting “You’re Invited to Tell Us What You Think…” This is an opportunity
for you to tell the
The public is invited to drop in for a simple meal of soup and
bread any time between
Rev. Mike Aiken, Executive Director, Greensboro Urban Ministry, 336-271-5959x302, http://www.greensborourbanministry.org
Max Carter will be
speaking at Forsyth Friends on November 12,
Holocaust
Survivor Speaks to
On Sunday, November 15, at 1:00 PM
There will be a question
and answer period after the Rabbi’s talk and he will be available to sign his
book which will be for sale that day.
Please plan to come early
and stay after the program to shop at our Holiday Bazaar. There will be art, jewelry, clothing,
pottery, food items, crafts, photos, stationery and much more to choose from.
The proceeds support the Temple Emanuel PreSchool. Please call the
27th
Annual Interfaith Celebration
The Piedmont Interfaith Council, in partnership with the
Greensboro Human Relations Commission, will present "Celebrating Our
Community Kaleidoscope" on Sunday, November 22 at
This 27th Annual Interfaith
Celebration of Thanksgiving is free and open to the public. This dramatic
program of music, dance, and media will delight people of all ages.
New Garden
Friends School is hosting Bruce Stewart, co-founder of NGFS and Retired
Head, Sidwell Friends School (where the Obama girls go and where Chelsea
Clinton went), for an open forum to discuss “The Importance of Friends
Education for the 21st Century”
at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 18, at the Upper Division of New Garden
Friends School.
“In these challenging ethical, political and
economic times, the value of a Quaker education has never been more important
or more needed. The future seems to be pleading for young leaders who have a
clear moral compass, keen intellect, a prizing of diversity and a passion to
act to ‘raise the level of all boats.’ Through their testimonies, Friends
schools are uniquely suited to instill integrity, compassion, simplicity and a
sense of community, justice, service and stewardship in every life they touch.”
Bruce Stewart
Light refreshments served
at
12. National
Day of Listening
The National Day of
Listening is
sponsored by StoryCorps in partnership with NPR and the Library of
Congress. The second National Day of
Listening will be
You can download a free Do-It-Yourself
Guide, or a Toolkit for teachers and libraries at nationaldayoflistening@storycorps.net .
Included are questions and suggestions for recording conversations and stories
during that day.
Think of 2-3 key stories to capture in an
interview. Don’t worry about facts, names, dates until later. Instead, capture
the feelings and emotions of a memory. Start with an ID question: Can you tell
me your name, age, the date, and where we are?
GREAT
QUESTIONS:
- Who was the most important
person in your life? Can you tell me about her/him?
- What was the happiest
moment of your life? The saddest?
- Who was the biggest
influence on your life? What lessons did they teach you?
- Who has been the
kindest to you in your life?
- What are the most
important lessons you’ve learned in life?
- What is your earliest
memory?
- What is your favorite
memory of me?
- If you could hold on
to one memory for eternity, what would that be?
- Are there any words of
wisdom you want to pass on to me?
- What are you proudest
of in your life?
- When in life have you
felt most alone?
- What are your hopes
and dreams for what the future holds for me? For my children?
- How has your life been
different than what you imagined?
- How would you like to
be remembered?
- Do you have any regrets?
- What does your future
hold?
- Is there anything
you’ve never told me but want to tell me now?
- Is there something
about me that you’ve always wanted to know but have never asked?
From Cathie
Holcombe
13. Simple
Christmas
SIMPLE CHRISTMAS DEC 5, 2009
FRIENDSHIP HALL
Part of the cutting edge of the Quaker faith is trying to
understand how to actually live by our faith in our multicultural and amoral
society. Some religions, like the Amish, have withdrawn from society and live
by their own rules and theologies in special communities. Other religions have
pretty much succumbed to society and are guided by the same principles that our
society has accepted. Christmas has been a problem for Quakers as we observe
the unseemly emphasis upon materialistic gifts and wasteful spending by people
who already have everything they need while there are multitudes who are hungry
and homeless. We are planning a day of Simple Christmas (5th Day, 12th Month)
to help us all understand better how the testimony of simplicity can influence
our Christmas giving and our Christmas spirit. Sure, we want to experience
joyful times with our families and friends and to give gifts---but what about a
simple home-made gift or a donation to some of the
As part of Simple Christmas, Catherine Eagles will present “Yoga for
Calming Down,” a 45 minute yoga class at 3:00 PM. There will be gentle yoga
stretches to reduce stress and anxiety. You will learn a few yoga poses that
will help you center your attention, concentrate, and be present in the moment.
This is appropriate for all levels, including beginners and for all ages 12 and
up. For questions, contact Catherine at eaglenet@mindspring.com.
14. Yoga
Monday,
November 16 at
Yoga for
15. Happy
November Birthdays!!
November
15: Eric Zopf
November
28: Emily Wilder
16. Looking
Ahead at New Garden
Youth Choir Rehearsal
Wednesdays,
Adult Choir Rehearsal
Wednesdays,
Committees
House
Thursday, November 12,
Social Concerns
Wednesday, November 18,
Young Friends Committee
Sunday, November 22,
Quaker Relations
Tuesday, December 1,
Finance and Stewardship
Monday, December 14,
Yoga
Monday, November 16,
Thursday, November 19,
Groups
Newcomers are welcome. For more information call 643-7585.
Silent Meeting for Worship
Sundays,
First Day Classes for Youth
Sundays,
First Day Forums
Sundays,
The Brotherhood Class
Sundays,
Coffee/Fellowship Time
Sundays,
Semi-programmed Meeting for Worship
Sundays,
Youth Groups
The Middle School Young Friends (5th & 6th
grade)
Sundays,
Middle School Young Friends (7th & 8th grade)
Sundays,
The High School Young Friends
Sundays,
The High School Young Friends
Wednesdays, dinner,
Wednesdays, discussion,
Meal for Urban Ministry’s Weaver Center
First Tuesday each month.
Prepare a meal for
Gather at New Garden,
17. Poem
Balloon Boy
Balloon boy’s sad plight
captured us all.
Could he survive a sudden
swift fall?
Spellbound, we watched as
copters churned by
a bright silver sphere
against the pale sky.
When the wind changed, the
bag fluttered down.
Six year old Falcon was not
to be found.
Alas, we cried paroxysms of
grief.
Could he have slipped unseen
from his sheath?
Then, as we pondered this
ominous fate,
thinking that rescue was
botched or too late,
Shazaam—like “happily ever afters,”
Falcon emerged unharmed from
the rafters.
There he had perched
throughout the whole saga,
while Daddy laughed at news
folks gone gaga.
This fairy tale had no
pleasant ending:
the Sheriff announced that
charges were pending,
since Falcon told Wolf, his
child’s voice so low,
that he had been told to hide
for “a show.”
Who are the victims and who
are the fools?
Are not the journalists taught
in their schools
to check out the facts of any
hot story,
before they rush in claiming
the glory?
For fast breaking news
without any proof
may cover a hoax as if it’s
the truth.
Macon Smith